In the Northern Hemisphere, March is the month of spring’s arrival, when we shift from the cold, dark days of winter to the bright, hopeful days of spring. The migrating birds begin their return, winter tree buds are ready to burst with new life, and fresh plants are peeking through the ground, often under the snow. In the sea, too, sea mammals are migrating to and from breeding grounds, algae is blooming anew, and tiny diatoms are responding to the light with their life-giving green cells.

In the Southern Hemisphere we are shifting from summer light to winter dark, and nature’s process is reversed. Nature and people enter a season of winter hibernation.

In both hemispheres, March marks a change in the zodiacal energy fields. We move from the last sign of the zodiac, Pisces, to the first sign, Aries. This means that March is marked by endings and beginnings. Islam considers that the New Year starts at Spring Equinox, when Aries, the Ram, butts in. This seems quite appropriate. The equinoxes, both Spring and Autumn, symbolize this shift in the balance of life. Life follows light.

In Chinese medicine, March is considered a month of change and unpredictability. This fluctuating time can be a difficult period for maintaining balance and harmony in our bodies. Chinese medical practitioners are busy now, for their work is to aid the body in rebalancing energy.

The shift from Pisces to Aries can be understood as the transition from heaven to earth. In Pisces we focus on spirit, imagination, ideals, dreams, and visions, all belonging to subtle, ethereal, non-earthy realms. Suddenly we dive into Aries, and we are compelled to carry our visions into the hurly-burly of life, to face competition, and to fight for our ideals and principles. The diving metaphor works for me, because Aries is associated with the head, and Pisces with the feet. It is our feet, which carry the echoes of heaven, which literally provide our "under-standing."

In March we are straddling both heaven and earth, and we fluctuate between them. The question is, "How do we apply Pisces’ highest ideals and inspiration to our life purpose?" It requires some experimenting and, like the ram, butting our heads against obstacles to develop a clear direction which works in real life.

March is, by the nature of its fluctuating energy fields, an unpredictable and uncertain month. Aspects this month show that we will continually be making adjustments, but at the same time an undercurrent of energy flows creatively and harmoniously, so that we steadily move forward.

Mercury is busy, and this means much movement and communication. Our nervous systems and our consciousness are challenged.

At the same time, Neptune is the planet of the month, and Neptune refers to our unconscious, intuitive, imaginative selves. We have a rare opportunity to harness together conscious and unconscious, rational and intuitive. It is the artist’s month. With the unconscious so strong, we may be unaware of the real rationale behind our behavior. This is OK. Trust yourself.

The challenges here are to open to the truth of the intuitive self, and to have faith in its guidance. The intuitive voice is Piscean, but it requires Aries effort to learn to listen to it, and Aries courage to practice expressing it.

We work mostly on inner levels this month. We have planets harmoniously aspected in all of the earth signs and in all of the water signs, both of which are receptive, or magnetic. Many of the month’s aspects carry on for the entire month, not just a day or two, and this lends a stability, continuity, and smooth flow to the action.

Earth is practical, and water is emotional, so we will concentrate on putting our feelings and emotional needs into practical manifestation. This application will be primarily personal, and related to our everyday lives. Job, career, and larger social visions will tend to take a backseat now, except as they are reflected in our personal lives.

Both earth and water are security-oriented, and this practical and daily-life combination puts the focus on economic issues. Personal economic situations will be voters’ main concerns during March. Security of all types will be important. Question: What does security mean to you?

Jupiter in Virgo, and Ceres in Cancer are steadying influences throughout the month Together they are a very nurturing combination. In politics, a projection of caring for people in terms of their real-life needs will be attractive to voters.

It is the three outer planets which bring us into new worlds. Each one is featured this month. Pluto, the energy of transformation, turns retrograde on March 24, and its explosive energy will be noticeable around that date, and in fact during the last half of the month. Pluto hangs out at 23 Sagittarius for the entire month. All planets in your chart at 22-24 degrees will be in line for its transformative action. Especially noticeable will be planets at 22-24 degrees of the mutable signs—Sagittarius, Pisces, Gemini, and Virgo.

