Last Week in Astrology Archives March 5 to 11, 2017
March 5 to 11, 2017
On this Page:
This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends
A FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Sunday, March 5, 2017, at 6:32 AM EST.
On Sunday morning, a First Quarter Moon occurs, when the Sun in Pisces forms a square with the Moon in Gemini. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.
This phase of the Moon occurs at 15 degrees and 5 minutes of Gemini forming a square with the Sun at 15 degrees and 5 minutes of Pisces, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 13 to 17 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.
The NEW MOON/SOLAR ECLIPSE occurred on Sunday, February 26, 2017, at 9:58 AM EST.
On Sunday morning, an especially potent New Moon occurred in Pisces – potent because it’s a Solar Eclipse. Because this solar eclipse occurs in the sign of Pisces, imagination, service, dreams, ideals, and compassion will be in focus. This eclipse is about new beginnings when it comes to taking a leap of faith, our beliefs, the acceptance of imperfections, imagination and intuition, selfless service, and dreams.
This is a time when we should build our powers of acceptance, belief, and compassion; take a leap of faith–believe in something higher; start a creative, imaginative project; practice putting ourselves in others’ shoes, and let some things go (such as judgments, annoyances, and the like); revitalize ourselves through experiences that require imagination, compassion, or that simply represent a “break” from the routine; give ourselves selflessly through compassionate service; and to share a dream with others. For some of us, circumstances are such that we need to pay more attention to our spirituality.
We may find ourselves completely re-working the area of life ruled by Pisces in our charts. It’s a time to take special note of our dreams, as well as insights or thoughts/emotions that seem to come from “out of the blue”. These could be creatively inspiring. The range of emotions that Pisces registers is extraordinary, and this could be a time when we feel that enormous range. With Pisces’ opposite sign, Virgo, we are acutely aware of imperfections. We see the flaws around us and perhaps become very tense and irritable, or we work hard at fixing them. To Pisces, however, imperfection is beautiful. With the health and service axis (Pisces-Virgo) involved, health or work issues may come to the fore. As well, the ability to set boundaries when it comes to the services we render can become a major issue. Situations that test our faith, or magnify our fears and doubts, may be part of the picture. For some, a new “calling” will surface in the coming six months. A new line of work that better matches our inner nature, desire to serve, or emotional make-up may unfold in the months following this eclipse. We may discover that we need more rest and relaxation or attention to our spiritual nature than we are currently allowing ourselves.
Major developments in the personal areas ruled by Pisces are likely to occur over the course of the next 3-6 months. However, not everyone will feel the effect of the eclipse with the same intensity. Those whose personal planets are activated by the degree of the eclipse will feel its effects on a personal level. This is the final eclipse in a set that occurred along the Virgo-Pisces axis. To personalize the meaning of this eclipse in your life, see Solar Eclipse in Pisces.
This phase of the Moon occurred at 8 degrees and 12 minutes of Pisces, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 3 to 13 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces).
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, 9:54 AM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Mar 20, 2017, 10:58 AM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Mar 27, 2017, 9:57 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
(Times are Eastern)
The Sun is in Pisces; Mercury is in Pisces; Venus is in Aries; Mars is in Aries until the 9th, when Mars enters 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.
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 Aries from January 28-March 9. Mars feels at home in one of the signs that it rules, Aries, and therefore its power is boosted. Our energy is spontaneous, forward-looking, and even courageous under this influence. Our competitive spirit is well-developed, and our goal is to win! We are active, single-minded, and confident. Our actions are direct–we instinctively find the fastest way to get from point A to point B. The shadow side of Mars in Aries is a tendency to be impatient, arrogant, impulsive, short-lived, unreflective, and self-centered.
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 now retrograde and continues to form few aspects. This week, Venus is parallel Mars on the 10-11, favoring creative and romantic activities.
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 semi-square Mercury February 23. Communications between lovers may feel superficial or unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. We may be especially sensitive to what’s being communicated now.
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 Monday, March 6th, from 3:23 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Cancer at 7:55 AM EST.
