Last Week in Astrology Archive March 12-18/17

This Week in Astrology: March 12 to 18, 2017

March 12 to 18, 2017

With the Virgo-Pisces service axis involved, this Full Moon presses us to find a balance between day-to-day functions and routines, physical health, and the need for order (Virgo) and vision, spiritual health, disorder, and the infinite (Pisces). Virgo rules the tools and techniques that we use to deal with day-to-day life, while Pisces rules the tools that we use to deal with our spiritual selves. Some sort of crisis (which can be a crisis of consciousness) or sudden awareness of a lack in our lives provides us with a golden opportunity to explore our emotional needs within the context of the house polarity where the Full Moon occurs in our natal charts. This Full Moon urges us to strike a balance between work and service, practicality and impracticality, criticism and acceptance.

With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic “illumination” occurs in our own lives. However, these new feelings and revelations are emotional ones, as there is a sense of emotions bursting forth into our consciousness. It’s time to express ourselves and to let things out of our systems. Over the next two weeks, we will discover what this means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings. We need to express them. Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is not particularly rational as yet. This Full Moon occurs in Virgo around the time of a Mercury-Saturn square, and there can be criticisms or negative assessments involved with our discoveries and realizations.

Full Moon chart – March 12, 2017

This phase of the Moon occurs at 22 degrees and 13 minutes of Virgo forming an opposition with the Sun at 22 degrees and 13 minutes of Pisces, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 18 to 26 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Feb 26, 2017, 9:58 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Mar 5, 2017, 6:32 AM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Mar 12, 2017, 10:54 AM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Mar 20, 2017, 11:58 AM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Mar 27, 2017, 10:57 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

The Sun is in Pisces; Mercury is in Pisces until March 13th, after which it’s in Aries; Venus is in Aries; Mars is in Taurus.

The Sun is in Pisces from February 18-March 20. With the Sun in Pisces, we are guided by altruistic feelings. We are less motivated to do than we are to feel, imagine, and dream. 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.

Mercury is in Pisces from February 25-March 13. When Mercury is in Pisces, our thinking processes are more visual, intuitive, and imaginative. We are especially attuned to the world of emotion, which colors both our thoughts and our communication style. We guess well, express ourselves with imagery, and make decisions intuitively. We are more attracted to consciousness-raising information.

Mercury is in Aries from March 13-31. 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 February 3-April 2 and then April 28-June 6. 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 Taurus from March 9-April 21. With this position, we are determined, stubborn, and resolute. Mars in Taurus can be passive, and is at its strongest when resisting or defending something! In stark contrast to the impulsive Mars in Aries cycle, we tend to pursue our goals by plodding along patiently. Our goal is longevity and long-term satisfaction.

Saturn transits Sagittarius from December 23, 2014, to June 14, 2015, and then from September 17, 2015, to December 20, 2017. Read about Saturn’s transit through Sagittarius here.

Jupiter entered Libra on September 9th, 2016, and will transit Libra until October 10, 2017. Read about Jupiter in Libra here.

Uranus entered Aries on March 11th, 2011. The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong with Uranus in Aries.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Aries from February 3-April 2 and then April 28-June 6. 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: Venus is retrograde and continues to form few aspects. This week, Venus aligns with Mercury on Friday and Saturday. Tthere can be a lot of conversation about relationships, especially past ones. New light may be shed on an old problem.

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

Venus in Aries 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 parallel Mars March 10-11. Favors romantic and sexual relationships. Intense passions.

Venus conjunct Mercury March 17-18. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners.

The Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During Void of Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to stick to routine rather than to begin new projects. The last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is indicated here and is indicative of the “outcome” of the matter (whether that is a new project begun before the void period or the answer to a question in Horary Astrology). Void of Course in Horary Astrology: If you were asking a question and making a chart for the answer, as you do in Horary astrology, it is said that since the Moon is not looking forward to any more aspects in this sign, you would have to say that the answer is not forthcoming; any questions asked at this time would not come to pass. The Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in Horary Astrology.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, March 12th, from 10:37 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mercury), until the Moon enters Libra the next day, Monday, March 13th, at 1:29 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, March 15th, from 6:06 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 11:11 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, March 17th, from 5:57 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 11:00 PM EDT.

