How To Hold an Ostara Ritual for Solitaries

By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

Ostara is a time of balance. It is a time of equal parts light and dark. At Mabon, we have this same balance, but the light is leaving us. Today, six months later, it is returning. Spring has arrived, and with it comes hope and warmth. Deep within the cold earth, seeds are beginning to sprout. In the damp fields, the livestock are preparing to give birth. In the forest, under a canopy of newly sprouted leaves, the animals of the wild ready their dens for the arrival of their young. Spring is here.

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varied
Here’s How:

For this ritual, you’ll want to decorate your altar with symbols of the season. Think about all the colors you see in nature at this time of year — bright daffodils, crocuses, plump tulips, green shoots — and incorporate them into your altar. This is also a time of fertility in the natural world — the egg is the perfect representation of this aspect of the season. Symbols of young animals such as lambs, chicks, and calves are also great altar adornments for Ostara.

In addition, you’ll need the following:
Three candles — one yellow, one green, and one purple
A bowl of milk
A small bowl of honey or sugar
Perform this ritual outside if at all possible, in the early morning as the sun rises. It’s spring, so it may be a bit chilly, but it’s a good time to reconnect with the earth. If your tradition normally requires you to cast a circle, do so now.

Begin by taking a moment to focus on the air around you. Inhale deeply, and see if you can smell the change in the seasons. Depending on where you live, the air may have an earthy aroma, or a rainy one, or even smell like green grass. Sense the shift in energy as the Wheel of the Year has turned. Light the green candle, to symbolize the blossoming earth. As you light it, say:

The Wheel of the Year turns once more,
and the vernal equinox arrives.
Light and dark are equal,
and the soil begins to change.
The earth awakes from its slumber,
and new life springs forth once more.

Next, light the yellow candle, representing the sun. As you do so, say:The sun draws ever closer to us,
greeting the earth with its welcoming rays.
Light and dark are equal,
and the sky fills with light and warmth.
The sun warms the land beneath our feet,
and gives life to all in its path.

Finally, light the purple candle. This one represents the Divine in our lives — whether you call it a god or a goddess, whether you identify it by name or simply as a universal life force, this is the candle which stands for all the things we do not know, all those things we cannot understand, but that are the sacred in our daily lives. As you light this candle, focus on the Divine around and within you. Say:

Spring has come! For this, we are thankful!
The Divine is present all around,
in the cool fall of a rain storm,
in the tiny buds of a flower,
in the down of a newborn chick,
in the fertile fields waiting to be planted,
in the sky above us,
and in the earth below us.
We thank the universe* for all it has to offer us,
and are so blessed to be alive on this day.
Welcome, life! Welcome, light! Welcome, spring!

Take a moment and meditate on the three flames before you and what they symbolize. Consider your own place within these three things — the earth, the sun, and the Divine. How do you fit into the grand scheme of things? How do you find balance between light and dark in your own life?Finally, blend the milk and honey together, mixing gently. Pour it onto the ground around your altar space as an offering to the earth**. As you do, you may wish to say something like:

I make this offering to the earth,
As thanks for the many blessings I have received,
And those I shall some day receive.

Once you have made your offering, stand for a minute facing your altar. Feel the cool earth beneath your feet, and the sun on your face. Take in every sensation of this moment, and know that you are in a perfect place of balance between light and dark, winter and summer, warmth and cold — a time of polarity and harmony.When you are ready, end the ritual.
Tips:
* Instead of “the Universe”, feel free to insert the name of your patron deity or the gods of your tradition here.
** If you’re doing this rite indoors, take your bowl of milk and honey and pour it in your garden, or around your yard.

What You Need

Three candles – yellow, green and purple
A bowl of milk
A small bowl of honey or sugar
Seasonal decorations for your altar

Ostara Ritual (Eostre): A Ritual for Children

Performed at Pantheacon 2009

Cast circle as usual, emphasizing the growth of new life in the spring and what each element brings to this process:

East: (the wind that spreads the seeds)
South: (the heat of the sun that helps them grow)
West: (the water which feeds them)
North: (the earth from which they spring)

Call Persephone/Kore, Demeter, and Hekate as the Three Aspects of the Goddess

Call the Green Man, the Spirit of Growth [both these invocations can be noisy and fun, with lots of hand-clapping, shakers, and noisemakers of all kinds]

Introduction to the myth:
“Ostara is the celebration of Balance. The days and nights are of equal length but the Sun God is gaining more power over the darkness of Winter. This Sabbat is named after the Teutonic goddess Eostre, whose name is probably yet another variant of Ishtar, Astarte and Aset or Isis. This Sabbat overlaps many other observances at this time of year, such as Easter — a Christian celebration. In celebration of the return of Spring, many people have told stories of the return of the maiden Goddess to earth after the long cold winter. Here is the version which was told in ancient Greece.”