VOC Moon on Wednesday, March 8th, from 10:01 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mars), until the Moon enters Leo at 11:47 AM EST.
VOC Moon on Friday, March 10th, from 12:07 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Virgo at 5:08 PM EST.
Void of Course Moon – March 2017
Timing with the Moon – Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives
The Moon is waxing this week — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).
According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs from Wednesday, March 8th, at approximately 11:50 AM EST, until Friday, March 10th, at 12:05 PM EST, while the Moon is in Leo. Keep in mind, however, that Venus is retrograde during this window.
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 Eastern Time (ET).
This Week’s Calendar
This Week’s Aspects
Mars semi-square Neptune. Disorganization, lack of drive, lack of forethought, impracticality, and carelessness. Energy and time are too easily wasted. Passive-aggressiveness. It’s hard to know what we want and where we’re headed under this influence.
Mars trine Saturn. Work takes on definite shape, and we can see results from our efforts. This gives us a sense of responsibility and a feeling of directedness and purposefulness. This is a good time to temper our energy and to exercise better judgment. A good time to get and feel organized. Seniority is favored now. Traditional methods work, and thoroughness brings rewards.
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 sextile Pluto. We possess more insight and psychological understanding than usual. We are willing to look beyond the surface of things and investigate further. Perhaps more importantly, we are more patient and strategic in our decision-making.
Sun sextile Pluto. Research brings rewards. We benefit now from strategy and keeping things to ourselves for the time being. Opportunities to find or renew something we had lost, and to gain some power are available now.
Mercury quincunx (inconjunct) Jupiter. We may have big ideas under this influence, but we may also overestimate our abilities or underestimate the situation. Avoid jumping into something without planning ahead, as important details are too easy to overlook. Also, avoid making promises you may not be able to fulfill, and read the fine print!
Mercury conjunct Chiron. Our intuitive understanding increases. This influence can stimulate us to open our minds and to learn from circumstances and from others. Sudden awareness spurs us to grow and improve. We are also more open to new ways of looking at problems or at life in general. There may be some hyper-sensitivity to what is communicated now, however.
Sun inconjunct (quincunx) Jupiter. The desire to experience something new or for more freedom to explore can amount to restlessness if we don’t know what it is we want. This is a time of adjustments, and perhaps of letting go of old habits, so that we can free ourselves up for different experiences.
Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).
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.
See also: The Astrology of 2017 – Overview.
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 5
A First Quarter Moon occurs when the Sun in Pisces forms a square with the Gemini Moon this morning. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Later today, Mars forms a trine with Saturn, which is a good influence for locking things down. We take a practical approach to our lives. We can have a stronger sense of responsibility and a feeling of directedness and purposefulness under this influence. It’s a good time to temper our energy, exercise better judgment, and get organized. Traditional methods work, and thoroughness brings rewards. Even so, we may need to get over a little slump with Mars and Neptune forming a semi-square this morning – a very different energy. We are extremely sensitive to the moods and undercurrents around us, which is in direct contrast to the Mars-Saturn influence that acts to toughen us up so that we tune out distractions. We may have a hard time defining our actions and our goals, perhaps losing sight of reality and reason. With Mars-Saturn in the equation, however, we might be able to combine imagination and method successfully.
MARCH 6
The Moon continues its transit of curious Gemini until 7:55 AM EST, after which it enters Cancer. The Cancer Moon is homey, emotional, and protective. Mercury and the Sun form a superior conjunction today, aligning in the sign of Pisces. We are exceptionally sharp, communicative, and open at this time, as our wants are aligned with our thoughts. What we say or write now has an impact, for better or for worse! This is a good time to fill in the details of recent ideas that have been forming and for turning recent emotional discoveries into something useful.
A void of course Moon occurs from 3:23 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Cancer at 7:55 AM EST.
