New Moon in Pisces
Friday, March 4, 12:46 pm PST, 3:46 pm EST

The New Moon in Pisces initiates a fresh cycle of spiritual awareness and an awakening of compassion and creativity. Assertive Mars' close proximity to this Sun-Moon conjunction adds a gentle push to help make the magic happen. Oceanic Pisces carries us with waves of emotion that may sometimes feel overwhelming, but if we learn to go with the flow instead of fighting it, we'll find the currents to carry us to higher ground. Aiming too low or merely trying to get by gets us lost in swamps of self-pity and impotence, instead of soaring with the wings of faith and imagination.

Mercury in Aries
Wednesday,March 9, 9:47 am PST, 12:47 pm EST

Brainy Mercury's shift into spontaneous Aries opens minds to inventive ideas and fires up communication with passionate words. This enthusiasm, though, is better for talking than for listening. A lack of attention to others can produce one-sided conversations that inhibit our capacity to compromise. Still, it's important to set aside objectivity at times so that intuition is free to blaze new paths of awareness.

Uranus in Aries
Friday, March 11, 4:55 pm PST, 7:55 pm EST

The planet of revolution begins a seven-year stay in Aries that can shake the world. This explosive transit is rich with promise for change if we're willing to let go of the past and radically reshape the future. It is time for a new human consciousness that recognizes the need to transform our relationships with nature and with one another. Experimenting with different forms of government and economic institutions will feel risky, but sticking to the status quo is even more dangerous. Liberation starts within each one of us, which makes personal breakthroughs significant contributions to our collective growth.

Full Moon in Virgo
Saturday, March 19, 11:10 am PDT, 2:10 pm EDT

The high emotional tides of this Full Moon are intensified by excitable Uranus' conjunction with the Sun and opposition to the Moon. Normally, this lunation in orderly Virgo contrasts pragmatism with the Sun in Pisces' penchant for fantasy as we seek to rebalance this relationship. Uranus' presence, though, shatters the atmosphere with sudden emotional shifts and unexpected events. Flexibility is a must when dealing with these inner and outer surprises because rigidity only increases the tension. Open minds reveals short cuts and help liberate us from boring routines and outmoded dreams.

Sun in Aries
Sunday, March 20, 4:21 pm PDT, 7:21 pm EDT

This new astrological year is supercharged by the Sun's conjunction with Uranus and Jupiter's presence in the zodiac's risk-taking sign Aries. Impulsiveness and originality are riding high and motivated by itches for change. It's time to reinvent ourselves with updated looks and fresh attitudes. The desire for freedom is so strong that it's difficult to take orders, which can provoke conflict with authorities. Yet this hunger for stimulation encourages bolder behavior such as starting a new business or a taking relationship in a totally different direction. Being a pioneer is sometimes lonely but it's often easier to fly solo when exploring new territory.

Venus in Pisces
Saturday, March 26, 11:53 pm PDT, Sunday, March 27, 2:53 am EDT

Venus' entry into her romantic sign of exaltation makes hearts more tender. The spiritual side of intimacy grows in our collective awareness, which can be a significant source of compassion. Unconditional love allows us to give with less judgment and without expecting anything in return. But a lack of discrimination allows us to project illusions on others and idealize relationships that are far from perfect. This transit does raise esthetics to an almost divine level, bringing a sense of communion through the arts and nature.

Jupiter opposite Saturn
Monday, March 28

Getting long-range ducks in a row is the purpose of this third opposition of the planets of expansion and contraction. This aspect occurred on May 22 and August 16, 2010, setting a frame around big decisions related to career and education. Jupiter in impatient Aries motivates activity right now while Saturn in accommodating Libra understands the necessity of diplomacy and compromise. The bottom line is that major growth requires both personal initiative and supportive allies. The challenge is knowing when to follow individual instincts and when to slow down and consider the advice of others.

Mercury Retrograde
Wednesday, March 30, 1:38 pm PDT, 4:38 pm EDT

The messenger planet's backward period will last until April 23, complicating communication, travel and technology. This event occurs in restless Aries, a sign that wants to move forward against this retrograde tide. A tendency toward impatience will probably increase the likelihood of errors, so a slower approach to managing data is recommended. Going back to reconnect with people and activities from the past, though, helps to tie up loose ends and complete unfinished business.

Mars in Aries
Friday, April 1, 9:51 pm PDT, Saturday, April 2, 12:51 am EDT

Mars racing into its fiery home sign is another boost in this season of starting over. It joins the Sun, Jupiter and Uranus in Aries, making a quartet of race horses that can run over obstacles and people without looking back. Normally, this transit increases physical energy and spurs enterprising efforts. However, Mercury's retrograde period in Aries is a reminder that even the fastest runners, brightest thinkers and bravest warriors benefit from a moment's reflection every now and then.

The New Moon in spiritual Pisces sows seeds of imagination and faith. It's a time for dreams, some of which will dissipate like clouds but others may gather strength and deliver on their promises. Letting minds wander is not a waste of energy or a mere distraction; it's the ground from which great ideas can grow.

Have a great month!