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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

• June 19, 2011 to July 17, 2011 ~ within orb but will not perfect
• May 16, 2012 to October 29, 2012 ~ perfect on June 24 (at 8° & 23') and September 18 (at 6° & 57') - interesting that these dates falls within days of my birthday (June 27) and my sister's (Sept. 14) ... hmm ...
• April 17, 2013 to June 28, 2013 ~ perfect on May 20 (at 11° & 14')
• September 21, 2013 to December 12, 2013 ~ perfect on November 1 (at 9° & 25')
• March 12, 2014 to May 24, 2014 ~ perfect on April 21 (at 13° & 33')
• November 4, 2014 to April 25, 2015 ~ perfect on December 14, 2014 (at 12° & 35') and March 16, 2015 (at 15° & 17')
• December 18, 2015 to March 19, 2016 ~ within orb but will not perfect

• Uranus Initial Transit in Aries
• Uranus Returns to Aries
• 2010 Cardinal T-Square
• Gemini-Sagittarius Eclipses ~ 2010 to 2013
• Taurus-Scorpio Eclipses ~ 2012 to 2015
• Aries-Libra Eclipses ~ 2013 to 2015
• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year

Mercury stations on April 23rd at 3:07 a.m. PDT / 6:07 a.m. EDT and prepares for direct motion. He's been retrograde for about three weeks since March 30th. Aries-Suns/Risings or those with natal planets/house angles in Aries or cardinal signs may have found this retrograde period extra challenging. The complete retrograde cycle, including the shadow period, is March 16 to May 12. Mercury's transit in Aries continues until May 15th.

Mercury represents how we think, talk, interact and react; and also governs transportation, commerce and trade. As he retraces his steps for a third and final time, issues regarding autonomy/exercising individuality; situations involving new ventures/creative ideas; or events surrounding the launch of a new product/idea/business/collaboration or next phase of something existing may be revisited or completed or resolved.

The 3 days approaching and after Mercury's station day (April 23) may result in continued delays, frustration, miscommunication, misunderstanding, etc. So, make allowances for these things. Opt for more tolerance. Give someone the benefit of a doubt, especially if events/issues arising presently may be out of character for them. Leave extra early for appointments. Reread important documents/agreements and ask yourself questions to ensure you understand every point or line item within the document. Preparation is key; and in situations where there's no time to prepare, then being more understanding will go a long way within interactions, as well as maintaining one's personal inner peace.

Mercury's retrograde in Aries has surprisingly been 'quieter' than his previous retrograde cycle in Capricorn. Although, I must say I was more 'reactive' than usual during this Mercury retrograde in Aries, more so than my usual self. I'm typically more even-tempered (Virgo-rising/Cancer-Sun with Gemini-Mercury) and do not get riled up easily (Cancer-Mars). However, I noticed I was more easily irritated/frustrated and reactive/vocal about being annoyed. This retrograde in Aries, plus all the other celestial bodies transiting in Aries, really brought out my Aries-Moon which is typically quieter (mutual reception with my Cancer-Mars & 'others' oriented in the 7th house). The wrath of Jan was pretty evident for some of March through this month so far ... oopsies >;-)

How was Mercury's retrograde period in Aries been for you?

Unsure if you have natal planets or house angles in Aries? Cast your own birth chart at alabe.com -- birth date, time, and place required.

I am also available for personal consultations. Are you celebrating a birthday soon? 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.

Related articles:

• Transiting Mercury in Natal Houses
• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year
• Mercury in Aries ~ March 9 to May 15, 2011
• Mercury Retrograde ~ March 30 to April 23, 2011
• Venus in Aries ~ April 20/21 to May 15, 2011
• Mars in Aries ~ April 1/2 to May 11, 2011
• Uranus in Aries ~ 2010/2011 to 2018/2019

Just as the Sun moves out of Aries and into Taurus on April 20th, Venus also changes signs. She leaves the sensitive sign of Pisces and joins Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus in the fierce sign of Aries. Venus represents love, how we relate to others, how we want others to relate to us, our self-worth, what we value in life, what we like/dislike, our material possessions and finances.

While in Pisces, Venus' drives and concern were for others...humanity, as a whole. She asserts, ever so sweetly, that we acknowledge there is something greater that links us all. If nothing else, we are connected in this journey we call life which we all have to individually live out. Venus in Aries, however, is more focused on the self, its basic needs/desires and staying true to one's own motivations. In Aries, she is bold and magnetic, loves initiating new connections, values independence in the self and in others, and loves ardently and impulsively. In friendships, she tends to lead the group.

At best, Venus in Aries is passionate, action-oriented, fun, instinctive, and a natural leader that gets things started. She is a champion and protector of the indefensible and teaches them how to independently fend for themselves. At worst, argumentative, bossy, lacks commitment, and acts without fully considering consequences. While Venus is in Aries, we are challenged to be bolder and more assertive. Confidence should ooze from our pores. Flirt a little. Laugh a lot. Explore our independence. Discover our passion and run with it.

Venus enters Aries on April 20 at 9:06 p.m. PDT / April 21 at 12:06 a.m. EDT and will stay through May 15th. While in Aries, Venus will align with the following celestial bodies (all dates reflect North America Pacific time zone; allow +/-2 days for life span of influence):

• April 23 ~ Venus conjunct Uranus. Surprises! Chance meetings. Unexpected gains or losses. Push for freedom. Abrupt reactions. Disruptions. Awakening arising from chaos.
• April 27 ~ Venus square Pluto-rx. Passions rise. Heated arguments. Manipulation tactics. Need to ferret out what's hidden.
• May 1 ~ Venus oppose Saturn-rx. Financial limitations. Seeing the reality of situations, especially within relationships. Confidence weakened.
• May 11 ~ Triple conjunction between Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter in Aries. Super energized days between May 9 and May 12. 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

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

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

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