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: Aries 3/20-4/19
Moon: Changes signs (approximately) every 2 ½ days.
Mercury: Pisces 3/23-4/16
Venus: Taurus 3/5-4/3, Gemini 4/3-8/7
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.
Mars Retrograde in Virgo 1/23/12-4/13/12
Saturn Retrograde in Libra 2/7/12-6/25/12
Coming Up: Mercury Turns Direct in Aries 4/4/12!
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. 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 4/1/12)- April Fools' Day! Just after midnight, the Moon in Cancer will form a positive sextile with Venus in Taurus (exact at 12:20am 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 also be the beginning of a 4-hour void of course cycle that will last until the Moon transitions into the proud Leo Moon. 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 will transition into Leo (exact at 4:35am EST). Good activities to do when the Moon is in Leo are: anything to do with performing or theater, seeing a show, dressing up & looking nice, managing, feeling proud, entrepreneurial endeavors, gambling, playing games, routing for the underdog and taking care of children. Things to avoid are being too bossy, acting egotistical, and going over the top. All of these themes will be highlighted over the next 2 ½ days. Next, the Moon in Leo forms an annoying quincunx with Neptune in
Pisces (exact at 8:26am EST). Neptune’s influence can cause us to be fuzzy and idealistic. It is therefore, not an ideal time to make bold moves and big decisions. It is possible that we may have trouble accessing our intuition around this time.
In the afternoon, the Moon in Leo will form a flowing trine with Uranus in Aries (exact at 1:43pm EST) helping us to step up to the plate and do the right thing, even though it may be somewhat unconventional. We could get sudden revelations or ideas, so write them down! Technology (like computers), inventing, New Age ideologies, and friendships are favored around this transit. Lastly, the Moon in Leo will make an annoying quincunx with powerful Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 10:00pm EST). Certainly this can bring up jealousy issues, power struggles, hidden fears, and obsessions. It is best to keep things a little superficial. This transit could cause frustrations on blending work and family time (especially if you have children).
(Monday 4/2/12)- Today may be rather quiet and low-keyed. There will only be three Moon transits today. This is a good time to remind you that Lunar transits are shorter in duration than planetary transits. In the early morning hours, the Sun in Aries will form a beautiful trine to the Moon in Leo (exact at 4:11am EST). This is beneficial for all kinds of relationships (especially with children) and assists in making us feel loved and supported. This is also an ideal time to be close to pets or nature. Very pleasant indeed! Then, the Moon in Leo will form an uncomfortable square with Jupiter (R) in Taurus (exact at 5:18am 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 later evening, the Moon in Leo will form an annoying quincunx to Mercury (R) in Pisces (exact at 11:25pm EST) possibly causing blocks in communication. It may be nearly impossible to express ourselves. You ever had a time that you couldn’t put your thoughts into words?
(Tuesday 4/3/12)- 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.
There will only be one Lunar transit and one planetary transit today. Both are sextiles and therefore will be pleasant. Sextiles in astrology usually indicate an opportunity being presented that may require some work on your part to have it come to fruition. In the morning,
In the morning, the Moon in Leo will form a positive sextile to Saturn (R) in Libra (exact at 4:56am EST). Time to tap into our inner discipline, goal setting, organization and attention to details. We may want to make long term plans in our close relationships. Then, the Moon in Leo will square Venus in Taurus (exact at 9:47am 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. This will start very short void-of-course Moon cycle that will last until the Moon transitions into service-oriented Virgo (exact at 9:53am EST). Good Virgo Moon activities are: organization, being detail-oriented, service to others, health improvement, intellectual pursuits, practicality, research, and really anything that requires precision. Things to avoid are: being overly perfectionistic, excessive worry, analysis paralysis, criticism, and being too caught up in the details that we can’t see the forest through the trees. All of these themes will
be prominent in the next 2 1/2 days.
Venus (the Goddess of Love & Beauty) transitions into the chatty sign of Gemini (exact at 11:16am EST). 
