As you may have seen from my other Blog entries, Mars (currently Retrograde) will be residing for an extended-stay in the sign of Virgo until July. Usually, Mars is only in each sign for 2-2 ½ months. It is interesting to me because, there has been an intestinal virus/stomach flu going around and spreading like wildfire. This has even been affecting cruise ships that had to dock and be disinfected due to the spread of the norovirus! Mars does influence inflammation and Virgo rules over the intestines and digestion. I also have several personal friends & acquaintances that are having flare-ups of their colitis and IBS issues. I was wondering if this was going to occur when Mars was in Virgo?! I would love to hear feedback from you, and you can leave comments at the bottom of the blog entry. I hope you enjoy your week!
My Schedule:
Monday & Thursdays – Phone/Skype. Intuitive Astrology Readings, Life Coaching, Hypnosis, & Remote Reiki Sessions.
Tuesdays & (1-Saturday Per Month) – Introductory Astrology Readings at Spirit Dancer 125 S. Winooski Ave in Burlington, VT.
Wednesday & Fridays – Intuitive Astrology Readings, Life Coaching, Hypnosis, & Reiki Sessions at 161 North Street in Burlington, VT. I have appointments between 2-7pm, so please give me a call to schedule. It is a two-story white house and there is ample parking in the back.
Current Planetary Positions:
Please reference the Blog entry on the date the planet went into that sign for an explanation.
Sun: Pisces 2/19-3/20, Aries 3/20-4/19
Moon: Changes signs (approximately) every 2 ½ days.
Mercury: Aries 3/2-3/23, Pisces 3/23-4/16
Venus: Taurus 3/5-4/3
Mars: Virgo 11/10-7/4/12
Jupiter: Taurus 6/4/11-6/12/12
Saturn: Libra 7/21/10-10/6/12
Uranus: Aries 3/11/11-5/16/2018
Neptune: Pisces 2/3/12-3/31/25
Pluto: Capricorn until 1/20/24
Chiron: Pisces 2/8/11-4/18/2018
Current Retrograde Planets:
Please reference the Blog entry on the date the planet went Retrograde for an explanation.
Mercury Retrograde in Aries 3/12/12-4/4/12
Mars Retrograde in Virgo 1/23/12-4/13/12
Saturn Retrograde in Libra 2/7/12-6/25/12
I wanted to add a footnote to my entries. I include the time that a transit will be exact so that you can see when it waxes and then when it starts to wane. However, the effects are often felt sometimes even as long as a day or two (or longer). The energy is usually felt more strongly during the time leading up to the height and then it slowly starts to dissipate after. Keep in mind that Moon transits tend to last a shorter period of time than planetary transits.
(Sunday 3/18/12)- Overnight, the Moon in Aquarius makes an annoying quincunx to Mars (R) in Virgo (exact at 3:22am EST). Did you ever meet someone that says something that is completely different than how they actually act? For instance: you went out on a date, the person says that they had a fantastic time, and then they never called you? This type of disconnect (coming from yourself or coming from others) may be more pronounced around this time. Then, the Sun in Pisces will quincunx Saturn in Libra (exact at 5:56am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Saturn’s nickname is the “task master”. We may find it very hard to get anything accomplished during this time. Possibly making us feel rundown and lethargic. This can be a time of pessimism, feeling “the blues”, or even loneliness. Try to avoid being overly critical and hard on yourself (or others). It is also possible to clash with someone older than yourself (especially father figures or someone in authority). Next, the Moon in Aquarius will form an uncomfortable square with Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 7:23am EST). Someone could challenge your beliefs at this time. It’s possible that you could find out someone within your group has been acting behind your back or is at odds with the greater good. Dealings with groups of people or legal matters are unfavorable around this time.
