The March 2016 Eclipses: Whatever You Do, Keep Moving

Ok, so the big news for this month are the eclipses. For those of you who may be unsure of what eclipses mean, think of them as really, really, really important (super, even) New and Full Moons. Except, the difference between an eclipse and a regular New or Full Moon is that eclipses tend to bring sharp and fast changes that can often feel like a crisis or emotional upheaval of sorts, and unlike a regular New or Full Moon, eclipse energy lasts for a full six months.

The eclipses of this month: one on March 8th in Pisces (Solar) and the other on March 23rd in Libra (Lunar) pick up where the Virgo and Aries eclipses of September 2015 left off. Eclipses come in pairs and wil set off a chain of events (or at the very least heighten our attention) in two very connected areas of our lives; for example: career and family. The purpose of eclipses is to keep us moving, keep us growing, and to help us with a shot of tough love to let go of anything holding us back.  People often report feeling the effects of an eclipse (myself included) up to a week or so before it actually happens. Since eclipses have to do with the very emotional energy of the Moon, I usually advise people to get all the rest, nourishment, and comfort they can get around this time. Eclipses can be tough on the body and spirit. But when that medicine they deliver kicks in, we become all the more better for it.

Eclipses in Pisces tend to highlight what we need to release and heal, when we need to listen to intuition, engage compassion, and dream big. Solar Eclipses spark beginnings and fresh starts. Those of us with planets or angles (look to your birth chart) near 18-22 degrees of Virgo, Sagittarius, Gemini, or Pisces will be most strongly affected.

Eclipses in Libra tend to highlight where we need to be more diplomatic, gracious, and balanced in our relationships. Lunar Eclipses signal endings and culminations. Those of us with planets or angles near 2-6 degrees of Aries, Libra, Cancer, or Capricorn will be most affected. Incidentally, this eclipse will be the final eclipse of the Aries-Libra pairing which began back in October 2013, and took place again in April 2014, October 2014, March 2015 and September 2015. Think back to see what epiphanies or actions may have been triggered at that time. This is eclipse will be the final chapter of the story.

Still, the eclipses won't be the only things happening this month. Read my March horoscopes (coming soon!) to find out what else to expect.

Uranus Retrograde In Aries: Rebel Yell

What sets you free, and brought you to me, babe?

--Billy Idol, "Rebel Yell"

Freedom, independence, and unconventionality is so punk rock; so is Uranus in Aries. Anarchy, chaos, and eccentricity, is also punk rock; just like Uranus in Aries.

Uranus, begins its five month retrograde today (July 26-Dec 25), supercharging the planet of independence, originality, and the unexpected. While a retrograde (or backwards motion) of a planet seems to weaken its powers, Uranus--the off-beat member of the bunch, works differently (of course).

While Uranus is retrograde in a bold and impulsive sign like Aries, we can expect an increase of information, insights, and incidents that seemingly pop up out of the blue. This means under this influence we can either experience a shake-up that inspires us or jars us completely loose. And that's the great riddle of a Uranus transit; the gift and the curse. Its lessons can sometimes be the thing(s) that sets us free and shakes us to our core...kind of like a yell or the act of yelling, which can be equally liberating, defiant and terrifying.

Though as I mentioned in my post on the current Venus retrograde , the point of a retrograde is to be more of an observer opposed to taking direct action. With Uranus, a planet of action currently housed in Aries the sign of action, many of us may find it hard to keep our impulses in check over the coming months. Yet, the biggest questions to consider: is whether those impulses are truly the keys to freedom or an empty rebel yell? Is there a way to act on our own impulses and inspirations in a way that not only benefits and empowers us but others as well?

What do you think?