The New Moon in Aries occurs on April 3 at 7:32 a.m. PDT / 10:32 a.m. EDT. New Moons signify rebirth, beginnings, a clean slate, the start of a new cycle. This new moon highlights Aries qualities (enterprising, independent, confident, assertive) and 1st house themes (the self, our potential, conscious will).

Aries is natively ruled by Mars (action/aggression), who is also currently transiting Aries. In Aries, the Moon is raw, passionate, instinctive, impatient, and ready for action...movement. This year's New Moon in Aries joins a host of celestial bodies also transiting the sign of Aries, saturating this new moon phase with even more energy that is bold, ready for action, and easily enthused with the notion of new ventures. This New Moon phase is action-oriented. Is there something that you'd like initiated? A new project? A new relationship or re-igniting an old one? A new sense of personal freedom? Re-inventing the self?

The Aries-New Moon (blending of heart & soul) blends energies with Jupiter (expansion/abundance) while all three are oppose Saturn (reality/restrictions), which triggers the Jupiter-Saturn opposition several days before. As we forge ahead with renewed vigor (New Moon in Aries), there's a boatload of excitement at what may be possible, optimism at might be round around the corner. In the same token, there could also just as easily be fearfulness of what's to come, especially if changes seem inevitable and/or are unexpected. Perhaps, realities overwhelm and it's difficult to believe, dream or have faith. Jupiter multiplies what's already there. So, make sure it's not anxiety, frustration or aggression but hope, light and love that are made abundant in each of our personal lives. The opposition between Sun/Moon/Jupiter with Saturn requires balance between what is and what can be; between what limits and what excites; between what we aspire and what we can be realized.

Along with Mars and Jupiter, this year's New Moon in Aries is also joined by Mercury (thought/communication) and Uranus (radical change/unconventionality) who are also transiting Aries. In fact, Mars and Uranus are also blending energies while during the new moon. Mercury, who recently began his retrograde cycle, is more introspective than usual while in Aries. Although we can all benefit/be influenced by this Aries-New Moon, for Aries-Suns/Risings and fellow fire Suns/Risings, this new moon phase could be an excellent time to 'seed' future plans.

This new moon occurs at 14 degrees of Aries. Those born within 3 days of April 3 or October 6; or have planets/house angles around 14 degrees of cardinal signs may experience the effects of this new moon stronger than most.

For me as a Cancer-Sun, this New Moon falls in my 10th house of career and future goals. And it's just perfect timing. I've made some decisions that brings a big change into what I had originally planned as the year began. I've recently allowed myself to be okay with the need to adjust my plans/expectations to fit the world I now find myself in. It isn't necessarily a negative thing but it is different, and as a Virgo-rising, I can't stand it when I deviate from the plan ... which I do often, by the way. That's probably partly because my Mercury is in Gemini and also squares my Ascendant. But I digress :)

How might this new moon manifest in your world? Look to the natal house this new moon will occupy in your birth chart. Match the sign and degree to the sign on the house cusp. Use the list below to identify the Aries zodiac sign then click here to read about the New Moon in Houses.

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• Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 1st House
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 12th House
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 11th House
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 10th House
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 9th House
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 8th House
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 7th House
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 6th House
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 5th House
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 4th House
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 3rd House
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 2nd House

Mars makes his way home to Aries and joins the Sun (conscious will), Jupiter (expansion), Uranus (freedom) and a newly retrograde-Mercury (communication) in the sign of Aries. It's been 2 years since Mars has visited his home sign.

Mars is the planet of action, energy, and movement. He represents our physical drives, aggression, passions, anger, self-assertion, confidence, and the motivation behind our efforts. In Pisces, Mars is compassionate, passive, discerning. Mars' excited energy feels subdued in Pisces so, his transit in Aries is a welcome change and homecoming. The sign of Aries is governed by Mars.

In Aries, Mars is confident, willful, eager to get started, and is driven by passion. At best, Mars in Aries is enterprising, gets things accomplished, a leader. At worst, pushy, impulsive, quick-tempered.

