Aries

Astro Doings January – February 2026

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Happy New Year! I hope it is a wonderful one for you and yours!

January

January begins with the first Super Full Moon of the year – the Wolf Moon on the 3rd at 5:03 a.m. She’ll be at 130 Cancer and right next to Jupiter. Let’s hope there are clear skies where you are!

January also begins with five planets in earth signs – four in Capricorn. They are the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars with Uranus in Taurus. Jupiter and Neptune are in watery Pisces and there is only one planet in air – and that’s Pluto Aquarius. (We’ll fix that in February when several planets join Pluto. More on that later.)

So there is a lot of earth energy for the first two-thirds of the month. Earth is practical, slow-moving and Capricorn in particular is focused on the status quo, corporations and systems in general, and it is Saturn ruled. Cautious, deliberate and slow to change are good ways to describe Capricorn. The rings of Saturn have often been equated with fear or restriction. There is a New Moon at the very end of the sign (280) at 4:57 p.m. on the 18th.

Things begin to change on the 19th when the Sun enters Aquarius and is next to Pluto, the planet of deep-seated transformation and the underworld.   There weren’t too many new and innovative ideas in the early part of the month, but Aquarius is the sign of the inventor, the destroyer of old forms (thought and otherwise).  Mercury, the planet of thinking and communicating, joins the Aquarian party on the 20th, Venus on the 18th, and Mars on the 23rd.  Air signs, of which Aquarius is one, like to communicate and with Aquarians’ tendency to innovate, such as AI, we may see changes in how we communicate with each other.

Other big doings in January is Neptune’s leaving Pisces for good and entering Aries on the 26th at 12:37 p.m. This is the second outer planet to change signs recently. (The other is Pluto.) She’ll be in Aries for a long time (2038), and she is not particularly happy in Mars’ sign.  However, it can mark a new beginning as Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. Every planet has to deal in one way or another with Neptune as it changes signs. Neptune is the dreamer; Aries is the warrior, initiator. Maybe it’s time to put our dreams into action.  Anyone with placements in either late degrees of the water signs or early degrees of the fire signs may feel this shift of energy more profoundly. It will take Neptune some time to get adjusted to her new energy “home.”

February

So, this month begins with five planets in Aquarius, so lots of air, lots of ideas floating around.  So Geminis and Librans will be celebrating along with their Aquarian colleagues.

The month begins with a full moon (not a super one!) at 130 Leo at 5:09 p.m. And then on the 3rd Uranus (the ruler of Aquarius and the challenger of all form) stops and turns around (direct) at 9:33 p.m. He’ll be at 270 Taurus, an earth sign that basically hates changes. Both Aquarius and Taurus are “fixed” signs, which means they both tend to stay with their ideas or attitudes until they are thoroughly convinced to change. This may take some doing. . . .When a planet changes directions, it basically sits on the degree, in this case 270 for a while. Uranus will be at 270 Taurus until mid-March. So, attention all who have placements in your chart on or around 270 especially in Taurus, or the other fixed signs (Scorpio, Leo, Aquarius) or the other earth signs (Capricorn, Virgo.)

On the 6th, Mercury, the fastest moving planet, begins the exodus from Aquarius into Pisces, followed by Venus on the 10th, and the Sun on the 18th.  They will all be in an easy flow of energy with Jupiter in Cancer. All are water signs – emotional, intuitive, psychic, but not generally swayed by abstract or concrete thinking.  They follow how they feel, rather than how they think.

On the 17th lots happens. It’s the Chinese New Year (of the Horse), it’s Mardi Gras, and Ramadan begins. There is also an annular Solar eclipse at 280 Aquarius.  The eclipse will last about 5 hours, so if it impacts your chart it will do so for about five months. We will not be able to see it in the US. A solar eclipse generally indicates significant new beginnings in the area of your life (astrological house) where the impacted planets are.  Remember that any planet at late degrees Aquarius, Leo, Taurus or Scorpio could be impacted by the eclipse. 

And on the 26th Mercury begins his first of three retrograde periods. He’ll be at 220 Pisces.  It ends on the first day of Spring – March 20. A Mercury retrograde, as I’ve written before, is a wonderful time to do anything with “re” in front of it – re-treat, re-group, re-think. . . .You can sign a contract or buy a new appliance. Just be sure to read the fine print before you sign.

I hope you have a wonderful winter!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings July – August 2025

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Hope you’re having a good start to your summer. July looks to be quite busy – August a little less so.

Saturn/Neptune Conjunction

I want to begin by talking about the Saturn/Neptune conjunction in Aries, which actually began last month. It will last until early next May using a pretty wide orb.  At first glance this seems to be a strange couple: Saturn, an earth sign, the ruler of order, status quo, authority figures and big business, and Neptune, a water sign, the ruler of dreams, otherworldliness, unable (or unwilling) to cope with this plane. Neptune seeks to escape this plane in a positive (meditation, spirituality) or negative (drugs, alcohol) way. Saturn seeks to maintain its version of order.

