The Moon represents those forces which remain largely hidden to us. The light of the moon provides some illumination down a path into the unknown, but not enough to brighten the landscape like The Sun, or cut through the dark shadows from which the unexpected may leap. However, The Moon is not without gifts we can use. She spurs our imagination and creativity. She can be a portal to knowledge and experience beyond the realm of our everyday lives. But Her offerings are not available to the feint of heart. To receive what The Moon offers one must have the courage to follow uncharted paths and the intelligence to find truths hidden in a bewildering setting rife with illusion. For those who can make this journey the reward may be finding the key to making their dreams come true.
Like The Sun, The World brings good blessings to your set of personal cards. The World appears where all is in balance. It allows you to act effectively not only as an individual but as a member of a group too. The World promises contentment, fulfillment and completeness to those under its influence. It doesn’t guarantee there will not be moments of strife or discord in your life, but it does indicate that your trials and tribulations will be overcome; that ultimately you will know inner-peace and contentment. The World suggests you have found or will find your place in our Universe—that place where all is as it should be.
When Temperance or The Sun are among your personal cards, the influence of The World may be increased. Having The Hermit in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The World.
The Empress
The Empress is “The Earth Mother” of the Tarot. She embodies all that is nurturing, clean and wholesome. Her powers resonate from her drive to create and care for life on a grand scale. She is in tune with Nature’s rhythm and realizes that life’s most pleasurable moments often stem from the simplest things. She is not afraid to enjoy herself–to let loose—to the point of being lavish. Abundance and luxury are important to her. The Empress is completely comfortable with her femininity and her sexuality. She is sensual, earthy, generous, and likes the good life. Still, her driving force is a need to create and nurture, and fulfilling this need overrides everything else.
When The Lover or The Star are among your personal cards, the influence of The Empress may be increased. Having the Emperor or Death in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The Empress.
The Moon represents those forces which remain largely hidden to us. The light of the moon provides some illumination down a path into the unknown, but not enough to brighten the landscape like The Sun, or cut through the dark shadows from which the unexpected may leap. However, The Moon is not without gifts we can use. She spurs our imagination and creativity. She can be a portal to knowledge and experience beyond the realm of our everyday lives. But Her offerings are not available to the feint of heart. To receive what The Moon offers one must have the courage to follow uncharted paths and the intelligence to find truths hidden in a bewildering setting rife with illusion. For those who can make this journey the reward may be finding the key to making their dreams come true.
Excitement mounts as cerebral Mercury jumps into enterprising Aries just one day after the Sun. Spring is in the air and we’re more inclined now to look ahead and leap into the future. Nevertheless, the perfectionist Virgo Moon still wants us to think twice about our actions as she forms tense aspects with illusory Neptune, charming Venus and isolating Saturn. The Moon’s hookup with propitious Jupiter gives us the green light later tonight.
Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19
The workweek ahead appears to be turning into a stew that gets better and better as it simmers. The Sun and Mercury’s visit to your sign inspires you to be at the very top of your game over the next several weeks. The energetic buzz is heating up your imagination, even if the weather is still cool. You can visualize the myriad of possibilities that stretch out in front of you. If the current situation isn’t exactly your cup of tea, be courageous and take a few bold steps in the direction of your dreams.
Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20
A significant project is drawing to an end, yet this isn’t necessarily bad news. Perhaps you were working as part of a team on a major initiative that is finally coming to completion. However, you could be tempted to dig in your heels and hold onto the recent past, especially if you have grown to enjoy the sense of camaraderie. No matter what, you can still share common goals and cultivate a support network; but don’t be afraid of heading off to a destination that is more aligned with your own individual needs.
Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20
Your career objectives are undergoing a metamorphosis and you must change with the times. You were quite involved recently with your profession or your community, but your drive for success is currently being replaced with a stronger emphasis on family matters and personal dreams. Wrap up loose ends on the job so you can have time to reestablish significant friendships that have fallen to the wayside. Share your hopes for the future with those you trust and bask in the loving support showered upon you.
Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22
You might be coerced to directly face an old fear of moving into the future, or memories of the past could hold you back for unknown reasons. Either way, dynamics at work are changing quickly now and you can shift gears with ease when the timing is right. You know what you need to do, so summon up enough courage to ride these emotional tides with awareness and intention, instead of being pulled under by self-doubt. Nothing will stop your pursuit of success if only you believe in yourself.
Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22
You may assume you’re in a very delicate position now because your heightened sense of vulnerability tosses you one way or another. You could subconsciously react to the current pressures by protecting yourself and hiding your softer side. Unfortunately, this classical defense mechanism only isolates you from loved ones and might even push your closest allies away. On the other hand, you can set the stage for real intimacy by opening up your heart, even if it hurts. The choice is all yours, whether you realize it or not.
Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22
It’s apparent that you’re on the edge of something entirely new today, yet it’s too early in the game to see how everything is going to fall into place. Instead of being frightened by the intensity of your emotions, you’re intrigued by all the possibilities and thrilled to explore new territory now. Although you excel at knowing how to apply your analytical skills, you may also be required to trust your intuition. Logic is a masterful tool, but it might not be sufficient to get you through these illogical times.
Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22
Managing relationship dynamics is an ongoing dance for most socially adept Libras. The action-packed visit of the Sun and interactive Mercury to your 7th House of Partners radiates additional warmth onto nearly everyone in your life. Although you may feel as if your emotional ground is shaky, honest communication can help you regain stability. Luckily, you won’t be forced to bring up new topics for discussion today; instead, revisit a recent conversation with an open mind and a forgiving heart.
Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21
The details of your life are brought into sharp focus today as the radiant Sun and messenger Mercury shift into your 6th House of Daily Routine. Unfortunately, this dance of tiny steps could be problematic if others find your desire to fine tune reality a bit too obsessive. Remember, there are multiple ways to look at nearly every situation, even if you feel sure about your current perspective. There’s no harm in listening to different opinions before making up your mind.
Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21
It’s not that easy to get your plans off the ground today, even if you’re on a creative roll. Although mental Mercury and the willful Sun are traveling through your 5th House of Self-Expression, they encounter a fair share of resistance now, requiring you to review your ideas and edit your words before speaking them out loud. Paradoxically, your confidence is still running strong. Instead of just giving up, rest assured the outcome will be even better if you’re not in a hurry. Perseverance is your friend.
Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19
You can sense a change in the energetic tide and you want to capitalize on the shift. You’re not one to alter your plans on a whim, but you may be quick to head off in a new direction now if you think there’s potential to get ahead of the curve. Nevertheless, you aren’t interested in temporary distractions or quick fixes; you seek long-term solutions that will stand the test of time. Work methodically to maximize your chances of success.
Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18
All kinds of activities in your immediate environment are placing a heavy burden of demands on you now. If you feel pressured to respond to a developing situation at home or work today, remember that you can’t force events to conform to your personal preferences. However, you can change your reactions to the evolving circumstances. It won’t hurt to try a radical strategy, especially if the old one isn’t really working anymore. Fortune favors the bold.
Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20
You might think you’re ready to make your move today, but you would be wise to wait a few more days before starting anything new. You may know exactly what you want to do, but your plans won’t begin to solidify until later in the week. Be prepared to scale back your goals because you’ll be more effective if your coworkers applaud your efforts. Adopting a more conservative approach makes it difficult for others to justify withholding their support.
Extremely creative and enterprising, you are also very charismatic and warm. As much as you need stability and security, especially with close relationships, you crave variety in your daily life, balking at routine and needing to mix things up from time to time. You have an unmistakable innocent charm to your manner, and your optimism and friendliness help win you much success in life, both personally and professionally.
Famous people born today: B.F. Skinner, Spike Lee, Carl Reiner, William Hurt, Fred Rogers, Brian Mulroney, Holly Hunter, David Thewlis.
The Sun enters your sign very early today, dear Aries, and this begins a month-long cycle that puts you, your goals, and your needs up front and center. Generally speaking, it’s a time for seizing the day, for shaping your life as you’d like it to be, as well as for being heard, noticed, and counted. Energy is even better for these things, however, after the New Moon that will occur in your sign on April 7th. While you’ll be feeling the momentum starting to pick up over the coming days, today’s Venus-Neptune alignment encourages an imaginative approach to your day. Something secret or private can be especially appealing today. This is a time for viewing others in a compassionate light, although you might want to watch for over-idealizing a situation, particularly a financial or romantic one. Otherwise, you could be inspired by something small, and you might derive special satisfaction from helping someone out now, even if it’s done anonymously. There might be some benefits coming your way from an unexpected source.
Taurus
Taurus
The Sun enters your privacy sector very early today, dear Taurus. This launches a month-long cycle in which you are likely to tie up loose ends, put an end to projects and attitudes that no longer serve your purpose, and get in touch with your inner world. You are more aware of the psychic undercurrents around you during this period. It’s a good time for forgiving others and for letting go, if necessary. You may have a difficult time seeing yourself as others see you, and decisions may require more time than usual. However, more than likely, they can wait! Today, Venus aligns with Neptune, and a relationship matter might be approached from a new, and likely more compassionate, perspective. If there is a time for mending broken fences or for forgiveness, this is it. It’s more of an idea day than one for taking action, unless it’s a creative project you’re launching, which may fare quite well. This influence can stimulate your sympathies and your compassion, so allow yourself to dream and imagine, but don’t expect inhuman feats from people in your life.
Gemini
Gemini
The Sun enters your solar eleventh house very early today, dear Gemini, where it will continue to transit until April 19th. This is a period for prioritizing the connections in your life. You have stronger influence on friends and groups during this period, and this in turn boosts your own self-esteem. Being a team player will bring the best rewards. Today, your idealism is stirred. An entirely new activity can help bring emotional refreshment. Business meetings or interviews can run well, with more openness and compassion expressed, but not necessarily strong on practicality or productivity. You are likely seeing romantic partners in an idealistic way, and this can also be true of children. You may be entertaining wonderful possibilities for your future, but it will be important to maintain a sense of proportion.