In the afternoon, Mercury (R) conjuncts Uranus both in Aries (exact at 1:22pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Make sure you write down ideas at this time, as information may come with lightning speed! This is an excellent time to talk with a mentor or receive a “lesson” from a teacher (it doesn’t have to be in a formal scholastic setting). Ideas, mental processes, writing, information, inventions, New Age ideologies, engineering, mathematics, and technology (especially computers) are all favored. For folks that are prone to: anxiety, nervousness, palpitations, seizures (or really any condition that affects the electrical system of the body), this transit and exacerbate those tendencies. So, work on grounding yourself! Lastly, the Moon in Aquarius will square Venus in Taurus (exact at 2:39pm EST). Although we will have a drive to be with others around this time, it would be best to avoid heavy conversations pertaining to love. Sometimes the object of our affections is just out of reach (or otherwise detained) around this transit. The is not a good time to go shopping or work on beautification because what we think looks good now may seem like a bad idea at a later time.
(Monday 3/19/12)- There will only be two Moon transits occurring later today. Keep in mind that Lunar transits are shorter in duration than planetary transits.
In the later afternoon, the Moon in Aquarius will make a flowing trine to Saturn in Libra (exact at 4:31pm EST). This is a great time for organization, house cleaning, filing, recycling, and being disciplined. This is also beneficial for starting a diet or health regimen (like quitting smoking). Sometimes others will ask for help around this transit, but it won’t be burdensome, we will be happy to assist! This will also be the beginning of a 3+ hour void of course cycle that will last until the Moon transitions into intuitive Pisces. When the Moon makes no major planetary aspects to another planet, before it switches into the next sign, is call “void of course”. It is best to not do anything new during these times because it has a decreased chance of working or will have delays. The Moon transitions into dreamy Pisces (exact at 8:05pm EST). Activities that are favored during Moon in Pisces: creativity, intuition, spiritual aspirations, higher consciousness, connection with feelings, counseling, music, art, photography, nature and especially being near water, and charitable work. Things to avoid are: getting so caught up in others feeling that you put your aside, excessive escapism, and acting like a martyr. These are all themes that will last the next 2 ½ days. Lastly, the Moon makes its monthly conjunction with Neptune both in Pisces (exact at 11:17pm EST) causing our imagination/creativity to soar. This transit is also beneficial for daydreaming, idealism, intuition, romance, music, poetry, abstract ideas, mysticism, etc. It is possible to be more charming (or to meet charming people) around this transit. Because idealism & escapism can be enhanced with this transit, I wouldn’t make a big decisions or sign contracts around this time. If you are sleeping while this event occurs, it may be possible to have prophetic or “visitation” dreams.
(Tuesday 3/20/12)- I will be doing Astrological Readings at Spirit Dancer today between 3-6pm (I take my last reading at 5:30pm). This is a great opportunity to get an introductory reading from me at a discount-$30 ½ hr. They are located at 125 S. Winooski Ave in Burlington, VT (across from the fire station). Walk-ins are welcome or you can call me for a time. The store’s number is 802-660-8060.
Happy Spring Equinox and International Astrologers Day!! The Spring Equinox officially starts when the Sun travels into the 1st sign of the zodiac, Aries (exact at 1:14am EST). Many cultures and religions celebrate the spring equinox in a variety of different ways. The key word for this time of year is AWKENING! It’s interesting to me that we instinctively start to spring clean during this time. Using some principles of feng shui, this is an excellent to time remove dead energy from your space. This includes: cleaning closets, getting rid of clutter, making sure that corners are free from debris, and getting rid of dead & dried flowers. Treat yourself to fresh flowers, bulbs and seeds. This is a great time to start clearing leaves & branches from your garden or yard. Burn red or white candles in your home (Aries colors). Use fragrances like: lavender, lilac, lily of the valley, geranium, ginger and honey suckle. When preparing meals concentrate on fresh vegetables, leafy greens, seeds, and sprouts. The Chinese consider the rabbit to represent the spring equinox, fertility, and the beginning of a new life cycle. Adding a small rabbit figurine to an area of your house (like bedroom if you want to get pregnant, or a home office if you would like to bring change to your business, etc) would be beneficial. Lastly, I usually have a smudging ceremony (by burning white sage) in my home, where I open all the doors and windows and I send out prayers to humanity. All of these things will increase your energy and help to clear mental “clutter”. Happy Spring!