Both planets are very unhappy in Aries, the fiery sign of new beginnings (spring), quests, movement, excitement. It is a restless sign, always seeking something new. The energy of Aries does not fit easily with the energy of either Saturn or Neptune.

In astrology planets have signs that they “rule,” such as Neptune in Pisces or Saturn in Capricorn. They also have another sign that they like to be in, which is called their sign of “exaltation.” Sounds pretty cool, eh? And of course, the opposite sign to their sign of “exaltation” is their sign of “fall.” Saturn in exalted in Libra, because Libra is the sign of balance and perfect balance is stagnation, which Saturn loves. Now the opposing sign to Libra is Aries. So Saturn is not happy in the sign of the initiator, innovator, let’s get going and be ready to do battle. Neptune likes to dream, vacate the earth plane and generally hang out, so moving forward – or moving at all, except escaping – is not something Neptune likes to do, being happier in the realm of emotions. These two will back into Pisces in the fall, and Neptune will definitely have the upper hand when that happens until February when they’re both back in Aries. Saturn is also unhappy in Pisces, although the water of Pisces may soften the rigidity of Saturn.

But there is perhaps another way to look at this planetary combination. Neptune is the mystic, and more esoterically Saturn is the sure-footed goat that climbs the mountain of spiritual growth. And Aries energy can be used as an impetus (or a kick in the you-know-where) to move to another level of spiritual understanding and a different view of our world and ourselves. . . and that view would get another perspective when these two re-enter Pisces for the last time this fall. And their retrograde periods could signal a more inward focus. All fire signs are on a quest – and for Aries it is the quest for High Self – our higher understanding of who we are in truth. And he doesn’t let anything get in the way of his completing his quest.

Those with placements in early degrees Aries, Cancer, Capricorn and Libra may feel the impact of this conjunction more than others. And also late degrees Pisces, Virgo, Gemini and Sagittarius when both planets are again in Pisces. You might also look at where this conjunction occurs in your chart (which house), as this could be an area of impact of this conjunction.

July

Three planets station retrograde this month, including everyone’s favorite – Mercury. So, from the top:

On the 4th in addition to fireworks, Neptune stations retrograde at 20 Aries at 5:34 p.m. On the 13th, her buddy Saturn stations retrograde at 10 Aries at 12:07 a.m.  And on the 18th Mercury stations retrograde at 150 Leo at 3:59 a.m. (He goes direct on August 11.) Lots of fire here.

On July 7th Uranus moves into Gemini, where he is much happier. (He will back up into Taurus in November.) Gemini is an air sign and much better suited to Uranian energy than Taurus. There could be a frenetic quality to the energy, as Gemini likes to flit from thing to thing, but the ideas could be more visionary in their scope. Venus moves into Cancer on the 30th at 11:57 p.m. She will square (challenging relationship) the Saturn/Neptune conjunction in Aries. Cancer is a water sign and Aries is a fire sign – need I say more? And Venus and Mars are very different energies as well.

The Sun moves into Leo, the sign it rules, on the 22nd at 9:29 a.m. The Full Moon is on the 10th at 4:37 p.m. She’ll be at 180 Virgo. The New Moon occurs on the 24th at 3:11 p.m. She’ll be at 20 Leo.

August

August is a bit quieter. Good thing!

On the 6th Mars moves into Libra. Not only does Mars oppose the Saturn/Neptune conjunction in Aries, which he rules, but he is most unhappy in Venus’ sign of relationship and balance. However, he has Saturn and Neptune and Venus to play with. He also is trine Uranus in Gemini, so there may be more energy (Mars) put into balancing some of the ideas and chatter from Uranus in Gemini.

On the 11th Mercury ends his retrograde period at 3:30 a.m. He’ll be at 40 Leo. Phew! And Venus joins him in Leo on the 25th.

On the 22nd the Sun enters Virgo and the next day there is the New Moon at 00 Virgo, signaling the beginning of the change of season. Virgo is the sign of the harvest – the harvest of self as well as all those great veggies. The Full Moon occurs on the 9th. She’ll be at 170 Aquarius.

I hope you have a wonderful rest of your summer!

Peace and abundant blessings.

Margaret

Astro Doings May-June, 2025

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Well, spring is really here now that it’s May and the Summer Solstice, of course, is in June.

