This Week in Astrology: March 25 to 31, 2018

March 25 to 31, 2018

The Aries-Libra polarity is a relationship axis, where Aries represents “self” and Libra represents “other.” Where Aries is about self-assertion, Libra is about compromise. The energy of the Libra Moon is the awareness of the need for relationships and all that comes with maintaining them — compromising, negotiating, graciousness, and balancing. The Aries Sun, on the other hand, is self-assertive, leading, and personally courageous. This Full Moon urges us to strike a balance between meeting our personal needs and tending to the needs of a significant other, and between independence or autonomy and dependence or companionability. The Libra Moon is diplomatic, equality-minded, and fair-minded. The Aries Sun, however, values authenticity over tact and is energized by independent efforts. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict.

This Full Moon aligns with retrograde Mercury and squares Mars conjunct Saturn, and feelings can be frustrated now. We can have a hard time expressing ourselves. 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 emotions burst forth into our consciousness. It’s time to express ourselves and to let things out of our systems. Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is new and not particularly rational as yet. Full Moons are about exposing or illuminating issues that are already there, but that have not yet been dealt with. Where does the Full Moon fall by house in your natal chart? Read more here.

Full Moon in Libra Chart: March 31, 2018

This phase of the Moon occurs at 10 degrees and 45 minutes of Libra opposing the Sun at 10 degrees and 45 minutes of Aries, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 7 to 15 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Mar 17, 2018, 9:11 AM Sun Conjunct Moon
(New Moon)
Mar 24, 2018, 11:35 AM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Mar 31, 2018, 8:37 AM Sun opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Apr 8, 2018, 3:17 AM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Apr 15, 2018, 9:57 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

The Sun is in Aries; Mercury is in Aries; Venus is in Aries until March 31st, when Venus enters Taurus; Mars is in Capricorn.

The Sun is in Aries from March 20-April 19th. In Aries, the Sun is enthusiastic and spontaneous. We are motivated by the desire to conquer. We are more impulsive, and we 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 6-May 13. When Mercury is in Aries, we are less concerned with objective viewpoints and explanations, and more concerned with reaching a decision…quickly! Our thoughts and ideas are pioneering, and we tend to speak more spontaneously and directly with the planet of communication in bold and assertive Aries.

Venus is in Aries from March 6-31. 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.

Venus is in Taurus from March 31-April 24. In Taurus, Venus is very sensual (naturally), content, and possessive. We seek security and value that which lasts. Our appetite for pleasure is strong. Taurus values the here and the now as well as the world of the five senses. Tangible and physical expressions of love and romance are most important now. Holding on to someone we love is our tendency under Venus in Taurus. The shadow side of this is excessive possessiveness and treating our partners as objects that we own or want to own. On the financial side, Venus in Taurus looks for high-quality, solid, practical, and long-lasting items. Holding on to our possessions is more likely now.

Mars is in Capricorn from March 17-May 16. Mars in Capricorn is deliberate, persistent energy. We consider the future and the consequences before taking action during this cycle. Our energy is reliable and faithful. We are slow to anger but can be quite cold if we are frustrated. The shadow side of Mars in Capricorn is rigidity.

Saturn transits Capricorn from December 19/20, 2017, to March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here.

Jupiter entered Scorpio on October 10th, 2017, and will remain in the sign until November 8th, 2018. Read about Jupiter in Scorpio transit here.

Uranus entered Aries on March 11th, 2011, and will transit Aries until May 15, 2018, and then from November 6, 2018, to March 6, 2019. 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.

Mercury is retrograde this week.

Mercury’s Retrograde Cycle in Aries from March 22-April 15, 2018

Mercury’s shadow period begins/enters Rx zone: March 8, 2018, at 4° Aries 47′
Mercury stations and turns retrograde: March 22, 2018, at 16° Aries 54′ Rx
Mercury stations and turns direct: April 15, 2018, at 4° Aries 47′
Mercury ends its shadow period/leaves Rx zone: May 3, 2018, at 16° Aries 54′

Times are Eastern

Mercury is retrograde from March 22nd to April 15th. Mercury’s shadow period begins March 8th, 2018, and ends May 3rd, 2018.

