During what could have been a brutal Winter weatherwise and otherwise for many of us, we have eagerly awaited the coming of Spring, which begins with the Vernal Equinox on the 20th of March.
Our wishes have been realized. Spring has sprung with all the promise of new beginnings, a renaissance, a time in nature of rebirthing as animals give birth to their young, the flowers bloom and the trees unfold their leaves, and we escape the confines of cabin fever to enjoy more time out-of-doors.
We are all likely to be ecstatic to see Spring arrive, but as the saying goes: ‘Be careful what you wish for.’
We are living in times of drastic transition, a transformative time of shapeshifting and morphing from one structure, format and identity into… the unknown…
With the start of the astrological new year that the Vernal Equinox represents, the Cardinal Grand Cross is reinforced as the Sun transiting Aries triggers the varied players in the Cardinal Grand Cross — Uranus in Aries, Jupiter in Cancer, Mars in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn.
This season affords the opportunity of new beginnings, but at what cost? Doors may have to be closed before new doors can be opened. Old ways might have to be ended in order for new ways to be engaged. Change is rampant, but for every one of us change is often greeted with a mixture of excitement for new developments but dismay at letting go of the familiar and with fear of the unknown, that which is to come on the blank pages of the future.
Spring starts off pleasantly enough. The first week of Spring has Mercury in Pisces in play as Mercury conjuncts Neptune on the 22nd, Mercury trines Jupiter on the 26th, and Mercury sextiles Pluto on the 28th. Our intuitive sense can be strong. We may feel as though we can successfully address any situation that arises. Not only do we have a good feeling about things, but we can also pierce the veil of appearances to see what is truly going on. While we may be feeling upbeat as though we had gained a second wind, it would be wise for us to consider the most expeditious means to achieve our goals and doing so in the most resourceful of ways.
Although the promise of ‘happy days are here again’ could prove intoxicating and seductive, it is essential that we not fall prey to irrational exuberance. The consensus of good times and alleviation of problem spots can lead us down the garden path with our discounting the thorns and brambles that lie in the way.
Even though we may want to barrel full speed ahead, and possibly with encouragement and support from someone, we might want to keep track of our expenses and our revenue stream to see if we are trying to go too far too fast.
In the dark of the Moon prior to the Aries New Moon on March 30th, Venus trines Mars and Venus squares Saturn on the 29th. These energy configurations could have us determined to initiate new projects no matter what resources we have at hand. We might assume that our power of persuasion with a little help from our friends can overcome any hurdle, surmount any obstacles. Irrational exuberance, anyone? We may want what we want, but it would be wise for us not to climb too far out on a limb in order to realize our desires.
We have the passion and enthusiasm to forge ahead, and this attitude could be augmented by the Aries New Moon on the 30th. This New Moon, impacting the next fortnight, triggers the Cardinal Grand Cross but accentuates the tightly-orbed T-Square of Uranus square Jupiter and Uranus square Pluto with Jupiter and Pluto opposed each other.
Volatility can be the name of the game with unexpected incidents arising. This can be a most dynamic period when we can put our mark and imprint on projects, initiate plans and start up innovations and things unique to ourselves. We do have to be wary of being overly impetuous. We also have to be highly aware and mindful to shifting sands and changing currents that can come about in a nanosecond or less. We are in times when we might feel similar to Lewis Carroll’s Alice when she said: “I’m afraid I can’t explain myself, sir. Because I am not myself, you see?”
We could find ourselves in fields of self-discovery, trying this, trying that but without any real conviction as to who we are becoming. Even if we are letting go of our old identities, our new sense of self may not have formed or crystallized.
And why should it when Spring, especially under the auspices of Uranus, is urging us to test the waters of the new, the unique, the innovative and the iconoclastic?
These times of journey in our life’s passage do not allow for stability or security. These are dynamic times and the dynamics give lie to a concept of stasis and instead enforce a sense of continual fluidity, a feeling of constantly shifting sands.
Even without a roadmap or a well-devised strategy, we can launch forward into new endeavors. Traditional structures may be crumbling around us, but we can feel as though we can meet any challenge and come out of the morass like the mythological phoenix rising from its ashes for us to soar ever higher.
A sense of confidence, even overconfidence, can be strong during this end of March, early April period. Not only do we have the Aries New Moon impacting the last two days of March and first two weeks of April, but the energies in early April give greater impetus for our carrying through on our sentiment of ‘out with the old, in with the new.’
On the 1st of April, the Sun squares Jupiter, followed on the 2nd by the Sun conjunct Uranus and Mercury trine Saturn, and on the 3rd the Sun square Pluto.