Void of Course Moon – March 2017

Void of Course Moon Table – March 2017

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

The Moon is waning this week after the Full Moon on the 12th — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, there are no clear windows of opportunity this week.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Jan 28, 2017 12:39 AM
Mars enters Aries
Feb 3, 2017 10:51 AM Venus enters Aries
Feb 6, 2017 1:52 AM Jup Rx
Feb 7, 2017 4:35 AM Mercury enters Aquarius
Feb 18, 2017 6:31 AM Sun enters Pisces
Feb 25, 2017 6:07 PM Mercury enters Pisces
Mar 4, 2017 4:09 AM Venus Rx
Mar 9, 2017 7:34 PM Mars enters Taurus
*** Daylight Saving Time begins ***
Mar 13, 2017 5:07 PM Mercury enters Aries
Mar 20, 2017 6:29 AM Sun enters Aries
Mar 31, 2017 1:30 PM Mercury enters Taurus

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day.
See also: The Astrology of 2017 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar - March 12 to 18, 2017

This Week in Astrology Calendar – March 5 to 11, 2017

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury square Saturn. Getting from point A to point B can be a challenge during this transit due to obstacles. Communications may be blocked or delayed, and negative thinking could dominate at this time. Projects we thought were complete may need revision, and others could appear overly critical, insensitive, or sarcastic. It’s difficult to trust our instincts, and we second-guess things automatically under this influence. Avoid signing on the dotted line at this time.

Sun conjunct Chiron. An opportunity to find a sense of purpose or a “mission” arises now, increasing our confidence. Alternatively, we might face life lessons that get us in touch with the insecurities that hold us back from feeling confident. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong. Problem-solving is favored.

Sun square Saturn. As we face obstacles to our goals, we begin to see the tools with which we have to overcome them. A heavy dose of realism seems forced upon us under this influence, but our efforts to measure up to expectations can ultimately increase our confidence in our ability to be responsible for ourselves. This influence is a somber one.

Mercury conjunct Venus. Lighthearted conversations, sociability, humor, cooperation. Good time for socializing and for communicating with ease, telling others how we feel, and negotiating. Mentally, we’re not as disciplined as usual, as we prefer to chat with others and to think about more “pleasant” things than work. Generally favorable for commerce.

Last Week

This 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. See also Transit to Transit aspects.

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe.

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 12

A Full Moon occurs in the sign of Virgo today at 10:55 AM EDT. The Full Moon is a time of culmination. Emotions run high. With the Sun in Pisces opposite the Moon in Virgo, we would do well to strike a balance between day-to-day functions and routines, physical health, and the need for order (Virgo) and vision, spiritual health, disorder, and the infinite (Pisces). Virgo rules the tools and techniques that we use to deal with day-to-day life, while Pisces rules the tools that we use to deal with our spiritual selves. A sudden awareness of a lack in our lives provides us with a golden opportunity to explore our emotional needs. This Full Moon urges us to strike a balance between work and service, practicality and impracticality, criticism and acceptance. There can be announcements, proclamations, and epiphanies now. Also today, Mercury forms a square to Saturn. There can be criticisms or negative assessments involved with our discoveries and realizations. Projects we thought were complete may need revision. We can be temperamental and sensitive, yet also given to criticizing. Communication blocks or challenges are possible. Look for motivation to make changes rather than focus too heavily on flaws and limitations.

A void of course Moon occurs from 10:37 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mercury), until the Moon enters Libra the next day, Monday, March 13th, at 1:29 AM EDT.

