Venus begins a six-week retrograde tour on March 1. Mercury begins a three-week retrograde tour on March 15. Covering the same ground, both begin their retrograde tours in Aries and end in Pisces. Including pre and post their retrograde travel, Venus and Mercury will do a back and forth over Pisces and Aries twice. Water to fire, water to fire: from heating to cooling to heating again until the warm-up hits an optimal temperature. Potential is on heightened brew. This double back sets up a test drive period and allows added time to refine or redesign before heading onto the freeway.
All retrograde cycles mandate review and revision where necessary. Venus retrograde is best used to re-evaluate the worth, the quality, and the investment. Whether through choice or circumstance, Venus retrograde in Aries can temporarily stall or hinder the race ahead.
Will Trump impose the tariffs? Noting that Mercury enters Aries (the sign of action and aggression) on March 3, it appears likely. Even so, Venus retrograde (starting March 1), and Mercury retrograde (starting on March 15) suggest what is launched or triggered can be short lived. As is typical during Mercury retrograde, plans and minds change. things often do not go as expected or intended.(Trump’s live, oval office attack on Zelensky happened 3 days before Mercury enters Aries. One can only wonder what comes next. This confrontation also took place as Venus was stationing before turning retrograde which has stalled the rare minerals (Venus) deal that Zelensky was set to sign with Trump. Stay tuned. It is going to be perpetually moving target month or two!)
March 13/14 delivers a lunar eclipse in Virgo. This eclipse suggests an opportunity to heal, to repair, or to make an improvement. Regarding an actual circumstance or relationship, and at the karmic level too, there is an opportunity to revisit something left incomplete, to fill in a missing piece, or to solve a mystery. When something falters, does not go as planned, or does not meet with expectation, it could prove to be a saving grace or blessing in disguise. March 12, (sun/Saturn conjunction) can crystalize a reality or a goalpost or mark an official timeline or finish line. As of March 15, Mercury retrograde shifts the focus onto the next item on the to-do list. Your priority attention can shift from the outer world and into your personal world and private life. Spring break (for northern hemisphere folks), a pause, hiatus, vacation, retreat, or regroup is well-timed.
March 29 delivers a partial solar eclipse in Aries. A spontaneous combustion or sudden fast-track influence, once the action fires up, it is all-consuming. This eclipse can re-trigger what was in the works at the start or middle of the month. You may also note some relevance to what was on brew last fall and/or triggered by the eclipse on Oct 2. This solar eclipse in Aries can set the action onto a fast forward regarding the next level up. The eclipse can reawaken or rekindle something that didn’t go the distance, was sidetrack, or was interrupted over the recent months (or from a past life circumstance, in which case you’ll feel that sense of déjà vu or fate at play).
Neptune in Aries:
March 30, Neptune makes its first foray into Aries. Whatever has been on brew can suddenly burst forth, taking center stage or make its presence known in a more obvious and forceful way. If you are sensitive to this Neptune influence, you can feel a surge of inspiration, motivation, or cause. Neptune in Aries calls to the spiritual warrior to undertake an act of courage. When Neptune and Pisces are featured as they are now, there can be notable events that affect the masses. Neptune in Aries can also be a signature of the collective at war (at all levels, i.e. in reality and spiritually speaking). Zero Aries is the trigger (activation) point for the cardinal world axis. This zero degrees will be crossed by various planets 12 times in 2025. Is the world on the brink of WW3? Uncertain times lie ahead.
For 2025, Neptune in Aries extends from March 30 to October 22. Neptune dips back into Pisces from October 22 to January 26, when it will take up its 14-year residency in Aries.
As stated above, the pope was recently in failing health but is said to be on a recovery path. His chart has many triggers that suggests a change for the Catholic Church is coming soon.
March 29 delivers a partial solar eclipse in Aries. On March 30, Neptune enters Aries for the first time in 165 years. (It will only be a short introduction. Neptune backtracks into Pisces from late October through the end of January before it takes up its 14-year residency in Aries.) This is an especially dynamic, fire-up new moon that could have quite a kick or forward thrust to it. We may see an eruption take place in the world, or an event that has significance on a global or mass scale. There could be added violence and destruction, more aggression or action on the war front, an accident or volcanic eruption or some such. The pope’s recently health challenges have been triggered by the eclipses of the month, Venus retrograde, and Neptune into Aries.
For the astrology student: When pope’s health took a turn on Feb 14, the moon was touring Virgo and formed an opposition to the transit of Saturn in Pisces. The moon/Saturn opposition was also making a direct contact to the pope’s natal Neptune in Virgo (transiting moon conjunct; transiting Saturn in opposition). He took a downturn on Feb 22 as Mars was completing retrograde, but by Feb 25, he was apparently on an upswing.
The super full moon total lunar eclipse on March 13/14 is also in Virgo. Between March 11 and 15 there are several transit triggers on the pope’s chart. The partial solar eclipse on March 29 happens at 9 degrees Aries. Both Venus and Mercury retrograde trigger this degree (tightest sphere of influence: Venus: first 10 days of March; Mercury: March 12 to 20; and both in the middle of May). Additionally, on the solar eclipse of March 29, Mercury retrograde backtracks into Pisces, to realign with the north node in Pisces. The planet cluster around the north node in Pisces continues through April (includes Saturn in Pisces).