A good Spring cleaning may be called for. We may want to free ourselves up from the restrictions of the past, focus on the fundamentals and find ways by which we can do more with less. We could come up against resistance from traditional sources, so we need to keep in mind key characteristics of these times: adaptability and flexibility. Fixity and rigidity nowadays will play into the wise Taoist saying: ‘bend like a reed or break like an oak’.
The 5th of April has Venus exiting Aquarius to enter Pisces. Our compassion can be enhanced. We may seek to comfort and provide solace to those who are going through a hard time. Although we might subscribe to the sentiment ‘there but for the grace of god go I’, it is essential that we respect each individual’s journey and whatever their personal karma might be. We can help someone through their difficult times, but we cannot take on the responsibility for their past actions or decisions.
On the 7th, Mercury exits Pisces to enter Aries. We now have a Stellium of three or more planets in the Cardinal Fire Sign, and fuel will be added to the fire of the Cardinal Grand Cross. The 8th of April has the Sun opposed Mars.
People can be belligerent, wanting what they want with little concern as to how their desires impact other people. Relationships could prove a little dicey during this time and during this Spring period. On the one hand, we are geared towards our personal interests and may downplay the needs of other people. We might be willing to come to the assistance of someone if such help benefits us in some way.
On Friday the 11th, Venus conjuncts Neptune. Relationships can be idyllic or delusional. We can see potential in people, but we have to ask ourselves whether that person is truly interested in realizing their potential. While this configuration could indicate cavorting with a god or goddess on Mount Olympus, the flip side of this configuration would be finding us doing the dance with the trickster, someone appearing one way but the reality being quite different.
The mid-part of April could prove to be the most difficult of the Spring season. The Mercury transit through Aries triggers the Cardinal Grand Cross around the time of the Libra Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse on the 15th, Passover and Tax Day in the US. On the 14th, Mercury squares Jupiter, Mercury conjuncts Uranus and Pluto turns retrograde. Unexpected situations could prove explosive, and this would be a time to be careful in whatever we choose to do. Communications can be off, and the electrical grid and computer systems can be at risk. On the 15th, there is the Lunar Eclipse and Mercury squares Pluto, followed on the 16th with Mercury opposed Mars.
Words can be flying and fighting words at that. People may shoot from the lip without forethought or full consideration of implications and long-term effects. This is a time for us to slow things down and not let our ideas and thoughts run away with us. We have to watch for travel issues and congestions of all sorts.
Although the liabilities toward ill-conceived plans and concepts could lead us into some bad situations, the 17th and 18th bring some positive Venus energies and may offer a brief respite from the intensity of this mid-April time. Venus trines Jupiter on the 17th and Venus sextiles Pluto on the 18th. Our interactions with other people can be inspiring and supportive. We could also find ourselves making some significant purchases to feather our nest and to streamline our operations.
On the 19th of April, the Sun ends the Stellium of three or more planets in Aries as the Sun exits Aries and enters Taurus. Although we can slow down the pace, we may wonder whether things earlier triggered impulsively can be rectified or turned back from.
While a wave of intensity occurs during the 14th through the 16th of April, this wave can be intensified on the 20th through the 23rd, as the Grand Cross becomes closer to exact. Jupiter opposes Pluto on the 20th, Uranus squares Pluto on the 21st, Mars squares Jupiter on the 22nd and on the 23rd Mars opposes Uranus, Mars squares Pluto and Mercury exits Aries to enter Taurus. The liability towards overreach cannot be discounted. This period would be another time for us to be cautious in our movements, in our actions and in our involvements.
These two times in April, from the 14th through the 16th and from the 20th through the 23rd, could be the most perilous of the Spring season, and a time for us to be completely aware and highly mindful. It would be important for us to keep our wits about us and not react to situations occurring in the world or in the conditions around us.
The latter part of April sees the intense period of the Cardinal Grand Cross triggering die down. People may be looking to make amends for any outlandish behavior that might have occurred during these two earlier times. Venus trines Saturn and the Sun conjuncts Mercury on the 25th, followed by Mercury sextile Neptune on the 26th and the Sun sextile Neptune on the 27th.
While impulsive speech and actions may have created an uproar, we are slowing things down, being far more patient and considerate of other people as we come towards the end of April and into May.
There is a Solar Eclipse with the Taurus New Moon on the 28th – 29th of April. Mercury trines Pluto on the 29th, and Mercury sextiles Jupiter on the 30th.
This is a time for us to consider how we can best budget our resources — being more effective with less expenditure of energy and staying aware that what is often presented as facts may be more fictional than real. Quantitative easing along with low interest rates have prodded the equity markets ever higher even when geopolitical tensions arise and business fundamentals may not be truly what they seem. While there may be few options to park one’s investable monies other than the equity markets, the question remains as to when the top peaks and a different perspective takes hold. This is a time for us to consider alternatives for the long term and our willingness to shift and change when the evidence becomes overwhelming.