[Gather the children together to sit at the feet of Hekate as she tells the story]

The myth of Demeter & Kore

[personae: Demeter, Kore, Hades, Hekate, Helios, Zeus, Hermes (act out as Hekate sits and reads the story to the children)
props: flowers, a pomegranate (if possible) or other fruit. Cloak for Hades to hide Kore under]

The maiden Kore, daughter of Demeter, was gathering flowers when she suddenly noticed a flower of striking beauty. She ran to pick the flower, but as she bent down the earth opened and Hades appeared. He seized her and dragged her down into the depths of the earth. [Kore gathers flowers; Hades grabs her, covers her with cloak; she drops her flower; both run off to side and Kore remains hidden under cloak with Hades facing away from action]

Kore’s mother, Demeter, heard her daughter’s despairing cry for help, and for nine days looked all over the world. Finally, on Hekate’s advice, she went to see Helios, the sun, who saw the abduction from his chariot in the heavens. Helios told Demeter that the flower was planted by Zeus, so that she might become his brother Hades’ “flowering bride.”[Demeter looks everywhere, goes to Hekate, who points to Helios. Helios picks up flower and hands it to Demeter, who weeps]

In her grief Demeter left Olympus and took refuge among the cities of men. As she withdrew, so the earth dried up and withered, the sap of growth departed and the land lay dying. The gods, seeing that without crops the entire human race would perish and there would be no one to worship them, came to Demeter to entreat her to come out and restore the earth. But she would not permit the earth to bear fruit again until she saw her daughter. [Demeter sits with head in hands; other gods come to her, but she shakes head “no”]

Finally Zeus commanded Hermes to descend into the underworld and tell Hades that he must return Kore, who since her arrival in the underworld had taken the name Persephone, to her mother. Before returning, Persephone, yielding to Hades’ temptation, ate a few pomegranate seeds. Having tasted the fruit, Persephone must henceforth spend a third of each year with him, but when she comes back to earth at springtime, she and her mother are so happy that all the flowers bloom again.
[Zeus points Hermes to Hades, who turns around and unveils Persephone. Hades hands Persephone a fruit, and she takes a bite. Hermes takes Persephone by the hand and leads her to Demeter, who stands and embraces her. All gods gather together and show flowers, handing them to children]

All sing “The Lady’s Bransle”:

For she will bring the buds in the spring
And laugh among the flowers,
In summer’s heat her kisses are sweet,
She sings in leafy bowers;
She cuts the cane and gathers the grain
When fruits of fall surround her;
Her bones grow old in wintry cold,
She wraps her cloak around her.
But she will bring the buds in the spring…

[about three times through should be sufficient–perhaps do this as a circle dance. at very least get the kids to clapping]

The Egg-Hunt: Take a [real] hardboiled egg, show it to the kids and say: “During the winter, the world is all cold and icy.”
Crack the shell, saying “but in the spring, the ice cracks.”
Peel the shell and dispose of it in a bowl, then take off bits of the white for the kids to eat (if they want), saying: “and the snow melts.”
Then show them the yolk and say “And the sun returns! …and that’s why we hunt for eggs!”

[Egg hunt follows]

Cakes and wine (cake and milk) and general feasting to follow.

Devoke and farewells.

General Preparations

Ostara, Vernal Equinox, Spring, Rebirth, Easter, March 21st

1. I begin to read and research the subject of Spring Celebrations starting in early February. I am fond of Goddess lore and rituals, Neopagan topics, and Daoism, so you might see something about those topics in my seasonal celebrations webpages.

2. Spring cleaning indoors is a common preparatory activity during this time of the year. Completing some of the chores listed on your garden chores list for February and March is also a good idea. Make reasonable adjustments for inclement weather.

3. Starting seeds indoors in February is a good task. All potted plants should be put into the ground and watered as planned. Removing any dead trees, branches or shrubs should be continued as weather permits.

4. Clean your indoor altar. Dust all ritual and art objects. Put out offerings. Use your “Prayer Books.”

Foods for an Ostara Feast

Easter cupcakesThese aren’t traditional so much as intuitive, but they work, and seem to please her.

-Deviled Eggs, especially if you can create a sun motif, or garnish with greens

-Vegetable Quiche

-Custard

-Angel Food Cake

-Carrot Cake

-Cooked Carrots

-Cooked greens, or fresh in a salad

-Fiddlehead ferns in lemon sauce

-Edible spring flowers, if you can find them – especially violets

-Lamb

-Rabbit Stew

-Cookies shaped like baby animals or flowers

-Small fried fish

Ostara Oil & Incense

Ostara Oil

Put in soap or annoint candles
5 drops lavender
5 drops jasmine
5 drops patchouli
5 drops rose

Add a lavender bud and small lapis lazuli, rose, and clear quartz crystals. This has the gently smell of spring beginning to blossom. Very lovely!

Ostara Incense

Recipe by Scott Cunningham
2 parts Frankincense
1 part Benzoin
1 part Dragon’s Blood
1/2 part Nutmeg
1/2 part Violet flowers (or a few drops Violet oil)
1/2 part Orange peel
1/2 part Rose petals

Burn during Wiccan rituals on Ostara, or to welcome the spring and refresh your life.

(The above recipe for “Ostara Incense” is directly quoted from Scott Cunningham’s book: “The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews”, page 83, Llewellyn Publications, 1992.)

A Little Thought from Me to You…..