Neptune in Pisces is a signature for the collective (the masses) and for religion. Eclipses are event triggers that can produce not only when they occur, but over a range of time prior to and following the exact date. They always mark transitions of note. No doubt, the world will be keeping a watchful eye on the pope!
Neptune, planet of mass consciousness (collective attunement), has just spent the past 14 years on tour through its home sign of Pisces. Neptune in Pisces has taken us through a collective experiential track that has simultaneously dissolved and progressively exposed on multi-dimensional levels. We have thrived and flourished, and we have lost. We have created from a base of inspiration, faith, and hopefulness. We have created from fear and from confusion regarding truth, ideologies, and ideals. Our collective journey has also taken us through massive loss and disillusionment.
For the past 14 years, Neptune in Pisces has stirred an ocean of possibility. This exposing and dissolving influence serves to eliminate the barriers that prevent full access to laying claim on the potentials that are our collective and personal birthright – that of a peaceful, respectful, and thriving co-existence on this planet.
Neptune has spent the past 14 years gracing Pisces. On March 30, Neptune enter Aries for the first time in 165 years. Previous Neptune in Aries were signature times of emancipation bids, religious reforms, new leaderships and movements, and the birth of new world powers. This Neptune in Aries sets the collective onto its next chapter. It lights a fresh spark regarding collective attunement (mass consciousness/global consciousness and movements). It inspires creative imagination, new collective beliefs and ideals, new potentials, and it inspires the spiritual warrior to stay hopeful and to rise-up to meet the new day dawn. Neptune will return for one last review in Pisces from October 22 to January 26, 2026, before the planet takes up its 14-year residency in Aries.
Neptune is not the only planet to transition out of Pisces and into Aries. That threshold (the zero Aries point) will be stimulated (kickstarted) twelve times over the course of this coming year! The fire is being stoked with extra kindling to ensure it gets to a roaring level. Over the course of 2025, Saturn and Uranus will also make introductory tours into new signs. I’ll write more on these transits in future writings.
March 13: Total Lunar Eclipse in Virgo: 11:54 pm (23:56 Virgo)
March 29: Partial Solar Eclipse, (super new moon) in Aries: 3:57 am (9:00 Aries)
March 1: Venus in Aries turns retrograde: 5:35 pm
March 3: Mercury enters Aries: 2:03 am
March 14: Mercury stations retrograde: 11:46 pm
March 19: Juno stations retrograde: 10:59 am
March 20: Equinox, Sun enters Aries: 2:01 am
March 21: Vesta in Scorpio stations retrograde: 3:31 am
March 27: Venus retrograde revisits Pisces: 1:40 am
March 29: Partial Solar Eclipse in Aries: 3:57 am
March 29: Mercury retrograde revisits Pisces: 7:17 pm
March 30: Neptune enters Aries: 5:00 am
**Please note all times listed are PST, please check your local time.
Dates to watch: March 1 – 3, 11 – 14, 19 – 24, 29, 30.
ARIES March 19/20 – April 19
Both Venus and Mercury turn retrograde this month. Of added note, (and rare), both will retrograde over the same degrees of Aries and Pisces. Both retrograde cycles will be of greater significance for you if your birthday is on or near March 30 to April 1. (Their impact is also dynamic for March born Aries folks).
Happening 3 or 4 times a year, Mercury’s retrograde tour is a frequent occurrence, one with which most folks know about. Happening much less frequently, Venus retrograde is of particular significance. If it makes direct contact to your natal chart, you will feel the magnetizing potency of this “call it forth” transit as having arrived at a fated moment. Stay alert for who and what shows up. Venus retrograde triggers something unfinished or unresolved from destiny’s checklist. The unfinished can pertain to the past of this life or a past life. You may have loose ends to attend to, or you may return to something you did not have the time or opportunity to take on previously. This Venus retrograde cycle can also sprout the seeds for a latter harvest.
Venus retrograde extends from March 1 to April 12. Mercury retrograde extends from March 15 to April 7. At the end of the month, both will backtrack into Pisces. Both will finish their retrograde tours in this sign. (Venus retrograde backs into Pisces on March 27; Mercury retrograde backs into Pisces on March 29). Both transits can dissolve whatever barrier may be in the way of the potentials that are now (or soon) to gain momentum.
Mercury and Venus on their back-and-forth visits between Pisces and Aries (twice each) infuse added potency into each moment. Both provide a time extension to test-drive, digest and process, to consider variables and options, and to feel the way along. The end of March and into mid April will be a time to explore and then to act on what has recently surfaced. Don’t hesitate to ditch it or to shift gears if that’s what feels right to you. Don’t force what isn’t coming naturally. There is no need to scramble or hustle. Clarity or a clear path forward will come your way soon. Trust. Once past the confusion, uncertainty, or sidetracks of the retrograde cycles, expect to hit the ground running. Middle of April to middle of June is the optimum time for action.