So getting back to Aries…
This is a pioneering sign and is associated with courageous spirits and new beginnings. Aries people are great at starting things but not so good at finishing nor taking care of small details. We are moving away from the past month spent being lost in watery emotions (Pisces) and are entering a time that will be faced with straight forward honesty. An Aries will tell you like they see it…whether you like it or not. Aries is the 1st sign of the zodiac and is ruled by Mars (the God of War). If you have been reading my Blog, you will know that Mars energy needs to get out one way or another. This may be why Aries’ tend to be athletic and have trouble sitting still. I won’t sugar coat this; a bored or unhappy Aries can be quite grumpy. They are known for their quick tempers. If you reference the list of famous Aries below; there are some difficult personalities. On the positive side over the next month, we may be more: adventurous, competitive, gallant, physical, and daring. Much like Leo, an Aries hates to see someone or something (that they consider to be weaker than themselves) get hurt. Often Aries will rush in and try to “save” the situation by being the hero or heroine. They are natural leaders and when they handle that responsibility with pride and grace (not dictatorship) they can really accomplish something positive. It depends where the Sun/Aries falls within your chart in order to know how this will affect you on a personal level. There are now 3 planets in Aries: the Sun, Mercury, and Uranus. Famous Aries are: Linda Goodman (famous Astrologer), Betty Davis, Alec Baldwin, Eddie Murphy, Mariah Carey, Jackie Chan, Russell Crowe, Shannen Doherty, Rosie O’Donnell, Robert Downey Jr., Joan Crawford, Tom Clancy, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Thomas Jefferson, Ashley Judd, Lucy Lawless, Elton John, Conan O'Brien, Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, William Shatner, Robin Wright Penn, Gary Oldman, Gloria Steinem, Hugh Hefner, Vincent Van Gogh, Kate Husdon, David Letterman, Christopher Walken, Quentin Tarantino, Norah Jones, Maya Angelou, Leonardo DaVinci, and Billie Holiday.
In the morning, the Moon forms its monthly conjunction with Chiron both in Pisces (exact at 9:01am EST). You may be presented with an opportunity to heal or to be healed. Holistic and alternative medicine is especially favored. Serendipitous moments abound! Next, the Moon in Pisces will form its monthly opposition to Mars (R) in Virgo (exact at 10:25am EST). Someone could irritate you during this transit. It’s possible to enjoy a debate with someone (or at worst, an argument). As with all Mars transits, I recommend exercise or doing something physical. Mar’s energy will want to get out one way or another; it might as well be constructive!
Later in the evening, the Moon in Pisces will form a positive sextile with Pluto Capricorn (exact at 2:06pm) helping us to connect with what is going on under the surface. Beneficial for: cathartic experiences, deep conversations, and all forms of counseling are favored during this transit. Lastly, the Moon in Pisces makes a positive sextile with Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 4:55pm EST) helping us to feel optimistic and/or lucky. This is an ideal time to be with friends or to work with a group of people. It is also beneficial for spirituality/religion, higher or continuing education, horses, law/legal matters, advertising, sales, and publishing.
(Wednesday 3/21/12)- Early in the morning, Mercury (R) in Aries will form a slightly uncomfortable semisquare with Venus in Taurus (exact at 4:17am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Artistic and social endeavors are favored. The only caveat could be a foot-in-mouth situation or uncomfortable silences. Your idea of what is beautiful might not be the same as your friend/partner. Your friend may actually love that bright orange shag carpeting! If you’re single, you could meet a slightly awkward yet intelligent & witty person. Have fun laughing with your partner! Just after, the Moon in Pisces will form a positive sextile with Venus in Taurus (exact at 4:39am EST). It is likely that we could receive compliments on how we look or dress. It will be easy to interact with others. This transit is positive for both relationships/love and finances. This will begin a very long 25+ hour void-of-course Moon cycle that will end when the Moon transitions into powerful Aries on tomorrow morning!!