Astronomy Picture of the Day – The Aurora Tree

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2017 March 20

The Aurora Tree
Image Credit & Copyright: Alyn Wallace Photography

Explanation: Yes, but can your tree do this? Pictured is a visual coincidence between the dark branches of a nearby tree and bright glow of a distant aurora. The beauty of the aurora — combined with how it seemed to mimic a tree right nearby — mesmerized the photographer to such a degree that he momentarily forgot to take pictures. When viewed at the right angle, it seemed that this tree had aurora for leaves! Fortunately, before the aurora morphed into a different overall shape, he came to his senses and capture the awe-inspiring momentary coincidence. Typically triggered by solar explosions, aurora are caused by high energy electrons impacting the Earth’s atmosphere around 150 kilometers up. The unusual Earth-sky collaboration was witnessed earlier this month in Iceland.

March equinox! Happy spring or fall

By Deborah Byrd

The 2017 vernal or spring (or fall) equinox occurred on March 20 at 10:29 UTC. Spring for the north – fall for the south – of Earth’s globe.

Although there’s nothing official about it, it’s traditional to say the March or vernal equinox signals the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. This equinox does provide a hallmark for the sun’s motion in our sky, marking that special moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator going from south to north. The 2017 vernal equinox arrived on March 20 at 10:29 UTC. In the Northern Hemisphere, we’re enjoying earlier sunrises, later sunsets, softer winds, sprouting plants. Meanwhile, the opposite season – later sunrises, earlier sunset, chillier winds, dry and falling leaves – south of the equator.

What is an equinox? Each equinox and solstice is an astronomical event, caused by Earth’s tilt on its axis and ceaseless motion in orbit. The equinox is also an event you can think about as happening on the imaginary dome of our sky.

The Earth-centered view is that the celestial equator is a great circle dividing Earth’s sky into Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The celestial equator wraps the sky directly above Earth’s equator. At the equinox, the sun crosses the celestial equator, to enter the sky’s Northern Hemisphere.

The Earth-in-space view is that, because Earth doesn’t orbit upright, but is instead tilted on its axis by 23-and-a-half degrees, Earth’s Northern and Southern hemispheres trade places in receiving the sun’s light and warmth most directly, as Earth orbits the sun. We have an equinox twice a year – spring and fall – when the tilt of the Earth’s axis and Earth’s orbit around the sun combine in such a way that the axis is inclined neither away from nor toward the sun.

At the equinox, Earth’s two hemispheres are receiving the sun’s rays equally. Night and day are approximately equal in length. The word equinox comes from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night).

But, since Earth never stops moving around the sun, these days of equal sunlight and night will change quickly.

The video below was the Astronomy Picture of the Day for March 19, 2014. APOD explained:

At an equinox, the Earth’s terminator – the dividing line between day and night – becomes vertical and connects the north and south poles. The time-lapse video [below] demonstrates this by displaying an entire year on planet Earth in 12 seconds. From geosynchronous orbit, the Meteosat satellite recorded these infrared images of the Earth every day at the same local time. The video started at the September 2010 equinox with the terminator line being vertical. As the Earth revolved around the sun, the terminator was seen to tilt in a way that provides less daily sunlight to the northern hemisphere, causing winter in the north. As the year progressed, the March 2011 equinox arrived halfway through the video, followed by the terminator tilting the other way, causing winter in the southern hemisphere — and summer in the north. The captured year ends again with the September equinox, concluding another of billions of trips the Earth has taken — and will take — around the sun.

Where should I look to see signs of the equinox in nature? Forget about the weather for a moment, and think only about the daylight. In terms of daylight, the knowledge that spring is here – and summer is coming – is everywhere now, on the northern half of Earth’s globe.

If you live in Earth’s Northern Hemisphere, you’ve likely been noticing the earlier dawns and later sunsets for some weeks now.

Also notice the arc of the sun across the sky each day. You’ll find it’s shifting toward the north. Responding to the change in daylight, birds and butterflies are migrating back northward, too, along with the path of the sun.

The longer days do bring with them warmer weather. People are leaving their winter coats at home. Trees are budding, and plants are beginning a new cycle of growth. In many places, spring flowers are beginning to bloom.

Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, the days are getting shorter and nights longer. A chill is in the air. Fall is here, and winter is coming!

Does the sun rise due east and set due west at the equinox? Yes, it does. And that’s true no matter where you live on Earth, because we all see the same sky.

No matter where you are on Earth, you have a due east and due west point on your horizon. That point marks the intersection of your horizon with the celestial equator – the imaginary line above the true equator of the Earth.

At the equinoxes, the sun appears overhead at noon as seen from Earth’s equator, as the illustration above shows. This illustration shows the sun’s location on the celestial equator, every hour, on the day of the equinox.

That’s why the sun rises due east and sets due west for all of us. The sun is on the celestial equator, and the celestial equator intersects all of our horizons at points due east and due west.

This fact makes the day of an equinox a good day for finding due east and due west from your yard or other favorite site for watching the sky. Just go outside around sunset or sunrise and notice the location of the sun on the horizon with respect to familiar landmarks.

