This Week in Astrology: March 19 to 25, 2017

March 19 to 25, 2017

Midday Monday, the Last Quarter Moon is exact when the Sun in very early Aries forms a square with the Moon in Capricorn. The Last Quarter Moon phase points to some sort of crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we disperse our knowledge and come to a point when we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon, when something new is born once again. This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes a descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. What revelations did you have last week? What did they mean for you? What can be done now?

This phase of the Moon occurs at 0 degrees and 14 minutes of Capricorn forming a square with the Sun at 0 degrees and 14 minutes of Aries, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 28 to 30 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) and 0 to 2 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

A FULL MOON occurred on Sunday, March 12, 2017, at 10:54 AM EDT.

A Full Moon occurred in the sign of Virgo on Sunday morning. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time–a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

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 occurred 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 until March 20th, when it enters Aries; Mercury is 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.

The Sun is in Aries from March 20-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. 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 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, however, Venus aligns with the Sun (inferior conjunction) on the 25th, and relationship issues are magnified. This event has similar energy to a New Moon and marks the beginning of a new Venus cycle. We are symbolically in the dark during the retrograde, but starting fresh and re-energized from this date forward. Impulsiveness and lack of preparation are issues now.

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

Venus conjunct the Sun March 24-25. Good relating is the focus, although some may find this energy superficial in that surface charm, diplomacy, and harmony is the goal. The pursuit of pleasure is emphasized.

Venus parallel Mercury March 24-25. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.

Venus parallel Uranus March 27-28. We embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit. Peculiar, sudden, or avant-garde attractions. This is an exciting but unstable energy. Friendship in love relationships becomes more important.

Venus semi-square Mars March 31-April 1. Tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging.

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 20th, from 6:38 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Saturn), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 11:31 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, March 22nd, from 9:20 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 10:29 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, March 25th, from 1:57 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Pisces at 6:07 AM 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 — 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, from Thursday, March 23rd, at approximately 6:25 PM to Saturday, March 25th, at approximately 1:55 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Aquarius (better after 9:45 AM on Friday, March 24th). Note 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 Jupiter Retrograde (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 Retrograde (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
Apr 2, 2017 8:25 PM Venus Retrograde enters Pisces
Apr 6, 2017 1:06 AM Saturn Retrograde
Apr 9, 2017 7:14 PM Mercury Retrograde
Apr 15, 2017 6:18 AM Venus Direct
Apr 19, 2017 5:27 PM Sun enters Taurus
Apr 20, 2017 8:48 AM Pluto Retrograde
Apr 20, 2017 1:37 PM Mercury Retrograde enters Aries
Apr 21, 2017 6:32 AM Mars enters Gemini
Apr 28, 2017 9:13 AM Venus enters Aries
Apr 29, 2017 11:40 AM Ceres enters Gemini
May 2, 2017 7:53 PM Vesta enters Leo
May 3, 2017 12:33 PM Mercury Direct
May 9, 2017 2:28 PM True Node Retrograde enters Leo
May 16, 2017 12:07 AM Mercury enters Taurus
May 20, 2017 4:31 PM Sun enters Gemini

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 Table: March 19 to 25, 2017

This Week’s Aspects

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.

Mars semi-square Chiron. We can be easily offended under the influence of this transit. Touchiness. Difficulties expressing our anger or desires in a direct manner.

Mercury opposition Jupiter. In an attempt to attach greater meaning to our thoughts and ideas, we may exaggerate, overstate, or overestimate. We strive to find both meaning and purpose to our lives. However, it is all too easy to miss or neglect important details. Our ideas and plans may be too grandiose just now. Lack of clear mental focus, but we may make measurable progress if we can focus.

Venus conjunct Sun. We are motivated by the desire to strike a balance in our relationships and in our environment. Smooth negotiations with others. Graciousness, diplomacy, charm, and some superficiality. This is a good period for social affairs, pleasure, amusement, and romance, all things considered.

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 19

The Moon is in Sagittarius all day, and we require less prompting than usual to get moving and to experience life. Bored with the mundane, breaking the routine is appealing now. A change of scenery is in order today. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy an emotional need. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. The Moon harmonizes with Jupiter and Uranus today, stimulating our need for change, progress, and improvement.

MARCH 20

The Moon continues its transit of Sagittarius until 11:31 AM EDT when it enters Capricorn. The Sun enters Aries this morning, marking the time of the Spring equinox and the start of the astrological New Year, at 6:29 AM EDT. The Sun will transit Aries until April 19th. 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–it’s brave, eager, and pioneering. We are direct, and our needs are rather uncomplicated, but we can also be short-sighted and lack the desire to plan ahead. Towards midday, the Moon enters Capricorn and then shortly after that forms a square to the Sun. This is the Last Quarter Moon. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week‘s Full Moon, we come to a point where we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t. This process prepares us for next week’s New Moon when something new is born once again. It’s not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes a descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon.

