Important astrological energies for the month of March 2013:

• Mercury, both in retrograde and direct motion makes two more aspects to Saturn retrograde, Pluto, Jupiter, and Chiron. The first sequence occurs on March 7, 2013 and March 8, 2013; the second sequence occurs on March 28, 2013 and March 29, 2013.
• The major Pisces stellium which began on February 5, 2013 continues at least until March 21, 2013.
• Saturn retrograde in Scorpio forms a sextile Pluto in Capricorn on March 8, 2013. This sextile will occur one more time on September 21, 2013.
• New Moon with Sun and Moon in Pisces occurs on March 11, 2013.
• Mercury in Pisces turns stationary direct on March 17, 2013. It had gone retrograde on February 23, 2013.
• Sun enters the sign of Aries on March 20, 2013.
• Jupiter in Gemini forms a quincunx to Saturn retrograde in Scorpio on March 23, 2013 and begins the energy of a yod which is completed when Jupiter in Gemini forms a quincunx to Pluto on March 29, 2013.
• Full Moon with Sun in Aries and Moon in Libra occurs on March 27, 2013.

Focus Can Return

By Misty Kuceris ©2013

Mercury is going to be a critical energy point during the month of March 2013. There are several reasons that it will be a critical energy point. As the month begins, Mercury is part of a Pisces stellium that includes Neptune, Venus, Chiron, the Sun, and Mars. Also, as the month begins, Mercury is in retrograde position which means that it will make several key aspects to Saturn, Pluto, Chiron, and Jupiter. These key aspects actually were first made in February 2013 when Mercury was direct. They will be made two more times during March when Mercury is in retrograde position and again when Mercury is in direct motion.

The Pisces stellium which begins the month means that wet weather will continue in many parts of the country because Pisces is a water sign. This could be good if you’re in the agricultural business or have a home garden because we need more moisture in the soil. However, it could create problems with travel conditions if the weather impacts various airports and other modes of transportation.

Mercury retrograde in Pisces is one of the more difficult placements because Mercury is in its detriment in Pisces. Rather than feeling comfortable discussing other matters with individuals, you feel the need to hold information closely. Revelations that indicating loss of privacy bother you more now than ever before. Plus, with Mercury being part of a Pisces stellium, it’s easier to lose things, avoid paperwork, and lack focus. Don’t be at all surprised if you feel mentally tired. But, do the best to follow-up on necessary paperwork otherwise you may find you’re not ready to file your taxes on time.

On March 1^st, Mars forms a square to Ceres. It’s difficult for Mars in Pisces to express its energy. While Mars wants to move forward, it tends to hold back when it’s in the sign of Pisces. There’s a tendency to become passive-aggressive. With Mars forming a square to Ceres (especially with Ceres now in Gemini), you tend to avoid discussing matters of importance with loved ones. You want to be nurturing and kind, but you may feel frustrated because these matters are causing you difficulty. Or, you may fear taking action because you’re afraid that other people will take advantage of you.

Venus forms a square to Jupiter on March 4^th. During this day you need to watch your finances very carefully. You might become excited about a new product and decide to go out and spend the money on that right now. And, by doing so, you may end up paying more than you normally would.

Venus forming a square to Jupiter could also indicate that you need to look at your relationships and what steps to take to move them to the next level. Perhaps you and your significant other have been sitting on the fence about getting engaged or married. Or, perhaps you and your significant other have been feeling confined in your relationship with each other. The next level means making a change that is good and healthy for both of you whether it’s raising the commitment level or deciding to separate.

On the following day, March 5^th, Venus forms a conjunction to Chiron. Both compassion and passion increase when these two energies form a conjunction. You want to make certain that you don’t cause pain to each other. You want to resolve any problems from the past. If conflicts do surface, you want to move beyond them. Since Venus and Chiron also represent financial aspects in business dealings, you’ll make some good financial decisions with your business.

Relationships can continue to improve on March 6^th, as Venus forms a sextile to Pluto and a trine to Saturn retrograde. If you’re not in a relationship at this time, you may actually meet someone who can turn into a long-term relationship. This is a nice day to focus on things that are important to you. You’ll accomplish a lot and feel good about it. If you need to deal with financial business matters and related paperwork, it will turn out well.

When Mercury retrograde forms a trine to Saturn retrograde and a sextile to Pluto on March 7^th, the energy of Mercury intensifies. Mercury first formed a trine to Saturn and a sextile to Pluto on February 12, 2013. At that time, all three planets were in direct motion. Mercury and Saturn retrograde will form another trine on March 28^th when Mercury is direct and Saturn remains retrograde. Mercury and Pluto will form another sextile on March 29^th when both planets are in direct motion.

It may not be easy, but try to remember if anything special occurred around February 12, 2013. It could have involved some legal document or special meeting. If something important did occur around that time period, you need to find out if any follow-up needs to occur. You may have missed something important. Or, an error may have been made that needs to be corrected. On the other hand, you may suddenly receive credit for doing something good that you don’t even remember.

Even though both Mercury and Saturn are retrograde, this is not a bad time to communicate. You may be able to discuss past problems and come up with remedies to solve them. Since these two aspects will occur one more time, you may want to wait until March 28^th or March 29^th when direct Mercury forms a trine to Saturn retrograde and a sextile to Pluto to implement all aspects of the solution.

Spiritually, March 8^th is going to be an important day. First, Saturn retrograde and Pluto form a sextile. Later, Mercury retrograde will form a conjunction to Chiron and a square to Jupiter. The reason that this day is so important on a spiritual level is that Mercury retrograde formed aspects to both Saturn retrograde and Pluto the day before. Basically, Mercury is linking the sextile between Saturn and Pluto in a way that you can to be honest with yourself and understand your inner motivations.

Saturn retrograde and Pluto are actually in mutual reception. That means that Saturn retrograde is in the ruling sign, Scorpio, of Pluto. Meanwhile, Pluto is in the ruling sign of Saturn, Capricorn. Usually both planets want to hold on to the past: Saturn through stressing the importance of what happened before and Pluto through stressing the importance of holding on to power. This sextile actually occurs twice with these planets: today, March 8^th, and again on September 21, 2013. If at all possible, write down what occurs today because that will become more important on September 21^st.

You’ll see that the world is getting more conservative. Because many people are concerned that changes are occurring too quickly, they’ll start reaching back to the past. You can draw strength from understanding history. At the same time, you need to use this understanding as a basis for change rather than as an excuse to prevent change. With Mercury retrograde having an effect on this sextile, you’ll need to understand the information that you’re receiving. If you can understand this information, you’ll be able to find a way to use history to improve any changes you need to make in the future. However, because Mercury retrograde is in Pisces, you’ll need to be careful that other people aren’t using fear to manipulate you into maintaining the status quo instead of moving forward.

Saturn retrograde in this sextile is forming a trine to the Pisces planets while Pluto is forming a sextile to the Pisces planets. Perhaps you had dreams of how the past could now help your decisions. Or, perhaps you wanted to be more open to creative concepts that could germinate and produce better results. Towards the end of the month, Jupiter will form quincunxes to both Saturn retrograde and Pluto to create a yod. However, you’ll start feeling that energy today.

A yod means that things change quickly. Not all is as it seems. If you want your plans to succeed, you’ll need to be flexible and willing to make adjustments where necessary. Because the astrological energies are so closely aligned to each other, it’s important that you realize whatever you do will have an impact on both your life and the lives of others in your environment.

Later in the day, Mercury retrograde forms a conjunction to Chiron. Again, this is the second time that Mercury is forming a conjunction to Chiron. The first time this occurred was on February 10, 2013 when Mercury was in direct motion. The third time this will occur is on March 29, 2013 when Mercury is back in direct motion. With all the meditation that you do today, you may find ways to bring healing back into your life. You may be able to discuss problems that occurred in February 2013 and were never resolved. You may actually find ways to resolve those problems. If they can’t be fully resolved today, you’ll be able to resolve them on March 29^th when Mercury makes its final conjunction to Chiron in this series.

Chiron is also important in business matters. This means that you need to make certain any documentation of financial matters is completed and, if necessary, filed with the appropriate individuals or agencies. You’ll have until March 29^th to make certain everything is taken care of. But, review that paperwork today, March 8^th if you want to have it all in order.

On March 9^th, Mercury retrograde forms a square to Jupiter. Again, this aspect is occurring three times. The first time that it occurred was on February 9, 2013 when Mercury was in direct motion. The third time that it will occur is on March 29, 2013 when Mercury is once again in direct motion.

An aspect between Mercury and Jupiter can be “hoof in mouth” disease. You may have said too much on February 9, 2013 and those words come back to haunt you on March 8^th when Mercury, in retrograde motion, forms its second square to Jupiter. At least you’ll have until March 29^th to clear everything up. This can also be said for any legal documents which you need to take care of. If you didn’t take care of them in February 2013, they will become a problem for you at this time. You may need to ask for an extension until the end of March 2013 to resolve any problems these caused.

The new Moon with Sun and Moon in Pisces which occurs on March 11^th really emphasizes the Pisces stellium. You may feel there is a lot of confusion in the world, especially as it deals with economic matters. You may also have difficulty starting new projects because old fears keep cropping up or you may not have all the information that you need. Dreams are important and they will be plentiful today. But, dreams need to be realistic. It’s important that you “test” your dreams. Testing means that you look at the financial aspects of your life and decide whether the dreams are affordable or whether the dreams cost too much.

As Mars enters the sign of Aries on March 12^th, the Pisces stellium starts to dissolve. Because Mercury retrograde forms so many aspects to various planets this month, you may not feel as focused as you normally would when Mars enters its own sign. However, you will find you’re your physical energy is beginning to return and you are able to deal with matters in a better manner.

Mercury in Pisces turns stationary direct on March 17^th which normally is a big relief. (It went retrograde on February 23, 2013.) However, this time it will take a little longer to feel this relief because of the aspects Mercury makes on March 28^th and March 29^th.

Both Venus and Ceres deal with feminine issues, so matters relating to women will be very important when Venus forms a square to Ceres on March 18^th. You may need to deal with situations that involve your mother. Or, you may find that you have to call up the feminine aspects of your personality to resolve conflicts. Ceres is not in a comfortable position because when it’s in Gemini too much conversation and not enough love and nurturing take place. Venus in Pisces is much more comfortable. The key is to go with your feelings. If other people ask for your help, see how you feel about helping them. If you need to make decisions about your own life, see how you feel about that those decisions.

The Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere occurs on March 20^th when the Sun enters the sign of Aries. Normally, the entry of the Sun into Aries sets up the energy for the entire astrological year. However, in the chart set up for Washington, DC, and representing the year for the United States, the Ascendant is in Pisces. This means that the energy of this chart will be in effect for only a few months. Perhaps that’s not such a bad thing since this chart indicates that the public is feeling confused about local and world events. The public is also feeling that politicians could care less about them. There is a desire for more security in the world, but the people in the United States aren’t feeling that security. Too much information is secret. There’s too great of a potential for major scandals to occur that involve the use of money.

Mars is approaching the conjunction to Uranus so there is a sense of frustration and anger. Perhaps the United States is getting involved in more military actions. Federal workers are feeling the economic pinch as more budget cuts occur. But, this is also true for you. With more government budget cuts, you’ll find fewer services being offered. Also, taxes will rise.

The way to use this energy on a personal level is to take time and enjoy the blessings that you find in your life with your family and friends. Support each other’s dreams. At the same time, be realistic in how you implement those dreams in your life. Be sure to maintain open lines of communication with your family and friends. You may feel like you want to retreat into your own private space, but it’s also important to realize that life is easier when you share it with people you love.

With Venus entering the sign of Aries on March 21^st, the Pisces stellium continues to dissolve. In some ways this is a relief from all the obfuscation which Pisces created. You’re getting ready to move forward with life. Venus isn’t really comfortable in the sign of Aries, its detriment, but on the other hand you no longer feel like you have to solve all the world’s problems and take care of other people. Now you feel as if you can do things for yourself. Just be careful not to rush into things so quickly because on March 22^nd, Mars forms a conjunction to Uranus.

March 22^nd could be a very intense day as Mars forms a conjunction to Uranus. The good news is that Mars is in its own sign and forming a conjunction to Uranus. The bad news is that Mars is forming the conjunction to Uranus. It’s all a matter of how you want to use this energy. You could use it to try new things and experience different aspects of life. You could use this energy to clean out your closet and get rid of things that you no longer want or need. Or, you could use this energy in the negative by letting anger drive your motivations and not caring which people you hurt in the process to achieve your goals. The choice is yours.

When Saturn retrograde and Pluto formed the sextile to each other on March 8^th, both planets were also close enough to Jupiter that you could sense the energy of a yod that would be created by Jupiter. On March 23^rd, Jupiter forms a quincunx to Saturn retrograde. Because Jupiter won’t form the quincunx to Pluto until March 29^th, you’ll see this energy in operation between March 23^rd and March 29^th.

The focal point of this yod is Jupiter in Gemini. Usually when you experience Jupiter, you want to move forward with life and take risks. But, with Jupiter in Gemini, its detriment, you actually would rather spend more time with your family and less time with others. Privacy actually becomes more important. With Saturn retrograde and Pluto being the driving forces of the yod, you may also feel confined and controlled by your family members even though you were the one who wanted to stay home. This feeling will be the most difficult for extroverts.

On a global level, this yod can represent economic problems and challenges faced by many nations as they try to control their economies but find that past problems keep getting in the way. It’s very difficult to control situations with this yod.

Attempting to control situations can be very difficult on March 26^th. Chiron will form another square to Jupiter. (This square occurred earlier in the year on January 14^th.) Mars will form a sextile to Jupiter. And, Mars will also form a quincunx to Saturn retrograde. With all this energy, it is critical that you try not to exert yourself. Rest is important. You may feel pressured to do more than you can. Or, you may feel overwhelmed by all your commitments.

With the full Moon occurring on March 27^th, you need to understand what’s important to you. The Sun in Aries is forming a conjunction to Venus while the Moon in Libra is forming an opposition to Venus. Plus, both the Sun and Venus are approaching a conjunction to Uranus. If you put your needs aside for other people, you will feel a lot of resentment. On the other hand, if you don’t listen to the needs of people you love, you may find difficulties in your relationships with them. They may feel that you don’t care about them. Once again, there is a balancing act going on: Meeting your needs while taking their concerns into consideration.

Financially things can be very difficult right now. You may see taxes go up. Or, you may find that governments are increasing fees in lieu of taxes. The cost of doing business is getting more expensive. Others will definitely expect you to take more responsibility for your life.

When Mercury forms a trine to Saturn retrograde on March 28^th, this is the third time that this trine occurs in this series. Mercury, in direct motion, first formed a trine to Saturn on February 12, 2013. The second time this trine occurred was on March 7, 2013 when both Mercury and Saturn were retrograde. Now, on March 28^th, Mercury is in direct motion while Saturn is still retrograde.

It’s important that you finish projects you started on February 12, 2013 so that you get the full benefit of those projects. This is a time when you can get things, especially paperwork, in order. You need to make certain that you have systems in place which make life more efficient and economical. You don’t want to get bogged down by extraneous work or information. Since Venus is also forming a conjunction to Uranus on this day, it’s important that you communicate your concerns to people you love. You may want to take action on your own, but you really need their support. If there are difficulties in your relationships, they will surface on this day. You may also run into someone from your past and have to resolve issues with them.

There is one other situation that could occur when Venus forms a conjunction to Uranus. You may meet some new and exciting people. They will definitely be different from the types of friends that you’ve had in the past. Just don’t make any commitments to them right now. You may find, as you get to know them that they are just too different and you really don’t want to have them in your life after all.

March 29^th is going to be a very intense day as many astrological energies come to conclusion. Since February 2013, Mercury has formed a series of three aspects to several planets. Today, the rest of those aspects will conclude: Mercury forming a conjunction to Chiron; Mercury forming a square to Jupiter; and Mercury forming a sextile to Pluto. In addition, Jupiter will form a quincunx to Pluto and end the energy of the yod which started on March 23^rd when Jupiter formed a quincunx to Saturn retrograde.

The first time that Mercury formed a conjunction to Chiron was on February 10, 2013 when it was in direct motion. The second time that Mercury formed the conjunction to Chiron was on March 8, 2013 when Mercury was in retrograde motion. Mercury forming a conjunction to Chiron on March 29^thindicates that you have opportunities to resolve problems with other people. You are willing to listen to them in a compassionate manner. At the same time, they are willing to listen to you. If the problems can’t be resolved, it means one of you doesn’t want closure. If that’s the case, you’re better off walking away.

The reason that you may be better off walking away is that Mercury forms a square to Jupiter a few hours later in the same day. Once again, this is the third time that Mercury forms a square to Jupiter in this series. The first time that Mercury formed a square to Jupiter was on February 9, 2013 when it was in direct motion. The second time that Mercury formed a square to Jupiter was on March 9, 2013 when Mercury was in retrograde motion.

Perhaps you said too much or tried to push your point of view too much the other times that Mercury formed the square to Jupiter. There is a tendency to so that. You need to censor your words and listen more to what the other person is saying.

Also be careful with any legal documents. If you need to take legal action right now, do the best you can to have someone else review those documents. Your mind is moving so quickly that it’s difficult to pay attention to the small, but important, details.

Less than two hours after Mercury forms the square to Jupiter, Mercury forms its third sextile to Pluto. The first time that Mercury formed the sextile to Pluto was on February 12, 2013 when Mercury was in direct motion. The second time that Mercury formed the sextile to Pluto was on March 7, 2013 when Mercury was retrograde.

If you made some snap decisions a few hours earlier, you may regret them now that Mercury is forming a sextile to Pluto. You’re able to slow down your mind and see more of the details. You’re able to focus more on the problem and hopefully come up with a solution.

As Jupiter forms the quincunx to Pluto, you’ll finally understand that spending time with your family can rejuvenate your energy. You’ll also realize that you can’t control everything in life, no matter how hard you try.

It’s also important to pay attention to your environment. Power struggles could erupt with no warning. You may feel that other people are telling you what to do and yet they have no understanding of what’s going on in your life. You may also want to tell other people what to do but you also don’t understand what’s going on in their lives. One thing you will realize. The old way of doing things isn’t working. You just don’t know the new way to do things yet.

As the month of March ends, Venus forms several aspects that emphasize the yod just completed between Jupiter, Saturn retrograde, and Pluto. On March 30^th, Venus forms a quincunx to Saturn retrograde. You may feel stuck in situations you don’t like. You may feel that other people are criticizing you too much. In reality, you need to change your perception of who you are. Try to be less critical and more forgiving. Try to remember that you are doing the best you can.

On March 31^st, Venus forms a square to Pluto and a sextile to Jupiter. The need to be more forgiving continues. You are doing the best you can even if it feels like you’re still struggling. As Venus moves forward and forms that sextile to Jupiter, you’ll feel more optimistic about life. You may not be able to control all the external circumstances in the world, but you can control what you let impact your intimate space. By maintaining focus on your intimate space, you can feel calm with your very essence.