If you do this, you’ll be able to use those landmarks to find those cardinal directions in the weeks and months ahead, long after Earth has moved on in its orbit around the sun, carrying the sunrise and sunset points northward.

So enjoy the 2017 spring equinox on March 20 – an event that happens on our sky’s dome – and a seasonal marker in Earth’s orbit around the sun!

The equinox is an event that takes place in Earth’s orbit around the sun.

Bottom line: In 2017, the vernal equinox came on March 20 at 10:29 UTC, or 5:29 a.m. Central Daylight Time for us in the central U.S. Translate to your time zone here.

Deborah Byrd

Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and EarthSky.org in 1994. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. “Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers,” she says.

Published on EarthSky

The Wisdom of Buddha

A jug fills drop by drop.

Advice from a Raven

Characteristics of the Raven As A Spirit Guide

Your Animal Spirit Guide for March 20th is The Raven

Your Weekly Influences for March 20th

Tarot Influence

Knight of Cups Reversed

Scrutinize all ventures and deals carefully. Lies, laziness and underhandedness are possible

Astrological Influence

Aquarius Reversed

This card signifies the closing of both heart and mind, which leads to stagnation.

Element Influence

Earth

Earth is the card of everyday life. Earth makes riches of all kinds available to those who are in tune with her.

Your Elder Futhark Rune for the Week of March 20th is Ingwaz

Your Weekly Tarot Card for March 20th is the Nine of Pentacles

Weekly Tarot Card Reading

A one-card reading gives you a glimpse at what’s coming

For the week of March 20, I chose the Nine of Pentacles, reversed!

The reversed Nine of Pentacles is all about self-worth. This week, you may find yourself reflecting on your own sense of self-worth and value.

On the one hand, you may question whether you are really “enough” — whether your skills are valued, whether you can charge higher prices or ask for a pay raise, or whether you can attract the right people into your life.

On the other hand, you may be focused on increasing your sense of self-worth. Invest in yourself: get a wardrobe makeover, learn a new skill to increase your career “value” or take a personal development course focused on self-love.

Remember, you ARE enough. You are more than enough. You are AMAZING! Ask yourself, “How can I reconnect with my self-worth?”

Get A Jump on Tomorrow, Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, March 21st

Get A Jump on Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, March 21st

Aries

You can successfully blend personal and professional goals or activities quite seamlessly today, dear Aries. The day’s energies inspire your more clever and creative side, and you can find yourself devising plans and enjoying the design element of whatever you’re doing. There can be an opportunity to take steps to make yourself or family more secure, and it’s an excellent time for working hard and enjoying the feeling of productivity. You can gain an edge now in your career or come to a stronger position or more robust plan for achieving your goals. Being generous and charitable with others and offering your services freely can be a big key to this.

Taurus

You seem to be able to satisfy both your needs to lay low and venture out into new situations, dear Taurus. This is a powerful day for entertaining new ideas and seeking out more meaning from your experiences. You can be thoroughly excited by and invested in a project, study, or venture today, and you can make tremendous progress with this kind of dedication and focus. There is a gentle ease or flow between you and friends, co-workers, and associates. Tolerance, charity, and generosity are themes now in your social life. Satisfaction comes from helping others out with information or advice.

Gemini

You’re in a much stronger position for managing your relationships and emotions today than you were yesterday, dear Gemini. Part of you is craving more intimacy or depth in your connections, yet another part enjoys your freedom and a light approach to your relationships. This might normally pose a dilemma, but you seem to be able to find the right middle ground or blend today, leading to a real feeling of satisfaction. This is also a good time for developing your talents, working on a money-making venture, or putting effort into finding something lost or hidden. Business, career, and reputation get a boost today, and the key to this involves extending your help, services, advice, or expertise to someone in need.

Cancer

You can accomplish much more than usual today, dear Cancer, with increased motivation and dedication. You enjoy taking the initiative now, but you’re also in an excellent position to team up with or otherwise cooperate with others in order to get things done. You might find that you’re in the position of leader or manager now and you can be quite successful and efficient in this role. Attention to both your social life and your work can be much easier than usual to balance and perhaps even blend today. Giving a partner or friend the benefit of the doubt or a pass for something you may normally not let slip by can be in focus and can enhance your bond and make you feel quite proud of yourself to boot! While there can be some differences in your visions of where you’re heading or long-term goals, there can be great understanding and tolerance expressed now, and this carries you.

Leo

While yesterday you may have had a difficult time blending your mundane affairs and your desire for more free-form, exploratory activities, dear Leo, today you can get there far more easily. In fact, it can be very satisfying tending to both your need to take care of business and expand your mind or experiences. With some creativity, you might even be able to combine the two. As well, there can be much to enjoy hiding yourself away for some of the day doing work behind the scenes or in relative solitude. You can quickly become absorbed in what you’re doing. There is a sweet air of acceptance and understanding present around you today, and you might thoroughly enjoy providing a service or devoting some time helping others out now.