MARCH 7
The Moon is in Cancer all day, and we crave a stronger sense of belonging. The Moon triggers an ongoing T-square involving Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto, and we can be especially emotionally involved with pressures we’ve been feeling to improve and grow. Mercury moves towards a sextile with Pluto, helping us to develop strategies and goals or giving us a sense of mental direction. This influence stimulates goal-oriented thinking. It’s a time for benefiting from focus, concentration, research, analysis, and strategy. We are willing to look beyond the surface of things and investigate topics more deeply.
MARCH 8
The Moon in Cancer forms a square to Mars this morning shortly before the Moon moves into the sign of Leo. This Moon-Mars square stirs up our need for action, activity, and challenges, but this can be disruptive or at odds with our emotional orientation. However, a Sun-Pluto sextile is forming – exact early tomorrow but in orb today – and can subtly increase our ambition, determination, and dedication. Making improvements or working toward a personal goal can be successful now. Opportunities to find or renew something we had lost, and to gain some power emerge now. We tend to direct our energy constructively and seek out new insight into our lives.
A void of course Moon occurs from 10:o1 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mars), until the Moon enters Leo at 11:47 AM EST.
MARCH 9
The Moon is in affectionate, proud Leo all day. Mercury forms a quincunx to Jupiter today (the Sun will do so on the 11th), and we may face a challenging decision. Our ideas don’t always feel exactly right under this influence – we can waver quite a bit now, unable to reach a wholly satisfying decision or conclusion. We may overestimate our abilities or underestimate the situation. Avoid jumping into something without planning ahead, as necessary details are too easy to overlook. Mars enters Taurus today and will transit the sign until April 21st. With this position, we are determined, stubborn, and resolute. Mars in Taurus can be a relatively passive influence but full-on 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. We’re looking for long-term satisfaction, although we can be particularly focused on creature comforts. With Venus retrograde for much of this transit, we can benefit from this more deliberate approach to pursuing our desires.
MARCH 10
The Moon continues its transit of Leo until 5:08 PM EST when it enters Virgo. In Leo, the Moon is generous and authoritative. We are open-hearted but also proud under this influence. The Virgo Moon is a more exacting and analytical influence that is also helpful and practical. This evening, the Moon supports Mars, newly in the sign of Taurus, stimulating productivity. Mercury aligns with Chiron tonight, and our intuitive understanding increases. This influence encourages us to open our minds and learn from circumstances and others. Sudden awareness spurs us to grow and improve. We are also more open to new ways of looking at problems or life in general. There may be some hyper-sensitivity to what is communicated now, however.
A void of course Moon occurs from 12:07 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Virgo at 5:08 PM EST.
MARCH 11
A Virgo Moon all day puts communications, organizing, and producing in the forefront. The Sun forms a quincunx with Jupiter today, which can point to some problems coming to satisfying conclusions or decisions, however. This influence can serve to contrast two very different drives and goals, and it can be difficult to know our next step as a result. The desire to experience something new, or for more freedom to explore, can amount to restlessness if we don’t know what it is we want. This is a time of adjustments, and perhaps of letting go of old habits so that we can free ourselves up for different experiences. A Venus-Mars parallel boosts our desire to merge and create. Relationships or connections are huge motivators now.
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 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 Cancer
The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.
The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.
When the Moon is in Leo
The Moon in Leo speaks to our “inner child”. It’s a warm, generous, whole-heartedly loving position. Pride keeps us from pettiness, but it can also prevent us from opening up and revealing how we are truly feeling. We are on stage, our feelings are grand, and we appreciate some drama in our lives. We are easily threatened by anything that seems to be impersonal. This is a time when we seek attention–when we want to stand out for our special qualities. It’s a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well.
The Moon in Leo generally favors the following activities: Creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.
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.
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.)
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 Aries Fresh challenges and initiatives light your fires now, as a new cycle begins in your life – lots of energy, a powerful urge to be first or come out on top. Away with the old and on to the new – let no one and nothing stand between you and your objective! Headstrong impulses and rash courage can take you far … sometimes in harm’s way, if you’re not careful.
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.
Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.
See also:
The Astrology of 2017 – Overview