The Taurus transiting planets, first Mercury, later the Sun, contribute to the due diligence, patience and restraint to expand our projects all the while that we are focusing on the essential factors and developing from solid foundations.
After the Mercury trine Pluto on the 29th and Mercury sextile Jupiter on the 30th of April, the Sun trines Pluto on the 3rd of May and the Sun sextiles Jupiter on the 6th.
While the early part of Spring can have us going full bore in a spontaneous, even impulsive, manner, we tone things down and take them in a more steadfast manner as we come towards the end of April into May.
On the 2nd of May, Mercury opposes Saturn and Venus exits Pisces to enter Aries, where Venus is in Detriment and uncomfortable in the Sign. We have to be wary of moments of depression, all the while tying up loose ends and possibly addressing past issues. Let’s keep in mind that much of the thrust of energy earlier in the season may need reworking or old matters cleared up before we can establish a solid format for our new interests.
With Venus in Aries, there is now a Mutual Reception between Venus and Mars, with Mars transiting a Sign ruled by Venus and Venus transiting a Sign ruled by Mars, both transiting Signs of their Detriment, where each is uncomfortable.
Relationships have been dicey over the past few months. People may have had chips on their shoulder, uncomfortable in their own skins and taking out their individual frustrations on the safe harbor of their intimate connections. Our relationships now can revolve more around how interactions work for us rather than a win-win scenario where everyone is considerate of other people’s interests as well as their own. Relationships may be dicey at this time and we might assume the grass to be greener with people other than the persons in our lives right now. Such an illusion does not address the fundamental issue — the discomfort each of us may be feeling within ourselves but prefer to put the cause on someone else.
If we would consider our own situation and focus on what we need to accomplish in order to find satisfaction, we could discover that we are advancing our interests by focusing on the most meaningful projects that give us a real sense of purpose.
On the 3rd of May, the Sun trines Pluto and on the 6th, the Sun sextiles Jupiter.
After an early Spring when we may have been in initiation and launch mode, even engaging a sense of change for the sake of change, we can whittle down our varied activities to a select few at the end of April, early May. We can better understand that we do not have to have it all but rather that we would prefer to concentrate on those involvements that truly speak to us and reflect our sense of value and self-worth.
It would be wise for us to keep in mind that life is about sifting through the myriad of experiences, situations, incidents and people to find the real gold of those individual events and connections that have real meaning for us. We can do our sifting and laser-like concentration at the end of April, early May.
On May 7th, Mercury exits Taurus to enter its own Sign of Gemini. Once again, our interests may widen to a broad palette of anything and everything that catches our fancy. Our mind may be racing with thoughts of possibilities. People are likely to share the latest and greatest with whomever is willing to listen. Talk can be plentiful at this time, but similar to the sifting of new ideas and new interests, it would be wise for us not to jump at anything before we have considered why it appeals to us and whether it has practical and realistic application in our lives.
The 10th through the 14th of May can be slightly confusing. The Sun opposes Saturn on the 10th. On the 11th, Venus opposes Mars and Mercury squares Neptune. The 12th has Mercury trine Mars and the 14th gives us the Scorpio Full Moon at a time when Venus squares Pluto.
Although we could be enticed by shiny, sparkly things and situations that may sound too good [and too good to be true], we might question whether we have the capabilities of carrying out these appealing proposals. A mutual admiration society could have us encouraging someone or being encouraged by someone to go for it, even if only on a wing and a prayer, without the resources, the clarity or the due diligence. Now is not a time, however, for us to go blindly into the night, assuming through wishful thinking that everything will turn out in our favor in the end. On the contrary, this period may be a time for us to cull, pare down, and eliminate the dross from our lives. The more we can cut away the extraneous and outmoded from our lives, operate from a lean and mean attitude and concentrate on the essentials, we could also discover new doors opening up to us in a most unexpected manner.
The Scorpio Full Moon on the 14th is followed on the 15th with Mercury sextile Venus, Mercury sextile Uranus and Venus conjunct Uranus. As the saying goes: ‘when one door closes, another door opens up.’
While these times are times of transition with various familiar facets moving out of our lives, these times are also times of magic and miracles. The paradigm shift that all of us are experiencing is moving us from a sequential, linear progression of events into what we might consider random occurrences with unexpected situations coming out of the blue. These are times when we do not have to make everything happen like some type of control freak. On the contrary, these times call for us to work with peripheral vision, open to receive and open to possibilities that might even be seemingly impossible.
