This Week in Astrology: March 26 to April 1, 2017

March 26 to April 1, 2017

On Monday night, a New Moon occurs in the sign of Aries. The New Moon in Aries is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Ram. It’s time to take action – try something new and innovative, and go at it with gusto and confidence; be assertive without being abrasive; take charge of our lives; start a brand new project; and discover our own personal courage.

This is a strong cycle under which to re-evaluate our relationship to ourselves. With this potent Aries energy, we have the chance to make significant changes in our lives. It’s time to make some solid yet realistic plans and to set the stage for reaping the rewards from our new beginnings, as little or big as they may be, in approximately two weeks’ time after the Full Moon occurs.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and thus a New Moon in Aries is especially ripe with opportunity for new beginnings. We might consider acting on a constructive impulse and following a hunch or taking a risk. Aries learns through experience and action so that we might treat ourselves to a little adventure now. It’s also a good cycle from which to discover the benefits of expressing ourselves with authenticity – expressing ourselves as we are, without putting on airs. We might also find ways to learn how to rely on ourselves and to be happy about doing so – it will go a long way towards finding inner happiness when we know that we can be self-sufficient without blaming others for not helping us out. It’s a time to revitalize ourselves through experiences that break the routine and that involve doing something new and fresh.

This year, the New Moon occurs at a rather challenged time with its conjunction to retrograde Venus, a Saturn-Chiron square, and a Jupiter-Pluto square. The challenge is to break free from past conditioning, guilty feelings, and inflated expectations in either direction (positive and negative).

New Moon in Aries – March 27, 2017

This phase of the Moon occurs at 7 degrees and 37 minutes of Aries, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 4 to 12 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Mar 27, 2017, 10:57 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Apr 3, 2017, 2:39 PM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Apr 11, 2017, 2:08 AM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Apr 19, 2017, 5:57 AM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Apr 26, 2017, 8:16 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

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

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 and then April 20-May 16. 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.

Mercury is in Taurus from March 31-April 20 and then May 16-June 6. When Mercury is in Taurus, our thinking is down to earth, solid, and grounded. Common sense reigns over more fanciful thinking. We communicate more deliberately under this influence, and our minds are oriented to the world of the five senses. We prefer the tried and true rather than new ways of thinking. Attention to one thing at a time can simplify our lives, but we may be in danger of narrow, overly conservative, or rigid thinking.

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 again this week (until April 15th – in Aries until April 2nd and then in Pisces). This week, Venus is parallel Uranus on Monday and Tuesday, encouraging experimentation and new approaches to relating. On Friday and Saturday, tensions integrating desires and values can lead to problems between lovers. Hot-cold signals are likely 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 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 27th, from 6:20 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Aries at 10:12 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, March 29th, from 8:08 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Taurus at 11:49 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, March 30th, from 7:13 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Friday, March 31st, at 12:42 PM EDT.

Void of Course Moon – March 2017

Void of Course Moon Table – March 2017

Void of Course Moon – April 2017

Void of Course Moon Table – April 2017

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

The Moon is waning this week until the 27th — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waxing this week after the New Moon on the 27th — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, again with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs from Tuesday, March 28th, at approximately 7:40 PM EDT, until Wednesday, March 29th, at approximately 8:05 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Aries. Note that Venus is retrograde during this window and that the Moon is still a little too close to the Sun for most of this period to be objective.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

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

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury conjunct Uranus. The ability to grasp intellectual concepts is high right now. Our intuition is spot-on, and we tend to have the right idea at the right moment. The senses may be overloaded, to the point that we are scatter-brained, impulsive, nervous, or impatient. If channeled well, however, our ideas are inventive, original, progressive, and unbiased.

Mars sextile Neptune. Inspiration might be found now, and our intuition is strong. This influence favors dancing, swimming, photography, arts, entertainment. There can be letting go of anger, or a softening of the disposition now.

Mars sesquiquadrate Saturn. We are called upon to solve problems, or our plans and efforts meet with resistance. Circumstances seem to block our efforts to assert ourselves. Patience is necessary now, although frustration is very likely. It can feel like more effort than usual is required to complete tasks.

Mercury semi-square Neptune. We are not thinking clearly, preferring to daydream. Technical facts can be glossed over at this time. It’s not a good time to make a presentation, to ask for what you want, or to formalize agreements.

Mercury trine Saturn. Clear, realistic thinking characterizes this influence. A good time to get organized, to do detail work, and to prepare for the future. Decisions made now tend to be practical and well thought out. Work done now is likely to beget tangible results in the future. Conversations may be spare but to the point. Manifestation and achievement are what satisfy.

Jupiter square Pluto. We can be quite ambitious now, feeling that if we set our sights high enough, we can achieve anything. However, treading lightly now, while it may not come naturally, is advised as it is easy to stir up opposition. We may take on too many interests, activities, or desires under this influence. Exaggerating our importance or power, either to ourselves or others, should be avoided. Our belief system could be challenged now, and the need for a major attitude change arises; or we might have to face narrow-mindedness in others (or in ourselves). Trying to force our beliefs on others will only lead to frustration. The tendency now is to push too hard in general, and to ignore the important details. Thinking in big terms is fine, as long as the more practical details of any pursuit are also considered.

Venus semi-square Mars. Potential tensions in relationships. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging. Be wary of making impulse purchases. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating and invigorating.