MARCH 13

The Moon finishes its transit of Virgo at 1:29 AM EDT and enters Libra. The Libra Moon is accommodating and relationship-oriented. We’re looking for balance now. The Libra Moon’s opposition to Venus in Aries tonight can present a dilemma as we struggle with craving companionship as well as independence. These appear to be at odds now, although a compromise is within reach. Meanwhile, Mercury enters Aries where it will transit until March 31st. During this cycle, we are less concerned with objective viewpoints and explanations, and more concerned with reaching a decision…quickly! Our thoughts and ideas are pioneering – we want to be the first to know and say – and we tend to speak more spontaneously and directly with the planet of communication in bold and assertive Aries.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Libra at 1:29 AM EDT.

MARCH 14

The Sun and Chiron meet in the sign of Pisces today, and this can pull up an opportunity to find a sense of purpose, increasing our confidence. Alternatively, we might face life lessons that get us in touch with the insecurities that hold us back from feeling confident. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and others is strong now, and problem-solving is favored. This can be a time of building faith or confidence in our skills and talents. We can experience a stronger desire to seek out meaning, wisdom, and mental stimulation. The Moon transits Libra all day, stimulating our desire for peace, harmony, and companionship. However, it feeds into an ongoing T-square, adding the need to shake things up and make changes in order to get to a better place in our relationships.

MARCH 15

The Moon continues its transit of Libra until 11:11 AM EDT. Balance is what Libra seeks, and we can be especially sensitive to anything that seems out of whack under this influence. The Moon’s sextile to Saturn this morning encourages us to do what it takes to bring more order to our domestic life or emotional world. The Moon leaves fair-minded Libra and enters Scorpio at 11:11 AM. The Moon in Scorpio urges us to uncover our power, and it’s an excellent time to rid ourselves of old fears and limiting habits. Avoiding manipulative tactics, brooding, and suspiciousness helps us make the best of these energies. The Moon’s opposition to Mars this evening is competitive, and there can be some tension and impatience with others.

A void of course Moon occurs from 6:o6 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 11:11 AM EDT.

MARCH 16

The energy of today’s Scorpio Moon can be provocative as well as passionate, strong-willed, and intense. We’re inclined to look for hidden messages or layers to situations now. We’re drawn to experiencing and understanding the hidden elements of our lives, as well as to mysteries and complexities. The Moon’s trine to Neptune towards midday encourages creative imagining. There can be new or easy understanding of our feelings and impressions and a greater understanding of, or compassion for, others’ plights.

MARCH 17

The Sun forms a square to Saturn today, and we should use this time to double-check our work or to make refinements to our plans. If we’ve neglected our duties, we’re put in our place now. As we face obstacles to our goals, we begin to see the tools with which we have to overcome them. We may have to face reality or take into account a practical consideration, but our efforts to measure up to expectations can ultimately increase confidence in our ability to be responsible for ourselves. This may lead to a useful discussion about or examination of the past tonight or tomorrow. The Moon continues its transit of Scorpio most of the day, moving into Sagittarius at 11:00 PM EDT.

A void of course Moon occurs from 5:57 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 11:00 PM EDT.

MARCH 18

Mercury’s conjunction to Venus this morning can bring a light, detached feel to our interactions. We are able to communicate with more ease, telling others how we feel, and negotiating. The Sagittarius Moon supports this alignment today. Mentally, we’re not as disciplined as usual, as we prefer to chat with others and to think about more “pleasant” things than work. With Venus retrograde, there can be a tendency to talk about and analyze past relationships or problem areas in our relationships.

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 Virgo

We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In an urge to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice the smaller parts that make up the whole, and instead of letting nagging details bother us, we might work on ironing them out so that we can feel more confident moving ahead.

The Moon in Virgo generally favors the following activities: Mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.

When the Moon is in Libra

Creating order is the focus, not necessarily through tidying or organizing as was the case while the Moon was in Virgo, but rather through pleasing interactions with others and aesthetics in our environment. We tend to solve problems through diplomacy, and we are more able to put aside our own emotions in order to achieve the peace we crave. The tendency now is to avoid direct confrontations. Decisions do not come easily. Seeing both sides to any given situation is the main reason for hesitation. Fear of losing others’ approval is another.

