This Week in Astrology

New Moon on Monday, March 15th, 2010, at 5:01 PM EDT.

On Monday afternoon, a new cycle begins. The Aquarius New Moon cycle ends and the Pisces New Moon cycle begins. The New Moon in Pisces is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Fish. These include taking a leap of faith, accepting imperfections in ourselves and in others as a different kind of "perfection", starting a project that requires imagination and visualization skills, consciously putting time aside for peaceful and rejuvenating activities, and sharing a dream with another. With this potent Pisces energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives.

This month's New Moon is conjunct electric Uranus and rational Mercury. Emotions can build up very suddenly under this influence. New commitments and resolutions made now need to be unusual, nontraditional, and certainly not monotonous. Sudden new insights into old problems can arrive with suddenness. It's time to make some solid yet realistic plans, and to set the stage for reaping the rewards from our new beginnings, as little or big as they may be, in approximately two weeks' time after the Full Moon occurs.

Release comes through humbling ourselves to the idea that things will work out. We do not need to be "on" all the time. Give yourself a break from daily pressures, and surrender yourself to the idea that "what will be, will be", at least for the time being.

One of Pisces' "lessons" is to release some of the anxiety that takes control of our everyday lives. So, for example, if someone is blocking your way in the grocery store, tell that person, "Take your time", and mean it! If that statement might be taken as sarcasm, don't say it out loud, but think it. You might "lose" 20 seconds of your time waiting for that person to move out of the way, but you will have saved yourself the stress and negativity that comes from allowing yourself to get annoyed and impatient. Same goes for drivers who take your turn at a stop sign. Let it go. Smile at the driver, instead of throwing your hand up in protest, or at the very least, smile to yourself. There is no need to get worked up. These are "little things" that, if practiced often enough, will actually condition you to understand and apply Pisces lessons in more substantial or far-reaching ways.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 25 degrees and 10 minutes of Pisces, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 20 to 30 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

The Sun is in Pisces; Mercury is in Pisces until Wednesday, when it enters Aries; Venus is in Aries; Mars is in Leo.

The Sun is in Pisces from February 18-March 20. With the Sun in Pisces, we are guided by altruistic feelings. We are less outwardly active, and more motivated by our instincts. A "what will be, will be" attitude reigns, and we are guided by a sense of universal correlations. Pisces rules empathy, selfless love, devotion, and wisdom. Its shadow side rules self-pity, a feeling of being victimized by life, passivity, and elusiveness.

The Sun is in Aries from March 20-April 20. In Aries, the Sun is enthusiastic and spontaneous. We are motivated by the desire to conquer. We are more impulsive, and have the urge to initiate. Aries is a sign that bounces back quickly--there is little shame with Aries. It is brave and pioneering, and somewhat innocent. We are direct and rather uncomplicated in our needs, but we can also be short-sighted and lack the desire to plan ahead.

Mercury is in Pisces from March 1-17. When Mercury is in Pisces, our thinking processes become visual, intuitive, and imaginative. We are more attuned to the world of emotion, and it colors both our thoughts and our communication style. We guess well, express ourselves with imagery, and make decisions intuitively.

Mercury is in Aries from March 17-April 2. When Mercury is in Aries, we are less concerned with objective viewpoints and explanations, and more concerned with reaching a decision...quickly! Our thoughts and ideas are pioneering, and we tend to speak more spontaneously and directly with the planet of communication in bold and assertive Aries.

Venus is in Aries from March 7-31. With Venus in Aries, love is spontaneous and direct. The chase is very exciting to us under this fiery influence. We are bold, fresh, and a little impatient when it comes to matters of the heart. We don't look back with Aries energy. We are not interested in saying sorry or dwelling on the past. It's a brand new day! It's time to make things work right now. Aries is known for a love of the chase and the conquest, but Aries love can be longstanding as long as it remains relatively fresh. Aries is blunt--there's no sugar-coating with Aries. This can sting, but rarely is Aries energy mean or petty. Saying it like it is is important to Aries. Desires are strong and expressed spontaneously, enthusiastically, and directly. Aries prefers to seduce rather than be seduced, to chase rather than be chased.