Cancer
Cancer
The Sun enters your solar tenth house shortly into the day, dear Cancer, where it will continue to transit until April 19th. During this cycle, your ego and identity are tied to your professional or social standing, what others think of you, and your ability to meet your responsibilities. Letting these things slide will make you fret. Tend to your needs for approval – they’re real and not a sign of weakness as long as they’re balanced and moderate. You also stand out more than usual – others notice what you have or haven’t done, when at other times these things may not be as strongly recognized. Even so, today, romantic impulses are very strong and an overpowering desire to escape can be with you. If you are obligated to routine work today, you may feel overwhelmed. Venturing outside of your routine appeals most. This is a strong time for forgiveness, compassion, and new understanding. Aim to make peace with the past.
Leo
Leo
The Sun enters your solar ninth house early into the day, dear Leo, where it will continue to transit until April 19th. During this cycle, you are not as content with the daily grind, and instead you desire experience, adventure, and learning – of the mind, body, and spirit. You can feed your spirit by attempting to live up to the ideals and beliefs you have in place, or by revamping these. While on some level you could be feeling as if you are re-awakening, a Venus-Neptune conjunction today encourages you to stop and smell the roses. It’s a day in which your imagination soars and you are able to see beauty in odd or simply wonderful places. There can be a strong tendency to want to escape, particularly if you are chained to a desk or obligated to some form of routine. You might bring a very creative or romantic vision to a practical matter or to your work right now. Your intimate world expands. Some fuzziness is likely when it comes to understanding another person’s perspective, but listening closely will help.
Virgo
Virgo
The Sun enters your solar eighth house shortly into the day, dear Virgo, where it will continue to transit until April 19th. During this cycle, you have a stronger drive to understand the meaning of your relationships and to get to the bottom of matters. It’s a good period for learning about your own motivations and for working on making important changes. Develop self-mastery skills now. On an emotional or creative level, you can be feeling quite refreshed today, particularly through others. While you may be wearing the proverbial rose-colored glasses today about a partner or a relationship, as long as you keep your feet on the ground, you can enjoy some inspiration. As well, you might forgive someone, or yourself, and move forward. Somebody may be showing you special kindness.
Libra
Libra
The Sun enters your partnership sector very early today, dear Libra, where it will transit until April 19th. This cycle brings out your need for others, and particularly a partner in some shape or form. Relationships with others provide a mirror for your relationship with yourself. You’re more willing than usual to adjust and adapt to the needs of others, and your listening skills are vamped up now. Today, with your ruler, Venus, in alignment with dreamy Neptune, your romantic inclinations are well-developed, but you may need to draw upon your powers of discrimination before going over the top helping someone out today. If you want to offer your services, go right ahead, but do this only to the point that you feel comfortable and without expectation of immediate reward. Don’t allow yourself to be taken advantage of. This is not the best day for productive work, but it’s strong for creative projects or ideas. You can quite successfully bring imagination to your work and even your health routines. Others are attracted to you quite naturally today, but remember that even if you are in high demand, you don’t have to answer all requests! Be sure to take care of yourself.
Scorpio
Scorpio
The Sun enters your work and health sector shortly into the day, dear Scorpio, where it will transit until April 19th. During this month-long period, your ego and identity are wrapped up in the work or services you provide, as well as the success of any self-care programs. It’s a good time to work on new health and fitness regimes, for attention to important daily details and tasks, and for organizing your life in small but important ways. Today, your powers of attraction run high and you can quite easily get caught up in fantasy. A new creative project begun now can be quite successful, especially if you leave the details for clinching and editing for a more realistic day. This can be a very romantic day, although it’s important to keep your expectations on a human level!
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
The Sun enters your creativity and romance sector shortly into the day, dear Sagittarius, where it will transit until April 19th. During this self-expressive period, you thrive on others’ feedback and good vibes, and you are more openly affectionate and playful. The need to express yourself creatively and uniquely is strong. Today, a Venus-Neptune conjunction can boost the value of comfort, beauty, and ambiance in your relationships, so make sure the mood is pleasing and harmonious. Allow yourself to open up and to be vulnerable, but avoid expecting too much too soon. The idea that others can intuit our needs without our having to explicitly ask is a wonderful fantasy, but doesn’t always transpire. Otherwise, this is a wonderful time for birthing new long-term goals, particularly related to comfort, domestic bliss, and happiness.
Capricorn
Capricorn
The Sun enters your home and family sector shortly into the day, dear Capricorn, where it will transit until April 19th. During this cycle, your identity and ego are more heavily invested in your home life and family relations. Worldly ambitions tend to take a backseat now. You are tending to the hearth and deriving security from the familiar. A conjunction between Venus and Neptune today can point to an inspiring conversation or news, coming at just the right time. Activities that engage your imagination are favored. Aim to either look beyond the fantasy or unreal elements of the messages you are receiving, or look for these elements – in other words, separate fact from fiction and enjoy yourself. You can communicate with much sensitivity and warmth. You are moved by compassion today, and could volunteer your time and energy to someone in need. This is a good time to attract through ideas, conversations, and words.