Neptune in Aquarius and Uranus in Pisces, the other two major outer planets, are very strongly connected for the next seven years, because they are and will be traveling in one another’s signs. This gives that idealistic and inventive combination a special dominance of the heavens. Furthermore, each one is moving into a new degree this month, which means opening us to new possibilities in consciousness. Both of these new degrees will be effective into 2005. The new field of consciousness now activated will, then, grow and persist through the remainder of the 2005 election cycle. Interesting times!

Note: A VOC Moon period is when the Moon is making no further major planetary aspects before it changes signs. Moon and its aspects are strongly associated with our everyday behavior, and without those aspects to direct our course, we are left much more free to pursue our own ends in our own way. It is like you're driving down the freeway and find the road signs removed for awhile. On the one hand, plans may go awry, you may miss your exit; on the other hand, inner work is greatly favored as those external "instructions" are reduced. Times used are EST, because the overall influences for the United States are centered in Washington DC.		Click on a date to jump to the calendar entry for that day:
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We set the tone for the month today. Moon is in Cancer, and today’s energy flows with feeling. We are sensitive and caring, and our nurturing and helpful sides emerge. We want to be connected with family, or people who are like family for us. This can be a tender, loving day. Shopping, and cooking, may also attract us.

TUESDAY MARCH 2

Yesterday’s desire to nurture continues, perhaps in more active mode today. Tonight we can adventure in love, or the arts. Many states have their primary and local elections today. Security vs. idealism will be a theme, but people will tend to vote for security. Practicality and financial responsibility are important. Bread and butter issues occupy us now.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 3

Moon is in dramatic, outgoing Leo for the next two days, a contrast to the reclusive Cancer mode of the last two days. And Sun is inspired with Mercury and Jupiter, who are tuned into distant vistas. We have a "Star of David" now, a nearly perfect hexagram in earth and water signs. Leo Moon can give a jump-start to these receptive, healing signs. This will be a very active and expansive day, extending well into the night. Drama is the modus operandi. Election results give new hope to many. Mercury and Sun conjoin to start us on a new 90-day cycle of perception and communication. They are joined by Jupiter in opposition, who adds both vision and an opposing viewpoint to the themes expressed now. Jupiter is the ruler of Sagittarius, John Kerry’s sun sign, and Mercury is the ruler of Gemini, John Edwards’ sun and moon sign, as well as Kerry’s moon sign. This indicates that those two gentlemen are principals in the new Jupiterian optimism.

THURSDAY MARCH 4

This is an energetic, creative, and expansive day. Imagination is stimulated, and we will want to manifest the new visions now coming into us. Again, we are energized into the night (on the east coast).

FRIDAY MARCH 5

Moon continues in Leo this morning, with really fine, enjoyable energy. It goes VOC just after noon, but immediately enters Virgo, the problem-solving sign, where it remains until Sunday. At about the same time, Venus enters Taurus, another earth sign, and suddenly the earth signs take over. We’ve lived it up for two days; now we get down to business. However, our best laid plans may not work out. We could experience a surprise this evening, when Moon opposes disruptive Uranus.

SATURDAY MARCH 6

Full Moon at 17 Virgo occurs at 6:14 p.m. EST. The Pisces Moon cycle is about developing visions, and pictures, on which our dreams and aspirations can ride into being. Pisces sees the whole picture, the pattern. Virgo comes along and adds its practical advice to Pisces’ visions. Virgo reminds us that we need to check out the details, and see if those visions are (1) workable in the real world, and (2) of service to people. Virgo is one of two signs with a human being as a symbol. In Virgo’s case we see the goddess of the harvest. Pisces fishes swim in the seas of the unconscious, and Virgo’s goddess harvests the best of those unconscious urges as food for humanity. (My Virgo son was once a commercial fisherman, and with his Chiron in Pisces, he loved harvesting the sea to obtain food for people.)

This is a Jupiterian Full Moon. Jupiter has been very busy this month, and he continues his work of expanding possibilities, and bringing hope and optimism to us. Jupiter has opposed Sun and Mercury on Wednesday, and now he conjuncts Moon, thus integrating all four bodies in new visionary options. Sun, Moon, and Mercury represent the core of our conscious personalities, so this time represents a big and permanent shift in our attitudes. It feels good, and the future looks more positive. Virgo is an earth sign, a realist, and this adds substance and grounding to this shift. It is more than just an idea.