Mars is in Leo for an extended stay from October 16, 2009 to June 7, 2010. In Leo, Mars is proud, self-confident, and grand. We are spirited and have grand goals. We go after what we want in a direct, self-assured manner, desiring dramatic results. We prefer not to worry about details, and take the least complicated route to our goals. The sex drive is strong, and passion for life is high.

Jupiter entered Pisces on January 17th, and will stay in the sign until June 6, 2010. Read more about Jupiter's transit through Pisces here.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Aries from March 7-31. With Venus in Aries, love is spontaneous and direct. The chase is very exciting to us under this fiery influence. We are bold, fresh, and a little impatient when it comes to matters of the heart. We don't look back with Aries energy. We are not interested in saying sorry or dwelling on the past. It's a brand new day! It's time to make things work right now. Aries is known for a love of the chase and the conquest, but Aries love can be longstanding as long as it remains relatively fresh. Aries is blunt--there's no sugar-coating with Aries. This can sting, but rarely is Aries energy mean or petty. Saying it like it is is important to Aries. Desires are strong and expressed spontaneously, enthusiastically, and directly. Aries prefers to seduce rather than be seduced, to chase rather than be chased.

This week: From Tuesday to Thursday, we might experience some challenges in love that center around deception, self-deception, and the urge for a romantic ideal. Venus semi-squares Neptune and Chiron, and it might be challenging to not only see clearly but also to give of ourselves genuinely now.

Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:

Venus in Aries March 7-31. Romance at the drop of a hat is part and parcel of the cycle you have just begun. Winning the hearts of others can be a challenge you're eager to accept - and the thrill of the chase might be most of the fun. Is it the pursuit of happiness - or the happiness of pursuit?
Venus semi-square Neptune March 16-17. Romantic confusion as well as relationship ups and downs. Self-deceptions may come to light now.
Venus semi-square Chiron March 17-18. Love cannot be forced. This is not a commitment-friendly transit, as we may feel alienated for no apparent reason and unwilling to give of ourselves.

The Moon & Timing

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, March 15th, from 8:01 PM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mercury), until the Moon enters Aries the next day, Tuesday, March 16th, at 2:32 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Thursday, March 18th, from 7:23 AM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the Moon enters Taurus at 12:30 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Saturday, March 20th, from 3:41 PM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Gemini at 8:29 PM EST.

Void of Course Moon Table for March 2010:

Timing with the Moon - Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives

The Moon is waxing this week after the New Moon on Monday--a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). 

A window of opportunity occurs this week from Tuesday, March 16th, at approximately 2 PM EDT, until Thursday, March 18th, at approximately 7:15 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Aries.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

     
Jan 17th: Jupiter enters Pisces 9:10 PM
Jan 18th: Venus enters Aquarius 9:35 AM
Jan 19th: Sun enters Aquarius  11:28 PM
Feb 10th: Mercury enters Aquarius 4:06 AM
Feb 11th: Venus enters Pisces 7:10 AM
Feb 18th: Sun enters Pisces 1:36 PM
Mar  1st: Mercury enters Pisces  8:28 AM
Mar  7th: Venus enters Aries 7:33 AM
Mar 10th: Mars Direct 12:09 PM
    *** Daylight Saving Time begins ***
Mar 17th: Mercury enters Aries  12:12 PM
Mar 20th: Sun enters Aries  1:32 PM
Mar 31st: Venus enters Taurus 1:35 PM
Apr  2nd: Mercury enters Taurus  9:06 AM
Apr  6th: Pluto Retrograde 10:34 PM
Apr  7th: Saturn Retrograde enters Virgo 2:51 PM 
Apr 18th: Mercury Retrograde 12:06 AM
Apr 20th: Sun enters Taurus 12:30 AM
Apr 20th: Chiron enters Pisces 2:31 AM
Apr 25th: Venus enters Gemini 1:05 AM 
May 11th: Mercury Direct 6:26 PM



See also: The Astrology of 2010 - Overview

Note: Times given ET.

This Week's Calendar

Mercury conjunct Sun. We are especially sharp, communicative, and open at this time, as our wants are aligned with our thoughts. It's a favorable time for solving problems. What we say or write now has impact, for better or for worse!