Words and phrases to describe Gemini are: “I Think!”, Mutable/Air, communication, writing, media, talking, duality (the twins), diversified interests, “jack of all trades”, travel, shallowness, witty, quick, intellect, multi-tasker, gossip, designer, nervousness, moodiness and chatty. The body parts it’s associated with are: hands, arms, shoulders, nervous system and lungs. Its metal is Mercury and Stones are: Agate, Citrine, Moonstone, Pearl, and White Sapphire. We are moving away from a time when we were working on steady panning and seeking comfort (especially in love) (Taurus) and we are moving into a phase where communication & mental energies will be favored (Gemini). For the next month, love (and finances) will take on a more communicative role. We will want to talk with our love interest and also to our friends about love. The symbol for Gemini is the twins; got two love interests? It is possible that there may be an inclination to take on a second job too. This could also be a time of travel for you and your sweetie. Time to take a road trip, see a museum or attend a comedy club! Anything that stimulates the mind will also make the heart pound. Hobbies, crafting, model making and scrapbooking are also favored (really anything that uses dexterity). All of
these themes will be active until Venus turns Retrograde on May 15th, so concentrate on love endeavors now while she is still traveling forward!
In the afternoon, the Moon in Virgo will conjunct Mars and oppose Neptune in Pisces. We may want to push forward around this time however use caution. Did you ever hear the saying “don't move forward until you have clarity”? That is the energy that is surrounding this transit. It really is best for daydreaming, meditation, yoga, or any other introspective work.
(Wednesday 4/4/12)- Most of the astrological energies will occur in the early part of the day. Therefore, the morning may be especially busy, especially since Mercury is finally going to turning Direct (yay)! Overnight, the Moon in Virgo will form a flowing trine to Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 2:01am EST). This will greatly assist us in processing our emotions and is beneficial for all types of counseling & cathartic experiences. It will be hard to be superficial around this time. Both Virgo & Capricorn are earth signs, so this is a good time to connect with nature. Then, Mercury in Pisces turns Direct today (exact at 6:11am EST)!! The temporary period of time that miscommunications and travel snafus running amuck, is now over!
Unfortunately, it can take several days for Mercury to start traveling in a forward direction (it is Stationary right now), but this is certainly a step in the right direction! Hopefully you used the last three weeks to review and reevaluate what is working and what is not. Toward next week we should feel the cloud of confusion lift as we begin a new Mercurial Phase! Next, the Moon in Virgo makes a flowing trine with Jupiter (R) in Taurus (exact at 9:35am EST) helping us to feel optimistic and/or lucky. This is an ideal time to be with friends or to work with groups of people. It is also beneficial for spirituality/religion, higher education, horses, law/legal matters, advertising, sales, and publishing. Then, the Moon in Virgo will form an annoying quincunx with the Sun in Aries (exact at 11:30am EST). It may be hard to feel supported around this time. Accomplishments may go unrecognized. It is possible to clash with someone younger than yourself (like a parent child relationship). The remainder of the day will be under the influence of the Virgo Moon…
(Thursday 4/5/12)- Overnight, the Moon in Virgo will make its monthly opposition with Mercury in Pisces (exact at 1:37am EST). You may find that you are not able to express yourself as easily or someone may cut you off from saying something. It will be hard to put your thoughts into words. This is a time where someone may oppose your thoughts or feelings. The key is to integrate the two (thoughts & emotions), although it may not be easy. This will be the start of a long 10+ hour long void-of-
course Moon cycle that will last until it transitions into the romantic sign of Libra later this morning…. The Moon will transition into diplomatic Libra (exact at 11:32am EST). Activities that are favorable during a Libra Moon are: fairness, beauty (did I say beauty?), partnerships, joint enterprise, aesthetics, harmony, graciousness, cooperation, justice, peace, and romance. Things to avoid are: indecision, dependence, fickle, and lying (to avoid confrontation). Libras make great judges and counselors because they are often able to see both sides. Its physical associations are: the kidneys, lumbar area of the back, buttocks and adrenal glands. All of these themes will be accentuated during the next 2 ½ days.
In the afternoon the Moon will highlight the Venus/Neptune square that will occur later this evening. Then, the Moon in Libra will make its monthly opposition to Uranus in Aries (exact at 7:54pm EST). This is not an ideal time to break from the tried and true. Even with the best of intentions to stick with details & organization, an outside event may steer you in a different direction. Lastly, Venus in Gemini will form an uncomfortable square with Neptune in Pisces (exact at 9:49pm EST).
Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Idealism, love, & escapism all rolled up into one big rose-colored package! It is possible to meet charming people (or to be charming ourselves) around this time so, wait until another day before serious declarations of love or before signing on the dotted line (hopefully you have the day off)! Creativity, music, art, films, etc. will be favored. It is possible this could make us a little dreamy, sleepy, or fuzzy around this time. It may be hard to wake up this morning. People with drug or alcohol issues could experience some issues.