Pisces-Virgo is the "service" polarity, and Jupiter helps us see new avenues for service. Virgo is the fix-it sign, and Jupiter here helps show us how we can solve problems. Virgo is also the sign of the armed forces, and Jupiter a planet of generals and other important people. We could see a shift in improved treatment of soldiers and veterans. Or we could see an expanded military given more duties. Perhaps John Kerry’s campaign, filled with Vietnam veterans protesting war, will receive a new emphasis.

Jupiter is also the ruling planet of both John Kerry and the United States, who both have Jupiter’s sign, Sagittarius, rising. I believe that this time represents a real turning point for Kerry, as well as for the nation.

Another indication that this Full Moon represents a transformation for the country, and especially for Washington, is that a nearly stationery, thus very powerful Pluto, sits at the nadir in Washington DC. This is the location of grounding, where we build foundations for security, in this case the nation’s. Pluto does away with the old, and makes room for the new. Viable power is Pluto’s concern.

Uranus, the planet of disruption and revolution, now really beginning the power of its new 7-year cycle in Pisces (read the description for Pisces New Moon), runs right through the middle of the United States.

Saturn, the planet particularly concerned with government, is also now at a strong turning point. It is stationery, and will turn direct tomorrow morning just as it rises at Washington DC. Further, Saturn now, at Full Moon, is in the tenth house of government administration, conjoining Hygeia, who is concerned with health, especially public health, and Ceres, the great mother. They are all in the sign of Cancer, the U.S. Sun sign. Saturn will now move ahead, and will conjoin the U.S. Sun, and square its own position this coming June, a turning point for the nation.

Perhaps "hopeful new awareness" is the over-riding theme now.

The longitudes of several of the stars of Orion, the Hunter, are in evidence in the Washington DC chart. These stars are said to have a Martian character, with some Jupiter and Mercury blended in. Look for the action to commence when Aries comes bounding in with the next new moon on March 20! This Full Moon can inspire you to be part of that action.

Aspects continue until late tonight, and we might be wakeful.

The Sabian Symbol for 17 Virgo is

"A VOLCANIC ERUPTION. The explosive energy of long-repressed contents of the subconscious. We are dealing here with the dramatic release of energies which have been kept in place by the outer shell of the ego-controlled consciousness. It may be a spectacular catharsis, but it often takes the path of destruction. Yet unless some form of purification by fire is experienced, the inner pressure of the karmic past or of more recent frustrations would shake up perhaps even more destructively the very foundations of the personality. The objective confrontation of an image of the karmic past is replaced by a subjective irruption of repressed memories and primitive cravings. Everything must be released from the psyche seeking to attain the transfigured state. The soul must become empty, the mind translucent. EXPLOSION."

No, I do not look at the Sabian Symbol before I write about the Moon phase!

SUNDAY MARCH 7

This is a puttering-around day. Moon is VOC in Virgo for most of the day, until it enters Libra at 5:31 p.m. EST. Virgo likes to keep busy, but it’s difficult to feel very directed during VOC moon time.

However, during this VOC time we do have a big sky event occurring. VOC means that its outcome is unpredictable. Yet, many of us have been waiting for months for this event to occur. Saturn has been traveling retrograde in Cancer since last October, and finally today it turns direct, at 7 Cancer. Now business which we have put on hold has the green light, e.g., actually making new moves in a business, refinancing our assets, or buying a house. Government and governing become more active. We’re more willing to take risks while Saturn is traveling direct. The spotlight will be on GW Bush, who is the Saturn father figure for the nation. All institutions, also Saturnian, can put new changes into effect. We are more connected with the larger society on outer levels.

As it rises in Washington DC, the stationery direct Saturn is very powerful. It stays at the same longitude for nearly a week, and this is the key moment of this very Saturnian week. Saturn powerfully affects Saturnian Washington DC not only at this moment, but for the next eight months of its direct motion trip. Saturn pushes us into shape, and now it is geared to push Washington DC into shape.

The 7 degree turning point conjoins John Edwards’ Mercury, further activating his communication about government. It also adjoins Karl Rove’s (often called "Bush’s Brain") Uranus, adding substance to his personal vision to have the Republican Party take over the judiciary, the administration, the Congress, and the media, and doing whatever it takes to make that happen.