Along with these transits, March also hosts two eclipses and Neptune’s advance into Aries for the first time in 165 years!
A total lunar eclipse in Virgo happens on March 13/14. This eclipse suggests an opportunity to heal, to repair, or to make an improvement. Regarding an actual circumstance or relationship, and at the karmic level too, there is an opportunity to revisit something left incomplete, to fill in a missing piece or to solve a mystery. When something falters, or doesn’t go as planned, or doesn’t meet with expectation, it could be a saving grace moment or blessing in disguise. Sun/Saturn (conjunction March 12) can crystalize a reality or a goalpost or mark an official timeline or finish line. As of March 15, Mercury retrograde shifts the focus onto the next item on the to-do list. On a more basic note, these transits redirect your attention or activities away from the outer world and into your personal world and private life. Spring break (for northern hemisphere folks), a pause, hiatus, vacation, retreat, or regroup is well-timed.
A partial solar eclipse happens in Aries on March 29, at (or close to) the start degree of both the Venus and Mercury retrograde tours. Watch for a key someone or for a key circumstance to set fate into action. Eclipses will activate well in advance of their actual event date, and their potency will continue in the weeks and months that follow. The eclipses of March wheels were already set in motion in February. In combination, the retrograde cycles (the recent Mars retrograde included) and the eclipses will keep the action dialed up through the middle of May.
Neptune, planet of mass consciousness (collective attunement), has just spent the past 14 years on tour through its home sign of Pisces. Neptune in Pisces has taken us through a collective experiential track that has simultaneously dissolved and progressively exposed on multi-dimensional levels. We have thrived and flourished, and we have lost. We have created from a base of inspiration, faith, and hopefulness. We have created from fear and from confusion regarding truth, ideologies, and ideals. Our collective journey has also taken us through massive loss and disillusionment.
For the past 14 years, Neptune in Pisces has stirred an ocean of possibility. This exposing and dissolving influence serves to eliminate the barriers that prevent full access to laying claim on the potentials that are our collective and personal birthright – that of a peaceful, respectful, and thriving co-existence on this planet. Neptune in Aries calls forth the spiritual warrior. Previous Neptune in Aries were signature times of emancipation bids, religious reforms, new leaderships and movements, and the birth of new world powers.
If you are born on or near March 30, you are likely to feel this Neptune in Aries transit as a surge of fresh inspiration and hope, of a new awareness seeding your consciousness. Please note, before taking up its 14-year residency in Aries, Neptune has finishing to do. It will revisit Pisces from late October to the end of January 2026.
Neptune is not the only planet to transition out of Pisces and into Aries. That threshold (the zero Aries point) will be stimulated/triggered twelve times over the course of this coming year!
Your new trajectory could happen all at once, or with a few false starts, short trial runs, or fresh triggers. No matter how the next month or several months transpire, by this time next year, you will be fully off to the races on a new day to day reality.
TAURUS April 19 – May 20
There is more on the go than meets the eye. You are likely to be aware of an inner awakening or sense of knowing that is energizing inside of you. The process has been in the works for some time, and it will continue in active development over this next month or so. In fact, this metamorphosis will continue to hold sway over the whole year ahead. Some prospects and previously cherished goals are fading from view, while something fresh is on the rise. Even if you cannot explain it or see the whole picture just yet, you can feel it growing.
Venus retrograde (March 1 to April 12) takes you through an important review and soul-searching time. What is in your best interest? Have you misplaced your trust or lost your faith, in yourself, or in opportunities or future prospects? Is greater fulfillment within reach? (The answer to that last question is yes, it always is.)
Mercury retrograde (March 15 to April 7) covers the same ground that Venus retrograde does. Through people you meet or through circumstance, expect to revisit something of significance from your past. There is an ability to dissolve a barrier or to let go of something that has been holding you up for awhile. If a plan unravel or the spark is lost, let it go. What is meant to be will continue to gain. What does not hold good prospect will disintegrate, dissolve, or disappear. A total lunar eclipse in Virgo (March 13/14) precedes the start of Mercury retrograde (March 15). This eclipse can clue you into something that may prove to be a blessing in disguise. There may be an opportunity to address something unfinished, to fill in a missing blank, or to make an important upgrade, improvement, or correction (to health or wealth).
March 24 to the end of the month (and extending through the start of April) can be informing or catapulting, in a strike-flint way. March 29 delivers a partial solar eclipse and Neptune’s first foray into Aries. The best way to play it for the entire month ahead is to take it one step at a time.
GEMINI May 20 – June 20
Venus retrograde (March 1 to April 12) can prompt a significant shift of perspective, attention, and/or momentum. Mercury retrograde (March 15 to April 7) backtracks over the same degrees as Venus retrograde does. This doubling up is quite rare and quite notable. Venus retrograde prompts a re-evaluation of how you feel. Mercury retrograde prompts a rethink. In other words, the intention behind both transits is to get head and heart on the same page.