And during these times, the natural cycles of life are increasingly evident. Similar to the ocean’s tides with their ebbs and flows, life has phases of contraction and expansion. There are times when we might feel pressed and during those times it would be wise for us to contemplate and reflect on where we are and what we can do without. And there are times when we can open ourselves to opportunities that are not of our making but rather a result of our being in the right place at the right time. Exciting times in which we live, and the 15th of May could offer us some interesting, serendipitous scenarios for us to take advantage of.
With the idea of contraction and expansion, we do have to be wary of extremes. When we are going through a contractive period, we need to avoid feeling as though the world is closing in on us, crashing down upon us. And during our expansive phase, we need to avoid the sense that everything is going our way with no obstacles or impediments to trip us up. The extremes of desperate despair and irrational exuberance need to be moderated in order for us to maintain balance during these highly volatile times.
Irrational exuberance can be part of the energy operating around the 18th through the 21st of May. It begins with the two ‘good guys’ of the zodiac, Venus and Jupiter, square each other on the 18th. The 19th has Mars ending its retrograde cycle to turn direct, adding wind to our sails, and providing a greater thrust of energy to our activities. The Sun exits Taurus on the 20th-21st to enter Gemini, and we may move from a more patient, deliberate focus to once again juggling any number of things and going from one thing to another but possibly without much concentration or depth.
The Grand Trine in Water that we have been experiencing this year, with Jupiter transiting Cancer, Saturn transiting Scorpio and Neptune transiting Pisces is triggered with the Jupiter trine Saturn on the 24th of May. While the swings between expansion and contraction can be like a metronome at times, this energy configuration on the 24th allows us to expand in a manner that is structurally sound. If we are not distracted by the superfluous, this is a timeframe when we can build upon rock rather than on sand. We can establish firm foundations to expand our activities without taking on too much with the concurrent liability of overwhelm.
The Gemini New Moon on the 28th of May can be a mixed bag. On the one hand, we can be energized and ready to put spirit into action, largely thanks to the New Moon trining Mars. On the other hand, the New Moon square Neptune could have us chasing after illusory fantasies. The need for discernment and due diligence cannot be emphasized enough, for the New Moon impacts the next two weeks. While we have increased passion and desire to take on the world, we have to be wary that our itinerary is not a quixotic journey of tilting against windmills. Utilizing someone we trust as a solid sounding board for our plans might keep us from heading off in wrong directions. There can be a great deal of discussions at this time, but it would be important that the conversations be clear and focused.
Mercury moves into Cancer on the 29th of May, and we may be giving thought to reunions, family gatherings and summertime plans. While there can be a reticence on our part, the reticence could also serve as times of reflection and contemplation and pull in the reins of our liability towards racing off in all sorts of directions.
The latter part of May, early June can be an especially pleasant time. We may enjoy the warmth of Spring and the comforts of home with a desire to get together with family and friends for special occasions and celebrations. We may have a lot going on, but much of it likely to be enjoyable, and it would be wise for us to use this time for recharging, recreation and re-creating.
Love is in the air in early June, as are various opportunities that we might not have considered. Venus sextiles Neptune on the 4th of June, the Sun sextiles Uranus on the 6th and Venus trines Pluto on the 8th. We can be feeling good about things, and even have a new take on who we are becoming. A sense of lushness as seen in nature can fill us with a feeling of abundance, prosperity and the warmth of close connections.
As we move towards the end of Spring heading towards the Summer, the intensity can ratchet up again. We have the second of this year’s three Mercury retrogrades, with Mercury turning retrograde in Cancer on the 7th of June and retrograding back into its own Sign of Gemini on the 17th. This Mercury retrograde cycle continues into Summer with Mercury turning direct on the 1st of July. Although not as significant a retrograde cycle, Neptune turns retrograde on the 9th of June. Communications can be off with liabilities towards misinterpretations and misunderstandings.
Extreme flipping from ‘all’s right in the world’ to ‘everything’s wrong, nothing is right’ could be evident with the Sagittarius Full Moon on June 12th – 13th, a time when Venus opposes Saturn, followed by Mars square Pluto on the 14th.
Things that are foreign to us could be upsetting, and we could easily imagine being severely impacted by situations that lie far beyond our control or our daily encounters. With Mercury retrograding back into its own Sign of Gemini on the 17th, there can be a great deal of discussions but with little relevant information. We have to be wary not to fall prey to hype or suggestions that may be long on allusions but short on factual information.
While we could easily get upset by the goings-on in the world at large during various times this Spring, we end the season on something of a high note, feeling good about what we have created for ourselves and the prospects for our future. Venus sextiles Jupiter on June 18th and the Sun conjuncts Mercury on the 19th.
The volatility of this Spring season reminds us of nature’s ways — the ebbs and flows, the expansions and contractions, the pulsations of life through its rhythmic expressions.
Spring 2014… expansions and contractions…