Note that Mercury’s post-retrograde shadow is generally better for new long-term endeavors than the pre-retrogrades shadow. For new enterprises in the pre-retrograde shadow, the venture’s secondary progressed Mercury will turn direction (retrograde) in the coming years, and this may not be ideal.

Also note that things are most wonky on the days of the stations whether Mercury is turning retrograde OR direct (the start and end date of the retrograde cycle) as the shifts occur, after which we grow more accustomed to the energy.

Mercury is retrograde approximately three times a year for approximately three weeks each time. As such, retrograde Mercury is a fairly common occurrence (Mercury is retrograde approximately 18% of the time).

As the planet of communication, Mercury retrograde tends to breed a certain level of confusion. Mercury rules our “lower” mind–how we perceive and interpret information that we receive from our environment, and how we relay that information to others. Mercury has rulership over such things as speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, the mail and shipping, and so forth. All of these areas of life are affected when Mercury is functioning in a sluggish state. Decision-making is challenged during Mercury retrograde.

Needless to say, it is not advised to sign contracts, engage in important decision-making, or launch a new business. Delays and challenges are more probable with Mercury retrograde. It’s a time when being careless with money, our personal information, or paperwork can be costly.

While Mercury is retrograde, we may be rethinking a previous opinion or idea. Looking to the signs and houses it transits can give clues as to what we may be reconsidering.

There is absolutely a positive side to Mercury Retrograde. This period is best used for re-organizing and reflecting. We look at the world a little differently–through different filters–and can come up with some very important inner revelations. It may be difficult to communicate them under this influence, but not everything needs to be rationalized.

Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness, when meditation, benefiting from keeping a journal, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are favored. Mercury retrograde is powerful for studies, particularly for returning to old studies or for re-learning or refreshing knowledge in a subject already taken.

Minor breaks in the mechanical aspects of communication can actually re-connect us to other means of communication, such as when there is an unexpected power outage and we’re forced off the computer and television, finding different and often satisfying ways to entertain ourselves.

It is important to note that there is absolutely no reason to suspend projects or anything of the sort during the Mercury Retrograde cycle. It’s not an ideal time to start new ones or to sign contracts, simply because a change of mind is quite likely once Mercury turns direct. However, it’s a fabulous time to do some “outside of the box” thinking. Acting on our ideas, however, might be best left for a Mercury Direct period.

Pay close attention to what you say and communicate in general, particularly around the days of Mercury’s stations (March 22nd and April 15th), as well as around retrograde Mercury’s conjunction to the Sun on April 1st (midway between the start and end of the retro period). If you are itching to make a point with someone, especially, or if you are planning on “signing on the dotted line,” try to hold off. It is likely that you will have a change of mind once the station passes, and you can do some damage in the meantime. When a planet stations, its energies are very strong in our lives. When Mercury stations, communications have more impact, so that negative ones could have long-term implications at this time. However, if you are very clear within yourself and about what you are communicating, this can be a positive thing.

With Mercury retrograde in Aries: We might look at past decisions and ideas from a new, possibly enlightened perspective. This is a time for reconsidering an initiative or venture. It’s strong for returning to an old project or pursuit. It can be a time of tension, however, as Mercury in Aries wants immediate answers and retrograde Mercury can point to delays and indecision. The shortness of Mercury in Aries communications is magnified making it necessary to be especially careful with our choice of topics and wording. The chances of sharp or brusque comments doing some damage run high.

We may be returning to past projects and refining or tweaking them. We can find usefulness in old or past ideas and recycle them in new ways, even though Mercury in Aries prefers the new to the old. We might consider renewing past ventures where we may have had false starts, but this should be done in a new way for things to work this time around. With Mercury in Aries, we prefer to learn from hands-on experience rather than instruction, and not listening during this Mercury retrograde period can be especially costly.

Keep in mind that Mercury in Aries’ haste to communicate (or perhaps more accurately, to get communications out of the way) can work against us or can be more consequential during Mercury retrograde — there can be texts or emails sent to the wrong people, for example, or quick commentary that’s considered careless. Read more about Mercury Retrograde.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Aries from March 6-31. 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.

