This Week in Astrology: March 17 to 23, 2024

This Week in Astrology: March 17th to 23rd, 2024

 

March 17-23, 2024

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On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and by aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends

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The FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Sunday, March 17th, 2024, at 12:10 AM EDT. 

Very early on Sunday, the 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 can be a time of stress, clashing, and discord, but also of high energy, motivation, and growth.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 27 degrees and 4 minutes of Gemini square the Sun at the same degree of Pisces, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 25 to 29 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Pisces until the 19th, when the Sun enters Aries; Mercury is in Aries; Venus is in Pisces; Mars is in Aquarius until the 22nd, when Mars enters Pisces.

The Sun is in Pisces from February 18-March 19. 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 can include self-pity, a feeling of being victimized by life, passivity, and elusiveness.

While we may not always verbalize our feelings and impressions during this cycle, they’re strong and motivating. We prefer to believe and trust, giving things/people the benefit of the doubt until they prove us wrong. We might often tune out problems or conflicts rather than tackle them head on, hoping they will iron themselves out. Prosperity flows when we’re connecting with our heart, being kind, and helping others. The need to withdraw or retreat to restore our energy is strong from time to time.

The Sun is in Aries from March 19-April 19. 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, innovate, and come first.

Aries is a sign that bounces back quickly–there is little in the way of 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 Aries from March 9-May 15. 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.

There can be quick, possibly impatient or hurried, decisions during this cycle, and our responses are similar: quick and perhaps defensive or combative. We value independent thought, and we can be mentally competitive. executive decisions. We prefer to learn through personal experience, not instruction.

Venus is in Pisces from March 11-April 4. Venus in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach, as there is a longing for something that is difficult to define and hard to satisfy. Borders and boundaries blur under Venus in Pisces. The shadow side of this position is allowing ourselves to be deceived because we want to believe, as well as evasiveness. We should watch for falling in love with an idealized image of something or someone. It’s also important to watch for avoidant or indirect behavior.

Venus is exalted in Pisces and does well in the sign. It’s devoted, compassionate, exceptionally giving, and capable of sacrifice. We might refer heavily on our intuition with our finances and love life during this cycle. We gravitate to–and appreciate–unusual, tossed aside, poetic, artistic objects, situations, and people. We seek activities that move, inspire, or touch us.

Money may slip through our fingers, or we could ignore or overlook some of the practical elements of our lives now. However, finances improve if we connect with our otherworldly talents, imagination, desire to heal and serve, or sense of mission.

This transit is not particularly strong for resolve or determination, but it’s good for adaptability and increased understanding or acceptance.

Mars is in Aquarius from February 13-March 22. Dynamic yet erratic energy levels, achieving our goals through hit-or-miss tactics, and impersonal expressions of anger are characteristics of Mars in Aquarius. While we can be self-starters, we also believe in the team, cooperating, and reducing the emphasis on personal power.

During the Mars-in-Aquarius cycle, we are attracted to unconventional methods and tend to approach problems from an intellectual, detached perspective. We need space to get in touch with our own intuition and don’t appreciate being forced or coerced into going a certain way. This transit can be rebellious and obstinate if it feels constrained or labeled.

This is a cycle for inventing, reforming, and revolutionizing. We’re freeing ourselves from outdated patterns or traditions.

Mars is in Pisces from March 22-April 30. During this cycle, we are less interested in pursuing traditional goals and more motivated to pursue spiritual or emotional drives. We dislike confrontation while Mars is in Pisces. Our output is variable rather than straightforward, and our energy is similarly up and down.

We may prioritize others’ needs over our own, and our more idealistic side may emerge. During this cycle, pursuing what we want becomes less straightforward and more complicated!

However, compassion drives us while Mars is in Pisces. We can be spiritual warriors, or we achieve our goals intuitively and with faith. We can be chameleons, adapting to the current situation quite expertly, although we can also be escape artists, preferring to avoid rather than confront. Our behavior may be passive-aggressive, or we fight for ourselves through confusing or placating our opponent.

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Jupiter is in Taurus.

Jupiter begins its transit of Taurus on May 16th, 2023, and it will continue its transit of the sign until May 25th, 2024. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Taurus.

Saturn transits Pisces from March 7th, 2023 until May 24th, 2025, and Sep 1st, 2025, to Feb 13th, 2026. Read about Saturn’s transit of Pisces.

Uranus is in Taurus.