Both Venus and Mercury begin their retrograde tours in Aries. Both planets backtrack and complete their retrograde tours in Pisces: Venus in Pisces (March 27 – May 1); Mercury in Pisces (March 29 – April 16). Both Venus and Mercury in Pisces can be exposing and revealing. Both can stir potentials that have previously gone unnoticed, or that which is hidden from view. You can feel a sense of synchronicity, divine timing, or fate’s handiwork at play regarding how circumstances unfold. This sense of destiny is also prompted by the two eclipses of the month.
March 13/14 delivers a total lunar eclipse in Virgo. You can feel the fullest effect of this eclipse if your birthday falls on or near June 13 – 15. Your health (or that of a parent or someone important to you), home life (including renovation projects), and professional aspirations are potential feature subjects of this eclipse. Should an ending happen, allow yourself time and breathing space before you try to fill in the void. You will not be in that void condition for long. March 29 delivers a solar eclipse in Aries. It may be only a partial eclipse, but it has a good/sharp kick to it. March 30, Neptune exits Pisces for Aries. The end of the month and the next several could set the action onto a fast track.
All retrograde cycles have three parts, the beginning (the set up), the middle (the thick of it: exposing, unravel or poke holes in it, portion), and the end (the wrap up). Mercury is on the move-along by the end of April. Venus is on hot stuff mode throughout the month of May. Middle of April through middle of June can set you/set life onto a positive upswing.
CANCER June 20 – July 22
A new reality is in the works. It is one that has several stages to it. As of March 1, Venus begins a six-week retrograde cycle. As of March 15, Mercury begins a three-week retrograde cycle. Both transits cover the same ground. Both retrogrades start in Aries and finish in Pisces. This back and forth can help you get clearer on the prospects and efforts that are most worthwhile. You aren’t likely to waste much time on a test drive. If it is not viable, it will have a short shelf life. For the most part, results, answers, or a confirmation can be immediate. If uncertainty continues, just keep open-minded and open-ended. Wait for clarity to kick in. (Trust. It will.) Watch for circumstances to unfold and to dictate the play.
March 13/14 delivers a total eclipse in Virgo. This eclipse can direct attention to the mistakes or flaws, or on what needs to be corrected, healed, upgraded, or improved upon. It can be time to write or retake a test, to get a health checkup, or get your vehicle serviced. Mercury turns retrograde on March 15, so know it is wise to double check your calculations, schedule, or plan. Do not scrimp on your health, the details, or due diligence. Get a second opinion. It may be time to hire a better agent, advisor, or helper. To the plus, there may be an opportunity to study or to hone a skill. Any improvement prompted or undertaken by this eclipse is to your benefit. Anything you do to clear away, clean up, and enhance sets you up for better prospects, for both your immediate gain and for down-the-road benefit. On another note, the eclipse may simply coincide with spring break, a timeout, or a transition between one thing and another.
March 29 delivers a partial solar eclipse in Aries. This new moon eclipse could set you onto a timely fast track. The prospect, inspiration, or revelation could come from an unexpected source. You could find yourself at the start of something quite worthwhile. Even so, take nothing at face value. Venus and Mercury retrograde are still in the works. Mercury retrograde backtracks into Pisces on the same day of the solar eclipse. This backtrack can expose something unforeseen, or that has previously escaped notice. Watch for more to unfold in the days and weeks ahead. This month and next can be a time of rapid developments, and/or rapidly shifting tides. Some things that spring to life may be short-lived.
March 30, Neptune exits Pisces (where it has been for the past 14 years) to give us a first introduction to its transit through Aries. (Neptune will revisit Pisces from late October to late January 2025, before taking up a 14-year residency in Aries.) Neptune aims to dissolve the barriers that hold you back. Of significance, this includes the conditioning patterns that have shaped your judgements on what it takes to be you, for you to navigate your way through this intersection along the road of life. This year and next sets you on the threshold of the next chapter of your life. (Yes, it is a monumental threshold.)
LEO July 22 – August 22
Have no expectation, stay open-ended, and take each moment as it comes. Venus in Aries turns retrograde on March 1 (to April 12). Pay close attention and you may notice fresh signals emanating from your instincts, impulses, and your heart. You could suddenly find yourself are heading in a different direction than expected. Mercury in Aries, starting March 3, can keep you quick on the pickup, especially through the first half of the month.
March 13/14 delivers a total lunar eclipse in Virgo. You can feel a sense of inevitability in terms of how things manifest, cement, or end. This eclipse can occupy you with a health issue, a necessary repair, or problem solving. You may find that you are on the short end of the stick, that you do not have enough of what it takes, or that you have not invested enough. On another note, you could realize that you have made a mistake or that you have wasted your time (or resources). Go easy on yourself! Despite best efforts, it is sometimes hard to be perfect, or to play it just right.
Mercury in Aries turns retrograde just one day after the total lunar eclipse. You could find yourself onto a next track with little time between what was and what gains the front runner attention. It can be an ideal time to switch course (you could do a sudden or abrupt about face), or to take a break or a vacation. (The end of a semester and/or spring break are also well timed.)