Venus is in Taurus from March 31-April 24. In Taurus, Venus is usually quite content but can be possessive. We seek security and value that which lasts. Our appetite for pleasure is strong. Taurus values the here and the now as well as the world of the five senses. Tangible and physical expressions of love and romance are most important now. Holding on to someone we love is our tendency under Venus in Taurus. The shadow side of this is excessive possessiveness and treating our partners as objects that we own or want to own.

This week: Venus in Aries is bold and, as it aligns with Mercury and Uranus from Monday to Wednesday, ready to move forward, make progress, and enjoy new pleasures. Attractions are immediate and pleasant, although perhaps surprising. Mercury is retrograde and we’re inclined to talk about old matters or relationships on Monday.

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

Venus in Aries March 6-31. Romance at the drop of a hat is part and parcel of the cycle you have just begun. Winning the hearts of others can be a challenge you’re eager to accept – and the thrill of the chase might be most of the fun. Is it the pursuit of happiness – or the happiness of pursuit?

Venus in Taurus March 31-April 24. A love of music, an appreciation for sensual pleasures and others of the finer things in life – such are the signs of the cycle which has begun for you. This is aesthetic and artistic to be sure, but it is also practical and materialistic: you develop a keen appreciation for the value of things, including the money it takes to buy them.

Venus square Pluto March 23. Intense passions, but there’s a hidden agenda. Jealousy and possessiveness are high, in direct proportion to fear of losing partnership. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies.

Venus quincunx/inconjunct Jupiter March 24-25. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is with us now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification.

Venus parallel Mercury March 26-27. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.

Venus parallel Uranus March 27. 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 conjunct Uranus March 27-28. We have a taste for the unusual and the avant garde. We are itching for a change. What makes a person unique is more attractive under this influence. Excitement and newness are valued over permanence in social relationships. Freedom is more important than intimacy just now. We lose our fears of taking risks in love and social situations. Romantic infatuations, gossip, unanticipated opportunities socially or financially. We have a greater need for self-expression, personal freedom, and social excitement.

Venus trine Vesta March 29-30. This can be a devoted time for relationships. We’re willing to put in the effort to make our relationships work, and we value simplicity in our connections.

Venus semi-square Neptune March 30. Romantic confusion as well as relationship ups and downs. Self-deceptions may come to light now.

Venus trine Saturn April 6-7. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. A new sense of realism and maturity in existing partnerships. Relationships begun under this influence possess a distinctly practical theme, almost as if the partnership is a business endeavor, and have much potential to last.

Venus trine Mars April 10-11. Sexual attraction, romantic activities, and fertility are favored. This is one of the best times to enhance a relationship. Excellent time for starting a new relationship, all things equal.

The Moon & Timing

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 following tables incorporate the modern planets, but some astrologers do not count Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in void Moon calculations.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, March 26th, from 2:58 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Leo at 7:45 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, March 28th, from 5:55 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Virgo at 10:31 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Friday, March 30th, from 1:00 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Libra at 1:53 PM EDT.

March 2018:

Void of Course Tables: March 2018

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 this week from Tuesday, March 27th, at approximately 11:00 PM EDT, to Wednesday, March 28th, at approximately 5:50 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Leo. Another window occurs on Thursday, March 29th, at approximately 12 PM EDT, until Friday, March 30th, at approximately 12:55 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Virgo. Note that Mercury is retrograde during these windows.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Jan 26, 2018 7:56 AM
Mars enters Sagittarius
Jan 31, 2018 8:39 AM Mercury enters Aquarius
Feb 10, 2018 6:19 PM Venus enters Pisces
Feb 17, 2018 11:28 PM Mercury enters Pisces
Feb 18, 2018 12:18 PM Sun enters Pisces
Mar 6, 2018 2:34 AM Mercury enters Aries
Mar 6, 2018 6:45 PM Venus enters Aries
Mar 8, 2018 11:46 PM Jupiter Retrograde
*** Daylight Saving Time begins ***
Mar 17, 2018 12:40 PM Mars enters Capricorn
Mar 20, 2018 12:15 PM Sun enters Aries
Mar 22, 2018 8:19 PM Mercury Retrograde
Mar 29, 2018 9:31 PM Pallas enters Gemini
Mar 31, 2018 12:54 AM Venus enters Taurus
Apr 1, 2018 9:44 PM Vesta enters Capricorn
Apr 15, 2018 5:21 AM Mercury Direct
Apr 17, 2018 4:09 AM Chiron enters Aries
Apr 17, 2018 9:47 PM Saturn Retrograde
Apr 19, 2018 11:12 PM Sun enters Taurus
Apr 22, 2018 11:26 AM Pluto Retrograde
Apr 24, 2018 12:40 PM Venus enters Gemini
Apr 28, 2018 3:44 AM Juno enters Aries
May 8, 2018 3:52 AM Vesta Retrograde
May 13, 2018 8:40 AM Mercury enters Taurus
May 15, 2018 11:16 AM Uranus enters Taurus
May 16, 2018 12:55 AM Mars enters Aquarius
May 19, 2018 9:10 AM Venus enters Cancer
May 20, 2018 10:15 PM Sun enters Gemini
May 21, 2018 9:06 AM Pallas enters Cancer
May 29, 2018 7:49 PM Mercury enters Gemini