Uranus transits Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and then from March 6th, 2019, until 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn to free ourselves from certain material constraints. Innovative ways to make ourselves comfortable emerge. We’re less inhibited about expressing sensuality, self-love, body love, and pampering. Above all, we’re challenging what we previously valued during this cycle.

There can be abrupt changes with money, valuables, possessions, and income that lead to a reshuffling of priorities or values. Income might come from non-traditional sources or ventures. In general, we’re bringing progressive ideas to the world of business. New ways of doing business, as well as making, viewing, and handling money, are likely. Our income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Pluto transitions from Capricorn to Aquarius in 2023 and 2024. Read about Pluto’s transit of Aquarius. Pluto retrograded back into Capricorn, and was in Capricorn until January 20th, 2024. Pluto is in Aquarius from January 20th to September 1st, when it will retreat into Capricorn once again. Note: Pluto is slow-moving through the zodiac signs!

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Pisces from March 11-April 4. Like Aquarius, Pisces love is universal. However, Pisces draws no bounds in love. With Venus in Pisces, we have compassion (and perhaps attraction) for those who are left out, overlooked, or victimized. We are self-sacrificing, and we have a hard time setting up borders. The walls go down, we have a hard time saying no (especially if our compassion is engaged), but we are also prone to avoiding all that makes us feel uncomfortable.

Wishful thinking is one expression of Venus in Pisces. We can too easily believe what we want to believe. People can be hard to pin down, and love is hard to define under this influence. Pisces never sees the world in black-and-white terms. Rather, Pisces sees all the colors of the rainbow. With the goddess of love in Pisces, our love is all-embracing, we are able to forgive and understand, we are seducible and seductive, and we show compassion to our partners.

Venus in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach nevertheless, as there is a longing for something that is hard to define and hard to satisfy. Borders and boundaries blur under Venus in Pisces. The shadow side of this position is allowing ourselves to be deluded, as well as evasiveness.

This week: On Wednesday and Thursday, we might question our social or relationship commitments and more readily see areas of vulnerability. We’re getting serious about love and/or pleasure. We might be solidifying a relationship or making/questioning a commitment.

While there can be some realities and limitations to face in our relationships, this helps us grow and improve. We appreciate reliability and familiarity. In fact, on Saturday, we’re ready to give one another the benefit of the doubt, and we’re opening up our hearts. The theme is generous and hopeful in our relationships.

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

Venus in Pisces A martyr complex, a love for the underdog, a search for your soul mate: such are the experiences associated with the new cycle you’re now just beginning. A yen for soul-stirring romance, a weakness for the weak, and a tendency to idealize people and relationships … very aesthetic, very other-worldly.

Venus semi-square Chiron March 13-14. 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.

Venus contra-parallel Mercury March 20. We are voicing our feelings now, but we should be careful not to over-intellectualize our affections. We tend to analyze our feelings and relationships. Interactions bring up questions.

Venus parallel Saturn March 20. We may express our affection sparingly, but also responsibly and in practical ways. Relationships begun under this influence often feel burdensome over time, but they may last longer than most.

Venus conjunct Saturn March 20-21. Affections stabilize and mature. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. An air of formality is brought to personal and social relationships. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships comes now. A sense of duty may lead us to sacrifice a personal pleasure for a cause or for a loved one; thus we may have to abstain from personal gratification for the time being. Problems in personal relationships that have been swept under the carpet may surface now, and we are ready to face them. Dissatisfaction with loved ones becomes more glaring. Renewed ties to old friends or lovers are possible, or a new sense of responsibility in existing relationships.

Venus contra-parallel Chiron March 21. Others, and especially partners and love interests, have something to teach us. This is a time for identifying vulnerable areas.

Venus sextile Jupiter March 23-24. This aspect generates a happy, friendly, and optimistic attitude. People are a little more outgoing and sociable. Favors travel, education, and culture. Romantic opportunities. Harmony and good will.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Saturday, March 17th, from 12:43 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer at 5:40 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, March 19th, from 2:52 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Leo at 3:33 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, March 22nd, from 2:34 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mars), until the Moon enters Virgo at 3:42 AM EDT.

March 2024:

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

It’s important to note that there are more factors to consider in addition to the windows listed below. The following windows are starting points. For example, you generally don’t want to elect a new venture when a very challenging aspect is applying, and it’s preferable to elect a time when a particularly positive aspect hasn’t yet perfected (is applying rather than separating).

The Moon is waxing this week, which 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 this week from Monday, March 18th, at approximately 11:30 AM EDT, until Tuesday, March 19th, at approximately 2:50 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Cancer. There are no retrogrades during this window, although the Sun is just on the verge of changing signs to Aries (we are at the tail-end of the astrological year).