Saturn will now move to conjoin the Cancer planets in the charts of the U.S., GW Bush, and Donald Rumsfeld, all with Suns in Cancer, over the next several months. Saturn is the reality principle. It shines a glaring light on our mistakes, and rewards us for our achievements.

Tonight can be very sociable. We might especially like to discuss practical ways to make our visions real, as we move into sync with Saturn’s forward motion. Mercury has exciting and serious aspects tonight, and we may be wakeful until wee hours of the morning. Conflict and argument is possible during those late hours. Overdoing the partying is another possibility. Best not to be on the road now.

MONDAY MARCH 8

Vibrations last night were complex and unusual. Some of the conflicting energies spill over into today, but in general this day is more peaceful. Moon is still in Libra, who wants harmony and balance, as well as someone with whom to share. Creative imagination, appreciation of beauty, and love centers are all active.

TUESDAY MARCH 9

Moon is VOC in Libra for the entire day. Enjoy people, and take them as they come.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 10 and THURSDAY MARCH 11

Moon is in Scorpio with many many aspects, most of them harmonious. These are determined, purposeful, active days, quite different from yesterday. Energy is intense, penetrating, and transformative now. Appropriately, I have a CT Scan scheduled. These are great days for research or for digging into anything, and for getting to the bottom of mysteries. Scorpio has a natural X-ray vision and great intuitive ability. Scorpio is also a great healing sign.

FRIDAY MARCH 12

This is another super-active day, but the vibe is not as heavy or as intense as it was yesterday. Moon is in Sagittarius, and we can look on the philosophical side of things. In Sagittarius we can see our experiences as part of the school of life, through which we gain understanding or wisdom.

On the one hand, aggression and taking initiative are encouraged. Sagittarius, Moon’s sign, is a risk-taking fire sign. Furthermore, Moon squares unpredictable Uranus, who likes to disrupt the status quo. In addition, Mercury, our consciousness, has just moved into Aries, a sign that invites challenges. And Sun makes its semi-annual square with explosive Pluto. All in all, we have a volatile, transformative day.

At the same time, we have artistic and loving combinations. And underlying all is a healing configuration. This is an important day. Plan something active today and tonight.

SATURDAY MARCH 13

Last Quarter Moon at 24 Sagittarius occurs at 4:01 p.m. EST. Last Quarter is release time, and this is a big release time. Pluto, the planet of evolution, of death and birth, is in complete charge now. Pluto is inexorable. It cannot be denied. Connected with it is aggressive Mars, exactly overhead in Washington at this time. This is a baleful combination for some.

Furthermore, Mars at 26 Taurus conjoins the fixed star Algol, whose name means demon, evil spirit, or devil in Arabic. Algol has both dark and light phases, and when in its dark phase it can indeed be very destructive. Historically there are many circumstances of accidents and severe injuries connected with Algol. Recent destructive circumstances include the murder of Nicole Simpson, and the death of Princess Diana.

In addition, there are many other fixed stars of mixed potential associated with this chart. The other principal planets with their stars are Sun, which conjoins Markab, the Saddle of Pegasus, Moon which conjoins Lesath, in the tail of the Scorpion, and Pluto, which conjoins Ras Alhague, the head of the Snake Holder, Ophiocus. These are longitudinal conjunctions.

Fixed stars in a mundane chart show that something fated, and important to society, will occur. Pluto, Mars, and the characters of the fixed stars indicate that it could destroy old dead wood in order for something new to be born.

The great significance of this moon phase is further shown by the fact that the moon family for this moon began with a solar eclipse on December 14, 2001. That eclipse was visible in most of the Western Hemisphere.

Volcanic Pluto now is almost exactly at the degree of that eclipse. Many important, world-changing events occurred at that time, as well as at each successive phase.

Eclipse events included the U.S. and Israel charging ahead with bombs and weapons on their destructive paths. The U.S. even abrogated the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, which has been a major instrument for keeping the peace for decades. Globalization proceeded apace, and at the same time there were huge anti-globalization demonstrations, e.g., in Brussels, Belgium, and riots in Argentina which toppled the IMF government.