A void of course Moon occurs from 6:38 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Saturn), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 11:31 AM EDT.

MARCH 21

The Moon is in Capricorn all day, harmonizing with Mars and Neptune and forming squares with Venus and Mercury. We can find it quite natural to pursue our goals and put plans into action. We’re both practical and intuitive today. A creative aspect between the Sun and Pluto in Capricorn today points to gaining an advantage or edge through design, solving problems, and willingness to challenge ourselves. We find it easy to pursue both personal and professional or practical goals. We’re also ready to put effort and extra work into pursuing our desires. This is a mostly strong day for concentration and focus, although in the hours surrounding the Moon’s square to Mercury this evening, we may be easily distracted. It can be challenging expressing what we intend.

MARCH 22

The Moon is in Capricorn most of the day (until 10:29 PM EDT). We are cautious and draw upon common sense when making decisions. Flexibility is not a strong point with this Moon position but can be useful with the morning’s Moon aspects. The Moon aligns with Pluto and gets in between the Jupiter-Uranus opposition, stimulating restlessness and fears of confinement or repression. From this tension, we can find the motivation to formulate new plans and strategies for improving our relationships, and the Moon is particularly resourceful in the sign of Capricorn. The Moon enters Aquarius at 10:29 PM EDT and encourages the seeking out of intellectual stimulation and unusual or unconventional experiences.

A void of course Moon occurs from 9:20 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 10:29 PM EDT.

MARCH 23

The Moon is in Aquarius all day. Mercury forms a square to Pluto today and is nearing an opposition to Jupiter, creating a T-square configuration. We require more breathing room to explore, get creative, and think freely. We might too easily jump to conclusions, however, and our senses may be overloaded to the point that we are nervous and paranoid. Mental anxiety or troubles could manifest now. Attempts to push our ideas onto others too intensely should be avoided. A Mars-Chiron semi-square adds some touchiness to the mix – assertion doesn’t come naturally now – and a Moon-Mars square this afternoon is rather volatile. These influences can pull up insecurities and fears that we’re not getting all the information we need or perceiving all that we need to. Compulsive thinking is possible. Ideally, we learn more about our vulnerabilities through our reactions.

MARCH 24

With a semi-square between Mars and Chiron early today, we may find it difficult to pursue our desires and assert ourselves directly. We might easily touch a nerve with others. Mercury in Aries opposes Jupiter this morning, and as we seek meaning, we may exaggerate, overstate, or overestimate. We need room to explore and create, to visualize new solutions to problems, and to express ourselves freely. Our ideas and plans are big, but lacking in details or practicality. There can be disagreements now with a tendency to play devil’s advocate. However, we can also be particularly hopeful and entertaining possibilities that we wouldn’t normally consider. From midday forward, the Aquarius Moon harmonizes with Jupiter, Mercury, and Uranus, and we’re enthusiastic and hopeful, playing with exciting ideas and making plans.

MARCH 25

The Moon continues its transit of Aquarius until 6:07 AM EDT, after which it moves through the sign of Pisces. The Sun and retrograde Venus align in Aries this morning, marking the middle of the Venus retrograde cycle and a new Sun-Venus cycle’s beginning. Relationship matters are in high focus and can feel fated, with an emphasis on issues and people of our past. We are motivated by the desire to come to some semblance of balance in our relationships and our environment. Our desire to impress, charm, smooth over differences, and placate others is enhanced. We can be symbolically in the dark when it comes to our feelings or relationships as a new cycle begins. This is a time for redefining what we want and need, particularly from relationships but also related to our material affairs and goals.

A void of course Moon occurs from 1:57 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Pisces at 6:07 AM EDT.

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 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.

When the Moon is in Capricorn

We become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We also instinctively are aware of the limitations of time. We are motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and manifestation are most important to us now. We are resourceful and don’t want to waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a very sober influence–even a depressing one. However, it can also be a productive time when we look reality in the eye.

The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments.

When the Moon is in Aquarius

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

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.

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.

Sun in Aries A new sense of self, a more assertive personal style, a more dynamic approach to life: these are the hallmarks of the cycle that begins for you now. Doubts fade into the background, and reserve is more and more a thing of the past. It’s time for action; your destiny is in your hands, rather than set apart. Full speed ahead (“and damn the torpedoes”) is your motto now, for better or for worse!

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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