See also the following articles and tables: Timing with the Moon and Opportunity Periods with the Void Moon for times and techniques.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Jan 20
, 2024, 9:07 AM, Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 20, 2024, 7:56 PM, Pluto enters Aquarius
Jan 23, 2024, 3:50 AM, Venus enters Capricorn
Jan 27, 2024, 2:35 AM, Uranus Direct at 19 Tau 05
Feb  5, 2024, 12:10 AM, Mercury enters Aquarius
Feb  6, 2024, 3:04 AM, Pallas enters Sagittarius
Feb  7, 2024, 6:08 AM, Ceres enters Capricorn
Feb  8, 2024, 4:43 AM, Vesta Direct at 21 Gem 45
Feb 13, 2024, 1:05 AM, Mars enters Aquarius
Feb 16, 2024, 11:05 AM, Venus enters Aquarius
Feb 18, 2024, 11:13 PM, Sun enters Pisces
Feb 23, 2024, 2:29 AM, Mercury enters Pisces
Mar  9, 2024, 11:03 PM, Mercury enters Aries
Mar 11, 2024, 5:50 PM, Venus enters Pisces
Mar 19, 2024, 11:06 PM, Sun enters Aries
Mar 22, 2024, 7:47 PM, Mars enters Pisces
Mar 29, 2024, 9:18 AM, Pallas Retrograde at  8 Sag 36
Mar 31, 2024, 6:56 AM, Vesta enters Cancer
Apr  1, 2024, 6:14 PM, Mercury Retrograde at 27 Ari 13

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).

See also: The Astrology of 2024 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Sun conjunct Neptune. We are extremely sensitive to the moods and undercurrents around us. We make judgments intuitively and instinctually. We may have a hard time defining our actions and our goals, perhaps losing sight of reality and reason. Flexible morals. Increased spiritual awareness, imagination, and inspiration.

Sun semi-square Jupiter. We may feel vague restlessness and discontent with life as it is. We want more, but perhaps too much. Overestimation, wastefulness, and exaggeration. Elevated moods, but unstable ones, as they may not be based on reality.

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 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.

Venus conjunct Saturn. Affections stabilize and mature. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. An air of formality is brought to personal and social relationships. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships comes now. A sense of duty may lead us to sacrifice a personal pleasure for a cause or for a loved one; or we may have to abstain from personal gratification for the time being. Financial discipline, realism, and maturity are possible now. We are more likely to be conservative when it comes to spending. Sound judgment may be exercised. Problems in personal relationships that have been swept under the carpet may surface now, and we are ready to face them. Dissatisfaction with loved ones becomes more glaring. Support from older people or authority figures may come by way of solid advice or tangible help. Renewed ties to old friends are possible, or a new sense of responsibility in existing friendships.

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. Explore Transit to Transit aspects.

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

See also: The Astrology of 2024 – Overview.

Astrology Chart of Today/Now in my Free Report section shows the current chart with interpretations.

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What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends

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

See also the Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trend overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

MARCH 17

Very early today, the First Quarter Moon occurs as the Sun in Pisces forms a square with the Moon in Gemini. It can be a time of stress, clashing, and discord, but also high energy, motivation, and growth. We become especially aware of obstacles to our goals. The Moon moves from verbal, connected Gemini to sensitive and dedicated Cancer at 5:40 AM EDT. The Sun aligns with Neptune this morning, and with this yearly conjunction, we find meaning in our experiences more readily than usual. We’re tuned in, inspired, and charitable. This combination makes us vastly more aware of the undercurrents surrounding us. We make judgments intuitively and instinctually. We might resist defining our actions and goals; instead, we seek alternate ways of connecting with our dreams. Our morals may be flexible as we tend to stretch our usual boundaries. This transit stimulates and enhances spiritual awareness. It’s a generally good time to connect with our dreams, ideals, and romantic or spiritual selves.

The Moon is void from 12:43 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Cancer at 5:40 AM EDT.

MARCH 18

With today’s Venus-Uranus quintile, we notice and appreciate the more unique elements of people, situations, and projects. Mercury aligns with the true North Node of the Moon today, and learning, teaching, and communicating figure strongly. We might make valuable contact with people who share our intellectual interests or introduce us to new ideas that help us grow, improve, and expand. Or, we connect with information that similarly moves us forward and challenges us to grow. But with the Moon in Cancer all day, we’re looking for safety, familiarity, warmth, and sustenance. This transit encourages us to center ourselves and let go of overthinking. We crave a stronger sense of belonging. With a Mars-Vesta aspect also in play today, we more easily direct our energies into meaningful activities.