While Mars is in Aries, we are urged to just do it! Hush with the excuses. Quiet down the fears. Quit waiting in vain for help or promises of support. Mars in Aries reminds us that we are more than capable, that we are the masters of our own destiny, and that the action/power of one is sometimes what it takes to make change happen. Be self-reliant. Be assertive. Be your own leader. Act upon your own volition.

Mars enters Aries on April 1 at 9:51 p.m. PDT (April 2 at 12:51 a.m. EDT) and will stay through May 11th. While in Aries, Mars will align with the following celestial bodies (all dates reflect North America Pacific time zone; allow +/-2 days for life span of influence):

• April 3 ~ Mars conjunct Uranus. Nothing is as it seems. Openness to unconventional solutions, even to the most common problems. Pushing for one's desires. Aggressiveness. Unpredictable behavior. Be extra careful when traveling, even short distances. Also today, the New Moon in Aries with both Sun and Moon conjunct Jupiter and oppose Saturn-rx.
• April 11 ~ Mars square Pluto-rx. Power struggles. Everyone wants to be the boss/everyone seems bossy. No one seems to want to listen or reason or discuss. Tempers fly. No one wants to budge. Standstill. Agreeing to disagree. Elsewhere in the sky, Mercury-rx conjunct Jupiter and conversations/ideas can easily be blown out of proportion.
• April 18 & 19 ~ Mars oppose Saturn-rx and Mercury-rx conjunct Mars. A chance to get things accomplished. Commitment and hard work are required, though. Simply starting something without a good plan will most likely fail when obstacles present themselves. Think first before acting.
• April 30 & May 1 ~ Mars conjunct Jupiter. A little braver to try out something new. More optimistic of succeeding or arriving at desired results. Believing in the dream coming true. Making a go of things. Elsewhere in the sky, Venus oppose Saturn-rx.

• Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 1st House
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 12th House
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 11th House
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 10th House
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 9th House
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 8th House
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 7th House
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 6th House
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 5th House
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 4th House
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 3rd House
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 2nd House

Mercury's extra long stay in Aries (March 9 to May 15) is due to his retrograde motion which starts on March 30 and lasts until April 23. The complete retrograde cycle, including the shadow period is March 16 to May 12.

In Aries, Mercury can be rash, brash, pushy, insensitive, impatient, and bossy. I highlight these less positive traits because they tend to come out more often during a retrograde, especially on within 2-3 days of station days (March 30 & April 23). As mentioned on previous posts:

• Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 1st House
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 12th House
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 11th House
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 10th House
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 9th House
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 8th House
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 7th House
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 6th House
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 5th House
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 4th House
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 3rd House
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 2nd House

Jupiter expands. Saturn restricts. Jupiter idealizes. Saturn realizes. Jupiter, adventurous. Saturn, pragmatic. Jupiter, gigantic and playful. Saturn, stern and determined. Now these two celestial bodies are in a tug of war one final time.

Jupiter first opposed Saturn at 28 degrees of Pisces/Virgo, respectively, on May 23, 2010. With mutable signs at the helm, their energy was demanding but not necessarily forceful as with the now cardinal energy. A few months later, they were opposite one another again in mid-August 2010 at 3 degrees with Jupiter in Aries / Saturn in Libra, and that opposition was part of the Cardinal T-Square. This t-square was at its most intense and powerfully influential period from June to August 2010, of which the longer term impact in our personal world, as well as globally, have yet to be determined.

This time around Jupiter opposes Saturn on March 28 and occurring at 15 degrees of Aries and Libra, respectively. An opposition is challenging. It's conflict. But unlike a square (as with last month's Jupiter-Pluto square), an opposition can have an ideal outcome of harmony, balance, a win-win for parties involved. What do you want? (Jupiter) What are you gonna do about it? (Saturn) It's win-win when your aspirations are grounded enough in reality and you don't allow the limitations to become a source of discouragement. Instead, you rise up to the challenge by using the knowledge of what the restrictions/blockages may be and commit yourself to the hard work ahead on the way to achieving set goals, despite how daunting going for it seems to be. Let Jupiter fuel your determination and Saturn plan your course of action.

With this Jupiter-Saturn opposition being a repeat occurrence, perhaps what was brought to light or what might have begun last year, especially between May and September, has a chance for completion now. Or maybe another look, if it's been neglected or put on hold. Or even still, perhaps it's time to take things to the next phase. However this energy may manifest in your world, it is an opportunity to bring about change/improvement to your situation. It will require commitment, perseverance, hard work and openness to new ways of thinking/communicating/doing things.

Although Jupiter and Saturn opposing each other influences us all, those with cardinal sun signs or have natal planets/house angles on or around 15 degrees of cardinal signs may experience this opposition more strongly than other.

For me as a late-decan Virgo-rising, this opposition happens in my natal 1st (self/potential where Saturn transits) vs. 7th (others/relationships where Jupiter travels) houses and as a Cancer-Sun, happens in my solar 4th (family/the past where Saturn is visiting) vs. 10th (career/the future where Jupiter transits) houses. Transits/activity in angular houses (1, 4, 7 and 10) tend to have a more forceful, powerful impact -- who we are (1st), who we are within our relationships (7th), where we've been (4th) and where we are going (10th). So, this opposition and last year's t-square, plus the Cancer-Capricorn eclipses that started in 2009 and Pluto opposing my Sun while Neptune squares my Neptune have all been rocking my world! I'm so used to my ground shifting that I wouldn't recognize stability if it fell on my head like an anvil. Okay, I wouldn't really want anything falling on me, let alone like an anvil :) But I want a win-win with this Jupiter-Saturn opposition. So, I will make an extra conscious effort to get out of my own way (1st) and really figure out what of the past remains useful (4th) and only take those going forward (10th). And note to self - Accept help when offered for no man or woman is an island (7th).

How might this opposition manifest in your world? Look to the houses where 15 degrees of Aries and Libra fall to see where in your life this energy might be experienced and whether there are links made to natal planets/house angles. Unsure where 15 degrees of Aries/Libra are on your chart or if you have natal planets/house angles around 15 degrees of cardinal signs or which signs govern your natal houses? Cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required.

Alternatively, I am also available for customized readings tailored to your needs. Are you celebrating a birthday? Or know someone who is? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Have a question? Ask me here. Or maybe cruise on over to the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum* to start a discussion.

Related articles:

• Jupiter in Aries
• Saturn in Libra
• Saturn Retrograde ~ January 25/26 to June 13, 2011
• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year
• Pisces-Jupiter Oppose Virgo-Saturn ~ May 23, 2010
• Cardinal T-Square with Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus & Pluto

The planet of love, Venus, concludes her transit in Aquarius on March 26 (March 27 for others). She then joins Chiron and Mars, as she begins her visit in the compassionate sign of Pisces. It is said that Venus is exalted (best placement/greatest strength) in Pisces. Perhaps, it's because Pisces has the capacity for unconditional love.

Venus governs how we relate (to others, to our selves), what we value in life (people, things, precepts), how we determine our worth (personal and material). Pisces governs the imagination, dreams, the spiritual/psychological realm and how we are all connected. At best, Venus in Pisces is intuitive, sensitive, loving, caring, romantic, idealistic. At worst, too sacrificial, weak-willed, secretive, too idealistic.

During her stay in Pisces, we are reminded that true love is without conditions. Compassion awakens the humanity in us and shows us that there, too, is purpose and use for kindness in the world. Be mindful of not neglecting the needs of the self for the sake of others, however. It's easy to overlook our own needs when busy caring those dear to us.

Venus in Pisces also reminds us that as we each follow our own paths, we are "connected" in this goal to live our lives, despite our journeys having different paths. No matter where we have been or where we are now or where we are going, each of us have experienced what it's like to win/lose, to be excited/disappointed, to be content/want more, to be happy/sad, to love, to hurt, to heal.

Tap into your spiritual self while Venus is in Pisces. We are all given intuition in varying degrees and intensity. Some use it more than others and are, therefore, more adept at identifying signs when they are presented. Others have such great intuitive powers that it is simply a part of their everyday, every moment. Whether you have little or much or something in between, celebrate it, make use of it, nurture it.

Venus enters Pisces on March 26 at 11:53 p.m. PST / March 27 2:53 a.m. EST and will stay through to April 20th. While in Pisces, Venus will align with the following celestial bodies (all dates reflect North America Pacific time zone; allow +/-2 days for life span of influence):

• March 29 ~ Venus conjunct Chiron. With yesterday's Jupiter-Saturn opposition still lingering, painful realizations regarding love or money may be abundant. Don't be too disheartened. Instead, let your resolve be strengthened to find a release/resolution to situations. No more wandering in the land of denial. Face fears/losses/pain head on. Come to terms with what is and move on.
• April 2 ~ Venus sextile Pluto. Uncovering underlying issues. Looking beneath the surface for understanding. Unmasking hidden truths. Transformational love. Also today, Mars and the Moon enter Aries.
• April 7 ~ Venus quincunx Saturn-rx. A dose of reality, especially with issues regarding relationships or finances. Relationships built on solid foundation and with healthy communication would most likely fare better. Underlying uncertainty regarding commitment levels or where things stand are some issues that may surface at this time.

• Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 12th House
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 11th House
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 10th House
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 9th House
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 8th House
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 7th House
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 6th House
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 5th House
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 4th House
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 3rd House
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 2nd House
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 1st House

Spring has sprung! Well, for us north of the equator, anyway :) The Sun leaves Pisces and joins Mercury (thought/communication), Jupiter (ideals/opportunities), and Uranus (awakening/radical change) in Aries on March 20 at 1:32 p.m. EST, where he'll remain until April 20. The Sun represents our potential, ego, vitality and conscious will. In Pisces, the Sun is insightful, compassionate, understanding and egoless. In Aries, the Sun is confident, impulsive, instinctual and ready for action.

At best, the Sun in Aries is engaging, a leader, entrepreneurial, creative, independent and impassioned. At worst, callous, abrasive, selfish, jumps to conclusions too easily and is non-committal.

While the Sun is in Aries, we are encouraged to follow our raw, instinctive drives. Be true to who we are and all the facets which make us the unique individuals we are. Embrace the true self and go for whatever it is we desire. We matter, each one of us, and deserve to live the life we envision ourselves living. Entertain the spark of ideas and see where they lead. Find the leader within yourself and make your way.

On the day the Sun enters Aries, he quickly meets up with Uranus at Aries Point. What a rush of energy! Especially coming off of the previous day's Full Moon in Virgo. Whatever we've been waiting on, we may be too excited, too impatient to keep waiting! The good thing is that we spring into action. It could mean creating opportunities for ourselves, instead of relying upon the availability of someone or something else. Perhaps, you experience a big dose of confidence to go after that brilliant plan you came up with a while back. In general, we're more excited than fearful, more experimental than pragmatic, and more optimistic than gloom and doom. Go ahead. Ride the wave of enthusiasm and possibilities. Quit fighting it. Be brave. Enjoy the ride.

Ariens are blessed with having both Jupiter (expansion/opportunities) and Uranus (awakening/radical change) in their sign this year when they celebrate their birthday. It's a rare occasion. Some of them may even have Jupiter or Uranus touching their Sun for their Solar Return chart.

The Sun enters Aries on March 20 at 4:21 p.m. PDT / 7:21 p.m. EDT and will stay through April 20. While in Aries, the Sun will align with the following celestial bodies (all dates reflect North America Pacific time zone; allow +/-2 days for life span of influence):

• March 21 ~ Sun conjunct Uranus. covered above
• March 28 ~ Sun square Pluto. Those in position of authority may be exercising a power trip today. Watch out for altercation with superiors in the workplace. Arien energy is brazen and explodes like a bomb when set off. Actions or words spoken have consequences. Do or say what you must, just be prepared to stand by them and/or face whatever the consequences may be. Also today, Jupiter oppose Saturn.
• April 3 ~ New Moon in Aries at 7:32 a.m. PDT / 10:32 a.m. EDT
• April 6 ~ Sun conjunct Jupiter. Overall sense of well-being. Confidence. Generosity. Hopefulness. Optimism. Belief in a higher power. Having faith. Personal growth through experience. Openness to learning/being taught.
• April 9 ~ Sun conjunct Mercury-rx. Quick thinking. Fast talking. Flashes of brilliant ideas. Impatience. Irritability. Impulsiveness. Careful not to say anything you'll regret later or might come back to haunt you later. Also today, Pluto Retrograde.
• April 17 ~ Full Moon in Libra at 7:44 p.m. PDT / 10:44 p.m. EDT

• Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 1st House
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 12th House
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 11th House
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 10th House
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 9th House
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 8th House
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 7th House
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 6th House
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 5th House
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 4th House
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 3rd House
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 2nd House

On the last day the Sun transits Pisces, the Moon waxes and becomes full in Virgo. Full moons signify the completion, culmination of what may have been initiated during the previous new moon in Pisces which encouraged us to get in touch with our 'higher self', show compassion, and seek the truth that lies deep within our heart and soul. During the Pisces-New Moon, the North Node (life path) aligned with Neptune (enlightenment) and Uranus (awakening). Their alignment remains strong and is joined by this Full Moon in Virgo who squares the North Node, opposes Uranus and is quincunx Neptune.

The Virgo-Full Moon picks up where the Pisces-New Moon phase leaves off. The heart (Moon) may still be meticulously processing (Virgo) what might have transpired over the past two weeks, but the soul (Sun) seems to 'understand' the 'truth' without the need for words or logic (Pisces). Harmony and balance between intellect/intuition and being practical/having faith will be necessary to make the most of this full moon phase. Those who feel like they're at a crossroads in their life might experience the impact of this Full Moon in Virgo stronger than most.

This Full Moon occurs at 29 degrees of Virgo on March 19 at 11:10 a.m. PDT / 2:10 p.m. EDT. Those born within 3 days of March 19 or September 22 or or with natal planets and/or house angles around the late degrees of mutable signs or early degrees of cardinal signs may feel the effects of this full moon phase more pronounced than others.

For me as a Virgo-rising, this Full Moon falls right in my natal 1st house (the ego, the self, my potential); as a Cancer-Sun, in my 3rd house of (thought, communication); and happily aligns with my Neptune. This all happens in the backdrop of transiting Neptune continuing to square my natal Neptune. *pbbbbt* Well, I might as well pull out my crystal ball and get some direction that way! I don't really have a crystal ball but would be cool if I did :) I am a Cancer-Sun and do listen/actively use my intuition. Although, my Virgo-ascendant plus Gemini-Mercury aren't always too comfortable with too much 'woo woo' in conducting my own personal life. It seems that this full moon focuses on that part of my chart/makeup in another attempt (for I'm sure there have been other times) to help me reconcile both those parts of me. oh, joy :p

How might this full moon manifest in your world? Match the sign and degree to determine what house this full moon falls in. Use the list of zodiac signs below to identify the sign Virgo on your birth chart then click here for a brief explanation on the Full Moon transit in that house.

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• Aries-Sun or Aries-Rising ~ 6th house
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 5th house
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 4th house
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 3rd house
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 2nd house
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 1st house
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 12th houses
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 11th house
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 10th house
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 9th house
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 8th house
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 7th house

Hello friends, Just wanted to let you know that yours truly is featured in my very first Twinterview! Just like Twitter, all answers to questions must be 140 characters or less.

Thank you, Claire (@weeclaire on Twitter) for the feature on Wee World :)

Check it out at:
http://weeclaire.com/2011/03/08/twinterview-jan-a-k-a-astrogrrl/

You might also be interested in zodiac signs each described in 140 characters or less at http://weeclaire.com/2011/03/07/140-character-star-signs/.

Do you Twitter? Do you not know wth I'm talking about? :)

Twitter allows anyone to say what they will to whomever is listening (mostly your Twitter followers) -- what you're up to, what's going on, or whatever you want to share ... but you've gotta do it in 140 characters or less. Since I signed up for the free account in April 2009, I've met some wonderful tweeps. It's also helped me get to the point, already :) Tweeting astro-forecasts in 140 characters or less is a fun, little challenge each tweet.

A new Twitter friend (yay!) @weeclaire asked me for my explanation of the zodiac signs in 140 characters or less. Check out what I had to say:
http://weeclaire.com/2011/03/07/140-character-star-signs/. I had a great time writing them. Hope you like...

If you're on Twitterville, feel free to follow me @astrogrrl. Make sure to @ reply me so I'll know to follow you back. Who knows?! It might become the beginning of a beautiful friendship :) If you're not on Twitter, sign up... it's free... it's fun https://twitter.com/signup.

Zodiac signs image credit and copyright to Optimistic Art by Oksancia.

So, it's about that time when Mercury's stay in sensitive, mellow Pisces ends and his visit in action-oriented Aries begins. On March 9, Mercury begins his extra long transit in Aries, staying until May 15! I can't even imagine what kinds of trouble we could get in to, especially with Jupiter (expansion; already in Aries), Uranus (in Aries on March 11), Mars (in Aries on April 1), and Venus (in Aries on April 20) joining Mercury for all or part of his visit in the sign of the warrior. Did I say 'trouble'? I meant I can't even imagine what kinds of exciting ventures/new situations we could get started or find ourselves in during Mercury's visit in Aries :)

Mercury's extended stay is due to his retrograde motion which begins on March 30 until April 23. Including the shadow period, Mercury's complete retrograde cycle is from March 17 to May 12 which is just a few days before his transit in Taurus begins.

Mercury governs thinking, communication, and writing. In Pisces, he is introspective, understanding and conscientious. In Aries, Mercury is pioneering, independent, ardent, instinctive, rash, brash and impatient.

At best, Mercury in Aries is a leader, accomplished, direct, decisive, and doesn't take 'no' for an answer. At worst, selfish, arrogant, quick-tempered, territorial, aggressive, and super competitive.

While Mercury transits Aries, let our minds be enterprising, our words be impassioned, and our decisions be confident. With Jupiter (expansion/opportunities), Uranus (revolutionary/radical change), Mars (action/assertion), and Venus (relationships/finances) also in Aries for all or part of Mercury's transit in Aries, being level-headed enough to be driven by our true intentions that are, hopefully, rooted in light and love will be challenging but not impossible.

A lot can be accomplished, initiated, created, or conceptualized during Mercury's time in Aries if the higher/positive energy of Aries is what we project/utilize. This is equally true if Arien's lower/negative traits are what we choose to use in our approach. Jupiter expands. Uranus rebels from conformity/tradition. Mars acts, regardless of thought or consequence. Venus desires, regardless of need or situation. What will Jupiter expand upon? What will Uranus break away from? What will Mars' movements be driven by? How will Venus' demands be met? A big part of the answer lies within our intentions, our thought process. Jupiter will blow up a negative thought just as much as a positive one. The same goes for Uranus, Mars and Venus.

During Mercury's retrograde period, it will be most important to keep a check on our own willfulness and thought processes since misunderstandings, miscommunication and delays are common during retrogrades. Our patience may be called more often throughout the day and within many situations we encounter daily.

Mercury enters Aries on March 9 at 9:47 p.m. PST / March 10 at 12:47 a.m. EST and remains until May 15th. While in Aries, Mercury will align with the following celestial bodies (all dates reflect North America Pacific time zone; allow +/-2 days for life span of influence):

• March 13 ~ Mercury square Pluto. Penetrating mind. Strong ability to focus. Watch tempers and impatience. With the Moon in Cancer today, sentimentality and emotions vacillate. Careful not to aim anger or harsh words to a bystander. Direct with the intent to listen and work together is a good approach.
• March 15 ~ Mercury conjunct Jupiter. What could possibly go wrong?! THAT could possibly go wrong. Easy to be overly optimistic or over estimate a situation, especially something involving finances. Be hopeful and bold but also keep yourself grounded to what's real. Then, you're sure to succeed! This meeting between Mercury and Jupiter happens a total of three times this year (April 11 & May 11), so there is no reason to rush or give in to the fear of losing out on something.
• March 18 ~ Mercury oppose Saturn-rx. Watch those thoughts. Negative begets negative. "Energy flows where attention goes" -- focus attention on how you want situations to manifest, instead of putting energy on the worries or concerns.
• March 30 ~ Mercury Retrograde until April 23 and remains in Aries the entire retrograde period.
• April 9 ~ Mercury-rx conjunct the Sun. Quick thinking. Fast talking. Flashes of brilliant ideas. Impatience. Irritability. Impulsiveness. Careful not to say anything you'll regret later or might come back to haunt you later. Also today, Pluto Retrograde.
• April 11 ~ Mercury-rx conjunct Jupiter. Happy, happy, joy, joy. Easy to overdo, overthink, overestimate, or be overly optimistic about a situation. The last time Mercury and Jupiter met in this manner was March 15. Events/issues/situations may be linked or reminiscent of the few days prior or after March 15.
• April 19 ~ Mercury-rx conjunct Mars. Look before leaping or you might find yourself taking a fall. Impulsiveness can cause a mistake with long term implications. However, a well-planned action could reap lasting rewards.
• April 23 ~ Mercury Direct.
• May 9 ~ Mercury conjunct Venus. May it be in relationships or finances, this is the time to make your move, let your intentions be known. Find a voice to whatever may be on your mind. Self-expression with confidence. Those who are celebrating a birthday between May 7 and May 11 may benefit from this triple conjunction throughout their Solar Return year.
• May 11 ~ Stellium in Aries as Mercury conjuncts Venus and both conjunct Jupiter. Super energized days between May 9 and May 12. This is the last occurrence of Mercury and Jupiter blending energies in Aries for a long while. The two previous instances were on March 15 and April 11. Venus joining in on the fun gives this day an extra dose of playfulness and pleasure. Those who are celebrating a birthday between May 7 and May 11 may benefit from this triple conjunction throughout their Solar Return year or have natal planets/house angels around 15-19 degrees in cardinal signs may also find this energy boost a nice perk. Also today, Mars enters Taurus.

• Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 1st House
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 12th House
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 11th House
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 10th House
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 9th House
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 8th House
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 7th House
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 6th House
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 5th House
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 4th House
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 3rd House
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 2nd House

Uranus leaves Pisces for good and joins Jupiter and Mercury in transiting Aries on March 11th. Uranus began his transit in Pisces in 2003. He first left Pisces for Aries last year and stayed for a few months in Aries before returning to Pisces. Now, Uranus re-enters Aries on March 11 at 4:49 p.m. PST / 7:49 p.m. EST, where he remains until 2018/2019. He will not return to Pisces again for another 84 years, approximately.

As written on my original Uranus in Aries post:

• 1st House ~ represents the self and potential; time to re-invent the self; go after dreams and aspirations; be bolder and more confident; be more assertive; discover natural but untapped or undeveloped skills/talents
• 2nd House ~ increasing income; becoming more materially secure; redefining what 'security' means and/or your value system; changing jobs; issues with self-worth
• 3rd House ~ conceptualizing and communicating brilliant ideas; going back to school; writing; speaking engagements; re-learning how to communicate effectively
• 4th House ~ changes within the home or family roles; possibly a physical move to a new home; addition to the family or becoming empty nesters
• 5th House ~ learning to balance work and pleasure; reconnecting with your inner child; having children; valuing children enough to spend ample quality time with them; becoming the protector/voice for children; committing to new creative ventures; finding true love
• 6th House ~ adopting a healthier lifestyle; becoming more aware of others' needs and being of service to them; changing everyday routine to fit a more well-rounded day to day
• 7th House ~ getting married or divorced; redefining what a relationship means to you, your expectations of your partner/of yourself within a relationship; unexpected alliances; new business partnerships
• 8th House ~ time to deal with debt; purging unnecessaries (materially, emotionally, spiritually); discovering self-power
• 9th House ~ increased exposure to other cultures; learning through experience; spiritual or philosophical pursuits; becoming a published writer or a publisher
• 10th House ~ changing careers; redefining future goals; retiring or gaining a promotion; becoming self-employed or opening a new business/company
• 11th House ~ expanding social circle; breaking free from unhealthy ties; redefining what friendship means; finding out who your true friends are
• 12th House ~ tap into and develop intuitive/spiritual self; discover your hidden potential or natural gift; uncover secrets (both what's been kept from you or what you've kept to yourself); becoming inspired and having faith in possibilities