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 26

The Moon is in Pisces all day, and we’re inclined to stray from our routine. This Moon favors imaginative undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, personal development, music and drama, and retreats or detours from the usual. With Mercury forming a conjunction to Uranus today, we’re looking for fresh and original ideas. We’re not content with recycling old ideas or performing repetitive processes. We’re quick to latch onto progressive approaches and methods. We may seek to stir things up or shock with our ideas and communications. Our senses may be overloaded to the point that we are scatter-brained, impulsive, nervous, or impatient. If channeled well, however, our ideas are inventive, original, progressive, and unbiased. We’re looking for inspiration now. The Moon is Balsamic today (a New Moon occurs tomorrow night), and this is a time best used for reflection.

MARCH 27

With Mars sextile Neptune today, we can be attracted to physical expressions of emotion, dancing, swimming, photography, arts, and entertainment. There can be a letting go of anger or a softening of our disposition, or we may act on our intuition or pursue a dream. The Moon continues its transit of Pisces until 10:12 AM EDT after which it enters Aries. The Moon is Balsamic until the New Moon occurs in the sign of Aries tonight at 10:59 PM. The New Moon in Aries is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Ram. This is a strong cycle under which to re-evaluate our relationship to ourselves. The New Moon occurs at a rather challenged time with its conjunction to retrograde Venus, a Saturn-Chiron square, and a Jupiter-Pluto square. The challenge is to break free from past conditioning, guilty feelings, and inflated expectations in either direction (positive and negative).

A void of course Moon occurs from 6:20 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Aries at 10:12 AM EDT.

MARCH 28

The Moon is in Aries all day, and we are forthright and direct. We are forward-looking, impulsive, and direct under the influence of an Aries Moon. As the Moon stimulates a Jupiter-Pluto square this evening, we may be confrontational. The desire to break away from the ordinary or humdrum is large, but we may not know which direction to take, and this can stir restlessness or tension. While we can be pioneering now, we should look out for the tendency to take on too much at once.

MARCH 29

The Moon continues its transit of fiery Aries until 11:49 AM EDT, after which it transits earthy Taurus. Mercury forms a semi-square to Neptune and then a trine to Saturn today, and uncertainty or disappointment may lead to a stronger sense of reality and good decisions. There is a need for tangible results now. Mercury-Saturn helps us get grounded and centered in our thinking. Conversations may be spare but to the point or instructive. This is a strong time for making plans, helping others to understand our perspective, and for organized thinking. A step-by-step approach to tasks and problems works best right now.

A void of course Moon occurs from 8:08 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Taurus at 11:49 AM EDT.

MARCH 30

A longer term influence is exact today: Jupiter square Pluto. This aspect first formed in November 2016 and will recur in August 2017. This Jupiter-Pluto square stimulates our ambition and can fuel us up, but we may be overreaching. We feel that if we set our sights high enough, we can achieve anything. However, treading lightly now, while it may not come naturally, is advised as it is easy to stir up opposition or to put too much pressure on ourselves. We may take on too many interests, activities, or desires under this influence. Exaggerating our importance or power, either to ourselves or others, should be avoided. We can be overly attached to our opinions or beliefs. Trying to force our beliefs on others will only lead to frustration. The tendency now is to push too hard in general and to ignore time and energy limits or important details. Our plans are big, which can be a good thing as we realize we can do more. However, we can expect too much and the pressure we place on ourselves or others can lead to unnecessary stress. Relationships may be a driving force behind our ambitions, and we may be trying hard to prove ourselves. The Moon is in Taurus all day, and its alignment with Mars can also point to over-indulgence.

A void of course Moon occurs from 7:13 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini tomorrow at 12:42 PM EDT.

MARCH 31

The Moon continues its transit of practical Taurus today until 12:42 PM EDT, after which it transits inquisitive Gemini. Mercury enters Taurus today and will transit the sign until April 20th, returning again to Taurus from May 16-June 6 after a retrograde retreat into Aries. With Mercury in Taurus, our thinking is down to earth, stable, and grounded. Common sense reigns over fanciful thinking. We communicate more deliberately under this influence, and our minds are oriented to the world of the five senses. We prefer tried and true to new ways of thinking and communicating. Attention to one thing at a time can simplify our lives, but we should watch for narrow, overly conservative, or rigid thinking. We’re moving towards a Venus-Mars semi-square, exact very early tomorrow, and there can be tensions in our relationships or ourselves as we have difficulties harmonizing our needs or sensibilities with our desires.

The void Moon period ends at 12:42 PM EDT when the Moon enters Gemini.

APRIL 1

The Moon is in Gemini all day and communicating, thinking, and learning are in strong focus. We can experience a high need for variety and intellectual stimulation now. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle. The day is particularly good for cooperation and approaching our relationships in a new way, especially as we become more aware of past relating patterns.

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 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.

When the Moon is in Aries

We’re motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to start something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.

When the Moon is in Taurus

We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and “stop to smell the roses”. Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence.

The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor.

When the Moon is in Gemini

Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.

The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, short trips.

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.

Mercury in Taurus “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” – that’s the key to the way you think at a time like this. Practical, utilitarian ideas are the ones that make the most sense now – putting them to good use is a focus for you. Material things are foremost on your mind in many respects: an emphasis on the real rather than the ideal.

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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