Events at each phase went on developing these two conflicting paths—that of U.S. world military and economic dominance, and world resistance against this dominance. Perhaps this conflict will come to a head now.

It’s interesting that one of the moon phase events was Canada’s OK of same-sex marriages. San Francisco’s court case for such marriages was due to be heard yesterday. Perhaps the destruction now is of some of the discrimination and barriers which same-sex couples face. Sagittarius is a sign of the law. Perhaps backlash to that great river of tolerance now rushing forward will come in the form of violence. Perhaps the violence is a constitutional amendment outlawing same-sex marriages. This would be the first time that unequal rights are enshrined in the constitution of America, the land of the free and the home of the brave.

There is another aspect today which indicates a focus on freedom, human rights, and reform. This is Vesta conjoined idealistic Neptune in Aquarius. The current Pluto transit of the U.S. Neptune adds importance to this conjunction, which begins a four-year cycle of a new focus on security. Hopefully, our national security may again center on traditional American ideals of freedom.

The degrees of the Sun, Moon, and Pluto now closely affect the United States—and the U.S. was central in the area covered by the 2001 Solar Eclipse. All of the Democratic candidates, and most of the Administration principals, have conjunctions or oppositions to Pluto, Moon, or Sun. Transiting Pluto itself, now barely moving and thus extra strong, is now opposing the U.S. Mars, and just beginning its first-ever first-quarter square with Pluto. (See my article about this transit ("The U.S. Neptune") in the January issue of Daykeeper.)

This is truly a momentous, earth-shaking, and historic moment for the United States.

The Sabian Symbol for 24 Sagittarius is very hopeful:

"A BLUEBIRD PERCHED ON THE GATE OF A COTTAGE. The reward which meets every effort at integration into a social environment for those who remain true to their own selves. The bluebird is a well-known symbol of happiness, but also it refers to what one might call a spiritually-oriented mind—to which the color blue relates, especially when a "bird" is mentioned. A cottage is normally part of a community, and the implication is that its inhabitants are well-adapted, either to the life of the community, or to their more or less isolated togetherness. The development of a technique for successful living is the development of a consciousness in which peace and happiness dwell. GOOD FORTUNE."

Moon goes VOC after this fourth quarter meeting with Sun.

SUNDAY MARCH 14

This is a nurturing and healing family day. Serious and practical communication prevails. We also enjoy the sensual pleasures. Night is especially loving.

MONDAY MARCH 15

Moon is in serious Capricorn, and serious things are on our minds. This is an excellent day both for work, and for planning future strategy. We plant the seeds now for a rebirth with the Aries New Moon. Aries just plunges into life, but canny Capricorn knows about building step by step to establish something which endures.

TUESDAY MARCH 16 and WEDNESDAY MARCH 17

Moon is traveling through gregarious Aquarius, with harmonious and loving aspects. We enjoy discussion, and all of our connections are satisfying. Tuesday is a more sociable day than is Wednesday. This is a time for relaxing and for doing things which are pleasurable.

THURSDAY MARCH 18

Moon gets us moving this morning, and then it goes VOC. It enters mellow Pisces at 10:26 a.m. EST. This is another day to do your thing. It is also time to refine your visions for the future. Visioning ability is very strong now. Love and nurturing are themes. Practicality may fight with idealism. Figure out how to put them together. These next two days are days for giving.

FRIDAY MARCH 19

Moon continues in Pisces, with artistic, loving, and caring aspects. Today we can be especially tuned into spirit, and we can see how to combine our idealism with our needs to be practical. We can be especially imaginative tonight.

SATURDAY MARCH 20

Wow! Aries comes bounding in like a ram who has been wound up tight. Today we experience Sun entering Aries (Spring Equinox), Moon entering Aries, and the conjunction of Sun and Moon which is the Aries New Moon. This is an extraordinary powergate. It is time for new, really new, beginnings. And if we feel we’ve made some mistakes during this moon cycle, we can fix them at the next Aries New Moon cycle which begins on April 19. This New Moon is at the beginning of Aries; the second Aries New Moon is at the end of the sign (and it is a solar eclipse besides, facilitating change).