(Friday 4/6/12)- Overnight, the Moon in Libra will square intense Pluto in Capricorn (exact at 2:51am 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. Then, the Moon in Libra will quincunx Jupiter in Taurus (exact at 10:50am EST). This is a time where you could feel disconnected from the group. Someone could challenge your beliefs around this time. Our optimism or self-confidence may be a little low. This is not a time to rely on luck. Don’t worry, this will be temporary! Next, the Sun in Aries will form a slightly uncomfortable semisquare with nebulous Neptune in Pisces (exact at 11:45am EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. Dreaming and daydreaming of the good old days? This one could zap some of our energy. We could feel fuzzy and have trouble
focusing. This is not a good time to make major decisions or to sign contracts. Best to relax or focus on creative endeavors!
This afternoon, we will experience the height of the Full Moon in Libra (exact at 3:19pm EST). The Full Moon that takes place in April is often called the Full Pink Moon, Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Fish Moon. The height of the Full Moon is always signified by the opposition of the Sun (currently in Aries). Do you have faith in yourself and your abilities or do you defer to someone else? Are you comfortable being alone or do you always need someone else around? Which is more important to you; keeping your independence or being in a relationship and functioning as a unit? Do you have to give up your idea of self in order to be in a relationship or is it possible to marry (pardon the pun) the two? These questions/themes will be highlighted now. It depends where the Moon/Libra & Sun/Aries falls within your chart in order to know how this will affect you on a personal level. Full Moons astrologically are considered to be a time of culmination or endings. I personally like to take this time to meditate and send out prayers for family, friends, and humanity. The key word for Libra is BALANCE. Make BALANCE the focus for today. Libra’s herbs & flowers are: geranium, chamomile, eucalyptus, fennel, dill, vanilla, & roses. By simply adding some of these elements to your day either by drinking tea, burning essential oils, adding to your salad, etc. will help
your balance to be restored. Take a quiet moment to reflect on this during the day.
(Saturday 4/7/12)- Overnight, the Moon in Libra will form an annoying quincunx to Mercury in Pisces (exact at 2:07am EST) possibly causing blocks in communication. It may be nearly impossible to express ourselves. You ever had a time that you couldn’t put your thoughts into words? Then, the Moon forms its monthly conjunction with Saturn (R) both in Libra (exact at 6:15am EST). This is an all work no play transit. Best to concentrate on: work, organization, BALANCE, joint enterprises, goal setting, and details. This would also be an ideal time to start a new health or exercise regime. Build foundations in relationships. Sometimes this can give us a feeling of loneliness or isolation (or even the blues). This will be the beginning of a 5+ hour long void-of-course Moon cycle when the Moon will transitions into intense Scorpio (exact at 11:18am EST). Favorable Scorpio Moon activities are: anything related to research, occult, detective work, self-discovery, digging below the surface (both figural & literal), passion, mysteries, secrets, etc. Things that are not favored or exacerbated during the Moon in Scorpio are: jealousy, anger, intensity, and surgery (it can delay healing time). These will be themes over the next 2 ½ days.
We will end the day when the Moon highlights the Venus/Neptune square that occurred on Thursday and the Venus/Mars square that is occurring this evening. Unfortunately neither of these transits are very beneficial for relationships…although it may highlight relationships. Lastly, Venus in Gemini will form an uncomfortable square with Mars (R) in Virgo (exact at 7:36pm EST). Remember, this is a planetary transit and its effects will be felt much longer than a Moon transit. This transit may bring some tension (especially with love, family, & finances). However, we may have a drive to be social around this time. We will want to act on our feelings. Just make sure you look before you leap! I always advise doing some sort of physical activity whenever Mars is involved because Mars’ energy will want to get out one way or another. Unfortunately, we may be inclined to argue with loved ones, and certainly won’t back down from a challenge. This is also a good time to look within and find your “hearts desire” whether that be a person, vocation, hobby, or otherwise. Sometimes this will bring up sexual tension. Hmmmmm?!?
Next week: Pluto turns Retrograde in Capricorn on Tuesday (4/10), on Friday (4/13) Mars in Virgo will turn Direct (yay)… Mark your calendars!
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 astrological reading. I now have a variety of charts to choose from (relationship, life path, time-line, etc). I can do readings in-person, Skype, or over the phone. 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 Hypnotherapy Life Coach
Ordained Minister (Non-Denominational) & Certified Spiritual Healer
(802)-999-4677