Aquarius
Aquarius
The Sun enters your communications sector today, dear Aquarius, where it will transit until April 19th. During this cycle, reaching out, learning, and connecting are priorities. Your daily life is likely to pick up pace. It’s not the best of cycles for concentration and focus, but it’s strong for making connections and keeping or catching up with others. Today, a Venus-Neptune connection may point to a feeling of being quite close to someone who seems to share your values. While your generosity is emphasized today, you may need to draw some boundaries so that you don’t go beyond your capacity or comfort levels, which unfortunately can be difficult to know for certain just for the time being. Your imagination is strong today, and you can come up with creative solutions to practical problems.
Pisces
Pisces
The Sun enters your solar second house today, dear Pisces, where it will transit until April 19th. During this cycle, your self-worth is more heavily invested in practical matters, stability, and money-making capacity. Your ability to provide for yourself is highlighted now, and you can be more motivated to build your resources. Today, Venus aligns with dreamy Neptune in your sign and others are most certainly drawn to you now. You can be very persuasive, in a gentle way, so do be careful how you handle this quiet power! There can be a strong desire to help others right now, but keep in mind that playing into someone’s fantasies may not be helpful in the long run. This is a good time to make a first impression or to get noticed.
Happy New Year! Oh wait, wasn’t that in January? Well, sort of. According to the Gregorian calendar, the beginning of an actual new year does fall on January 1. Astrologically, however, the New Year is a rather different concept, and it does not begin until the Spring Equinox on March 20. Those astrologers — they just love to complicate things!
But wait. Before you resign yourself to confusion about when to pop the champagne, why not consider the rich symbolism behind Astrological New Year and what it means.
Now think about the word “equinox.” It literally translates as “equal night.” There are two periods each year when the length of daylight hours is equal to the length of time with no sunlight. This will happen at the Autumnal Equinox (or first day of autumn) and again at the Vernal or Spring Equinox (first day of spring).
At the Spring Equinox the day and night are equal in length, but the daylight hours are beginning to soar. From the moment of the Spring Equinox until the Autumnal Equinox there will be more and more time for us to spend basking in the rays of the Sun. That can only mean one thing: new life.
Everything on our planet and in our hearts is once again encouraged to sprout. Something almost sacred is resurrected in our collective spirits and we tend to feel a dynamic urge to begin again with a fresh, perspective.
New beginnings with the Sun in Aries
How appropriate that we feel this way, because the first day of spring also happens to coincide with the ingress of the Sun into Aries, the first sign of the zodiac. Aries is all about beginnings. This is the sign of the pioneer, the entrepreneur, the self-starter. In many ways this is the baby of the zodiac because Aries is classic tabula rasa (Latin for clean slate).
The traditional New Year celebrated on January 1 might be the start of our new calendar year, and it does tend to have that same feel of new beginnings. Still, have you ever noticed how fleeting it is? Within a week or so we’re all back to our daily grind. January is, after all, the month of hardworking Capricorn.
However, if you pay attention to the energy around the Astrological New Year each spring, you may notice something different. There’s a pungent smell of possibility in the air and it lingers. Everything old has been washed away and we’re busy planting seeds of new beginnings everywhere (along with our flower and vegetable gardens).
This is what “spring fever” is all about! The restless energy we feel that haunts students everywhere is because now that the Sun is out the LAST place they want to be is cooped up inside a classroom. These psychological and physical urges have been documented at this time of year and often bring an increase in vitality — and even your sex drive! Not surprising when you consider that Aries is the sign ruled by passionate, assertive Mars.
Your mind will sharpen up and your mouth will motor this week, but there’s also a major relationship decision looming over everything…
Monday, March 21: Mercury enters Aries
Mercury enters Aries on Monday and remains here until April 5, spurring quick thinking and speeding up communications matters.
Wednesday, March 23: Lunar Eclipse in Libra; Jupiter square Saturn; Sun conjunct Mercury
Relationships will also be a major theme thanks to a Lunar Eclipse in Libra on Wednesday. Whatever is illuminated between you and your mate will leave you feeling more serious than ever about a decision you need to make. Jupiter squares Saturn giving you just enough hope to get through whatever reality check this day has in store for you.
Thursday, March 24: Mercury trine Mars
The Sun conjunct Mercury on Wednesday and Mercury trine Mars on Thursday makes this an ideal week for fast-paced communication, debates, and negotiation. You’ll have plenty of courage behind those words!
Friday, March 25: Venus opposite Jupiter; Venus square Saturn; Saturn Retrograde
Saturday, March 26: Sun trine Mars; Venus sextile Pluto
…But that relationship decision will continue to weigh on you well into the weekend. Venus opposes Jupiter and squares Saturn on Friday, then sextiles Pluto on Saturday. You’re looking to sink your teeth into a relationship, and if you can’t — well, the frustration might be palpable.