Virgo

You have the ability to combine your desire for intensity and need for freedom today quite successfully, dear Virgo. It’s an excellent time for creative power or dedication to a creative or design project. You’re excited about drawing up plans. Relationships thrive today with both tolerance and passion. Intimate matters can improve, and feelings seem to be reciprocated. Connecting with others and making a concerted effort to understand where they are coming from, or to give others the benefit of the doubt, can be satisfying now. You feel good about yourself when you put your faith in people you care about today. This can be a good day for productivity with others or for combining your resources and efforts so that you can get something done. You often find it faster and more efficient to do things on your own, but today, teamwork is beneficial.

Libra

While you may have had some challenges balancing home and family with your social life or a partnership yesterday, dear Libra, today you not only find ways to blend these needs, you could find them supportive of one another. This may alternatively play out as your need for personal space and your need for companionship. Today, you can find ways to fill both needs and feel quite satisfied. It’s an excellent time for putting effort into your work or health and wellness activities. You could find that being of service to people you love in some manner can be satisfying as well – you might thoroughly enjoy helping someone out or simply expressing your faith in a person you care about. Work might benefit from offering something freely and gaining the trust of others in the process.

Scorpio

While you may have found it difficult balancing your personal interests and social obligations with your duties and responsibilities yesterday, dear Scorpio, today you’re in a great position to not only balance them but possibly blend them as well. You are enjoying what you’re doing now, and it shows! You can make a lot of headway as a result. You’re also in an excellent position to convey what you mean and to communicate with impact. You can make a lot of progress by joining with a partner to get things done. This is an excellent day for expressing your faith in someone, extending help (particularly through words of advice or the relaying of information), and for finding new things to love about someone.

Sagittarius

There have been times recently when you’ve been torn with sticking with what’s safe or tried-and-true and going out on a limb and taking a personal risk, dear Sagittarius. Today, you find ways to combine the two creatively, and this feels right. You might feel particularly comfortable with a friend or lover now, or there is an opportunity to enhance a bond. There can be a nice bonus or a chance to splurge for some of you today. This is also an excellent time for work, research, and health or fitness pursuits. Motivation to improve and advance is with you, and this fuels you. You can accomplish far more than usual when you feel dedicated. There is excellent energy for forgiveness or acceptance in relationships, particularly with family, but this can extend to other relationships as well. It’s easier to overlook the small problems and see the value of your connections overall.

Capricorn

Blending your personal goals and those of family or loved ones comes much more easily than usual today, dear Capricorn, partly because you are especially motivated to make everything work. This is an excellent time for personal appeal and self-improvement efforts. You might thoroughly enjoy helping others out, particularly by providing them with advice, information, words of wisdom, and inspiring words. You can talk yourself into or out of virtually anything today! You can gain an edge of sorts for doing so, and this can benefit your professional life or marketing efforts, but the greatest rewards today are personal ones. You are willing to put in extra effort or to express your dedication in your relationships.

Aquarius

Part of you wants to get involved and engage with others now, dear Aquarius, but another strong urge is to lay low and keep to yourself. Somehow, however, you seem to be able to satisfy both needs, and quite creatively to boot! For some of you, this is a great time for connecting with others anonymously and resolving problems or for unloading problems through journaling or communicating on your own terms. You can be particularly generous with others, and they with you. You might also experience an intense drive to take care of home, family, and work. It’s a good time for concentration and dedicated focus – you can be very productive today.

Pisces

There is radiant energy with you for charitable, supportive relationships with others, dear Pisces. You’re very willing to be of service in some way to people in your life, and this is good for the soul. You are compassionate and tolerant, and you take pleasure in putting your faith in others or giving someone the benefit of the doubt. Part of you would like nothing better than to stick with what you know is safe and secure today, but another part wants some freedom to explore. While this might lead to a predicament on another day, today you can satisfy both needs by finding a good compromise or middle point. Creativity soars today.

If You Were Born Today, March 20

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.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

Your birthday occurs around a Third Quarter Moon this year, and you are reaching an important turning point in terms of personal growth. You may be more emotional this year, and should watch for unnecessary conflicts and making hasty decisions as a result. Otherwise, this is a year of greater understanding and a strong desire to take care of business. This should be a busy, dynamic period in your life.

Relationships tend to be deeper than usual, or you may be focusing on particular ones more deeply this year. Relationships can be one of the biggest areas of growth for you during this period of your life. Creative impulses are also powerful. While you may struggle at times with motivation levels, you possess the endurance to further your goals.

You can be particularly prolific and creative with writing, speaking, or other communications fields this year – you have a strong sense of what your audience wants. You express yourself with more imagination and appeal.

You can experience a stronger desire to seek out meaning, wisdom, and mental stimulation in the year ahead. It’s a powerful period for unique, helpful ideas. You are willing to make changes, especially in your attitude, and conversations are two-way, mutually beneficial, healing, and inspiring. This is a potentially excellent year for putting dreams into motion and giving life to your ideas. You are capable of very hard work when you’re inspired, and you can produce some pretty fantastic things now.

In your relationships, you find it easier to express one another’s desires to each other. This can be a powerful year for shared activities.

You are willing to put in the effort for a mental interest or project, and you can feel pleasantly dedicated to your work or ideas. You are more able to focus on what you’re doing and communicating, and you are more inclined to notice and consider details.