Both Venus (March 1) and Mercury (March15) start their retrograde tours in Aries and then backtrack into Pisces (Venus retrograde in Pisces starts March 27, ends retrograde on April 12, returns to Aries May 1. Mercury retrograde in Pisces starts March 29, ends retrograde on April 7, returns to Aries on April 15.) This back and forth between the two signs can further infuse potentials with a particularly dynamic life force. It may be a matter of an introduction, a first try, or a test drive that will qualify the best choice or option, or that provides more to sort out or clear up before jumping in with both feet/hitting it full steam ahead.
Mercury backs into Pisces on the same day of the partial solar eclipse in Aries on March 29. The solar eclipse can be auspicious for launching something new. A new potential, circumstance or person can spark déjà vu and/or put destiny into play.
VIRGO August 22 – September 22
Venus begins a six-week retrograde tour on March 1. Mercury begins a three-week retrograde tour on March 15. Covering the same ground, both begin their retrograde tours in Aries and end in Pisces. The double-back influence can create a longer runway to the launch pad/starting gate, but there is an advantage to an extended test-pilot phase. The asset of any retrograde cycle is the opportunity to review, reassess, regroup, and renovate as is necessary or desired. Improvement, correction, and potential for healing are always the net gains of any retrograde cycle.
This Venus/Mercury “twice over” process gives you more than one try, one more “look-see”, or more than one chance to get your bearings straight, to qualify the option, to fill in what’s missing, or to piece it all together before you take it on, or before it takes on a life of its own. The carpenter’s motto is befitting here: “measure twice, cut once.”
Both retrograde transits take you on a review of how you show up for yourself. Both prompt an important soul-searching chapter. How do you feel, about yourself, about your ambitions, your circumstance, your relationship to a significant other, and/or your relationship to the world around you? Is what you want, what you envision for yourself within your range to access or achieve? What action do you need to undertake to realign yourself toward greater success and fulfillment? If you want answers, you must first pose the questions. Keep asking, keep questioning, and keep listening. It is all part of the process.
March 13/14 delivers a total lunar eclipse in Virgo. Mercury, ruler of Virgo, turns retrograde on March 15. You will feel the fullest effect of this eclipse if you are born on or near September 15 – 17. An exposing or informing influence, the eclipse takes it out of the guesswork category and makes it real. You can be spurred to action by necessity or desire. Either way, improvement is your net gain. The eclipse can remove a barrier or eliminate something that does not make the grade. It can reveal what needs more attention, what has gone unnoticed, what has been overlooked, undervalued, or underserviced. The eclipse draws attention to what is weak, flawed, or in need of repair. Upgrades are to your advantage, especially when it comes to health and exercise. You cannot go wrong to put added effort toward studies, skills improvement, marketing, and into the healthy living/good-for-you category. As with all eclipses, you can feel a sense of fate or karmic recall at play.
March 29 delivers a partial solar eclipse in Aries. On this same day, Mercury backtracks out of Aries and into Pisces. March 30, Neptune enters Aries (for the first time in 165 years!). While Mercury and Venus continue in retrograde, the solar eclipse (a new moon) and Neptune sets us onto a new threshold. If your birthday falls on or near Sept 22, you can feel the energizing, catapulting, or fast-tracking effect of this eclipse at full strength.
LIBRA September 22 - October 22
Venus in Aries begins a six-week retrograde tour on March 1. This planet travels retrograde with least frequency (every 18 months), but it is a feature transit to watch. Venus retrograde holds an especially strong magnetic potency that calls forth from the destiny pool. If the transit makes an important contact to your natal chart, you are likely to notice the influence of fate or karmic recall at play regarding circumstances and key relationships. Adding to this karmic recall cycle, starting March 15, Mercury takes a three-week retrograde tour over the same degrees (this is quite rare). Add to the mix a couple of eclipses (also signatures of destiny at work) and to be sure, the month ahead is absolutely stacked!
March 13/14 delivers a total lunar eclipse in Virgo. The couple of days preceding this full moon could be shaping and solidifying regarding a conversation, announcement, plan, project, or circumstance. An ending is well timed (i.e. a semester, course, job, or healing process). Spring break, a vacation, or time out or away is also well timed. Most importantly, the lunar eclipse and Mercury retrograde set the action and attention onto a switched track.
If you are born on or near October 3, 4, you can feel the dynamic influences of Venus retrograde, Mercury retrograde, and the partial solar eclipse of March 29 redirecting your life in a strike-flint, or sudden sprint way. A key someone can be the catalyst that sets the action onto an acceleration track. Be cautious when driving, put added attention toward health and safety too. In general, Mercury retrograde holds potential for accidents or sudden health flare ups. Also keep track of the important stuff. Things can go missing. A continuance of Pisces influence (both Venus and Mercury retrograde back into these signs) suggests that there is a blind spot. Something unexpected or that has escaped notice can suddenly claim attention.
The best advice for the month is to stay alert, do not overlook a thing, take it a step at a time. stay open-ended and open-minded, and to continue to check in with yourself often. Don’t hesitate to take a risk, to gift yourself with more freedom, to put your needs first, or to test drive a new version of yourself.
