The Astrology Blog 18 – 31 March 2019
If you want to see the sign and degree of the planets in your own or any other natal chart – so you can check these against the signs and degrees important this week – here’s the link to Astrotheme. Enter your data into the boxes provided:
https://www.astrotheme.com/horoscope_chart_sign_ascendant.php
All times given are stated in GMT
‘When people are ready to, they change. They never do it before then, and sometimes they die before they get around to it. You can’t make them change if they don’t want to, just like when they do want to, you can’t stop them.’
Andy Warhol
Mercury – still retrograde
There’s still a lot of complexity unfolding, especially as Mercury is still retrograde and still repeating a series of aspects that were first formed in February. These aspects repeat for the third and final time in April, after Mercury goes direct (on 28 March).
Last week we had the second of Mercury’s three aspects to Jupiter and then Pluto. This week we start with Saturn and the aspect is sandwiched in between two other major events:
Wednesday 20 March
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Mars 23 Taurus trine Pluto 23 Capricorn 11.38
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Mercury 17 Pisces sextile Saturn 17 Capricorn 14.28
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Sun ingress Aries – Spring Equinox – 20.00
I think we can safely say that some subjects, issues, situations or individuals are becoming tedious in the extreme.
I said from the outset that it was likely to be a tricky (as in even more than usual) retrograde Mercury phase as he turned direct conjunct the malefic Fixed Star of Scheat and spends the whole of his retrograde period in Pisces, one of his signs of detriment.
His repeating aspects are to the slower moving planets, none of which are easy (Saturn, Neptune, Pluto). Even the series involving benefic Jupiter are not easy because the aspects are square (conflict) and Jupiter is slowing down to turn retrograde himself (10 April).
Main points to look out for while Mercury is in mischief mode:
- Decide to ease the pain or cool the resentment. Write the letter you can’t send or you’ll never send – whether it’s to someone you’ve lost or to someone you want to strangle it’s great therapy!
- Stop trying to fix others – just focus on yourself. Changes starts with us, and within us, from the inside out, not the other way around
- Guard against trying to construct situations or distress yourself with regard to anything beyond your control. Forcing any kind of round pegs into square holes won’t be worth the effort and could cost you dearly
- Try to operate by “re” words – review, revise, research, reappraise, rethink, repair, redress the balance and so on. Also remember rest and relaxation, give the brain some time off and try not to put yourself under unnecessary pressure
- Buy yourself time wherever needed – Keep options open
- When in doubt, check it out – don’t believe everything you hear
- Write things down and double check everything – forgetfulness, being distracted, inattention etc can be a troublesome theme
- Back up all your computer work
- Don’t delete any documents – you may need them at a later date
- Getting back to ideas on the back burner
- Get back in touch with those who’ve been neglected or important to you in the past. Let them know how much they matter, especially those in crisis, bearing in mind the presence of Scheat
- Keep a close watch on all belongings – especially keys or anything linked to communication such as phones, laptops, tablets, cameras etc and don’t even think about buying new ones for the time being
- The same for cars – never buy any mode of transport under a retro Mercury
- Plan any journey with extra care, don’t trust to luck and don’t travel unless you have to
- Kill your speed when driving – allow extra time for getting there slowly but safely
- Take extra care with form filling/signing on dotted lines and make sure your insurance covers you for cancellations
- Know your rights
- Assume nothing. No matter how certain a situation might seem there is a good chance that it will morph into something else over the next couple of weeks – the “x” factor is at work …
- And finally reserve the right to change your mind, and keep an open mind. As you start to see something from a different angle you may then also start to question the truth, reality or logistics involved
Astrology for the next two weeks:
So whatever you’re dealing with, and whatever has you going around in circles, make your watchword “persistence”.
I’m really struck this time around by how many people are dealing with admin problems and how these are characterized by confusion:
- Answers that are not answers or which relate to things that are totally irrelevant
- Waiting on appointments for panel decisions
- Lletters going backwards and forwards – and so on.
One person close to me has been dealing with an important issue for months and is now, as Mercury backtracks over her three planets in Pisces, locked into a series of appeals that involves more and more people who supposedly know the facts of the case, but clearly don’t.
Decision makers seem intent on continually missing the point. Sound familiar?
Here in Greece I’m surrounded by people trying to deal with paperwork related to Brexit changes. There’s a lot of worry and a total lack of clarity which is hardly surprising as nobody knows what’s really going on and nothing is cut and dried.
Mercury retrograde in the sign of mutable water
This is the opposite to dry and watertight and is springing leaks all over the place.
My own paperchase is about converting my UK driving licence into a Greek one, but of course it’s not as simple as replacing one document with another.
The UK one has to be translated by a lawyer and then I have to do new photos and produce my residents permit and passport. Another lot of admin involved having to send my original birth certificate in the post to the UK, it was received and was posted back to me …. three weeks ago.
It seems to have sunk into the fathomless Pisces pond and I can only trust that it will float to the surface when Mercury turns direct.