The Moon in Libra generally favors the following activities: Relationship and partnership issues, activities involving teamwork and cooperation, activities that involve self-examination, activities related to beauty.

When the Moon is in Scorpio

Intensity is what the Moon in Scorpio is all about. Whether it’s passion, elation, sorrow, or desire, emotions are felt on a deeply personal level. We are motivated by the desire to get to the bottom of things, and we instinctively read between the lines. Superficiality won’t work for us now. The Moon in Scorpio urges us to uncover our own power, and it’s an excellent time to rid ourselves of old fears and limiting habits. It can be an intimate and passionate time. Avoid manipulative tactics, brooding, and suspiciousness.

The Moon in Scorpio generally favors the following activities: Taxes, accounting, intimacy issues, psychological examinations, research, self-examination, getting rid of old things.

When the Moon is in Sagittarius

The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don’t want to plan ahead, and prefer to “wing it”.

The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous activities that involve “winging it”, travel, higher education, starting publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.

This Week’s Planetary Positions By Sign (General Trends)

Sun in Pisces The mystic, the martyr, the sinner, and the saint: these archetypes take on greater importance in your life at a time like this. Forgiveness, compassion, and understanding come naturally, when you look at life from an eternal perspective – and if anyone ever does know such things, you’ll probably come to understand them as this cycle unfolds. This can be a phase of sublime spiritual development, to be sure. But you should be aware of tendencies to believe too quickly, too deeply, or to become dependent on things or people that seem to offer quick and easy answers to life’s deepest yearnings.

Mercury in Pisces Knowing things without knowing how you know them is typical at a time like this. The mystical, the universal, the eternal: these are the things that stir your curiosity. Call it psychic, call it deja vu … it can be there when you call on it, whatever you call it. (Remembering the little things might become more difficult, however: it’s tough to remember if you paid the electric bill when you’re more interested in the eternal verities.)

Mercury in Aries New ideas and an independent or pioneering mental orientation take on more importance in your life at this time. Teaching, learning, communicating, and social contact have a way of outlining new directions in your life now, and there is much activity and involvement with these kinds of issues.

Venus in Aries 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?

Mars in Taurus Making the most of what you’ve got, striving for security and stability: that’s the impulse that stirs in you as a new cycle begins in your life. New frontiers? That’s kid’s stuff for you now! What you want is to build something that will last: a pyramid, a Great Wall – you know, that sort of thing. Steady, patient, solid: that’s your style now.

Jupiter in Libra The ties that bind, the harmonious integration of opposites, the perfect balance: these are the keys to your greatest opportunities now. Marriage and other close personal relationships tend to offer bright prospects, and you have a deep yearning to experience the fulfillment they can bring.

Saturn in Sagittarius The new phase now beginning in your life brings a need to break out of narrow concepts and legalistic philosophical or religious ideas. Remember: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.” Opportunities to broaden your mental horizons may not come with ease, but they are essential if you are to avoid a kind of spiritual stagnation.

Uranus in Aries A clean break with the past in some respects is signaled by the cycle you have just begun. What YOU need, YOUR freedom and independence, shattering old molds: these are the things that energize you and take priority in your life. Uniqueness and originality set you apart.

Neptune in Pisces Things spiritual and psychic take the driver’s seat of your imagination as you begin a new cycle. The fine arts and all manner of fantasies assume a larger-than-life importance. Surrendering to fate, karma, and other powers greater than merely mortal may be seen as the ultimate liberation. If all is Maya (illusion), what is the reality that gives rise to the world of appearances?

Pluto in Capricorn As this new phase dawns for you, the pursuit of social/political power and status has a way of seeming necessary and inevitable – and let nothing stand in its way. It starts out small but has bigger consequences than you’d think. Ambition, responsibility, a place for everyone and everyone in their place…

The interpretations in this box are from the Day Watch software.

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