In the afternoon, the Sun conjuncts Mercury (R) both in Aries (exact at 3:21pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This will be beneficial for communication, writing, short distance travel and feeling supported by others. This may be a time of social activities and invitations to parties/events. Take advantage of harnessing this time of mental clarity and use it to your advantage! This will be helpful with improving relationships with siblings, teachers, or with someone younger than yourself. With Aries influence leadership, managing, self-starting, motivation, and adventures will all be themes with this transit. The remainder of the day will be under the influence of the void-of-course Moon in Pisces…
(Thursday 3/22/12)- Talk about mixed messages? There may be a very strong drive to begin new things on a day like today! First of all, we will have a New Moon in the sign of Aries and that New Moon will be forming a conjunction with Mercury, the Sun, and Uranus. Normally I would say absolutely Go For It! With this type of planetary energy, but the hesitation I have is because Mercury is still Retrograde right now. Before beginning any type of new project make sure that you read and re-read the fine print….Then go for it !!
Overnight, the Moon in Pisces will form an annoying quincunx with Saturn in Libra (exact at 1:58am EST). It may be hard to complete everything on our “list” or to get organized. It’s also possible that our emotions could make it hard to work around this time. Luckily, this influence will be short. Next, the Moon transitions into pioneering Aries (exact at 5:57am EST). Aries Moons are similar to New Moons. It is considered to be a favorable time to start new projects, physical activities (like sports or working out), dynamism, leadership, competition, and action. Things to avoid are being too bossy, arrogant, and insensitive during the next 2 1/2 days. Aries rules the head, so pay attention to stress; especially of you are prone to tension headaches. Then, the Moon will conjunct Mercury (R) both in Aries (exact at 7:50am EST) assisting with communication, short distance travel and feeling supported by others. It will be very easy to express feelings and emotions around this time. This is a great time to write (like journaling) or to express emotions. 
The New Moon will be at its height in the sign of Aries (exact at 10:37am EST). The first New Moon of the Astrological year is in the energy-filled sign of Aries. Ironically, both the New Moon and the Moon in Aries are considered to be highly auspicious times for starting new things, new ideas, new projects, and manifesting …this New Moon will therefore be doubly so. All of Aries Moon themes will be highlighted/amplified. I personally, like to do space clearing and meditating around this time. The New Moon is always accompanied by a conjunction with the Sun (also in Aries). This usually makes us feel connected & supported by loved ones. It’s easier to talk about our emotions during this transit. Just use caution however, because there may be so much energy that we could encounter aggressive attitudes or tactless behavior. It depends on where the Moon/Sun/Aries are located in your chart in order to know how this will affect you on a personal level. Next, Mars (R) in Virgo will form a stressful opposition with Chiron (the Wounded Healer) in Pisces (exact at 11:29am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This will be certain to bring up old wounds and memories and our 1st emotion may be anger. However, Mars provides us with the tools to act and make things better. It would be best to face these situations directly (yet with tact) and just deal with them once and for all. The rewards will outweigh any uncertainty.
In the afternoon, the New Moon will form its monthly conjunction with Uranus both in Aries (exact at 2:36pm EST). The Uranus connection can bring us unexpected inspiration/ideas & can enhance clairvoyance & channeling. This can highlight technology, electricity, inventing, and unexpected events. Due to Aries’ influence it can also assist with a pioneering spirit and breaking out of your rut. Lastly, the Moon in Aries makes an annoying quincunx to Mars (R) in Virgo (exact at 7:24pm EST). Did you ever meet someone that says something that is completely different than how they actually act? For instance: you went out on a date, the person says that they had a fantastic time, and then they never called you? This type of disconnect (coming from yourself or coming from others) may be more pronounced around this time.
(Friday 3/23/12)- The Moon in Aries will square intense Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 5:47am EST) possibly throwing a speed bump in our path. Someone could know how to push our buttons and really get under our skin. It is important to have good boundaries with others and remember not to overstep yours.
Mercury (the Ruler of communication, travel, and mental processes) will travel backwards into dreamy Pisces (exact at 9:22am EST). If you remember, Mercury was in the sign of Pisces between 2/13/12-3/2/12. Because of it currently being in a Retrograde cycle, we are going to have another repeat of its performance in Pisces. Please reference the blog entry from February 13th for the full description. Remember Retrograde cycles are for repeating, reevaluating, reviewing and possibly relearning lessons. We can all look forward to when Mercury turns Direct on April 4th!
In the afternoon, Venus in Taurus will form a slightly uncomfortable semisquare with Uranus in Aries (exact at 2:25pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Looking for your muse? The inspiration that you have been looking for may come around this time. However, you will most likely experience tension or nervousness instead of feeling comfortable (that is what this transit is about, to push you out of your box). Nervous energy? Time to go with the flow! This is a good time to “surprise” you romantic partner with a nice gesture.
(Saturday 3/24/12)- The astrological day starts in the afternoon when the Moon in Aries will have its monthly opposition with Saturn in Libra (exact at 1:17pm EST). Sometimes this can give us a feeling of loneliness or isolation. We may feel passed over or possibly not getting the recognition that we deserve. It’s possible that our feelings may get in the way of responsibility. This will be the beginning of a 4+ hour long void-of-course Moon cycle that will end in the evening when the Moon transitions into practical Taurus. Then, the Sun will conjunct Uranus in Aries (exact at 2:20pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. We will feel the need to break out of our normal routines and do something different toady. Uranus is the planet of disruptions, surprises and unexpected events. People with anxiety, nervous conditions, palpitations or other conditions affecting the electrical system of the body may have trouble around this transit. We may be drawn to the avant-garde or unusual around this time. Are you normally a rebel and buck against authority? This transit helps to make that easier; so that you won’t step on as many toes. If not, do something “crazy” that you normally wouldn’t do for yourself…..you have blessings from the planets! Next, the Moon transitions into Taurus (exact at 12:49am EST). Positive Taurus Moon activities are: focusing on organizing your finances, clipping coupons, decorating, designing, sensuality, cooking & eating luscious foods, organizing your home, massage, singing, and comfort. Try to avoid: laziness, relaxing too much, stubbornness, obstinacy and being too stuck in your ways. These will be the lunar themes over the next 2 days. Lastly, the Moon in Taurus forms a positive sextile to Neptune in Pisces (exact at 9:27pm EST) causing our imagination/creativity to soar. This transit is also beneficial for daydreaming, idealism, intuition, romance, music, poetry, abstract ideas, mysticism, etc. It is possible to be more charming around this transit. Anyone have rose-colored glasses? If you are sleeping while this event occurs, it may be possible to have prophetic or “visitation” dreams around this time.
Stay tuned for next week when there will be more exciting astrological energy!!
The above transits are often felt collectively but you would need to know where within your chart that they would fall. As always, I am available for a professional intuitive astrological reading. I have a variety of charts to choose from (relationship, life path, time-line, etc). I can do readings in-person, over the phone, or via Skype. Or if you’re not into having a reading, I can just supply a chart. Please feel free to contact me for more information! Have a great week! Bye for now……
Peace & Light,
Gretchen A. Hidell, Astrologer
Intuitive Counselor, Reiki Master, Gem/Crystal Work
Master NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner) Hypnotherapy Life Coach
Ordained Minister & Certified Spiritual Healer (Inter-Faith)
#(802)-999-4677
DreamHomes@GretchenRealtor.net