My next challenge is the electricity board as the latest bill finally proved the point that something is seriously adrift! Whole families in larger properties are paying dramatically less than I am. Will I ever get to the bottom of it? Again, let’s see what information comes to light when Mercury gets back on track. This happens conjunct my IC (the sensitive angle marking the beginning of the 4th House of home and property).
Mercury’s Repeating Aspects
Back to the point about Mercury’s three-legged transits, although I suspect that many matters won’t be fully resolved until the second week of April.
This week it’s the second of the Mercury – Saturn contacts. Saturn signaling delays, obstacles, boundaries, work and authority, generally putting things in order – but often the bringer of difficult news when combined with Mercury.
Here’s the sequence:
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Mercury 17 Pisces sextile Saturn 17 Capricorn 20 February (Mercury moving forwards)
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Mercury 17 Pisces sextile Saturn 17 Capricorn 20 March (Mercury retrograde)
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Mercury 20 Pisces sextile Saturn 20 Capricorn 7 April (Mercury moving forwards again)
The middle aspect this week coincides with a harmonious Mars – Pluto trine, great for thoroughness and courage. And also with the Spring Equinox, which is the real New Year as far as astrology is concerned, because this is when the Sun arrives at 0 Aries – the beginning of the zodiac and the Sun’s sign of exaltation.
Note that Aries is ruled by action man Mars, so the middle of this week does look promising for some long awaited progress, fresh starts of all kinds and especially those linked to a much deeper understanding of what needs to be ditched and left behind.
What unnecessary baggage are you dragging around with you like a ball and chain?
Full Moon in Libra
The Full Moon falls less than 24 hours after the Spring Equinox, and is therefore at 0 degrees. Anything at this zero point is symbolically powerful for clean slates and a new lease of life. So this is a highly luminous Full Moon and, as always, look out for the “lunacy” factor, and that feeling of “is it me who’s crazy or everyone else?”
Libra is primarily about relating, the Scales symbolizing the two sides to any partnership, so any relationship in a sensitive state will be in this searching spotlight.
Forget about trying to paper over the cracks. But a romance revival is also definitely part of this picture, especially as the Full Moon coincides with an aspect between the love planets Venus and Mars, and then Venus and Jupiter:
Thursday 21 March
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Full Moon 0 Libra 01.44
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Venus 23 Aquarius square Mars 23 Taurus 08.08
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Venus 24 Aquarius sextile Jupiter 24 Sagittarius 14.18
The first aspect is challenging because squares tend to throw up differences. And with both planets in Fixed signs there is, by definition, fixity.
This can show in attitudes, such as being inflexible and clinging to a viewpoint no matter what. Or in situations that can’t be changed or which can’t be sorted easily.
It may show as meeting someone who’s not available or someone who’s still dealing with issues or responsibilities connected to a relationship breakup.
Or it may highlight areas of incompatibility.
Whatever the scenario, the things that need work should be obvious.
Venus sextile Jupiter
The ‘benefics’ are Venus and Jupiter.
They symbolize the sweet and fortunate things of life – and the sextile (two signs apart) is a positive aspect.
Usually Venus – Jupiter combinations are textbook for love or money luck, but bear in mind that Jupiter is already “stationing” as mentioned earlier. He’ll turn retrograde at just over 24 degrees Sagittarius and is “stuck” at that degree between now and the end of next month. I
f you have planets or angles at or very close to 24 Sagittarius then don’t forget to note the monthly Moon – Jupiter conjunction that falls early next week as it could bring some interesting clues or pointers:
Wednesday 27 March
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Moon conjunct Jupiter 24 Sagittarius 02.38
Jupiter, even if he’s slow, is still the Greater Benefic so trust that he’s doing his stuff.
Linking up with Venus, while getting ready to turn retrograde doesn’t mean that all love and money matters will start to unravel, but it does suggest a major turning point, that could take a long time to navigate.
This will be characterized by soul searching, getting at the truth and getting to grips with how the vision of your future is shifting and reshaping.
These kinds of themes are also underlined by Mercury’s repeating aspects to Neptune, the second of which falls this weekend:
Sunday 24 March
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Mercury conjunct Neptune 16 Pisces 17.27
Here’s the full sequence:
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Mercury conjunct Neptune 15 Pisces 19 February (Mercury moving forwards)
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Mercury conjunct Neptune 16 Pisces 24 March (Mercury retrograde)
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Mercury conjunct Neptune 20 Pisces 2 April (Mercury moving forwards again)
Note that in terms of unfolding events that there was a New Moon earlier in the month, on 6 March, at 16 Pisces. This is the same degree as this middle Mercury – Neptune contact and also the degree at which Mercury turns direct (see below).
So if you have planets or angles at or very close to (within 2 degrees either side) of this degree you will be experiencing a sequence of events and changes that relate to that planet or angle.
For some, this sequence will be characterized by uncertainty, secrecy or sadness. It may feel as if life will never change again, but it will.
