Stellar Guidance | March 2017 (A Sneak Peek into My New Column)
In with the new.....
Starting next month, I'll be writing a new horoscope column for a fabulous new online women's magazine. And while I can't give you the full details just yet, know that this column will give me a canvas to share with you monthly insights in a way that I've yet to do. The column will give you an overview of the month at the beginning of the month as well as offer wellness perspectives and strategies for each astrological sign. I'm super excited about this new collaboration and ability to share insights with you.
And while the column will begin next month (and I promise to let you know the 411 when it gets closer), I thought to give you a sneak peak into it now, by providing you with insights into the astrological landscape of the month.
#StayBouncy: Jupiter, Uranus + Pluto
One of my favorite current maxims, "Stay Bouncy" is a reminder that being flexible and ready to pivot can serve us quite well this year. That's because at the helm of 2017's astrology is make-it-big Jupiter dancing with change-it-up Uranus and let-it-go Pluto. And with both of these alignments being on the stellar marquee for March (the Jupiter/Uranus Opposition occurs on March 2, the Jupiter/Pluto Square on March 30), staying bouncy—and expecting the unexpected—can be a great go-to mantra this month; if we aren't flexible, and we hold fast to too solid a stance, we may feel quite thrown off guard if/when a wave of surprises comes our way.
Staying bouncy can also be used as an offensive, rather than just defensive, strategy, helping us to proactively forge some great opportunities; we can take greater charge of our lives and expand our sense of possibility by surrendering what's outworn while also transforming our patterns. What do you want to change, what restrictive habits do you want to break free of? Focus on this inquiry this month.
Be the master of the shake-up, working on allaying fears that keep you staid and stuck. Unleash a sense of freedom and possibility, try on new things, and give voice to the desires that reside deep within. Taking a new path may not only be a more effective—and interesting—route to your destination, it may help you to have more resilience when feeling like things are shaking up all around you.
#ReEvaluateYourValues: Venus Retrograde
Also on the celestial docket this month is the start of the latest Venus Retrograde cycle, which spans March 4 to April 15. Unlike Mercury Retrograde that occurs several times each year, Venus Retrograde happens every 18 months. This six-week period is prime time to re-evaluate what you value when it comes to Venusian realms such as relationships, finances, art, and what you find beautiful and pleasurable.
Remember that the riches of a retrograde period reside in going back over territory we've already traveled; retracing our steps—just like the planet does, appearing to go backwards in the sky during its retrograde—yields the key to not only navigating possible challenges but making the most of this period's opportunities. For example: go back over the budget you created last year (or re-visit the desire you had to do one, but haven't just yet); re-address that topic you and your partner left by the wayside a while back, which hasn't really disappeared but is rather serving as an invisible stumbling block to intimacy; re-connect with that old colleague, the one that was such a strong advocate for you in your previous job, to get the pep talk and career direction you're currently seeking.
This isn't to say that everything may be all rosy. You may run into frustrations and delays during this period; if you do, indulge in the power of the pause (one of the best Rx for retrograde periods), going slow and stepping back to see whether what occurred is actually pointing you in the direction of a path that may somehow actually be better for you in the long run. Venus Retrograde periods, after all, can really help us refine our understanding about what it is that we love, and how we want love to truly guide us in our lives.
The days around the beginning (March 4) and end (April 15) of Venus Retrograde, and when Venus unites with the Sun (March 25), are likely to be the periods when Venusian topics strongly envelop our mind, heart, and soul.
#SpiritedService + #MoxieMoves: March's Full + New Moon
The Full Moon this month illuminates the sky on the 12th. With the Sun in Pisces and the Moon in Virgo, this lunation provides an opportune time for focusing on healing imbalances in our physical bodies through meditation, prayer, dreamwork, and our creative imagination. Being of service is a potent theme during this annual Full Moon. As we find ourselves called on to be of assistance, it’s important to remember that service need not equal sacrifice. To give is one thing, to give everything away is yet another. If we don’t replenish our personal ocean of inspiration, we will experience an emotional drought that will not only deplete our life force but also our ability to be present for others.
The Aries New Moon on the 27th can have us itching to start new things. Passion and creativity abound, as does a blaze of a "why not?" adventurous energy. If you're looking to kick off a diet or amp up your exercise regimen, the exuberance of palpable energy that the Aries New Moon affords may be a great motivator. Yet, while it's a time of more moxie and infusions of courage, patience may be in short order. Therefore, be careful of an urge to jump out of the starting block prematurely, before you have the accompanying arsenal to help you to win the battle upon which you're embarking.