Astrology for March & April
Look to the north as twilight subdues the light. The Big Dipper stands upright upon its handle in its dance around the North Star. Venus is bright and beautiful in the West as it slowly descends below the western horizon on the 21st. We are witnessing the Venus retrograde cycle. It takes place once every 18 months, when we see it transform from Evening Star, then disappear for 6 nights, and reappear as Morning Star. During the Venus retrograde period we will notice a revising of diplomatic procedures, a global review of values and international relations. For each of us personally, we can benefit by slowing down, reviewing our relationships, looking at our patterns, and knowing that refinement of responses is now beneficial. This is the time to examine our values, and consciously let those values be the foundation for our actions. (On another note, typically it is not a good time for large purchases). Venus goes direct on April 15, releasing us into new beginnings, yet it issues a warning as it retrogrades into Pisces, squaring Saturn, calling us to pay attention, and apply awareness to what we say and do.
Mars leaves fiery Aries on the 8th and enters steady Taurus. The hectic pace of the beginning of the year and the overly aggressive and combative energy of the Trump presidency may shift, though not necessarily in a marked way. Donald Trump has Mars rising in his natal chart, so winning, aggressiveness, and pitting one against another is his way of moving through the world.
The Full Moon takes place on the 12th in Virgo also squaring Saturn, showing us that to proceed slowly with consideration and thoughtful planning is helpful. The Sun moves into Aries on the 20th, officially beginning Springtime. The New Moon marks the deepest night with a new cycle on the 27th in Aries, auspicious for new beginnings. Mercury goes retrograde on April 9th in Taurus. Time to review our practical concerns.
During these transitional times when humanity is struggling to forge a new world against a regressive pull to past times we must find ways to sustain and nourish our soul, our life force. With Uranus in Aries, continue to seek what is possible. Define your values, (Venus retrograde), these values will carry us into the future as we are the bridge. Our consciousness creates that bridge. We are activated into awakening, paying attention, to serving and building an inclusive world, while we honor this sacred Earth, each other, and mysterious Cosmos in which we live.
Twelve opportunities for March 2017: For Sun and Rising Signs
Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): This is an important month for you! It is a time to slow down and reevaluate where you are, realign yourself with your deep values as your foundation and guiding navigational point. Though you are often very active and engaged with outer events, now is a time to bring yourself inward. You’re setting a new relationship to yourself, to your own creativity, to the important relationships in your life. It is the right time to review those relationships. Do they need updating, revising, or new commitments?
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): Look back 8 years. What changes were taking place then? There is a similar theme of changing focus and reorientation that is taking place now. You will benefit the most during this year if you retreat, take time to clearly contemplate what your deeper values, and longings are. Reconnect with your spirituality, especially gaining a larger view of alignment in body, soul, and mind. Organize yourself, clarifying priorities. March brings to you determination, steady perseverance to your goals and positive activity. Be open to transformation of plans.
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): Your mental and social brightness leads you into interesting places. This month review all you are involved in. Your mind and thoughts move more quickly than usual now. Attune to yourself and check in. Are you over committed? Continually allow yourself to deepen into what is truly important now, and simplify. A friendship or relationship may call for your attention. Take your time in responding. Ultimately a new form or structure to the relationship may need to take place.
Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 21): It is time to review all your output. Something needs to reconfigurate around your job or the service you provide to others. There may be something that you really want or need to do for your own well being. This is the time to acknowledge it. Watch for changing dynamics with your employer or people who are your clients. This relationship may need some adjustment. During the beginning of April be alerted to a challenge in moving smoothly forward with plans.
Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 22): This is an excellent month to organize your teaching material, or to review a subject that you have studied and really value. Returning to it now will bring rewards. You find yourself in situations where it is good to slow down and examine assumptions you hold. How does your worldview and beliefs shape your responses? Travel is not conducive at this time as deepening your understanding is a greater need. You may meet someone from a foreign country or background that touches you deeply.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): This is an excellent time to review your shared resources and finances with your partner. Restructuring may be called for. You might also review automatic patterns or responses that you can get caught up in within your relationship. Now is the time to investigate the deeper motivations prompting those responses. Correction will be helpful. In fact you are at a crossroads that can transform certain aspects of your life and/or your relationship.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): You may have felt very challenged lately, irritable, or pulled in too many directions. Libra likes harmony and ease of movement. Since February you may have felt situations intensify. Now you will experience a shift, like taking a deep breath. There’s a coming back to yourself that allows you space to sort things out and see more clearly. Relationships and/ or friends are important to you right now. You are important to them. Adjustments and fine -tuning will take place while you consider your needs and the needs of others.
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): March brings you into an excellent time to reconnect with your body, to reconsider how you are taking care of yourself, and to implement new habits. Look at your daily routines and see where you can shift to value your own body and needs. It is also a good time to review policies with employees, to adjust anything that is needed with co-workers. With Mars now in Taurus, allow yourself to slow down and take the long view.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): In March your leadership and your sense of confidence in who you are and what you do increases. This can be a time when you review what is meaningful and where your priorities lie. You might ask yourself with Venus retrograding, am I having fun and joyous times in my life or am I over indulging myself and not attending to a balance in my life? Is there something more or different that you want to manifest? Now is the time to ponder your essential expression and creativity. At this time you feel a deep appreciation for your children (or any children) in your life.
Capricorn (Dec 21- Jan 19): March is the time to sort out and reevaluate what you rely on to give you a sense of security and self worth. You are changing patterns and beliefs that no longer support you. Take some time to be by yourself. Consult an oracle and ask for the best way to support your way forward at this time. Let the wisdom of this sink deeply into your awareness as you are building new foundations for yourself. Action and forward progress move more smoothly now. You set your pace and patiently proceed.
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): Ah, Aquarius. Such a talented and bright sign! The challenge comes up when you spread yourself too thin, and attend to too many fires at once. March is a great time to write down your thoughts and insights. Or perhaps you have a writing project already in process. Take in what you have created, feel into its essence, and fine tune where needed. Share your words and thoughts with another. Late March and early April urges completion to projects.
Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): Last year you dealt with many situations. Perhaps your ideals of what could be, faced some hard realities. You have made your way through that, and strengthened yourself through perseverance. Now is the time to look to your own self worth. What is it that you would like to do or create for yourself? Take time in the next several weeks to reflect deeply on your values and what you want to manifest now. Change is upon you and success of your goals can be reached.
Susan Heinz is a professional astrologer in Santa Cruz for 35 years, bringing together traditional & esoteric astrology, Tarot and Qabalah. For info on her Friday monthly astrology groups, her Qabalah, astrology and or, painting classes, and for personal consultations, call (831) 479-3751, or go to www.susanheinz.com.