You may be actively involved with teamwork and collaboration with others this year. For some, there can be the beginning of a significant new relationship or the intensification of an existing romance or an important passion project that reaches a turning point.

You’re able to bring both enthusiasm and practicality to your endeavors this year. It’s a potentially excellent year for making positive lifestyle changes and for dedication to your work or special projects. You are more patient than usual, having the follow-through to finish what you start. When you are motivated, you can accomplish great things, bringing new life to old goals. However, you may struggle at times with increased responsibilities.

2017 is a Number Six year for you. Ruled by Venus. This is a year of relative contentment. It is a time when love is the easiest to attract, and partnerships formed under this vibration have a better chance for longevity. You are able to attract others, and material things as well, this year. This is a good year for establishing harmony in the family and in the home. Advice – develop existing relationships, be positive and receptive because these kinds of energies help you to attract what you desire.

2018 will be a Number Seven year for you. Ruled by Neptune. This is a year of preparation, chance, and refinement. It is not a time of dramatic changes. Instead, it’s a year when reflection on the past is helpful, and when refinements to your life path should be made. It’s a good year to study and analyze. Unexpected twists to your life story and “chance” meetings are probable. Advice – take stock of your life in order to prepare for more exciting years to come, examine the past and plan for the future, get in touch with your deepest needs and uncover your personal power, don’t strain yourself or actively try to expand.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Monday, March 20th

Aries

The Sun enters your sign 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. With Venus retrograde in your sign for much of this cycle, you may not feel quite as outgoing as you typically do at this time of the year, but you are sure to feel the momentum start to pick up. While this is a very personal cycle, professional interests or concerns can demand your attention beginning midday. It’s probably best to take the path of least resistance now, or you could be prone to stress or unnecessary conflict. However, as the day advances, you’ll feel more comfortable tending to both personal and professional concerns.

Taurus

You are certainly in the mood for adventure today, dear Taurus, so if you can make time for an activity that takes you out and about, then do so. Some deeper insights into love can also emerge today if you tune in. Try to avoid the tendency for debates or disagreements to push out these opportunities. The Sun enters your privacy sector this morning, launching a cycle that spans the coming month in which you spend more than the usual time reflecting and resting. It’s a time to tie up loose ends, put a stop to projects or situations that no longer work in your best interests, and learn more about your inner or spiritual needs. It’s the right time for forgiveness and letting go – focus on healing for best results. You may have a difficult time seeing yourself as others see you, and decisions may require more time than usual. More than likely, however, they can wait.

Gemini

You might question the commitment level of a friend or partner today, dear Gemini, or there can be a matter of trust to deal with now. However, from this minor conflict comes more insight, and, as the day progresses, you feel relieved, supported, and productive. The Sun enters your solar eleventh house this morning and will influence this social area of your chart until April 19th. This is a period for prioritizing the connections in your life. During this cycle, you have increased influence on friends and groups which, in turn, boosts your self-esteem. While this transit typically promises a livelier social calendar, Venus is retrograde here concurrently, and there can be some tensions brewing or less social activity than usual.

Cancer

While you can be content to do your own thing this morning, dear Cancer, by midday, your personal agenda seems to be put on the back burner as you focus on compromising and allowing others to shine. Helping out a partner, or simply listening more intently to their wishes and needs, is the key to success and fulfillment today. It’s time to give due attention to those who support you and who are dear to your heart. While this may seem to conflict with your new focus on your professional affairs as a career cycle begins today, it’s temporary. The Sun enters your solar tenth house this morning, 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. With Venus retrograde in this sector concurrently, you may want to pay particular attention to your professional or public manner.

Leo

You can begin the day feeling rather light and breezy, dear Leo. By midday, you become very much aware of the flaws or inconsistencies in your life, and while this can lead to frustration or worry, you can take advantage of this state of mind by actively working on fixing problems. Take the time to reorganize, tidy, and handle nagging issues that will help to free your mind for more engaging experiences. You can’t seem to escape the fact that life goes on no matter where your head is at, and little tasks that you’ve neglected still need doing. Find the time to organize your life in small, helpful ways. This is of particular importance, even if it seems inconvenient, with the Sun’s entry into your solar ninth house today — a sector that rules adventure, learning, spirit, and life experience. During this month-long cycle, you crave and seek out a little more from life than the ordinary. While on some level you could be feeling as if you are re-awakened, Venus is retrograde in the same sector for most of the course of this transit, and there can be some ups and downs, delays, or rethinking related to adventure-seeking and mind expansion.

Virgo

The Sun enters your solar eighth house today, dear Virgo, where it will continue to transit until April 19th. You are motivated to understand yourself, your relationships, and a significant other during this period, and you are also interested in projects, people, and experiences that stimulate your deeper feelings or that demand more concentration and commitment. It’s a good cycle for developing self-mastery skills — some form of self-transformation is likely at this time of year. While the day can begin rather standardly, towards midday, energy can become tense. You want to be recognized and admired by people close to you, but they seem to be too busy dealing with their own issues and problems to take the time to give you feedback. Work on making yourself happy and things will come together naturally.

Libra

A minor conflict is possible today, and it’s one that revolves around partnerships and previously made agreements, dear Libra. You are not in the most conciliatory of moods right now, but neither is a significant other. However, you have a true advantage today, as you can easily get to the heart of an issue. You are particularly resilient and interested in true solutions rather than quick fixes. The Sun enters your partnership sector this morning and will transit here until April 19th. This cycle brings your need for others to the fore, and particularly a partner in some shape or form. This is a time for making adjustments and compromises as you come to a better life balance. With Venus retrograde in this sector concurrently, there can be some complications in close relationships, but there can be a second chance to get things right.

Scorpio

Your ability to communicate effectively is a gift, dear Scorpio, and today, using that gift wisely will help you to lessen some of the tensions around you. Personal interests and social distractions can be plenty today, and this can cause some stress if you have far too much to do. Intensity can translate into passion, or if taken too far, into power tripping. This morning, the Sun enters your work and health sector where it will transit for a month. During this period, your ego and identity are wrapped up in the work or services you provide, as well as the success of your self-care programs. As such, this is a time for paying particular attention to improving or maintaining health and wellness endeavors, daily routines, and work projects. Getting organized and enjoying what you do may be more complicated than usual this year with Venus retrograde in this sector for most of the transit, but you have a little more cosmic support now that the Sun is here.

Sagittarius

The astrological new year begins today, dear Sagittarius, and this brings the Sun into your solar sector of self-expression for the upcoming month. Until April 19th, you thrive on others’ feedback and good vibes, and you are more openly affectionate and playful. You might pay more attention to personal hobbies or recreation and entertainment. Romantic feelings are stirred. However, with Venus in this sector and retrograde for the first half of the Sun’s transit here, there can be some questions about personal enjoyment and satisfaction or complications in these areas of life but much creative power if you can tap into it. A question of whether you have enough money or resources, or a difference in values with a love interest, can crop up today. However, as the day progresses, you feel less conflicted. New insights into a family matter help you to prioritize and focus on what really is important to you now. Give your family and home the attention they need and find ways to increase your sense of security and stability, even if this requires a lot of effort.

Capricorn

The day can begin rather quietly, dear Capricorn, but shortly before midday, the Moon moves into your sign, and the focus is now on your needs and personal projects. You are driven to seek out those things that validate your emotions and boost your spirits. Conflicts with others or kinks in your plans can indeed occur now, but you can extract from them just the right motivation to set things right. Work on a pet project or intellectual pursuit fares well as the day advances. This morning, the Sun enters your home and family sector and will spend the coming month here at the bottom of your solar chart. Your identity and ego are more heavily invested in your home life and family relations. Worldly ambitions tend to take a backseat now. Your focus now should be on making yourself feel secure and content in your personal environment and in your own skin – it’s a critical time for working on your self-esteem and sense of security.

Aquarius

While the day can begin in a lively way, as you approach midday, you’re likely to feel the need for a breather, dear Aquarius. Avoiding situations that are highly competitive or stressful today is simply strategic and possibly necessary. You can use some time to regroup and recharge your emotional batteries. It can be difficult to avoid tension midday, however, with a Sun-Moon conflict that has everyone feeling a little edgy. However, as the day progresses, it’s far easier to find a balance. The Sun enters your communications sector this morning and will stick around here until April 19th. You take increased pride in your studies, communications, light travels, connections, and casual relationships or associations during this cycle. This is a time for exploring new interests and learning new things, but not the best time for concentrated efforts. With Venus retrograde here concurrently for the first half of this transit, you may be reassessing whether or not your current interests or studies are satisfying.

Pisces

While there can be a rather tense energy to the middle of the day, dear Pisces, you come into your own as the day advances. In fact, you’ll find that others are quite cooperative and helpful once past the obstacles of the Sun-Moon square. You may be an authority on a matter today and tomorrow. You can also discover something fascinating or new information on a situation that offers you more personal power and a sense of accomplishment, particularly related to your relationships. The Sun enters your solar second house this morning where it will transit until April 19th. You are more invested in your practical affairs, income, talents, and security during this cycle. You can be very motivated to build your resources and make yourself more comfortable. Venus is retrograde in the same sector for the first two weeks of this cycle, and you’d be wise to look back at what worked for you in the past before moving forward.

Astronomy for Monday, March 20th

The Moon is in Sagittarius until 11:30 AM, after which the Moon is in Capricorn.
The Moon is void from 6:37 AM to 11:30 AM.
The Moon is waning and in its Waning Gibbous phase until 11:58 AM, after which the Moon is waning and in its Last Quarter phase.
The Last Quarter Moon occurs today at 11:58 AM.
Venus is retrograde (Venus is retrograde from March 4-April 15).
The Sun enters Aries today (the Sun transits Aries from March 20-April 19).