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day.
See also: The Astrology of 2018 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar: March 25 to 31, 2018

This Week’s Aspects

Venus quincunx Jupiter. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is emphasized now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomach. Challenges in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification.

Sun sesquiquadrate 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.

Venus conjunct Uranus. We have a taste for the unusual and the avant garde. We are itching for a change. What makes a person unique is more attractive under this influence. Excitement and newness are valued over permanence in social relationships. We lose our fears of taking risks in love and social situations. Romantic infatuations, gossip, unanticipated opportunities socially or financially. We have a greater need for self-expression, personal freedom, and social excitement.

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.

Mars semi-square Jupiter. Although we may have much enthusiasm for life and for new projects, over-confidence and over-estimation of what we can do is likely. We are ready and willing to fight for our beliefs. We may be excitable and competitive. Jumping ahead without considering the consequences can be costly.

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

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 the site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

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

MARCH 25

This morning, a Venus-Jupiter quincunx can serve to contrast our needs for independence and intimacy. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is emphasized now, although our eyes may be bigger than our stomachs in this regard. Challenges in relationships are likely due to overblown expectations. There can be timing that’s off, especially since we may be overshooting or overstating our feelings. It can seem confusing coming to a balance between responsibilities and pleasure-seeking, which appear to be mutually exclusive now, but if we look hard enough for a solution, we may be able to find creative ways to combine or attend to both. Ceres has just recently turned direct, and the Sun’s trine to Ceres today helps give it a boost. We seek out nourishment from one another and naturally nurture and support others in turn, and doing so is rewarding. Needs and cravings seem to be in harmony, or at least not in conflict. This is an excellent time for building or attending to a relationship or creative pursuit. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Cancer, encouraging our desires for familiarity, comfort, and safety.

MARCH 26

The Moon continues its transit of Cancer until 7:45 AM EDT when it enters Leo. The Moon in Leo stimulates our needs to play, express ourselves, and create. This is a time when we seek attention–when we want to stand out for our unique qualities. It’s a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well, particularly enterprising ones with the Moon’s trine to the Sun in Aries. We are enthusiastic and take particular pride in our accomplishments now. We express ourselves more naturally and genuinely, and we are received well as a result. This can be a time when showing confidence and backbone brings rewards.

The Moon is void from 2:58 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Leo at 7:45 AM EDT.

MARCH 27

The Moon continues its transit of Leo today, spending the day in the sign. Its trine to Mercury today helps us express ourselves well, even if our words are not perfect. This position of the Moon is generous, dramatic, and affectionate. We’re inclined to excess, however, mainly as the day advances as the lights form challenging aspects to Jupiter. The Moon squares Jupiter tonight, and we move towards a sesqui-square between the Sun, Leo’s ruler, and Jupiter, exact tomorrow morning. We may feel vague restlessness and discontent with life as it is, ideally pushing us to improve and expand. However, this can also lead to problems with overestimation, wastefulness, and exaggeration. Moodiness is quite possible.