Saturn also turns retrograde on Friday, not returning to direct motion until August 13. Don’t push ahead in business. Instead, take stock of where you are now and how you can improve. The Sun trine Mars on Saturday will help keep you motivated.
To read more of Kara’s insight, please visit her website, Soulstice Rising
In just a few days on March 19th at 10:30 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (4:30 UTC), we have an Equinox. This occurs in the middle of a powerful Gateway, which began with the Solar Eclipse/New Moon on March 8 and concludes with the Lunar eclipse/Full Moon next Wednesday, March 23rd. The Equinox is a full embodiment of the Divine Feminine, empowering the Balance of the Lunar and Solar Eclipses (Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine). This Equinox symbolizes all things new in the Northern Hemisphere, while it is a complete Balance for the Southern Hemisphere.
During this time, we (and continue to) receive many Light Codes that heighten our consciousness. Because of so much Light entering us, feeding our cells and DNA, much also comes to the surface from the depths of our subconscious in order to love, transform and release…to make room for more and more Light. The Divine Feminine/Source leads the way, empowering all that we set forth on the New Moon/Solar Eclipse. It is a shift from the old patriarchy to the new matriarchy to the complete Balance of both. The old patriarchy is replaced by the Divine Masculine; that energy that supports the Divine Feminine. Did you know that Archangel Amabael (Divine Mother Mary) taught both Yeshua and Mary of Magdala how to embrace their own Divinity and Source-Selves? The Goddess takes Her rightful place again, leading the way. We feel this as our Soul-voice. Our Soul leads our separate ego and helps our separate ego become One with our Soul. Through this, our High Mind is activated, which is a blending of Heart and intellect, for one without the other is incomplete. The High Mind then offers the gift of being able to articulate the feelings of the Heart and Soul.
Our Christ Consciousness is expanded and empowered during this time. Christ Consciousness is not based on the man Yeshua, but is actually Source Consciousness. While Christ/Source Consciousness is enhanced within us, we feel it through our Awareness, which helps us make choices that are aligned with Source and Soul, rather than being based on separate ego desires. Thus the Light Codes and Christ Consciousness further support our Ascension; the bringing of “Heaven” to Earth (not Earth to “Heaven”). As we balance and integrate it all, we are both strong and vulnerable; powerful and open. To be vulnerable is to be open-hearted; that is, to beLove, our natural state of being. Vulnerability in the old meant that we were fragile and had to protect ourselves from lower forces. Because we are so much Love now, we may realize that Love is more powerful than fear and there is no need to protect ourselves. Still, many are in different phases of their Ascension, so may be guided to protect themselves. Do remain vulnerable though; that is, open-hearted. There is nothing to fear. Love embraces fear, soothes it and transforms it. That is how powerful Love is; that is how powerful we are.
Some time on the day of the Eclipse, open up and receive the Light Codes of the Divine Feminine/Source. Open your chakras by spiraling them open and afterward, spiral them closed. This brings Light into them and into your endocrine system. If you are guided to be with others or be by yourself, it matters not, for we are all connected as One, regardless of where you are. Simply follow your guidance and invite the Goddess into you. When one receives, we all receive. Do the same on the Lunar Eclipse.
There are so many changes taking place, as the sands are shifting. Wherever you place your attention is what becomes solid (for now). If you are focused on the negativity of the old, that is what solidifies, so keep your thoughts and feelings as high and as positive as you can. Remember that fear and any lower energies are illusions (illusions are things that shift) and only Love is real. The Awareness you upgrade goes through many lifetimes. This means that there is wholing in all your lifetimes, as well as the integration of your gifts from those lifetimes, even those you are currently unaware that you have. The changes you experience are your Awareness expanding as well as an integration of Light Source Codes within you. By being in Allowance, all this occurs, so let go of any resistance you have to any perceived changes…allow and flow.
During this time of the Gateway (March 8 through March 23rd), observe what you feel. If it feels uncomfortable, ask if it is because you’re shifting or if there are some old emotions surfacing. It is natural to feel uncomfortable with changes, as we do with anything new. And then it takes time to integrate the New. The New, by the way, is definitely not for the ones who like things to remain the same, for that just won’t happen in the New. We continue to shift and expand into being more and more, so your comfort is in staying centered in your Heart, while shifting occurs continuously. If your discomfort is because old emotions are surfacing, go deeper and find the belief that is creating the emotion and release that. When you release the old, you make room for the New to enter. If change is scary for you, hold your Inner Child and separate ego in your lap and love and assure them that all is truly wonderful. Your Inner Child will then assure you that you are safe, loved and Divine.
With this Gateway, we ascend to yet another new level of New. How this feels is unique for each person, yet generally speaking, one is more aware and senses may be more acute. Intuition is increased and a deeper connection to Soul is phenomenal. There is a merging of Soul and ego, more Heart and mind blending (High Mind) and clear guidance. As this occurs, you are in Divine Service, for Divine Service is not necessarily a career or job, but how you express yourself in every moment no matter where you are or what you do. Service is essence. There may be a form, yet it is not necessary, for simply being authentic is enough to shine your Light. It is a living meditation in that there is no separation between your meditative life and your everyday life. Therefore, this is truly a time to integrate Love into every atom and molecule that you are. From this place of Love, you will be inwardly guided to take action in some area; whether that is a form of service or an act of Love; simply follow what your inner guidance (Soul) is moving you towards. When you are all of who you are, so is Gaia.