May

May begins with three planets in Aries: Mercury, Venus and Neptune. Aries energy is fiery, warlike, initiating, and male. It initiates but doesn’t always finish, like all cardinal signs. Aries is on a quest and generally has a group of others on his quest with him. His quest is for his/her High Self and s/he fearlessly tackles all obstacles that present. Mercury moves into Taurus on the 10th, but Saturn completes the quartet entering Aries on the 24th. And Mars, the ruler of Aries, is in fiery Leo. When Saturn leaves Pisces and enters Aries at the end of the month, there will be no planets in water. Saturn will be next to Neptune in Aries. This could be an interesting conjunction with foggy Neptune impacting stern, status quo Saturn. They will both retrograde back into Pisces in July. It’s an interesting planetary combination to watch.

Pluto begins his six-month retrograde period on the 4th at 30 Aquarius. The only other planet in an air sign, until the Sun enters Gemini on the 20th, is Jupiter. Air is the element of ideas and conversation. Gemini likes to communicate – a lot! And Aquarius is the sign of the rebel and innovative ideas.

The Sun and Uranus are conjunct (next to each other) in late degrees Taurus on the 12th and the Moon is square Pluto in Aquarius at the same time. Both Taurus (earth) and Scorpio (water) are fixed (aka stubborn) signs, so the might be a lot of conflicting energy.

The New Moon occurs on the 26th at 60 Gemini. The Full Moon occurs on the 12th at 220 Scorpio.

June       

Things will slow down in June, as there will be more emphasis on water and earth this month, less fire, but still some. Mercury and Jupiter enter Cancer within days of each other: Mercury on the 8th and Jupiter on the 9th.  Venus enters her own sign, Taurus, on the 6th. Venus is all about beauty, flowers, and chocolate!

Mars enters Virgo on the 17th.  Mars is subdued in earthy Virgo, somewhat stymied Virgo’s analytical attention to detail.

Uranus is at late degrees Taurus and will enter Gemini in July. He’ll be a lot happier in airy Gemini than he is in slow moving Taurus. Water and earth do well together, as water softens earth and makes it more productive. There could be a softening.

Of course, the Sun moves into Cancer in June – the summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. This year it’s June 20.

The Full Moon occurs on the 11th at 200 Sagittarius. The New Moon occurs on the 25th at 40 Cancer.

I should mention that the Sibley chart of the US there are four planets in Cancer: Venus, Jupiter, the Sun and Mercury, and they fall in the houses having to do with foreign relations and international trade. Obviously the sun transits these placements every year, but this year we have Mercury and Jupiter in Cancer as well. It will be interesting to see how this manifests. Also to watch will be Uranus’s return to its natal degrees in the US chart (80 Gemini) in 2027. Stay tuned.

Hope you have a lovely spring and early summer.

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings March-April 2025

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Hope you are having a good winter so far. This spring promises to be an active one, at least astrologically speaking.

March

Hang onto your hat! March is going to be very busy with planets changing direction and sign and two eclipses. So let’s take them in order.

1st: Venus begins her retrograde motion at 7:36 p.m. at 100 Aries. Any time a planet changes direction it sits on the degree it was on when the change began before it starts the new motion. Sort of like a fan that changes direction. So Venus will be at 100 Aries for about a week. When a planet is retrograde, we tend to experience the energy more inwardly. Venus doesn’t like to be in Aries – it’s Mars’s sign, but maybe we can put more energy (Aries) into loving ourselves and each other (Venus retrograde).

14th: Total Lunar eclipse: 230 Virgo. This eclipse will be visible in the US – if the sky is clear and if you’re a night owl! It begins just before midnight and ends at 6 a.m. This eclipse is about service and letting go of old patterns. For those with planets or other points in the charts at late degrees Pisces, Gemini, Sagittarius and of course Virgo may feel the impact of this eclipse more fully.

15th: Mercury begins his first retrograde period of 2025 at 2:46 a.m. He’ll be at 90 Aries and will back into Pisces at the very end of the month. Just a reminder that a Mercury retrograde is a great time to repair anything and also to retreat and regroup, but be sure to read any contracts very, very carefully before you sign.

20th: Vernal Equinox, the Sun enters Aries. The Sun will join Mercury, Venus and Chiron in Mars’s sign. Aries initiates, but doesn’t always finish and generally has lots of enthusiasm. But like all cardinal signs (Libra, Cancer and Capricorn are the others) its energy is like a flash in the pan and it’s gone. All fire signs are on a quest of some kind and Aries’ quest is for Self.  Like Jason and the Argonauts, the myth most closely associated with Aries, Aries likes to “travel” with a band of like-minded people.

29th: Partial Solar eclipse: 90 Aries. It will be visible in the Northeast and will last four hours. Solar eclipses are about powerful new beginnings. Those with placements in early degrees Aries, Libra, Cancer or Capricorn may be more aware of this energy. It could also bring a powerful burst of new energy to everyone.