MARCH 28

This morning, a Sun-Jupiter sesquiquadrate influence stirs up challenges with overestimation, wastefulness, and exaggeration. The Moon continues its transit of Leo until 10:31 AM EDT, after which it transits Virgo. The Virgo Moon is more particular and focused, as well as adaptable and flexible. As conservative as this position may be, Venus aligning with Uranus in assertive Aries today brings out our taste for the unusual or avant-garde. The need to express ourselves freely and openly is strong. This influence encourages us to let go of rigidity. We’re itching for a change whether we’re aware of this or not. Excitement and newness are valued over permanence for the time being. We lose our fears of taking risks in love, with pleasure, and in social situations. Themes include infatuations, whims, gossip, and unanticipated opportunities socially or financially. We have a greater need for self-expression, personal freedom, and social excitement.

The Moon is void from 5:55 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Virgo at 10:31 AM EDT.

MARCH 29

The Sun forms a square to Saturn this morning, 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. 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. The Moon in Virgo opposes Neptune around the same time, and we can feel a little exasperated, or we can be distracted. After midday, we find it easier to take care of business. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into stronger focus. We can feel quite ambitious now.

MARCH 30

The Moon continues to transit Virgo until 1:53 PM EDT, after which it moves through balance-seeking Libra. The Moon in Virgo is particular and craves some semblance of order. The Libra Moon does too, but instead of seeking order through attention to detail, Libra looks for balance and order through pleasing interactions with others and aesthetics in its environment. Mars forms a semi-square with Jupiter today. Competitive feelings experienced now can be stimulating and invigorating, but we may not get the timing or estimation of our capabilities right. Venus forms a semi-square to Neptune, affecting our perception of the value of people and things. There is a tendency to gloss over problems or to see what we want to see, imagining the best or the worst when the truth is somewhere in between. Venus is about to enter a new sign, and this can point to last-minute doubts about our lovability and worth or about a relationship or comfort levels.

The Moon is void from 1:00 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Libra at 1:53 PM EDT.

MARCH 31

Venus enters Taurus shortly after the day begins, and will travel through the sign (its own, since Venus rules Taurus and Libra) until April 24th. In Taurus, Venus performs very well and is comfortable, sensual, content, and possessive. We seek security more than usual and we place more value on those things that last. Our appetite for pleasure is strong. At 8:38 AM EDT, the Moon in Libra reaches full. The Sun in Aries forms an opposition to the Libra Moon, and this is a time of culmination and heightened emotional awareness. Where Aries is about self-assertion, Libra is about compromise. With the Libra Moon, we are particularly aware of the need for relationships and all that comes with maintaining them — compromising, negotiating, graciousness, and balancing. The Aries Sun, on the other hand, is self-assertive, leading, and personally courageous. This Full Moon urges us to strike a balance between meeting our personal needs and tending to the needs of a significant other, and between independence or autonomy and dependence or companionability. The Libra Moon is diplomatic, equality-minded, and fair-minded. The Aries Sun, however, values authenticity over tact and is energized by independent efforts. This morning’s Full Moon illuminates this conflict. Because it aligns with retrograde Mercury and forms a square to Mars and Saturn, feelings can be frustrated now, and we might struggle with expressing ourselves, particularly since we’re also especially aware of our commitments and obligations and we can be guarded. However, what builds and releases now can fuel significant new ideas and insights.

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 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.

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.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

: This Week in Astrology Calendar for April 1 to 7, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar for April 8 to 14, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 15th to 21st, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 22 to 28, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 29th to May 5th, 2018

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: May 6 to 12, 2018

THIS WEEK’S PLANETARY POSITIONS BY SIGN (General Trends):

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 Capricorn With this new cycle taking hold in your life now, taking charge and being in control become more important issues for you. You want to get things organized, and you have the initiative to do it. This is a time of ambition and responsibility, a time to keep your cool and pace yourself. Working hard is smart, but working smart is better.

Jupiter in Scorpio The phase now beginning for you emphasizes fixing what is broken or unhealthy, thereby giving it a new lease on life. This is more than one person alone can handle, so the cooperation of others is essential. You give up something in order to get or create something, and you may not understand the reasons why at the time. Sex, money, power, and vitality become key issues.

Saturn in Capricorn Responsibility, hard work, ambition, and achievement: these are the foundations you need to build on now, as a new cycle dawns in your life. And yet, there is a tendency to be a little too hard, perhaps a bit cold, in your approach to these things. Let ambition take you to the top, but don’t let it lull you into thinking that the end justifies the means.

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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