For now the Pisces symbolism is still very strong.
Venus also moves into this sign early next week and lines up with Uranus who is now at the very beginning of a long journey through Taurus.
This flags up love or money changes, either of the exciting, unexpected or disruptive kind, but in any guise I would say it’s mostly for the better because Pisces is Venus’ sign of exaltation.
Again, anything at 0 degrees (as mentioned for the Full Moon earlier) gets extra points for packing a punch. In terms of relationships remember that Uranus is the divorce planet but also the “sweep you off your feet” meetings.
Change and revolution are Uranus’ primary concerns, and whatever suddenly takes shape is unlikely to fall apart again, especially as this aspect coincides with Mercury turning direct:
Tuesday 26 March
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Venus ingress Pisces 19.44
Wednesday 27 March
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Venus 0 Pisces sextile Uranus 0 Taurus 16.46
Thursday 28 March
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Mercury turns direct 16 Pisces 14.00
Pisces is Mutable Water and co-ruled by Neptune (Poseidon), god of the seas.
The sign is associated with great sensitivity. Pisces is highly absorbent, soaking up everything, especially atmosphere, moods and emotions.
So, as Mercury turns around, let’s remember that in this age of social media it’s far too easy to get swamped and overwhelmed by the news, views and images that flood our computer screens.
Ease back. Sometimes we just have to stop worrying about the rest of the world. Just concentrate on your own bit of it, and do your bit. Trust that the rest of it is in the hands of something bigger than we are, and more knowing than we are.
There is a plan, for each and every one of us.
If this idea interests you then start with Raymond Moody’s book Life After Life. He’s the author who coined the phrase NDE, Near Death Experience.
He interviewed hundreds of people who had nearly died, or been proclaimed dead. He heard the same story over and over again. The experiences are so similar in all crucial details that the idea of coincidence completely falls apart.
Thought provoking and immensely reassuring.
Mercury on the Move
We now have to let Mercury pick up speed again. Some astrologers make a big deal about Mercury coming “out of shadow”, which means waiting until he reaches the degree at which he first turned retrograde. In this case it’s 29 Pisces (which will be on 16 April). So that’s a date to watch, especially if you have planets or angles within 2 degrees of that point.
Nevertheless, I think the actual turning point is more important. This is when we can say that Mercury’s office is officially open again for business.
Think about what you can do between now and then, if you’re waiting on answers of any kind, as there might be a queue!
So here’s the usual checklist of the kinds of things and themes to expect, now and in the coming couple of weeks:
- We identify the things that, with some renewed energy and a fresh approach, can come good
- Breaking news, expected or unexpected, good or bad, that affects us or someone close to us
- We find important information or reveal secrets – we see things as they really are
- Light bulb flashes of “I get it now” type insights – including changing our minds about something that we had previously really wanted
- We stop talking/thinking about something and realize that we need TO DO IT or make decisions to pave the way
- People get back to us re decisions and deals get done
- We get back in touch with someone, or they get back in touch with us, including situations in which there’s been a deafening silence
- Feel more courageous or determined to pursue our true wishes
- Stop pretending or avoiding
- Replace fantasy with fact and find better or more workable options
- Tackle/say the things we’ve been putting off
- Get back to a matter that was first important three weeks ago
- We’re free to travel or do our own thing
- Memory kicks in and we deal with what or who has been off our radar
- Clear up disputes or areas of miscommunication
- We find the right person to deal with the problem beyond our own expertise
- Solve / sort computer glitches/communication technology
- Squash rumours when the truth outs
- We find what we have been looking for – from lost objects to spiritual needs
I put a mostly positive spin on Mercury turning direct. I compiled this checklist from long experience of watching things unfold at these times – in my own life and that of my friends, family, students, clients and also out in the world.
This doesn’t mean that suddenly everything starts turning out wonderfully well – although it can sometimes be a magic wand as Mercury changes his Trickster hat for the Magician’s one. But as above, so below, look for the turning point.
Finally, at the end of yet another complex fortnight, Mars changes sign –
Sunday 31 March
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Mars ingress Gemini 07.13 BST
As a rough rule of thumb Mars, with a two year cycle, changes sign approximately every 6 to 8 weeks.
This ingress is a breath of fresh air, taking Mars out of Taurus, his sign of detriment, where he’s been since 14 February.
In this combination we experience Mars energy as earthy and steadily productive but also rather slow, plodding or even stuck. Mars in Taurus can be very resistant to change and has to be shoehorned out of comfort zones.
Mars in the Mutable Air sign of Gemini (until 16 May) is quite the opposite and is all about movement and getting back into circulation. And as always with the sign of the Twins this ingress may well open up new options.
Look out for themes of duality, or even multiplicity. An enormously important factor with regards to a can-do positive attitude and good mental health is the perception of choice, and I’ll be talking more about this Mars in the weeks to come,
Back in two weeks time!
Until then, with love from Greece,
Joanna