Spring Equinox occurs at 1:49 a.m. EST. Now the forces of dark and light are equal, and at the same time light begins its three-month period of domination. Sun, which represents the vitalizing force of light, is in the third house, illuminating daily life and communication. Aries Mercury, also in the third house, gives us fresh viewpoints. Pluto, from the 12th house of hidden things, connects with the third house, and it is likely that many secrets will see the light of day during these next months.

Moon is in Pisces, just behind Sun. It is a very old balsamic moon, and has relinquished the past. Inspired vision now sees into a fresh, new future. Aries is the perfect sign for initiating these new beginnings.

Saturn has the dominant placement in Washington DC. Saturn’s job is to build a sound structure, and one of its associations is government. It is about to set in the west, perhaps representing the setting of the old Administration. It certainly means that the whole subject of government is now much on our minds.

The Sabian Symbol for Moon at 22 Pisces is

"A PROPHET CARRYING TABLETS OF THE NEW LAW IS WALKING DOWN THE SLOPES OF MOUNT SINAI. The need to bring down to the level of everyday existence the clear realizations made manifest in a "peak experience." It represents a descent of formative and structuring power, a divine Revelation. This type of revealed knowledge contrasts with the kind of knowing born out of the experience of touch, of feeling, of warmth of contact. The key word is MANDATE, but the problem is how to fulfill it in the right spirit."

Indeed.

By 5:41 p.m. EST, Moon has moved to conjoin Sun at 1 degree of Aries to give us our first of two new moons in Aries. This is the day’s second major opportunity for new beginnings. During this next month, Sun in fiery Aries will move through a process of trining Pluto in fire-sign Sagittarius. This is a process of energetic and creative transformation. Transformation of what? For each of us, whatever has top priority in needing renovation. At the end of this month we will have a third opportunity for new starts.

For Washington DC, it is the foundations, the bases of our national security, which need renovation. Pluto now sits right at the bottom of the chart for Washington. The nadir of the chart represents the place of security and of foundations. It is home and family. This also means that power is centered in Washington DC.

Pluto is particularly powerful, not only in chart position, and in aspects. In addition, it is about to turn retrograde in a few days, and is in fact nearly motionless now. This intensifies the focus of Pluto, which is naturally penetrating.

The degrees on the chart wheel now reflect both the volatile Last Quarter Moon in Sagittarius of March 13, and this morning’s Equinox configuration.

Explosive Pluto plays a major part in all three of these charts.

Besides Washington, Pluto runs through the Caribbean and Latin America, Africa, the Balkans, Moscow, China, and Southeast Asia.

Mars and Uranus run through central U.S. and Mexico. Those energies together show risky and impulsive action.

SUNDAY MARCH 21

Moon continues in enthusiastic Aries. Idealism, goal-orientation, and communication are important. With our new directions, where are we headed? Women are featured now and for the next few days.

MONDAY MARCH 22

Aries Moon goes VOC at 10:13 a.m. EST, and remains off course for the remainder of the day. With Aries moon, we feel energetic, but with Moon VOC, we are apt to feel at loose ends. Keep busy, but don't begin a major project today. Security and priorities may be issues tonight.

TUESDAY MARCH 23

Moon is in productive Taurus, and do we produce! We can quickly make up for yesterday’s dilettantism. We’ll start early, and continue until late.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 24

Moon continues in steady Taurus, still with productive aspects. At 5:29 p.m. it goes VOC, and we can relax tonight with a good dinner, in a loving environment.

Finally, after nearly two weeks of all of us undergoing a deep inner alteration, Pluto turns retrograde, to regroup concerning its power strategies. Like so many important sky events during these times, this turn comes during a VOC time. This indicates that its consequences are unpredictable. At the time of its turn, Pluto, Lord of Evolution, is on the descendant in Washington DC, showing power relationships. Uranus is on the midheaven, showing independence, and Transpluto is at the bottom, showing resurrection. Saturn and Jupiter, the planets of business and government, are also prominent. The augur is for big change in Washington DC.

Thinking, communication, and propaganda are central to the power shifts in Washington. We may see a new, and quite possibly dirty (Pluto again), offensive emanating from the capitol.