30th:  Neptune enters Aries. There’s a lot of Aries energy this March! Now the planet of illusion, spirituality, addiction, escapism has joined the Aries club, leaving the sign she rules (Pisces) where she’s been since 2011. (She’ll head back into Pisces in October and return to Aries in January 2026.) When one of the outer planets changes signs, this is a big deal and a big shift in energy. It will be interesting to see how this plays out and what implications it has.

April

Phew! Made it through March!! April is quieter.

7th: Mercury ends his retrograde period. He’ll be at 260 Pisces and he’ll move back into Aries on the 16th.  Interesting to note that Mercury will be next to Saturn, Venus and trine Mars when he changes direction. A lot of water which has to do with emotion. . .

12th: Venus ends her retrograde period also. She’ll be at 240 Pisces and won’t enter Aries until the 30th.

18th: Mars enters Leo at 12:21 a.m. Leo is a fire sign and will be trine Neptune in Aries and opposed Pluto in Aquarius.  There’s a lot of water (emotion) and fire (enthusiasm, volatile) energy this month and not a lot of air (ideas).  Of course, water and fire don’t get along very well and frequently cancel each other out.

19th: Sun enters Taurus at 3:56 p.m. The only other planet in earth is Uranus (also in Taurus).  Not a lot of practicality or grounded energy, but maybe Taurus will slow down the frenetic pace of March with some practical solutions and an increased concern for Mother Earth!

Hope you have a wonderful early spring!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings March – April 2024

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

March and April bring the first eclipses of 2024, which will be visible across much of the US.  You can find out about the astronomy of these eclipses online. I’ll comment on the astrology of them.

March

March begins with three planets in the air sign, Aquarius: Venus, Mars and Pluto. By the end of the month there will be only one planet in air (Pluto). Air is the element of communication, ideas and relationships. By the end of the month there will be four planets in watery Pisces: Venus, Mars, Saturn and Neptune. Water is the element of emotions and intuition. Fortunately Jupiter and Uranus are in Taurus, an earth sign, which may provide some boundaries to watery Pisces. All planets are in direct motion in March – no retrogrades. A sort of what you see is what you get feel.

The Vernal Equinox occurs on the 19th at 11:06 p.m. when the Sun enters Aries. Aries is a fire sign that likes to initiate but doesn’t always finish what it starts. This also marks the astrological new year.

The New Moon occurs on the 10th at 5:00 a.m. She’ll be at 200 Pisces. The first eclipse of the year occurs on March 23rd at 3:00 a.m. The Moon will be at 50 Libra. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun and Moon are opposed each other (a Full Moon).  This penumbral lunar eclipse will last about 4 hours and will be visible in the US, but it may be rather hard to see. This eclipse is focused on service and, on a personal level, can provide an opportunity to release old patterns. Those with placements at early degrees in Libra, Aries, Cancer or Capricorn may feel the impact of this energy more than others. For other air signs, it will be an easier flow of energy and opportunity for change.

April

April begins not only with April Fool’s Day but also the beginning of a three-week Mercury retrograde. Everyone’s favorite, right? But it can be a time for reflection and retooling. This may be a bit more challenging since Aries energy (and the energy of spring in general) wants to move forward, but the retrograde (moving backwards) tends to slow things down. Mercury will be at 270 Aries – perhaps a time to tune into our inner warrior. Mercury ends his retrograde period on April 25th at 8:54 a.m. He’ll be at 150 Aries.

The total Solar eclipse occurs on April 8th, when the Sun and Moon are at the same degree – 190 Aries. It will last about 5 hours, which means that this will be a sensitive point for 5 months – if it impacts your chart. Again, those with placements near 19 degrees in Aries, Libra, Cancer, or Capricorn may feel the impact of this energy more than others. This eclipse brings a lot of new energy with it, which can be disconcerting if you’re not ready for it. The Full Moon occurs on April 23rd at 40 Scorpio.

There is a lot of energy that impacts Aries this year – the solar eclipse and a Mercury retrograde. There can be a lot of initiatives with no follow-through; there can also be war, since Mars (the god of war) rules Aries. We may feel more impulsive, reckless and war-like. In its highest expression Aries is the quest for our spiritual selves, and we may put more energy into that quest than we have in the past. But it may feel a little bumpy this April. Saturn and Uranus are in the most slow moving of all the signs, Taurus, which may impact the Aries energy, adding to the more muted feel of Aries this year, but also bringing some practicality and deliberation to our Aries activities!

Have a wonderful Spring!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings March-April, 2023

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

I hope you enjoyed the relatively quiet February, because March and April promise to be very busy with lots of changes. So, let’s get started.