Mercury conjunct Uranus. The ability to grasp intellectual concepts is high right now. Our intuition is spot-on, and we tend to have the right idea at the right moment. The senses may be overloaded, to the point that we are scatter-brained, impulsive, nervous, or impatient. If channeled well, however, our ideas are inventive, original, progressive, and unbiased.

Sun conjunct Uranus. A new cycle of independence, progressiveness, and change begins. We are more inclined to accept and appreciate all that is new, unusual, and avant garde. We have an opportunity to shine for what makes us unique. Favors the media, computers, metaphysical subjects. Restlessness and a need for change. Restriction is not tolerated now. Our egos are awakened and we seek new ways to express ourselves. There is a need to be creative and unique in our expression of self. This is usually a time to join with groups and/or to become a group leader. It's also an easy time to make new friends. Sudden, unexpected events can happen out of the blue.

Venus semi-square Neptune. Happiness is addictive under this influence. We tend to see what we want to see. Glossing over the more realistic points, details, and flaws of circumstances and of people provides us with instant gratification. However, it's wise to hold off on making important purchases, or natalizing a relationship until the veil lifts. Take care with legal, financial, and social involvements, contracts, or formal agreements under this dreamy influence.

Mercury trine Mars. Enthusiasm and energetic communications are likely now. We are productive and take "busy-ness" in stride. We are alert and aware, and can easily turn ideas into workable projects. Our communications are refreshingly direct and to the point, although not especially sympathetic. Our minds are sharp and quick.

Venus semi-square Chiron. Blocks to intimacy are possible now as we focus on differences rather than similarities in our relationships with others. We might have a hard time learning from one another as a result.

Mercury opposition Saturn. Our thought patterns take on a negative skew, as we think in pessimistic terms and we communicate sparingly or reluctantly. It's difficult to trust our instincts, and we second-guess things automatically under this influence. We may need to deal with red tape, re-doing tasks we thought we had finished, problems getting from point A to point B, delays in communication, negative thinking, hyper-sensitivity, and criticism.

Mercury square Pluto. The tendency to read between the lines with a negative slant is strong during this transit, and can easily stir up trouble. Suspiciousness, making mountains out of molehills, telling others only what we want them to know are possible themes. Mental anxiety or troubles could manifest now. We should try to avoid forcing our ideas on others and strive to maintain an open mind. Compulsive thinking is possible. On the other hand, this influence can suggest the ability to engage in deep, penetrating communication.

Last Week

Next Week

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs.

What's In Store By the Stars - Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on our site's main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

March 14
The Moon is in Pisces all day and is balsamic, with the New Moon occurring tomorrow afternoon. We are especially imaginative, and our intuition reigns under this influence. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges and blends. It's a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy description. Warm, friendly energy is with us late afternoon (ET) when the Moon aligns with Jupiter. It's a strong day for taking it easy, finishing off projects, and relaxing, but not for starting important new ones. Mercury conjuncts the Sun today, and we are especially open and communicative now. What we say or write now has impact, for better or for worse!

March 15
At 5:01 PM EDT, a New Moon occurs in the spiritual sign of Pisces. It's a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Fish. These include taking a leap of faith, accepting imperfections in ourselves and in others as a different kind of "perfection", starting a project that requires imagination and visualization skills, consciously putting time aside for peaceful and rejuvenating activities, and sharing a dream with another. With this potent Pisces energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives. This month's New Moon is conjunct electric Uranus and rational Mercury. Emotions can build up very suddenly under this influence. New commitments and resolutions made now need to be unusual, nontraditional, and certainly not monotonous. Sudden new insights into old problems can arrive with suddenness. It's time to make some solid yet realistic plans, and to set the stage for reaping the rewards from our new beginnings, as little or big as they may be, in approximately two weeks' time after the Full Moon occurs. Mercury conjuncts Uranus shortly after the New Moon, and the ability to grasp intellectual concepts is high. Our intuition is spot-on, and we tend to have the right idea at the right moment. Our senses may be overloaded, to the point that we are scatter-brained, impulsive, nervous, or impatient. If channeled well, however, our ideas are inventive, original, progressive, and unbiased.

A void of course Moon occurs from 8:01 PM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mercury), until the Moon enters Aries tomorrow, March 16th, at 2:32 AM EST.

March 16
The Moon enters the first sign of the zodiac, Aries, early into the day, at 2:32 AM EDT, offering us more fresh energy after a New Moon yesterday. A gut instinct to start something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. This may be especially true with the Sun and Mercury aligned with Uranus and Saturn in declination. There may be a desire to rebel against rules or anything that seems to curtail our freedom today. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

The Moon ends its void period at 2:32 AM EST, when it enters Aries.

March 17
Mercury enters Aries today, and will stay in the sign until April 2nd. When Mercury is in Aries, we are less concerned with objective viewpoints and explanations, and more concerned with reaching a decision...quickly! Our thoughts and ideas are pioneering, and we tend to speak more spontaneously and directly with the planet of communication in bold and assertive Aries. The Sun conjuncts Uranus today, and a new cycle of independence, progressiveness, and change begins. We accept and appreciate all that is new, unusual, and avant garde. We have an opportunity to shine for what makes us unique. Restriction is not tolerated now. Our egos are awakened and we seek new ways to express ourselves. There is a need to be creative and unique in our expression of self. Sudden, unexpected events can happen out of the blue. With Mercury trine Mars today, our communications are likely to be enthusiastic and energetic. Venus in semi-square to both Neptune and Chiron can point to glossing over the more realistic points, details, and flaws of circumstances and of people, which provides us with instant gratification but not true happiness. The Moon is in Aries all day.

March 18
Mercury opposes Saturn this morning, and our thought patterns might take on a negative skew. We might communicate sparingly or reluctantly, or hesitate frequently. It's difficult to trust our instincts, and we second-guess things automatically under this influence. We may need to deal with red tape, re-doing tasks we thought we had finished, problems getting from point A to point B, delays in communication, negative thinking, hyper-sensitivity, and criticism. It's a good time to revise plans rather than make new ones. The Moon shifts from assertive Aries to peace-loving Taurus at 12:30 PM EDT.

A void of course Moon occurs from 7:23 AM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the Moon enters Taurus at 12:30 PM EST.

March 19
The Moon is in constant Taurus all day, and we are more aware of our need to enjoy the sensual pleasures of life--eating, drinking, listening to music, and so forth. This may be especially true when the Moon sextiles Jupiter this afternoon, when happy feelings, the desire to "do good" and to honor our inner code, and faithfulness are likely. Our emotions are steady, and common sense rules when it comes to handling domestic matters, money, and work today. We tend to resist change and to fall back on old habits and patterns under this influence. It's a good day for relaxation and meditation, as tomorrow the Sun changes signs and a new cycle begins.

March 20
At 1:33 PM EDT, the Sun leaves Pisces and enters Aries, where it will stay until April 20th. In Aries, the Sun is enthusiastic and spontaneous. We are motivated by the desire to conquer. We are more impulsive, and have the urge to initiate. Aries is a sign that bounces back quickly--there is little shame with Aries. It is brave and pioneering, and somewhat innocent. We are direct and rather uncomplicated in our needs, but we can also be short-sighted and lack the desire to plan ahead. Mercury squares Pluto today, and our thinking and problem-solving skills are challenged. The tendency to read between the lines with a negative slant is strong during this transit, and can easily stir up trouble. Suspiciousness, making mountains out of molehills, telling others only what we want them to know are possible themes. We should try to avoid forcing our ideas on others and strive to maintain an open mind. Compulsive thinking is possible. On the other hand, this influence can suggest the ability to engage in deep, penetrating communication.

A void of course Moon occurs from 3:41 PM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Gemini at 8:29 PM EST.

Daily Trends Calendar

If it's your birthday today, see our feature, If Today is Your Birthday Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year.
 

Moon Signs This Week:
 

When the Moon is in Pisces

We are not inclined to want to face reality while the Moon is in dreamy, impressionable Pisces. It can be a wistful, sensitive, intuitive, and compassionate time. We are especially imaginative, and our intuition reigns under this influence. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges and blends. It's a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy description.

The Moon in Pisces generally favors the following activities: Imaginative undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, inner development, music and drama, going on a retreat, activities involving water.

When the Moon is in Aries

We're motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to start something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.

When the Moon is in Taurus

We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and "stop to smell the roses". Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence.

The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor.

When the Moon is in Gemini

Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.

The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, short trips.

When the Moon is in...Transits of the Moon through the Signs.

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