The period we are in, between Eclipses, is quite powerful as anything we intend creates life. Be sure to intend from your Soul’s Guidance and not from your separate ego’s desires. Oftentimes, a person who intends something is coming from their intellect and from lack; wanting something they perceive they don’t have. There is also an energy of wishing and hoping and these do not manifest anything. To manifest, one must be clear of all lack energy and intend from the Soul, as well as Heart-know that what they intend is already within them. Do you feel the difference? If you are not clear, nothing will manifest except confusion. It is best to simply meditate on Clarity before you use intentions. If you still are in lack consciousness, intentions will bring more lack to you. Energy responds neutrally…it responds to who you truly are within. Wishful thinking and hoping simply bring more wishful thinking and hoping. The Power of this time will help you manifest whatever is within you. If you truly know with all of you that you are abundant and that you are Love, you will manifest more of what you are.
Since most of the world is still in the old, it may feel as though you are straddling both worlds. We are more New than old and depending on where you place your focus is what you empower. We are creating and at the same time, releasing.
Using the energy of the Equinox, we can further simplify and energize our lives. This can mean letting go of anything that does not inspire or is useful. Of course, this includes people, things and beliefs. Doing things mindfully helps greatly and this can be anything from changing the most mundane chore to something different. For instance, changing the way you brush your teeth or drive to work…as little as these things seem, it shifts the energy. Doing something you normally don’t do also helps. Be sure to laugh, play and appreciate all the Beauty in yourself, others and in the world. Begin something new.
The Lunar Eclipse of next week will help us be more introspective, as we go within with more Awareness. We can see how we express ourselves in the world, including with those closest to us. We can see where we limit ourselves and change it, if we choose to. Be gentle with yourself, for that helps you to flow with the energies. Earthing and Sun Gazing help you to ground to Earth and receive Light from our Galactic Sun through our own sun. Doing this brings much symbolic information (Sun Gazing) that helps us evolve. You needn’t know what the information is or what it means, for that empowers the separation between intellect and Heart. If you are meant to know, you will. More and more folks are using Light Language and many more will receive this gift. If you are not one, find someone who has this gift and listen with your entire being; feel it. These folks are sharing the Light Codes through their voice and by listening to them, we receive Light Codes. There are others who bring forth Light Codes through their writing, speaking and art as well.
Mostly, it is important to feel everything. Your feelings guide you. Use Discernment when listening to someone else and even with the information you receive. Trust that you are evolving and that all is as it is intended for your highest expression of Love.
To enhance all of our wholing and expansion, we will be visited by a green comet (wholing and expansion of the Heart) on March 21. Now, isn’t that just perfect to have this visitation during this Gateway?!? We could also have a meteor shower afterward as well. To me, this is a celebration of us and of Gaia.
The Moon today is in a Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase is when the moon is more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon. The phase lasts round 7 days with the moon becoming more illuminated each day until the Full Moon. During a Waxing Gibbous the moon will rise in the east in mid-afternoon and will be high in the eastern sky at sunset. The moon is then visible though most of the night sky setting a few hour before sunrise. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has it’s roots in the Latin word “gibbous” meaning humpbacked.
Phase Details for – Sunday, March 20, 2016
Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Illumination: 92%
Moon Age: 12.03 days
Moon Angle: 0.50
Moon Distance: 395,452.97 km
Sun Angle: 0.54
Sun Distance: 149,027,016.75 km
Magickal Activity for the 20th Day of March, Ostara/Spring or Vernal Equinox
Spring Wand Making
Items needed: A small tree branch; three silver coins; three sugar cookies; three each of walnuts, hazel nuts, and almonds; a sharp knife; a paper bag.
Use the chart that follows to choose the wood for the wand you want to make.
Tree Correspondences
Rowan – Magick
Birch – New Beginnings
Oak – Power Magick
Hawthorn – Protection
Apple – Love
Hazel – Wisdom
Pine – Birth
Poplar – Success
Cedar – Strength
Maple – Longevity
Elm – Dignity
Beech – Divination
Place the coins, cookies, and nuts in the paper bag. Choose the tree from which you want to make your wand. Go to the tree, and in your own words ask for permission to cut one of its small, new branches. Neatly cut the branch from the tree. Thank the tree for its branch. Gently place the coins, cookies, and nuts at the base of the tree as an offering of thanksgiving.
Trim the branch so that it measures from the inside of your elbow to the tip of your middle finger. This measurement makes the wand uniquely yours. Scrape the bark off of the branch and allow the wood to dry. Once the wood is thoroughly dry you will want to carve or paint your own personal symbols on it.
The Equinox is the time when the Sun crosses the plane of the equator, making day and night of equal length. This is the actual beginning of Spring and occurs somewhere between the 20th and 22nds of March. In fact, most of our modern-day Easter customs come from the Pagan Ostara, named after the Saxon Goddess Eostre. This is a time of balance, equality, and harmony between the masculine and feminine forces in Nature, the time of year when practitioners of the Wiccan and Witchcraft religions, both physically as well as symbolically, plant the seeds of their desires–seeds that in time will grow into plants representing individual, long-term goals, that began at Yule, the Winter Solstice and rebirth of the Sun.
Alternative Names/ Spring Celebrations: Alban Eiber, Bacchanalia, Caisg, Eostre’s Day, Lady Day, Mean Earraigh, Pasch, Pess, Spring Equinox, Vernal Equinox
Symbolism / Ritual Work: new beginnings, new life, rebirth, fertility, balance, communication, growth, agriculture, planting, love, sex
Numero Uno
Aries is the sign famous for its fiery willful nature. This strong will is the propulsion that takes Aries out vigorously into life.
The Ram is the first sign, and has that attitude of being Number One.
Those with the Sun in Aries are gifted with a direct, fiery nature that makes them one step ahead of the crowd. They take charge of a situation, and their sense of certainty usually makes others fall in line. This makes the Sun in Aries a born leader.
Big Personality
Often larger-than-life, they can light up a room with their charisma. If a gathering is dull, they’ll quickly move on – and they’re among the ones with the stamina to party ‘til dawn. The Sun in Aries craves excitement and their restless spirits seek out the next big thing.
Aries is the sign of the warrior, and the Aries Sun can rise to the challenge of any battle. The alpha male Aries rush to the aid of damsels in distress. Female Aries are often at home in the company of men, in competitive activities or one-up-manship playfulness.
Sometimes Aries people go too far and scorch those they love with hurtful words said in the heat of the moment. They quickly forgive and forget, but often deal with the fall out of their brusque demeanor.
Aries dark side is to be selfish, a bully, a smart alec or physically threatening.
Big Ambitions
Most of all, the Aries wants to achieve great things, and is fueled by an inner drive that is a force to be reckoned with. Their bright minds and ability to initiate can make them trailblazers in their careers. Aries is cardinal fire — action is his middle name.
At times, the rush to action can cause Aries to take unnecessary risks, or forge ahead without planning out crucial details. Some say the Sun in Aries learns the hard way, by leaping before looking. But being an active sign, the Aries learns through best through experience.
Directed Energy
The Sun in Aries has a mind that filters out the non-essentials, and this clear sight helps them make speedy progress in life.
Once fixed on a goal, they’ll blast forward with a power that leaves others in the dust. They’re not as good at tying up loose ends, and have been accused of ramming into situations without a lot of subtlety. Very often they speak with outside voices and are aggressive about what they want.
More sensitive souls can become traction under their boots or spiked heels. Some might consider them teachers — they teach about will, self-defense and direct confrontation.
Their style for some is too blunt, even brutal. It all depends on the maturity of the Ram in question. But if you’re a match for such an amped up spirit, you’ll never forget being pulled along by the power of this dynamic life force.
What’s Sexy About Aries?
In a world of conformity, Aries is an original. You never know what’s going to happen next.
The strong physicality of Aries makes it a sign of vitality, and the Ram has an animated presence that’s energizing to be around.
The Witches Almanac for Sunday, March 20th, Ostara
Sunday (Sun): Healing, spirituality, success, strength, and protection.
Palm Sunday • Ostara • Spring Equinox
Waxing Moon The Waxing Moon (from the New Moon to the Full) is the ideal time for magic to draw things toward you.
Moon phase: Second Quarter
Moon Sign: Leo Leo: Draws emphasis to the self, central ideas, or institutions, away from connections with others and other emotional needs. People tend to be melodramatic.
Moon enters Virgo 1: 39 pm Virgo: Favors accomplishment of details and commands from higher up. Focuses on health, hygiene, and daily schedules.
Sun enters Aries 12: 30 am Aries: Good for starting things, but lacks staying power. Things occur rapidly, but quickly pass. People tend to be argumentative and assertive.
Spring is a time of great celebration in many cultures. It’s the time of year when the planting begins, people begin to once more enjoy the fresh air, and we can reconnect with the earth again after the long, cold winter. A number of different gods and goddesses from different pantheons are connected with the themes of Spring and Ostara. Lets take a look at some of the many deities associated with spring, rebirth, and new life each year.
Asase Yaa (Ashanti)
This earth goddess prepares to bring forth new life in the spring, and the Ashanti people of Ghana honor her at the festival of Durbar, alongside her husband Nyame, the sky god who brings rain to the fields. As a fertility goddess, she is often associated with the planting of early crops during the rainy season. In some parts of Africa, she is honored during an annual (or often bi-annual) festival called the Awuru Odo.
This is a large gathering of extended family and kinship groups, and a great deal of food and feasting seems to be involved.
In some Ghanaian folktales, Asase Yaa appears as the mother of Anansi, the trickster god, whose legends followed many West Africans to the New World during the centuries of the slave trade.