SCORPIO October 22 - November 21
Ample potential is on trigger. How it translates into the tangible and real is yet to be determined. In this regard, the next couple of months will be qualifying. On March 1, Venus begins a 6-week retrograde tour. On March 15, Mercury will begin a 3-week retrograde tour. Both retrograde transits start in Aries and end in Pisces. Both will cover the same degrees. This double pass in such close sequence is quite rare. Including two eclipses, plus Neptune into Aries (for the first time in 165 years!) this next month or so is sure to be an eventful time. So much so, it can alter the course of many lives.
Venus and Mercury retrograde will double back over the same area of your chart. You can find yourself consumed with a particular issue. Have you been thinking about making a change regarding your work, or how you function on a day-to-day basis? A change your health regime can be warranted. Perhaps you have already started on something new. Venus retrograde prompts an important review of the worthiness of efforts and involvements. Mercury retrograde can prompt a rethink of the plan, schedule, or method. Personal needs or interests can change quickly or subtly. Outer circumstances and their requirements can too. Both retrograde tours can prompt a shift of perception. Experience is always your best informant. March moves you along the experiential track. Seize the opportunity to take a test drive (or two). Look to Venus in Pisces (retrograde from March 27 to April 12) and Mercury in Pisces (retrograde from March 29 to April 15) to help you to synthesize intention, to better clue into creative opportunity and to align inwardly and outwardly with the developing potentials. In other words, both retrograde tours are optimizing regroup influences. There will be more work and working out to do ahead, but by the time this month is over, and April and Mary are underway, you will be well seasoned for ready, set, run.
March 13/14 delivers a total lunar eclipse in Virgo. The few days prior to this eclipse could produce news or an announcement that can finalize or cement what is already in development. In general, the Virgo eclipse suggests a course correction, an improvement and healing mandate. There is a necessity to clear away what does not hold enough strength, effectiveness, or usefulness. No time will be wasted pre- and post-eclipse, thanks to the solidifying Sun/Saturn conjunction on March 12 and the shift gears influence of Mercury retrograde (starting March 15).
March 29 delivers a partial solar eclipse in Aries. Watch for an opportunity to cut yourself loose, sever ties, set it or set yourself free, to go independent. The eclipse could be a springboard for what fired up at the beginning of the month or during the lunar eclipse week (March 10 – 14). One way or another, the eclipse in Aries (archetype of fighting and wars and foolishness) is sure to trigger action on the world stage. (Accidents, fires, more aggression, gun violence, or eruptions are within range of the eclipse too.) March 30, Neptune makes its first foray into Aries. What has been on brew behind the scenes can suddenly take center stage or make its presence known in a more obvious way. If you are sensitive to this Neptune influence, you can feel a surge of inspiration, motivation, or cause. Neptune in Aries calls to the spiritual warrior to come forward and represent. When Neptune and Pisces are featured, there can be notable events that affect the masses or collective. (The pope is in failing health and his chart has many triggers that can suggest a change for the Catholic Church is coming soon. Whether this year or next, Neptune in Aries is a signature for a new spiritual leader.)
SAGITTARIUS November 21 – December 21
As of March 1, Venus begins a six-week retrograde tour. As of March 15, Mercury starts a three-week retrograde tour. Both transits begin in Aries and finish in Pisces, covering the same exact degrees (within a margin of 1 or 2 degrees). This double-up is a rare occurrence. Expect the month ahead and the next several to keep you consumed with a new phase of a specific project, circumstance, or relationship. You can find yourself well occupied with testing the waters and breaking new ground.
Venus retrograde is of special note. When Venus tours retrograde, the magnetic draw and attraction force-field is enhanced. As such, fated circumstances and karmic recall comes into play in a more obvious or central way. This transit calls forth something unfinished or unresolved regarding relationships (self to self included). In tandem with Venus retrograde, Mercury retrograde spotlights a key person and/or key circumstance. As is typical of Mercury retrograde, a rendezvous or reconnection can be unexpected or serendipitous.
Once both Venus and Mercury retrograde back into Pisces (at the end of the month), you may feel you have lost your way or lost momentum, or that it is not as straightforward or as clear sailing as it was or as it seemed. The Pisces archetype can dissolve, dissipate, dilute, or expose. At the same time, fresh inspiration and potential are on the rise. As such, look to the end of March and into April as a time to stoke the fire. Overall, Venus and Mercury retrograde set up a qualifying or test drive time. Some things can flare up that have a short shelf life. What disappears can fade out or be forgotten quite quickly. That which comes next and is meant to be can emerge with a dynamic life force. Expect to hit a fast track. Mercury (in Aries to mid-May), Venus (in Aries to the start of June), and Mars (in Leo to mid-June) set an optimum backdrop for new initiatives and involvements.