March

Every planet except Uranus and Neptune changes signs during March. That’s a lot of change! The major one is the hand off of the sign Aquarius from Saturn to Pluto – sort of like a relay race. They do appear to drop the baton, however, since Saturn enters Pisces on March 7th and Pluto enters Aquarius on the 23rd.  When outer planets change signs, it’s a big deal because they move so slowly. Saturn through this sign has brought delay, restriction, and fear, as he generally does in whatever sign he’s in. It’s also noteworthy that Saturn is the ancient ruler of Aquarius, so his energy expresses easily in this sign.  Aquarius is a fixed sign so it tends to remain stubbornly rooted in its opinions, but is also the visionary and one who is not afraid to change the status quo. So the baton passes from restriction and the status quo to the rooting out of deep-seated attitudes that are no longer viable.

This is the first time that Pluto has been in Aquarius since he was first discovered in 1930. So no one knows what deep-seated transformation Pluto will bring to the sign of the Water-bearer. Aquarius is a little confusing (or is it confused?) since it’s called the Water-bearer, but it’s an air sign . . . . We do know that Pluto’s transit through Capricorn has brought many challenges to established systems and ways of being of all sorts. It’s going to take Pluto a bit to settle down in his new environment. He’ll retrograde back into Capricorn a couple of times before he settles into Aquarius for good (or for the next 20 years) in November 2024. Aquarius is the sign of the rebel, the innovator, the destroyer of old forms. I would expect to see some upheaval in the areas of electronic media, Internet, and humanitarianism. Pluto removes (sometimes not gently) outmoded ways of being. Time will tell what other areas Pluto will use the Aquarian light of innovation, rebellion, and concern for mankind as a whole to change (or at least bring to our attention) systems and attitudes that no longer serve us as a whole (or personally).

Let’s not forget about Saturn, now in Pisces, the sign of faith, illusion, fog, spirituality, and escape. He joins the Sun, Mercury, and Neptune. Pisces is a water sign that finds navigating the earth plane challenging at times, impossible at others. It’s represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions, unaware of each other. Saturn’s transit through this sign can strengthen our faith in the benevolence of the universe, or it can become more rigid and stringent in the rules and practices of our faith. It can be a call to re-examine our spirituality, as well as being on the earth in a kinder more compassionate way. It can also mean more restrictive laws about addictions of all kinds.

Other planets change signs in March:

  • Mercury moves into Aries on the 19th. Lots of new ideas, but can be rather scattered. Aries likes to start but not always finish.
  • Venus moves into Taurus on the 16th. Venus rules Taurus, so she’s very happy here. Lots of love to Mother Earth, appreciating beauty in all its forms.
  • Mars moves into Cancer on the 25th. Well, the god of war isn’t too happy in the Moon’s watery world. He’s likely to churn up our emotions or our initiatives may get drowned out by our emotions. Also of note, Mars will transit the Venus, Jupiter, the Sun, and Mercury of the US chart next month.
  • And the Sun moves into Aries (the Vernal Equinox) on the 20th. Time for new initiatives and ideas. Aries is also the sign of the warrior.

The Full Moon occurs on March 7th at 160 Virgo. The New Moon occurs on March 21st at 00 Aries.

April

Phew! Got through March. . .. April chugs along very nicely, no retrograde planets and only the speed demon planets, Mercury and Venus, change signs. Until. . .the 20th and 21st.

The first solar eclipse of 2023 occurs on April 20th. It is a total solar eclipse, but will not be visible in the US. The Sun and Moon will be at 290 Aries. The eclipse will last about five hours, so it will be active in people’s charts by transit for the next five months or so.  Solar eclipses generally indicate new beginnings, changes in attitudes, and brings an influx of new energy. This is just before the Moon and Sun enter Taurus. Aries is impulsive, energetic leader, who doesn’t always think things through. People with planets or other points in their charts at late degrees Aries, Libra, Cancer, or Capricorn may feel the impact of the eclipse more than others.

And the next day – it’s everyone’s favorite retrograde! Yep, Mercury stations retrograde on the 21st at 4:35 a.m. He’ll be at 150 Taurus. These retrograde periods, of which there are three each year, last about three weeks and represent times of repose, retreat, reflection. . . Of course, if we’re not into repose, this retrograde can bring frustration, delay, and confusion if we try to push the river or get something done in a hurry.  So, as much as possible, try to relax into this retrograde period – re-lax, re-treat, re-pair. . . .

And don’t forget Mars’ transits to the US chart all month. There could be a lot of anger, dissention, and disagreement both nationally and internationally.

The Full Moon occurs on April 6th at 160 Libra.

Hope you have a wonderful March and April!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings May – June 2022

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

May promises to be a busy month with several planets in Aries and a lunar eclipse, which will be visible in the US, if it’s clear. June is a little quieter with three planets changing direction – and of course, the Summer Solstice!

