Monthly Astro Forecast: New Moon in Pisces
March 17th brings a new moon in Pisces, conjunct Chiron the wounded healer. This is the beginning of a process of release, as we move from Pisces season into the new zodiac cycle at the Spring Equinox. This new moon is a seed point for healing potential, for bringing our deep wounds into awareness and gently beginning the process of working with them and the lessons they have for us. The Sun meets Chiron the next day, illuminating the parts of us which may feel hurt and opening the way for healing. Instead of focusing on pain and suffering, we can shift our awareness towards what it is teaching us. That way not only do we reach for our own growth and healing, but carry that healing out into the collective, to the wider earth. Our own personal story, symbolised by the Aries energy which begins to build in the next couple of weeks, can be put in the context of Piscean universal awareness, connecting us to mythic reality.
With dreamy Neptune also in Pisces, there is a lot of sensitive, watery energy around, and we may need to pay attention to containing it a little, so we don't get washed away. Finding ways to stay grounded can be so helpful - walking barefoot on the earth, choosing a specific focus for our meditations. A few hours after the new moon, Mars moves into Capricorn, the sign of structure and solid foundations. Mars is exalted in Capricorn, because all that strong fiery energy needs some focus and structure, so with Mars in Capricorn we have a chance to really manifest our goals. The Pisces new moon brings the seeds of inspiration, Mars in Capricorn the drive to nurture them to their fullest growth.
Mars rules Aries, where Mercury and Venus are already travelling, energising our connections and communication, awakening our passions. The Sun moves into Aries on March 20th, marking the Spring Equinox here in the northern hemisphere and the beginning of a new cycle of the zodiac. Aries is original energy, pure energy. The light is growing, everything is growing, as nature explodes into spring. The primal chaos of Pisces seeds our new beginning, as individual consciousness re-emerges from the cosmic soup. Intent is key with Aries energy, we need to find focus and direction. Its time to put those plans into action, to manifest all the visions we have carefully nurtured through winter's quiet dark.
On March 23rd, Mercury goes retrograde, which might slow us down a little. Time to look inward, to consider our path, where we are going and how we are going to get there. This fiery Mercury might get frustrated at reflection and contemplation, but its both necessary and powerful. On April 1st the Sun passes Mercury, bringing a date appropriate burst of trickster energy. The next day Mars meets Saturn in Capricorn, pulling us back to what is sensible and realistic. We can make steady progress, rather than great leaps. Until on April 15th when Mercury slows down again and goes stationery direct, getting ready to rush forwards again. The next new moon on April 16th adds to this sense of pause, ready for us to leap into action as Mercury gathers speed.