MARCH 19

The Moon continues its transit of Cancer until 3:33 PM EDT, harmonizing with the Pisces Sun not long before the Sun moves on to Aries. We seek calm and cooperation. Home, family, and familiar settings or situations appeal more than usual. The Leo Moon from 3:33 PM forward is more outgoing, direct, and performative. The Sun forms a semi-square with Jupiter, suggesting some overestimation of our energy or motivation levels. We want to grow, improve, and expand, and it may be necessary to push some boundaries now, but it’s best to do so gently. Tonight, the Sun enters pioneering Aries, marking the time of the Spring equinox and the start of the astrological New Year. The Sun will transit the sign of Aries until April 19th. We’re enthusiastic and spontaneous during this cycle, and we can be motivated by the desire to conquer, initiate, or pioneer. We are impulsive, and we want to come first and innovate. Aries is a sign that bounces back quickly and is often without pause for regret. We are direct, brave, and relatively uncomplicated in our needs, but we can also be short-sighted or impatient.

The Moon is void from 2:52 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Leo at 3:33 PM EDT.

MARCH 20

Today’s Leo Moon brings a burst of determined yet playful and creative energy to our lives. We can’t help but take pride in our accomplishments and feel ready to shine. While some of our discoveries, musings, and conversations may be slightly uncomfortable with a Mercury-Chiron alignment, we’re open to the opportunities for learning and healing that they bring. We may find ourselves desiring to talk or think through our feelings, sensitivities, issues, and concerns, and our intuitive understanding is heightened. This transit encourages us to embrace new perspectives and learn from one another and our circumstances. We are incredibly open to new ways of looking at problems or life in general, and we’re more attuned than usual to communication nuances.

MARCH 21

Today’s transits are stabilizing. A Sun-Pluto sextile puts us in a renovating spirit–we seek more depth from our activities and connections. It subtly increases our determination, ambition, and dedication. Making improvements or working toward a personal goal can be successful now. With this transit, we tend to direct our energy constructively and seek new insight into our lives.

Also today, Venus aligns with Saturn, and we seek clarity. We’re more thoughtful about our attachments and affections. Regarding finances and relationships, we may need to limit a pleasure or indulgence or sacrifice a material benefit for a spiritual one (or vice versa). Extravagances can catch up with us, and buckling down is necessary. Still, we might feel good about making a mature choice now. We may experience a new sense of realism in our relationships. It can also be a time for bonding more strongly with loved ones by sharing responsibility, concerns, or dilemmas. We might face reality about our finances, a personal belief, or a love/social matter. A commitment is possible now, or there can be a “test” to an existing commitment. With a Venus-Saturn parallel reinforcing this energy, we take our interactions, pleasures, relationships, and money more seriously today.

MARCH 22

The Moon moves into the sign of Virgo at 3:42 AM EDT, and we want to tidy up our affairs. Keeping busy and making headway satisfies us more than usual. Still, Mars enters Pisces today and will transit the sign until April 30th. Idealism comes to the fore. During this cycle, we might de-emphasize some of our traditional goals, and we can find ourselves more motivated to pursue spiritual or emotional drives. We dislike confrontation, and we may often put others’ needs ahead of our own. We’re helpful and service-oriented. Our output is variable rather than straightforward, and our energy is similarly up and down. As well, our desires and methods to achieve our goals are more complex in the weeks ahead. We tend to run on intuition and instinct before taking action.

The Moon is void from 2:34 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mars), until the Moon enters Virgo at 3:42 AM EDT.

MARCH 23

The Moon spends the day in helpful, service-oriented Virgo. We’re more focused on the details of our lives than the larger goals. This gives us the chance to manage essential tasks that help fortify and support our endeavors. Virgo’s particular or fussy side is more prominent this morning when the Moon’s oppositions to Venus and Saturn suggest a tug-of-war with our obligations or limitations. Establishing the order that a Virgo Moon craves is challenging with such distractions. However, as the day advances, the Moon’s connections encourage confidence, innovation, and openness. We can feel pleasantly motivated to take care of business and get organized.

 

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, spirited, 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, cafes, light and airy meetings, 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.

 

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

 

 

What’s In Your Forecast?

Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.

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BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT

See also:

The Astrology of 2024 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits