March Cosmic Calendar

 

*March 1st: Venus Rx begins ~ 7:36pm EST ~ 10 degrees Aries (Saturday)
On Saturday, March 1st, Venus stationed retrograde at 7:36pm EST. This retrograde lasts until April 12th and sees Venus moving from 10 degrees Aries back to 24 degrees Pisces. Venus retrograde is a rarer event which occurs only every 1.5 years, making it one of the least common retrogrades, alongside Mars. The energy of this retrograde centers around the heart returning to old threads. This may manifest as nostalgia, longing for past emotions and people, dreams about old flames, or the reappearance of old friends or lovers.

As Venus governs beauty and artistic creativity, we may also see old ideas and projects related to these themes resurface for us to explore. While revisiting these can be helpful and rewarding at times, it can sometimes serve as a distraction. Keep in mind that the soft, dreamlike energy of Venus can blur the edges, making things seem inviting even when there is little left for us there. This is particularly true for old relationships, so it's advisable not to act impulsively in these matters.

This period could be especially challenging between March 1st and 27th while Venus retraces its path through Aries. Those with significant placements in cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) may find this retrograde particularly difficult to navigate. It's important to check in with yourself regularly before making any major decisions to ensure they are well thought out.

*March 3rd: Mercury enters Aries ~ 4:03am EST (Monday)
On Monday, March 3rd, Mercury enters Aries at 4:03am EST. In just two weeks, it will station retrograde in this sign and eventually travel back into Pisces at the end of the month. The planet of communication moves swiftly and impulsively in Aries, making communication more direct, to the point, and free from delays. Patience and prudence can be hard to come by, and there will be a preference for quick, bold action. This isn’t the time to be passive or vague, as it could lead to confusion and frustration. Use the period from March 1st to 15th to handle situations, resolve details with others, and assert your worth when necessary. After the retrograde begins, things may become more challenging to navigate, especially with Venus retrograde happening at the same time.

Mercury in Aries is an intellectual placement that is often overlooked by those who focus more on the fiery impulses of this sign. Aries rules the head and brain, so Mercury here is curious and eager for knowledge and power. Study, research, and reading are well-supported during this time. Those with natal Mercury in Aries, Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, and Aquarius will experience the best mental boost and find communication flowing smoothly. For those with natal Mercury in Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, and Pisces, this period will be more neutral and they are not particularly hindered or enhanced by its energy. However, those with natal Mercury in Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn may find this energy challenging and will need to step outside their comfort zones to be more direct, clear, and assertive.

*March 5th: Mercury sextile Pluto ~ 8:12am EST 3 degrees Aries / Aquarius (Wednesday)
On Wednesday, March 5th, Mercury in Aries forms a sextile with Pluto in Aquarius at 8:12am EST. This transit influences the entire day, offering us an opportunity to transform through words, whether spoken or written. While words always hold power, you may find your ability to connect with others is heightened during this time. The more direct and clear you can be, the more the world can shift to align with your desires.

This transit is positive and supportive, encouraging us to explore deeper and look beyond the surface. Curiosity and a hunger for knowledge drives us to seek understanding, and through this process, we are inspired to share our observations and intentions with others. This transit will be especially potent for those with Sun, Moon, Rising, or Mercury in Aries or Aquarius.

*March 11th: Mercury conjunct Venus ~ 6:54pm EST ~ 8 degrees Aries (Tuesday)
On Tuesday, March 11th, Mercury forms a conjunction with Venus at 6:54pm EST, meeting at 8 degrees Aries. Venus is currently retrograde, and Mercury will join it in just four days. This conjunction can be felt throughout Tuesday and into the early hours of Wednesday. It’s a powerfully social transit that encourages us to be more open and communicative. Artistic ideas may flow more smoothly, and conversations might draw us back to the past. There’s a tendency to become nostalgic or revisit old paths through the discussions we have.

This is a potent day for people from the past to resurface, whether literally, in dreams, or in thoughts. Memories are vivid and carry with them a strong urge to act on these emotions. However, it’s important to remain prudent and patient. Only take action after carefully considering your options for the best outcomes.

*March 14th: Full Moon in Virgo / Total Lunar Eclipse ~ 2:54am EST ~ 23 degrees Virgo (Friday)
On Friday, March 14th, we experience a Full Moon in Virgo, which is also a Total Lunar Eclipse, occurring at 2:54am EST with the Moon at 23 degrees Virgo and the Sun at 23 degrees Pisces. Additionally, the Sun is conjunct Saturn, and the Moon is trining Uranus. The energy during this event is layered and intense as Eclipse Season kicks off. This time is a potent window where everything feels amplified. Eclipses tend to bring more clarity, but they also intensify emotions and situations, making it a time of rapid change and transformation.

The Full Moon in Virgo invites us to find a balance between being overly logical and grounded and becoming too distracted or untethered from reality. We are encouraged to move away from overthinking and delusional thought patterns, instead finding a healthy equilibrium between being present in the moment and remaining open and receptive.

With the Lunar Eclipse and the Moon opposing Saturn, our feelings may be harder to decipher, making clarity more elusive. It’s a time to be open to letting things go and seeing how they unfold, rather than trying to force an outcome. Uranus, trining the Moon, brings the potential for surprises and shake-ups, which could be quite welcome and help reset the energy in your life.

*March 15th: Mercury Rx begins ~ 2:46am EST ~ 9 degrees Aries (Saturday)
On Saturday, March 15th, Mercury stations retrograde at 2:46am EST. It joins Venus in retrograde, with both planets in Aries. Mercury is currently at 9 degrees Aries and will travel back to 26 degrees Pisces. This retrograde will last until April 7th. With both Mercury and Venus so closely aligned in the zodiac right now, their similar retrograde journeys create a mirroring effect between the mind and the heart this month. We may encounter signs and symbols that remind us of plans, ideas, and connections we have set aside or forgotten. This is a helpful time for wrapping up old projects, as it can be challenging to gain momentum on new ideas without a clear slate. The first part of Mercury retrograde (March 15th - 29th) focuses on slowing our impatience and realizing that we gain more momentum when we address the past. This could entail completing these projects or letting them go completely.

The final week of the retrograde, when Mercury enters Pisces, will have a different energy, which we will discuss then. The first two weeks of retrograde will be the most intense for those with significant cardinal placements (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn).

*March 20th: Sun enters Aries ~ 5:01am EST (Thursday)
Happy Aries Season and blessed Equinox! The Sun enters Aries at 5:01am EST on Thursday, March 20th. Aries Season is a time of cardinal fire, marking the start of the zodiacal New Year. This is a powerful period to step into your independence and power, blaze new trails, and think for yourself. While Pisces season may have drawn us more into the collective consciousness, making us sensitive to the energies of others, Aries season reminds us that we contribute to the energy just as much as anyone else. You have the ability to set the tone and direct the flow of things. Remember that change in the external world begins within our minds and bodies, and how we wield our intentions. Be mindful, loving to yourself, and open, but don’t be afraid to embrace the fierce power of Aries. Together, let’s change the world! Those with natal Sun in Aries, Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, and Aquarius may feel especially energized during this season, but we can all benefit from its fiery passion. 

This also marks the start of the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere (Ostara) and the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere (Mabon). It’s a potent time when the light of day and the darkness of night are in perfect harmony and balance. The Sun rests above the equator, allowing both sides of the world to experience the shared joy of equal day and night. This balance can be a helpful and magical visualization to bring more harmony into your own life.

*March 21st: Venus sextile Pluto ~ 5:31pm EST ~ 3 degrees Aries / Aquarius (Friday)
On Friday, March 21st, Venus sextiles Pluto at 5:31pm EST. This transit influences the entire day. Venus is currently at 3 degrees Aries, while Pluto is at 3 degrees Aquarius. The sextile is a gentle 60-degree aspect that brings these two planets into harmony. We may find relationships taking on a transformational quality, with a heightened ability to accomplish more when working with others. This brings along deeper connection and intimacy, both in romantic and platonic relationships.

Since Venus is retrograde, this may also prompt us to reflect on those from the past and the lessons we've learned. These reflections can serve to strengthen our current relationships, encouraging us to work together for meaningful change.

*March 25th: Mercury sextile Pluto ~ 6:02pm EST ~ 3 degrees Aries / Aquarius (Tuesday)
On Tuesday, March 25th, Mercury retrogrades back into a sextile with Pluto at 6:02pm EST. This is the second time we've experienced this transit this month, with the first time being on March 5th. Mercury's retrograde has caused it to double back and form the sextile another time. There is a strong link between today and March 5th; it could be helpful to look back and see if you recall what themes were coming up on that day, particularly in regards to communication and our words holding power. You may need to reiterate something, explain it further, or perhaps pick up a project you were working on a few weeks ago in order to restructure it. Our words will carry weight today, and our minds want to dig deeper to understand things on a deeper level. As Mercury is retrograde, there could be a more past-tinged theme to the day in terms of having us review things we've already learned or revisit conversations with more awareness and intention today.

*March 26th: Mars square Chiron ~ 4:13pm EST ~ 22 degrees Cancer / Aries (Wednesday)
On Wednesday, March 26th, Mars and Chiron form a square at 4:13pm EST. Mars is currently at 22 degrees Cancer, while Chiron is at 22 degrees Aries. This cardinal square may begin to be felt as early as Monday and will remain noticeable through the weekend. It's a tense aspect we first experienced at the beginning of February. Now that Mars retrograde is over and the planet is retracing its steps through Cancer, we’re encountering it again. This entire week is influenced by these repeat transits and retrograde replays, making it an ideal time to process the past, close out unfinished business, and perhaps even indulge in some nostalgia.

The Mars/Chiron transit can be challenging. You may find yourself craving validation and recognition for your efforts, with some people more vocal about their need for acknowledgment. Now that Mars is direct, there’s an increased urge to take action and move away from feelings of low confidence, shame, or guilt. We’re encouraged to make healthy choices and actively work on improving ourselves and our situations. However, it's important to think things through. Being impulsive could lead to explosive situations that are difficult to undo, such as saying the wrong thing and creating a rift in a friendship. Be courageous, but plan your next move carefully.

*March 27th: Venus re-enters Pisces (Rx) ~ 4:40am EST (Thursday)
On Thursday, March 27th, the week of do-overs continues as Venus retrogrades back into Pisces at 4:40am EST. Venus will remain in Pisces for the rest of the retrograde, which lasts until April 12th. The energy of Venus Rx in Pisces is quite different from its previous transit through Aries. We may experience stronger waves of nostalgia, longing, or dreams that bring up visions of the past. While we’re less likely to act impulsively, there’s a greater tendency to view things through rose-colored glasses, glossing over potential risks in favor of fantasy.

It’s important to stay grounded and present during this time, avoiding the urge to over-romanticize situations with others. This heightened appreciation for beauty can be channeled into creative projects, allowing us to revisit something from the past in a meaningful way. This is generally the most productive way to work with this energy. While the first part of Venus Rx affected cardinal signs most, the second half will impact mutable signs more intensely. Those with natal Sun, Moon, rising, or Venus in Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces will feel this influence the most.

*March 29th: New Moon in Aries / Partial Solar Eclipse ~ 6:57am EST ~ 9 degrees Aries (Saturday)
On Saturday, March 29th, we have an eventful day as we experience the second eclipse of this month's eclipse season. (Mercury also retrogrades back into Pisces, but we'll discuss that more tomorrow!) This eclipse is a partial Solar Eclipse, visible in parts of eastern North America, western Europe, and northern Africa and Asia. It carries a potent energy of new beginnings and awakenings stirring within. As the New Moon in Aries marks the first new moon of the zodiacal year, it’s a powerful time to tap into our inner power. It’s like shaking off the slumber of a long hibernation and reentering the world with renewed energy.

Today, you may experience impatience, impulsivity, or even anger. These emotions can be a powerful tool to guide you toward better things and awaken a deeper sense of self-worth. This eclipse serves as a fiery and transformational portal, with energy that could feel both big and intense. Some may struggle with how to harness such power, but it's important to be confident and bold. Allow this eclipse to guide you toward your inner strength. It's time to awaken to your true worth and begin living in alignment with your dreams, knowing that you are deserving of all the wonderful things you desire.

*March 29th: Mercury re-enters Pisces (Rx) ~ 10:17pm EST (Saturday)
Yesterday, on Friday, March 28th, Mercury retrograded back into Pisces at 10:17pm EST. Mercury will remain in Pisces for the rest of the retrograde, which ends on April 7th. The energy of Mercury Rx in Pisces is quite different from Mercury Rx in Aries. The first part of the retrograde was about managing impatience and avoiding rash thinking or communication. That energy is shifting, and between now and April 7th, we may find ourselves more prone to confusion or disorientation in our interactions with others. There may be a tendency to space out or overlook details, like reading a page of a book and realizing you didn’t retain anything you just read. It could be difficult to focus, whether you're alone or in conversation with others. The key takeaway here is not to be afraid to ask clarifying questions or let people know if you need them to repeat themselves. True confusion arises when we stay quiet or pretend to understand when we really don’t. If others ask you to resend information or explain something again, be patient. This retrograde can actually be helpful in strengthening communication within relationships. The second part of Mercury Rx will impact mutable signs the most, so those with natal Sun, Moon, rising, or Mercury in Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.

*March 30th: Neptune enters Aries ~ 8:00am EST (Sunday)
On Sunday, March 30th, we experience one of the biggest transits and astrological shifts of the year as Neptune enters Aries at 8:00am EST. This is a significant moment, as Neptune has been in Pisces since 2011 and hasn’t been in Aries since 1875. Neptune typically spends around 12-15 years in a single sign, so this shift marks a change in tone that could define an entire generation. Neptune governs spirituality, confusion, illusion, and mass consciousness.

While in Pisces, we saw an increase in interconnectedness, with social media and the internet becoming more advanced and prevalent. There was a greater tendency toward escapism - think binge-watching, immersive video games, and people getting lost in doom-scrolling. Now, as Neptune moves into Aries, we may notice shifts in this energy. Neptune in Aries is less prone to spaced-out behavior and more focused on impulsive, rash actions in the physical world.

Historically, Neptune in Aries has been linked to rebellions, shifts in nations, and pioneering advances in medicine, science, and culture. Notable examples include Henry VIII declaring himself the supreme head of the Church of England, which led to the Inquisition in the 1530s, the formation of Great Britain in 1707, and the American Civil War in the 1860s. For a more in-depth look at Neptune in Aries throughout history, listen to this week's Planetary Potion podcast episode.

This time around, we can expect sweeping changes, a rise in activism, and movements that alter the very fabric of nations. We may also see a push for greater individual independence, but this will likely need to be fought for or seized, particularly in the face of corrupt leadership. There are other significant planetary shifts on the horizon this year, with both Jupiter and Saturn changing signs, as well as Pluto’s recent entrance into Aquarius. If we take all these changes into account, it seems we are moving away from materialism, though not quickly. Instead, there’s a slow but steady awakening underway, one that could reshape spiritual beliefs and values and awaken more people to the systems that have kept them powerless and at the mercy of corporations or institutions for far too long.

This is a monumental shift, but we won’t see its full effects overnight. Neptune will remain in Aries until 2036, so this unfolding process will be gradual, possibly accompanied by some chaos, but ultimately (and hopefully) leading to something better and brighter.