Interestingly, there do not appear to be any formalized temples to Asase Yaa – instead, she is honored in the fields where the crops grown, and in the homes where she is celebrated as a goddess of fertility and the womb. Farmers may opt to ask her permission before they begin working the soil. Even though she is associated with the hard labor of tilling the fields and planting seeds, her followers take a day off on Thursday, which is her sacred day.
Cybele (Roman)
This mother goddess of Rome was at the center of a rather bloody Phrygian cult, in which eunuch priests performed mysterious rites in her honor. Her lover was Attis (he was also her grandson, but that’s another story), and her jealousy caused him to castrate and kill himself. His blood was the source of the first violets, and divine intervention allowed Attis to be resurrected by Cybele, with some help from Zeus.
In some areas, there is still an annual three-day celebration of Attis’ rebirth and Cybele’s power.
Like Attis, it is said that Cybele’s followers would work themselves into orgiastic frenzies and then ritually castrate themselves. After this, these priests donned women’s clothing, and assumed female identities. They became known as the Gallai. In some regions, female priestesses led Cybele’s dedicants in rituals involving ecstatic music, drumming and dancing. Under the leadership of Augustus Caesar, Cybele became extremely popular. Augustus erected a giant temple in her honor on the Palatine Hill, and the statue of Cybele that is in the temple bears the face of Augustus’ wife, Livia.
Today, many people still honor Cybele, although not in quite the same context as she once was. Groups like the Maetreum of Cybele honor her as a mother goddess and protector of women.
Eostre (Western Germanic)
Little is known about the worship of this Teutonic spring goddess, but she is mentioned by the Venerable Bede, who said that Eostre’s following had died out by the time he compiled his writings in the eighth century. Jacob Grimm referred to her by the High German equivalent, Ostara, in his 1835 manuscript, Deutsche Mythologie.
According to the stories, she is a goddess associated with flowers and springtime, and her name gives us the word “Easter,” as well as the name of Ostara itself.
However, if you start to dig around for information on Eostre, you’ll find that much of it is the same. In fact, nearly all of it is Wiccan and Pagan authors who describe Eostre in a similar fashion. Very little is available on an academic level.
Interestingly, Eostre doesn’t appear anywhere in Germanic mythology, and despite assertions that she might be a Norse deity, she doesn’t show up in the poetic or prose Eddas either. However, she could certainly have belonged to some tribal group in the Germanic areas, and her stories may have just been passed along through oral tradition.
So, did Eostre exist or not? No one knows. Some scholars dispute it, others point to etymological evidence to say that she did in fact have a festival honoring her.
Freya (Norse)
This fertility goddess abandons the earth during the cold months, but returns in the spring to restore nature’s beauty. She wears a magnificent necklace called Brisingamen, which represents the fire of the sun. Freyja was similar to Frigg, the chief goddess of the Aesir, which was the Norse race of sky deities. Both were connected with childrearing, and could take on the aspect of a bird. Freyja owned a magical cloak of hawk’s feathers, which allowed her to transform at will.
This cloak is given to Frigg in some of the Eddas.
As the wife of Odin, the All Father, Freyja was often called upon for assistance in marriage or childbirth, as well as to aid women struggling with infertility.
Osiris (Egyptian)
Osiris is known as the king of Egyptian gods. This lover of Isis dies and is reborn in a resurrection story. The resurrection theme is popular among spring deities, and is also found in the stories of Adonis, Mithras and Attis as well.
Born the son of Geb (the earth) and Nut (the sky), Osiris was the twin brother of Isis and became the first pharoah. He taught mankind the secrets of farming and agriculture, and according to Egyptian myth and legend, brought civilization itself to the world.
Ultimately, the reign of Osiris was brought about by his death at the hands of his brother Set (or Seth).
The death of Osiris is a major event in Egyptian legend.
Saraswati (Hindu)
This Hindu goddess of the arts, wisdom and learning has her own festival each spring in India, called Saraswati Puja. She is honored with prayers and music, and is usually depicted holding lotus blossoms and the sacred Vedas.
Source
Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com
Like The Sun, The World brings good blessings to your set of personal cards. The World appears where all is in balance. It allows you to act effectively not only as an individual but as a member of a group too. The World promises contentment, fulfillment and completeness to those under its influence. It doesn’t guarantee there will not be moments of strife or discord in your life, but it does indicate that your trials and tribulations will be overcome; that ultimately you will know inner-peace and contentment. The World suggests you have found or will find your place in our Universe—that place where all is as it should be.
The Empress is “The Earth Mother” of the Tarot. She embodies all that is nurturing, clean and wholesome. Her powers resonate from her drive to create and care for life on a grand scale. She is in tune with Nature’s rhythm and realizes that life’s most pleasurable moments often stem from the simplest things. She is not afraid to enjoy herself–to let loose—to the point of being lavish. Abundance and luxury are important to her. The Empress is completely comfortable with her femininity and her sexuality. She is sensual, earthy, generous, and likes the good life. Still, her driving force is a need to create and nurture, and fulfilling this need overrides everything else.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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