The lunar eclipse on March 13/14 could uncover something that needs to be fixed, corrected, improved, or healed. It may not be as complicated as it first appears. The best option is the one that is simple, most doable, or that reduces expense or output. If it is not working or does not cut it, there is no reason to keep going with it. On the other hand, if it is worthwhile, it will spring to life. Just prior to the eclipse, sun/Saturn (conjunction) can cement the way forward, produce a result, or bring it to a wrap. Just after the eclipse, Mercury begins retrograde. These transits are well suited for finishing one thing and moving to another, for the end of a semester, job, or project. The time is also well set for a regroup or a vacation. You will feel the fullest threshold crossing effect of this total lunar eclipse if you are born on or near December 15.
March 29, the partial solar eclipse in Aries sets up a spontaneous or strike-flint momentum. Watch for a sudden inspiration or insight to see you hit the ground running. Someone or something could do a disappearing act. On the other hand, something or someone you did not spot previously can burst onto the scene. Mercury retrograde backs into Pisces on the same day of the eclipse and aligns with Neptune at the very last degree (the anoretic degree) of Pisces. On March 30, Neptune treks into Aries for the first time in 165 years. Out of nothing comes something, comes everything. You will feel the uplifting, energizing effect of Neptune in Aries if you are born on or near November 22. You will feel the fullest effect of the solar eclipse if you are born on or near December 1. This solar eclipse has been triggered over the past month or so and will continue to supply fresh fuel through the next couple of months. For the most part, this year and next will continue to keep you creatively inspired and flourishing.
CAPRICORN December 21 - January 20
The past three months have taken us through Mars retrograde. Next comes six weeks of Venus retrograde (March 1 to April 12) and three weeks of Mercury retrograde (March 15 to April 7). All retrogrades serve as an important reassessment and revision where necessary cycle. Venus retrograde is a particularly noteworthy transit as it sets up a potent magnetizing cycle that sets destiny and/or karmic recall into play in a central way. Often there is a sense of déjà vu or fated timing regarding the unfolding of relationships and circumstances. Venus retrograde calls forth the unfinished or unresolved, especially regarding relationships. In addition to the typical Murphy’s law effect that you can expect, Mercury retrograde turns the spotlight attention on something or someone specific (a key person, event, or circumstance).
Both Venus and Mercury start their retrograde tours in Aries and both finish in Pisces. Although one following the other is not unusual, their double-up travel over the exact same degrees (within 1 or 2) is quite rare. The experiential track runs along a spontaneous combustion momentum. A short rush of stimulus, or short test drive will provide immediate information or results. Nothing happens in isolation. One thing leads to another, a domino effect follows. Stay open-minded and open to exploring the range of potentials. As the month unfolds, a clear-cut way forward will emerge. What disappears or dissipates allows for something fresh and new to introduce itself. What is strongest, most viable, and most promising will stand apart from the rest. Watch for the racehorse to overtake the lead by a good margin. Mid-April to mid-June holds a time when initiative and courage meet with good timing.
March 12, sun/Saturn (conjunction) can bring you to a goal post or finish line. Potentials or ambitions can shape up well. March 13/14 delivers a super full moon, total lunar eclipse in Virgo. This eclipse can clue you in in a major way. You could stumble upon a good bargain, a saving grace or unexpected opportunity. It could be something that can be helpful, healing, or informative, or that picks up the slack and/or fills in what is missing. A vacation, or time out to heal or relax can be a good use of the eclipse week too. Mercury in Aries begins retrograde on March 15. Allow flexibility for an about face (or a twist of fate), for a change of mind, schedule, heart, action, or interest.
March 29 delivers a partial solar eclipse in Aries. On March 30, Neptune enters Aries for the first time in 165 years. (It will only be a short introduction. Neptune backtracks into Pisces from late October through the end of January before it takes up its 14-year residency in Aries.) This is an especially dynamic, stoking eclipse that could have quite a kick or forward thrust to it. We may see an eruption take place in the world, or an event that has significance on a global or mass scale. Noting that the pope has recently had challenges, it is not entirely unexpected that either of the eclipses of the month or Venus retrograde could signal a departure for the pope. (As I write this, the pope is said to be on the mend. Even so, note that Venus can be a mortality archetype. Eclipses always coincide with passages of note. Neptune and (the high concentration of) Pisces influences put attention on religion, spirituality, iconic individuals, and leaders (also on notable musicians, movie makers, and the famous). The March 29 eclipse has been activated since February and will continue to stay activate in a featured way through the middle of May (and through the middle of June).
AQUARIUS January 20 – February 18/19
For the past three months, Mars retrograde has kept you in observation mode, this regarding both your outer and inner worlds. Perhaps we have seen less of you. This retreat may have a variety of reasons, but overall, the Mars retrograde cycle is well used to re-center, to prioritize self-interests, and self-care. Mars ended retrograde on February 23. As of March 1, Venus (the other half of the relationship duo) begins a retrograde tour.
Venus retrograde (March 1 to April 12) calls for an important re-evaluation on essential needs, on finances and relationship involvements. This planet tours retrograde with less frequency than all the others. It is of special significance as it sets up a heightened potency period for karmic recall and for fated circumstances. Venus retrograde is especially magnetizing in terms of calling forth destined circumstances and relationships. Relationships can fall into the fruition or unfinished end categories. You will notice this if the transit makes a significant contact to your natal chart. Otherwise, you may witness the influence in a more general way.