May

Venus is the first planet to enter Aries on May 3rd, followed by Jupiter on the 11th and finally Mars on the 25th. Mars is very strong in his own sign, although Venus is not happy in Mars’ sign and Jupiter is leaving a sign it rules (Pisces). This is a lot of fire energy – enthusiasm, acting without forethought, starting but not finishing, hubris and recklessness. However, it’s also a sign of new beginnings, ideas and initiatives. Like the ram, which is the symbol of Aries, it can feel like you’re butting your head against a wall. The good news is that we have three planets (Sun, Uranus and Pluto) in earth, which can temper Aries’ enthusiasm and lend practical energy to Aries new ideas and projects. The Sun moves into Gemini on the 20th. Gemini is an air sign, focused on communication and learning a little bit about everything. Fire and air work very nicely together – but may not accomplish much of a practical nature.

Mercury begins its second retrograde of the year on May10th at 7:47 a.m. This is the same day that Jupiter enters Aries. Mercury will be at 40 Gemini and on May 24th will “back” into Taurus. These retrogrades last about three weeks and are great times to regroup, rethink, retreat and repair.

Eclipses come in pairs. This total lunar eclipse, which is the pair to the solar eclipse we had at the end of April, occurs on May 16th. The Moon will be at 250 Scorpio. This eclipse will be visible in the US and will begin on the 15th around 9:30 p.m. EDT. Its totality will occur around midnight and the whole eclipse will last about five hours. You can find more information about the eclipse here: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2022-may-16. A lunar eclipse is about endings of patterns and generally have to do with service and giving back for what we’ve received. Those with planets in late degrees (from 22-280) Scorpio, Taurus, Aquarius or Leo or the other water signs, Cancer and Pisces, may feel the impact of this eclipse more strongly. Its impact may last up to five months or so after the eclipse.

The New Moon occurs on May 30. She’ll be at 80 Gemini.

June

This month Mercury, Saturn and Neptune all change directions. And of course, summer officially begins (Summer Solstice). When a planet changes directions, especially one of the outer planets, it stops and sits a bit before it starts moving in the new direction. The degree and sign where it stops may impact your chart more or less strongly, and outer planets (Uranus, Neptune, Pluto) take longer to get moving in the new direction than inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars).

So, Mercury is the first. It goes direct on June 3rd at 4:00 a.m. He’ll be at 260 Taurus and will move into Gemini on the 14th.

Saturn begins his 4-month retrograde period on June 4th at 5:47 p.m. He’ll be at 250 Aquarius.

And last, but not least, Neptune begins her 5-month retrograde period on June 25th. She’ll be at 250 Pisces. The New Moon occurs on the same day.

When a planet is retrograde, it appears from the earth’s perspective that it is moving from west to east. We know that isn’t what it’s doing but that’s how it appears. The planets’ energies seem to be more inward in their feel and sometimes things are delayed. Saturn represents authority figures, men in particular, and when retrograde your inner critic may seem especially loud. A Neptune retrograde can turn our faith more inward, help deepen meditation practice and/or increase the inner fog!

The Summer Solstice is June 21st when the Sun enters Cancer – sometimes called the longest day of the year. Cancer is a water sign, frequently a homebody and lover of good food. It joins Neptune as the planet in only water in the current line-up. The Full Moon occurs on the 14th at 7:52 a.m. She’ll be at 230 Sagittarius.

Enjoy May and June!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings March-April, 2022

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

March brings the first day of Spring and more planets in air signs, but otherwise is rather quiet. April brings showers with more planets in water and the first eclipse of 2022.

March

On the 6th both Venus and Mars enter Aquarius, joining Mercury and Saturn. Aquarius is an air sign, full of revolutionary ideas and no patience for outmoded thinking or structures. It can be very stubborn, as its energy tends to sustain rather than initiate. These planets are in a challenging relationship (square) to the ruler of Aquarius (Uranus), who is in Taurus, an earth sign. The good news here is that some of Aquarius’s innovative ideas will hopefully be more earth-based and practical. 

Mercury moves into Pisces from March 9- 26, joining Jupiter and Neptune in this changeable water sign that rules faith, illusion, fog and redemption. Jupiter is the “ancient” ruler of Pisces and Neptune is the “modern” ruler of the sign, making them both very strong in this sign. Optimism (Jupiter) and dreams (Neptune) can join with concrete thinking (Mercury) while they are transiting this sign.

The first day of Spring occurs on March 20th at 11:33 a.m. EDT. This, of course, is when the Sun enters Aries and is the astrological new year. Mercury joins the Sun in Aries on the 27th. The New Moon occurs on March 2nd at 12:35 p.m. She’ll be at 120 Pisces. The Full Moon occurs on March 18th at 3:18 a.m. She’ll be at 270 Virgo.

April

Both Venus and Mars enter Pisces during April, joining Jupiter and Neptune. Venus enters Pisces on the 5th and Mars on the 14th. That’s four planets in water – and all in the same water sign. The good news is that Mercury enters the earth sign, Taurus, on the 10th and the Sun enters the same sign on the 19th joining Uranus in this most earthbound of all the signs. Earth gives water boundaries and water softens earth. Both are feminine in their elemental feel. Taurus is the most stubborn of all the signs, which may help to focus dreamy Pisces.