Your Love Horoscopes for the Week of March 20th

FOR THE WEEK OF MONDAY, MAR 20TH, 2017

General Horoscope

The Spring Equinox on Monday marks a fresh start in every aspect of life — including love! With the Sun conjunct a retrograde Venus on Saturday, what has not served you well in the past concerning matters of the heart will be illuminated. Not so you can repeat the old patterns, but so you can get rid of them once and for all. In other news, communication will be dicey this week. Mercury rubs against Pluto and Uranus, offering the strong possibility of volatile, regrettable conversations. Mercury opposite Jupiter only exacerbates this. Handle with care.

Aries Horoscope MAR 21 – APR 19

Your personal new beginning arrives this Monday as the Sun moves into your sign, preparing for a dazzling New Moon in Aries next week. For now, you’re in what is known as the “balsamic” phase of the Moon, where it’s all about sitting quietly in the dark with what you know you must let go of in order to begin anew. With the Sun conjunct retrograde Venus on Saturday in your sign, this will be especially true about your love life. Listen carefully to the whispers of the universe. And your soul.

Taurus Horoscope APR 20 – MAY 20

Love is meant to touch us to the core. We are forever changed by a single romantic experience, and each one tends to color the next one we have. This week, you’ll spend time reviewing your relationship history. Don’t just dwell on the negative parts though; take this opportunity to re-visit the wonderful experiences as well. Thank the universe for the good, bad, and ugly and welcome whatever is meant to arrive next in order to open your heart even more.

Gemini Horoscope MAY 21 – JUN 20

Although you might feel caught up in social situations that prevent you from experiencing the best your love life has to offer, this week will invite the opportunity for a turning point. You might recognize that if you want change to happen, you’ll have to initiate it. Another possibility is that you’ll be confronted with the reality that one of your romantic aspirations may never come true. Move on. It won’t be easy, but you must.

Cancer Horoscope JUN 21 – JUL 22

This might be a tense week for you professionally, and as a result, you may pass on your aggravation to your mate. It’s possible that you’ll misdirect your anger, and instead of working on fixing what is wrong with your career, you lash out at your partner. An effort to control your world when you’re feeling out of control might be behind all of this, but that doesn’t mean your partner should absorb your frustration. Don’t turn your safety net into your punching bag.

Leo Horoscope JUL 23 – AUG 22

Your moral compass and your love life might be crashing into each other this week. Perhaps your sweetheart is behaving in a way that doesn’t sit right with you ethically. While he or she may not be doing anything criminal, you might still feel that it is questionable. As a result, your partner’s choices may begin to erode the feelings you have for him or her. Alternatively, it might be your partner who feels this way about you. If so, check yourself.

Virgo Horoscope AUG 23 – SEP 22

It’s time for you and your partner to shine a light on any darkness connected to your joint finances. If there have been any secrets hiding in the closet such as credit card debt, a loan, or an investment gone bad, now is the time to come clean. Another possibility is that you’ll be tempted to make a very bad investment together. Don’t. This will not be the time to pool your resources into anything risky. You may both feel impulsive, or even worse, desperate.

Libra Horoscope SEP 23 – OCT 22

Avoid the temptation to seek the advice of a family member or even to vent about whatever it is about your lover that is currently frustrating you. This relative may have your best interests at heart, but he or she may also overreact and assume that he or she knows what is best for the two of you. Before you know it, you may have a meddling relative on your hands that only makes matters worse. Handle with care.

Scorpio Horoscope OCT 23 – NOV 21

If you found yourself caught in a romantic entanglement with someone at the office recently, things may get ugly. You might still have strong feelings for this person but for one reason or another, the relationship is in the process of falling apart. The main problem could very well be the fact that you work together and other colleagues have meddled into your love life too much. Unkind words might be exchanged with at least one coworker as a result of this debacle.

Sagittarius Horoscope NOV 22 – DEC 21

There’s a glimmer of hope in your love life, but it won’t be easy to grasp. The Sun will embrace Venus, now retrograde, in your romance sector on Saturday. As a result, it’s possible that you and your sweetheart will recognize areas you need to work on in order to maximize your future harmony together. The problem, however, is that Mercury is also in this area of your chart, and will be quite angry. Words that you later wish you can take back are possible. Be aware.

Capricorn Horoscope DEC 22 – JAN 19

You might say something to your sweetheart this week about a domestic matter or one of your children that you later regret. Although you’ll feel strongly about working through this situation in order to get back to relationship harmony, how you go about trying to achieve this is likely all wrong. Before you speak, be sure to carefully consider how your words will affect your lover and your family. There are consequences to them.

Aquarius Horoscope JAN 20 – FEB 18

The only way out of a difficult situation is through it. This week, you and your lover may realize it’s time to come clean and share whatever you’ve been keeping from one another — including anything omitted because you believed you were protecting your relationship by doing so. You may not avoid hurt feelings or even a harsh argument, but you can be sure that unless you’re willing to have this tense conversation, you’ll never reach a place of harmony.

Pisces Horoscope FEB 19 – MAR 20

Your spouse or partner may be doing well financially, but it doesn’t give you free rein to mess up your own finances. This week it’s possible that you and your lover will have a moment of reckoning connected to this part of your relationship. You might have made a few mistakes recently with money, but thanks to your partner being your safety net, have coasted through them. Now, your mate wants you to take responsibility. Own up to it or else your partnership may suffer.

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