In addition to Venus, Mercury also takes a retrograde tour. What is unusual and noteworthy about this Mercury retrograde (March 15 – April 7) is that it covers almost exactly the same degrees of the Venus retrograde cycle. This double back increases the significance (actual and karmic) of whatever you find yourself occupied with over the month or so ahead. Add two eclipses to the month and a momentous planetary sign change – and whew! This is no ordinary passage of time. The decks are stacked!
March 13/14 delivers a total lunar eclipse in Virgo. The eclipse is sandwiched between a sun/Saturn conjunction on March 12 (an ending, finish line, or goal post reached) and the start of Mercury retrograde (March 15). A completion, solidification, or wrap up sets the next phase in to action. Health and work are two features of the eclipse. Someone important to you may be in need (regarding health, finances, or a challenging situation). You could find yourself in the position of rescuer or nurse. You may need to give up on someone or something. On another hand, you may be able to scoop a decent price, a bargain, or to undertake an important correction or repair, to fill in a missing blank, to clear away, or to tend to something that was left unfinished or unhealed.
March 29 delivers a partial solar eclipse in Aries. This eclipse was activated last month, and at the start of March. It will continue to stay triggered through the middle of May. On March 30, Neptune crosses the threshold out of Pisces and into Aries for the first time in 165 years! In 2025, from late October to the end of January, Neptune will revisit Pisces (its home sign) for one last time before taking up its 14-year residency in Aries at the end of January 2026. Calling forth the spiritual warrior in all of us, this transit opens mind and heart in a bold new way. You can find the transit helps you to tap a fresh, unlimited, and continuous source of inspiration. Over the years to come, it can renew your spirituality, and/or your faith in yourself/your abilities. On a bigger picture scale (regarding past life baggage), this 14-year transit, a “living-it-in-real-time” experiential track, aims to assist you to set yourself free from subconscious filters or blocks that have clipped your wings in the past.
PISCES February 18/19 to March 19/20
There is a major transition happening now between a cluster of planets moving between Pisces and Aries. Thanks to their retrograde cycles, Venus (March 1 to April 12) and Mercury (March 15 to April 7) will be back and forth between these two signs twice each. You will feel the strongest effect of this harvesting, fruition, and karmic activation cycle if you are born March 17 – 19, or if your birthday falls on or near the super full moon, total lunar eclipse March 13/14.
Mercury retrograde is a frequent occurrence, while Venus retrograde holds the distinction of least frequent all the planet cycles. While both transits can and do occur in close proximity, what is of special note this time around is that they double back over the same exact degrees (within a one-to-two-degree margin). All retrograde cycles set the backdrop for a repeat, revisit, and revision where necessary. Venus retrograde calls for a re-evaluation process of significance. Most importantly, Venus retrograde intensifies an energy field that magnetizes and attracts. As such it puts fate into play in a dialed-up way. Mercury’s retrograde travel over the same degree and area of your chart underscores the significance of a key circumstance or relationship and this threshold of time. Of course, the intensity of karmic recall will depend on whether the transit makes direct contact to your natal chart.
March 13/14 delivers a lunar eclipse in Virgo. This eclipse suggests an opportunity to heal and repair. Regarding an actual circumstance or relationship, and at the karmic level too, there is an opportunity to work on a matter that has sat incomplete or that has felt like a missing piece, perhaps for a considerable time. Sun/Saturn (conjunction March 12) sets the right time and place. Starting March 15, Mercury retrograde sets you onto the next leg of the journey or process. On a more basic note, these transits redirect your attention or activities away from the outer world and into your personal world and private life. Spring break, a pause, hiatus, vacation, retreat, or regroup is well-timed.
March 29 delivers a partial solar eclipse in Aries. As is a feature of all eclipses, this one has already been activated for the past month (dials up the intensity and karmic implication of the day-to-day action.) You are likely to find a correlation between what happens around this eclipse and what took place at the start or middle of March (triggered by Venus, Mercury, and the lunar eclipse). Drawing from Neptune’s advance into Aries on March 30, watch for this eclipse to jettison the action. It could springboard you into something fresh and unexpected. Potential is at peak now through the middle of May.
Neptune has spent the past 14 years gracing your sign. On March 30, Neptune enter Aries for the first time in 165 years. This Neptune transit sets the collective onto its next chapter. Neptune in Aries lights a fresh spark of collective attunement (mass consciousness/global consciousness). It inspires creative imagination, new collective beliefs and ideals, new potentials, and it inspires the spiritual warrior in you to stay hopeful and to rise- up to meet the new day dawn. Neptune will return for one last review in Pisces from October 22 to January 26, 2026, before the planet takes up its 14-year residency in Aries.
Rose on Guiding Stars EA Radio
Rose Marcus and Kristin Fontana discuss the month ahead on Guiding Stars Evolutionary Astrology radio show, broadcast on the last Friday of every month at 9 AM Pacific, noon Eastern time on www.healthylife.net
Link to Audio: Guiding Stars March Overview