The Sabian Symbol for Pluto’s turn at 23 Sagittarius is

"A GROUP OF IMMIGRANTS AS THEY FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS OF ENTRANCE INTO THE NEW COUNTRY. Consciously accepting the ways of a new stage of experience, in readiness for the opportunities it will present. As we pass any threshold leading to a new realm of existence we have to meet certain requirements and the necessity to adjust to new ways of life—in action, thought and feeling. At times this may seem an ordeal, but it is inevitable. Everything that will follow depends largely on how we cross this threshold, and on the spirit in which we meet unfamiliar and perhaps shocking experiences. We find ourselves in a period of TRANSITIION. We have to imitate, yet retain our inner integrity."

THURSDAY MARCH 25

Violence is apt to erupt somewhere during these next few days, following Pluto’s retrograde station. This could include violent weather, accidents, or earth changes. Not only is explosive Pluto prominent, but we have competitive Mars and disruptive Uranus moving into a challenging square, which culminates on Sunday.

This particular performance started last Sunday, when Mars moved into Gemini, the sign of the natal U.S. Mars. In the U.S., Mars is now, so to speak, coming home.

Today’s act begins when Moon moves into Gemini, at 12:35 p.m. EST, to add feeling to the fighting Mars energy. Not only does Moon conjoin Mars today, but at 6:36 p.m. Moon occults, or eclipses, Mars. This Mars eclipse is visible in northern regions around the world.

I’ve noticed that there is extra violence, and often stormy weather and earth changes around the periods when Moon occults Mars. I have Mars in my sixth house (place of health), and I have to watch my health carefully then, especially in regard to overdoing.

Today’s act continues tonight with Moon squaring Uranus, preparing the way for Sunday’s volatile Mars-Uranus square. Behavior today may tend to be primitive and impulsive.

FRIDAY MARCH 26

This Friday, Venus’ day, is another very eventful day. Gemini Moon, however, can keep up with the action. We will be busy, and we will be involved in important activities, perhaps life milestones.

Major turning points are related to changes in the status quo. For the nation, they can be health-promoting. However, the history of the seeds planted which are growing today shows that the nation now will tend, rather, to engage in life-destructive activities, with behavior such as the further promotion of missile defense. Visions are very important now. But what visions are guiding us? For each of us, events today may be related to events during the first half of June 2002.

SATURDAY MARCH 27

Moon continues in hyper Gemini, and goes VOC at 5:44 p.m. The building Mars-Uranus square adds to the rapid vibrations, and perhaps contributes vague feelings of apprehension. This is a good day for communicating important things. We can make breakthroughs in understanding.

SUNDAY MARCH 28

Moon moves into homey Cancer early this morning, and First Quarter Moon at 9 Cancer occurs at 6:48 p.m. EST. Aries just plunges on as though there were nothing else in the world but its goals. First quarter is breakthrough time, and Aries can remember now that it did come from family, that somewhere it does have a home, and that it appreciates nurturing. Yes, there are things too precious to lose, so let us not get completely carried away with risk-taking.

Saturn, who teaches the limits of society, is helping Aries to toe the line. It is very close to both Sun and Moon now, where it can help to put the brakes on Aries’ impulsiveness. Responsibility is Saturn’s forte, and it gives a big boost to Cancer’s nesting urges.

Cancer needs the security of a stable nest. Aries can work with Cancer to protect that nest. However, Aries will do this now by disrupting the status quo because its planet, Mars, is in stressful relation to unpredictable, revolutionary Uranus.

We have the forces for preservation and the forces for radical change both being expressed at this Quarter Moon. Tonight they may find a common meeting ground.

MONDAY MARCH 29

Moon remains in sensitive, reclusive Cancer. There are no aspects today, but Moon is not VOC. This means we have an opportunity to do our own programming, not dependent on what the world brings to us. We may want to be home, or in a home-type space at work, and alone. We can do something that is dear to our hearts, something that we really like to do.

TUESDAY MARCH 30

This morning we enjoy challenging communication, as well as challenging our own ideas. Moon goes VOC at 11:00 a.m., and enters Leo at 1:07 p.m. EST. Leo likes to dramatize, and is good at creating dramas and involving the audience. The day can be spontaneous and fun.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 31

The show must go on, and yesterday afternoon’s outgoing, expressive energy continues. Tonight Mercury enters Taurus, and an extra dose of sensuality is added to Leo’s fun and games.