In addition to Mercury and Uranus in earth signs, Pluto begins his 5-month retrograde period on the 29th. He’ll be at 280 Capricorn, an earth sign that is related to structures, systems and the status quo. When one of the outer planets basically stops and then changes direction, it can be a significant shift in how their energy is experienced. Those with planets in late degrees of Aries, Libra, Cancer and Capricorn may feel this change of direction more acutely. Pluto, the ruler of the Roman underground, rules deep-seated transformation and the destroyer of old forms. These forms may be personal or collective. Pluto has been in Capricorn since 2009, pointing out structures that no longer serve us.

I should also note that the US is experiencing its first Pluto return and when Pluto stations retrograde, he will be at the exact same degrees he is in the US (Sibly) chart. When a planet returns to its natal degrees all the issues that were present at the birth come to the fore again. This transit has been going on for a while and will continue until Uranus enters Aquarius for good in 2024. It has contributed to significant unrest and issues that were present at the nation’s founding that have not yet been resolved, such as race, isolationism, sharp polarization and radical attitudes, to name just a few. This change of direction may mark an intensification around these issues, and a time of introspection for each of us on our attitudes, thoughts, feelings around them, as well as a focus on personal transformation.

The first eclipse of 2022 is a partial solar eclipse that occurs on April 30th. Both Sun and Moon will be at 100 Taurus. It will not be visible in the US and will last about four hours. A solar eclipse generally indicates new beginnings and those with planets in Leo, Aquarius, Taurus and Scorpio may feel the impact of this new beginning more strongly.

Happy Spring!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret

Astro Doings November – December 2020

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

Hard to believe that this is the last Astro Doings for 2020! November is busy, but December is somewhat calmer. I do hope you’ve been enjoying watching the Moon, Saturn and Jupiter in the night sky in late October.

November

Three planets change directions this month, and Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto continue to stay close together in Capricorn for the whole month. At the end of the month they will be in a challenging relationship (square) with Mars. Capricorn is an earth sign and Aries, where Mars is, is a fire sign.

Mercury: The last retrograde for Mercury in 2020 ends on November 3rd at 12:50 p.m. EST. (Yes, that’s Election Day in the US.) He’ll be at 230 Libra, the sign of balance, relationship and fairness.

Mars. The planet of war, assertiveness, and initiative ends his retrograde motion on November 13th at 7:36 p.m. EST. He’ll be at 150 Aries. Mars is very strong in his own sign and may express itself as being impulsive and combative. Those with planets in Libra, Capricorn, Cancer and of course Aries, may be more impacted by this change of direction. In direct motion, Mars can be more impulsive, action-oriented and combative. However, he can also provide energy to move forward on projects that have been put aside when he was retrograde. At 150 Aries, Mars is exactly opposite Saturn, representing the executive, in the US (Sibly) chart. P.S. I also hope you’ve enjoyed seeing Mars in the night sky. He’s been quite impressive.

Neptune. The planet of fog, illusion, disillusion, compassion, and redemption ends her long retrograde period on the 28th at 7:36 p.m. EST. She’ll be at 180 Pisces. Some of the creative energy that has been gestating internally may be more easily expressed now. We may also become more aware of the fog! Those with planets in the other mutable signs, Virgo, Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces, may feel this change of direction more than others. This leaves only one planet in retrograde motion – Uranus. Our innovative rebellion continues to be internal during this retrograde period. Great time to break down old patterns. Never fear, he’ll change direction in January.

Eclipses. There is a prenumbral lunar eclipse in November, and if it’s clear we may be able to see it. Eclipses are like energy vortices and are triggered by any planet transiting the degree of the eclipse. The vortex is “open” (sensitive) one month for every hour of eclipse duration.

This lunar eclipse will occur on November 30th at 80 Gemini, conjunct the Uranus in the US Chart. Lunar eclipses are about the endings of eras in how we’ve used the Gemini (or Sagittarius, Virgo or Pisces) energies in our charts. This eclipse will last about four hours. The focus of this eclipse is service, especially in the area of communication and relating. The companion solar eclipse occurs in December (see below).

The New Moon occurs on November 15th at 12:07 a.m. She’ll be at 230 Scorpio. The Sun enters Sagittarius on November 21st at 3:40 p.m.

December

Be sure to watch the heavens in mid-December as Jupiter and Saturn will be 10 apart. They haven’t been this close since 1623 and won’t be again until 2080. In mid-December they both move into Aquarius, the sign of the rebel, the innovator and humankind. It’s an air sign – the element of ideas and communication. There have been very few planets in air this year, so we may see newer (perhaps more radical) ideas about how to address the issues confronting us. Lots more Aquarian energy coming in January and February next year.

Eclipse. The companion eclipse to the lunar eclipse in November is a total solar eclipse. It occurs on December 14th and will last about 5.5 hours. It will not be visible in the US, however. The Sun will be at 230 Sagittarius, as will the Moon since a solar eclipse occurs on a New Moon. Solar eclipses are about new beginnings, and may impact those with planets in Sagittarius, Gemini, Pisces and Virgo more than others. Sagittarius is the sign of the quest for Truth but can also be outspoken and exclusionary. It can also be very lucky!

The Sun enters Capricorn, the Winter Solstice, on November 21st at 5:02 a.m. EST. The Sun will be next to Mercury in Capricorn, the sign of the status quo, structures, and also of the spiritual initiate.

We end 2020 with a Full Moon on December 29th at 10:28 p.m. EST. She’ll be at 80 Cancer near Venus, Jupiter and the Sun in the US chart. It will be interesting to see how the moody, nurturing lunar energy expresses itself at the end of this challenging year.

I hope you have a wonderful and safe end of 2020! On to 2021!

Peace and abundant blessings, Margaret

Astro Doings March – April 2020

Margaret Lassiter Leave a comment

Hi Everyone

I’m sure you’ve all noticed that the days are getting longer as we approach the Vernal Equinox in March. Yeah! In the next two months more planets will move into air signs, although there will still be a lot of earth. Overall, a fairly quiet two months.

March

While the elements of fire and air come into play in March, until the 21st there are still four planets in Capricorn: Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto. The earth element will ground the energy and may also slow it down.

 March 9th: Yippee! Mercury goes direct on the 9th at 11:49 p.m. EDT. He’ll be at 280 Aquarius and will move into Pisces on the 17th. The Full Moon occurs one minute before Mercury stations direct. She’ll be at 80 Virgo.

March 19th:  The Sun enters Aries at 11:50 p.m. – the Vernal Equinox, the first day of Spring. Aries is a fire sign that is enthusiastic, likes to lead, but doesn’t always look before it leaps. It can warm, but it can also destroy. Like all cardinal signs, Aries initiates but doesn’t always follow through with what it starts. And like fire and air signs, it is male in its feel.

March 21st:  Saturn enters Aquarius. Before the discovery of Uranus in 1781, Saturn ruled Aquarius, the sign of the rebel, innovator, destroyer of outmoded ideas and systems. Saturn in this air sign may slow the rebel down a little bit or it may lend more practicality to Aquarius’ at times odd and/or innovative ideas. Saturn will retrograde into Capricorn in July.

March 24th:  The New Moon occurs at 5:28 a.m. at 40 Aries.

March 30th:  Mars moves into Aquarius and is conjunct (next to) Saturn. This may have the feel of walking with your shoes tied together. Mars, ruler of Aries, is the warrior planet that wants to charge forward and get moving. Saturn, the planet of restriction, lack and fear, tends to hold back. Mars says, “let’s do it!” Saturn says, “better not!”

April

In April one more planet will move into an air sign; Venus will be in Gemini. Air is the element of ideas, communication and mental activity. This is a change from what we’ve seen recently when there were very few planets in air signs. However, there will still be three planets in earth (Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto). By April 12th Neptune will be the only planet in a water sign — Pisces, her own sign, where she’s been for a long time.

April 3rd:  Venus moves into Gemini, which will be an easy flow of energy (trine) with Mars and Saturn in Aquarius. Gemini is curious about everything for a little bit and tends to bore very easily. It is, however, a sign of relationship and finds people endlessly although briefly fascinating in all their diversity.

April 7th:  The Full Moon occurs at 10: 35 p.m. She’ll be at 180 Libra, another air sign.

April 11th:  Mercury joins the Sun in Aries, bringing the possibility of enthusiastic but not always well thought out ideas. There may be a tendency to jump to conclusions or not think through all the ramifications of an idea. Aries also carries a warrior vibration, so warring ideas may be more evident.

April 19th:  Things could slow down as the Sun enters Taurus at 10:45 a.m. It will be next to (conjunct) Uranus, the planet of rebellion and the ruler of Aquarius. Taurus is the slowest moving sign of them all – fixed (stubborn) earth and Uranus, ruler of thunderbolts, is not well suited to Taurus’s slow-moving caution. Taurus can be very practical, thinks through ideas and doesn’t jump to conclusions (generally). However, once a Taurean has made up his/her mind, it is very difficult (mostly impossible) to get him/her to change it.

April 22nd:  The New Moon occurs at 3:36 p.m. She’ll be a 30 Taurus, the sign that is the most earthbound and concerned about our planet’s well-being. How perfect for Earth Day!

Happy Spring!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret