The Witches Journal for Wednesday, March 21st

Ostara Return to Us

 

The wheel has turned to our Goddess
Our lovely Maiden Goddess
Goddess Ostara
Who will return to us

 

Return to us
On Spring’s morning dawn
Return to us
When new life begins
Return to us
As the earth is reborn
Return to us
Wearing Her floral crown
and Her celestial gown

 

Return to us
The sun in the sky
with Her whispering sigh

 

The blossoming trees
that hold the birds of She

 

The beautiful butterflies
that fly thru Her sky

 

The blooming flowers
that spring from Her showers

 

Her soft green grass
that our bare feet will pass

 

As Ostara returns to us
Returns to us
On Spring’s morning dawn
Returns to us
When new life begins
Returns to us
As the earth is reborn
Returns to us
Wearing Her floral crown
and Her celestial gown

 

Ostara who will return to us
Return to us as this wheel turns on
Turns on past Spring’s morning dawn

Savannah Skye
Originally published on Pagan Library

Today is Wednesday, March 21st

 

Wednesday is the day of the Teutonic deity known as Wodin or Odin, an aspect of the Allfather, god of knowledge, wisdom, enlightenment and combat, the parallel of Hermes, the planet Mercury.

Deity: Woden

Zodiac Sign: Gemini & Virgo

Planet: Mercury

Tree: Ash

Herb: Cinquefoil

Stone: Emerald & Sardonyx

Animal: Raven & Cat

Element: Air

Color: Red & Blue

Number: 6

Rune: Odal(O)

 

Celtic Tree Month of Fearn (Alder) (March 18 – April 14)

 

Runic Half-Month of Beore (March 14 – March 29)

 

Goddess of the Month of Columbina ( March 20 – April 17))

 

Source
The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

 

The Pagan Book of Days for March 21st

Tea and Tephi

In Irish tradition, the holy city of Tara was founded on this day by the Milesian princesses Tea and Tephi.
Source
The Pagan Book of Days
Nigel Pennick

The Goddess Book of Days for March 21st

No-Ruz, Iranian New Year dedicated to Aphrodite and Adonis. They are Cybele/Attis, Venus/Adonis, Inanna/ Tammuz, Ishtar/Damuzi, Ashtoreth/Baal, Isis/ Osiris, Ata Bey/Yoko- Hoo, Aida Wedo/ Damballah. The twenty- first day of the Moon/ month belongs to Athena.

Source

The Goddess Book of Days
Diane Stein

The Witches Magick Associated With Wednesday, The Day of Mercury

 

Perfumes: Sweetpea, Lavender, Mastic, Frankincense, Cloves

Incense: Cinnamon, Cinquefoil

Color: Yellow or Grey

Influences: Conjurations, Predictions, Knowledge, Writing, Eloquence

Reference:

A Book of Pagan Rituals
Herman Slater

The Magickal Days of the Week – Wednesday

Wednesday is named for Woden himself, although the Romans called it dies Mercurii. This is a day associated with the color purple, the planet Mercury, and the metal quicksilver – which is also called mercury. See a pattern here?

When it comes to deities… yes, Mercury! However, there are a few other gods associated with Wednesday, including Odin and Hermes, Athena, and Lugh. Gemstones like adventurine and agate come in handy as well, as do plants such as aspen trees, lilies, lavender and even ferns.

Business and job-related issues, communication, loss and debt, traveling, and journeys are all tied in to Wednesday. This is a good day to do a working to open up lines of communication – especially if your own actions are preventing you from being an effective speaker or listener. Go someplace new or return to an old favorite stomping ground, step up your game, and settle up your accounts.

Source
Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on ThoughtCo

Wednesday: On the way to the afterlife

The fourth day of the week is named after Odin (Wodan or Woden). In Anglo-Saxon world, Woden is not necessarily the mirror of the Norse Odin. Up to the seventh century, he was worshipped as the main deity. He was the psychopomp which is a word for someone who helps deliver human souls to the afterlife.

In Romance languages, the name of the day comes from Latin Dies Mercurii (miércoles in Spanish, mercoledi in Italian, mercredi in French), associated with Mercury, the Roman god of trade, profit and commerce.

In German, the word for Wednesday is simply Mittwoch, meaning the middle of the week.

Wednesday–The Day of Woden

Woden, or Odin as the Norsemen called him, was the chief of the gods of our ancestors, and corresponds to the Jupiter of the Romans. Also, for reasons which we shall read later, he was similar to Mercury, and his name was given to the Roman Dies Mercurii, day of Mercury, which still survives in the French mercredi.

As in the case of Jupiter and the Titans, Odin led the Northern gods in a gigantic struggle with the giants of ice and frost, and finally overthrew them. With the help of the gods, he then fashioned the world from the body of the chief of the giants. From the flesh he made the earth, known as Midgard (middle garden), and from his blood the sea, while from his bones he made the mountains, from his teeth the cliffs, and from his hair the trees. The giant’s skull was then fixed over the earth to form the vault of the sky, and was held in place at the four corners by four dwarfs, Nordri, Sudri, Austri, and Westri, from whom we have obtained the names North, South, East, and West. Next the gods made the sun and moon, which were placed in golden chariots driven by Sol and Mani, the daughter and son of a giant who had named his children after the newly-created sun and moon. The Northmen thought that they could see on the moon the outline of two children carrying a pail, and the story goes that Mani, while travelling across the sky, one night caught up two children, Hiuki and Bil, who were compelled by their cruel father to carry water all night. Hiuki and Bil are still known to us in the familiar story of Jack and Jill. The sun and moon were said to be pursued continually by two fierce wolves, whose shapes could be seen in the clouds, and who, if they caught them up, would swallow them and plunge the world in darkness. Sometimes they nearly succeeded, and thus caused the eclipses.

Having completed the earth and peopled it with men and women, the gods, led by Odin, built magnificent palaces for themselves in Asgard, their home. The most famous of these was Valhalla, to which the bravest and mightiest of the mortals who fell in battle were summoned at their death. The walls of Valhalla were made of spears, and golden shields formed the roof. In the hall stood long tables, at which the dead heroes feasted.

The Northmen honoured a great fighter above all men, and they even thought it a disgrace for him to die in any other way than sword in hand. The great ambition of every fighting man was to be called to Valhalla after his death, there to spend his time in fighting and feasting. The fortunate ones were chosen from among the slain on the battle-fields by the Valkyries, Odin’s battle-maidens, whose horses carried them through the air and over the sea. They rode among the storm-clouds, and the flash of their spears was seen in the lightning.

Odin was often pictured as sitting on a throne from which he could see the whole world, and wearing a suit of armour, covered with a blue mantle, which represented the sky. In his hand he held a famous spear, Gungnir, which never missed its mark. On his shoulders sat two ravens, Thought and Memory, which he sent out into the world every day to obtain news of all that happened. Like Tiu, the God of War, Odin suffered from a disfigurement, having lost one of his eyes. This loss is explained in the following story.

After the creation of the world, Odin wished to obtain great wisdom which would place him far above the other gods. This he could only procure from Mimir’s spring, in whose clear waters the future was mirrored. Odin, therefore, visited Mimir and begged a draught of the wonderful water, but Mimir would only grant the request in return for one of Odin’s eyes. The god was willing to make even this sacrifice for the great knowledge the water would give him, and accordingly he plucked out one of his eyes and gave it to Mimir, who sank it deep in the spring where it could always be seen shining. Odin then drank deep of the water, and thus gained the wisdom for which he was always famous.

All the life of the world, including even the lives of the gods, was said to depend on an enormous ash tree, Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life. This tree was created by Odin, and had three roots, one in the Underworld, another in Midgard, near Mimir’s spring, and the third in Asgard. It grew to such a height that it overtopped the whole world, and in its topmost branches sat an eagle with a falcon between its eyes. The falcon could see all three kingdoms, and reported all that happened in them to the gods. In the Underworld was a dragon, which continually gnawed the roots of Yggdrasil in order to destroy it and so bring about the downfall of the gods. To prevent this disaster, the tree was daily watered from a fountain in Asgard, whose magic waters kept it continually green.

Joining Asgard and the earth was a bridge made of fire, earth, and water, whose colours were those of the rainbow. This bridge was guarded against the giants by a god named Heimdall, whose sight and hearing were so keen that he could see a hundred leagues by night as well as by day, and could hear the grass growing on the earth and the wool on the sheep’s back! He was armed with a flashing sword, and carried a horn with which he was to give warning when the giants should come against Asgard.

Odin was the inventor of Runes, the first alphabet of the Northmen. The letters consisted almost entirely of straight lines placed in different groups and positions, and were thought at first to have a magical meaning. Each god had a special rune or sign, and the use of the sign was supposed to bring help from the god. Thus all fighters carved the rune of Tiu on their swords in order that they might have his aid in battle. Runes were afterwards used in the ordinary way for writing, and very old runes have been found carved on stones in Scandinavia and in England. As the inventor of runes, Odin is like Mercury, who was supposed to have given the Romans their alphabet.

In addition to being the wisest of the gods, the inventor of runes, and the God of Eloquence, Odin was also the God of Poetry. The gift of poetry was guarded very jealously by the gods, and was only granted to mortals in special cases. Odin obtained the gift for himself and the other gods only with great difficulty. Hidden away in a hollow mountain, and carefully watched over by a giantess, were three vessels containing a magic fluid, which gave to anyone who drank of it the gift of poetry and song. Odin, knowing of this magic drink, determined to obtain it. Accordingly he set out for the land of the giants, dressed as a mortal, and wearing a broad-brimmed hat to hide the fact that he had only one eye. He hired himself as a servant to Baugi, the brother of the giant Suttung, to whom the vessels belonged, and asked as payment for his labour one draught of the magic fluid. As soon as his work was finished, Odin demanded payment, but Baugi was afraid to ask his brother for the drink, and suggested they should win it for themselves by trickery. They came to the mountain where the vessels were hidden, and bored a hole right through to the cave inside. Odin then changed himself into a snake and wriggled through the hole, just in time to escape the giant, who tried to kill him as he entered the hole. Having found his way into the cave, Odin again took on the form of a god, and begged the giantess who watched over the vessels to allow him just a sip of the magic drink. The giantess at last consented, but Odin, instead of taking a sip, quickly emptied all the vessels, and then, making his way out of the cave transformed himself into an eagle and flew swiftly towards Asgard. He soon discovered, however, that the giant Suttung was pursuing him, also in the form of an eagle. As he neared Asgard the gods caught sight of him, and, seeing that the giant was gaining on Odin, they gathered together a great quantity of fuel and piled it on the palace walls. Immediately Odin had passed over the wall the gods set fire to the fuel, and the flames rose so high that the wings of the pursuing giant were scorched, and he fell into the fire and was burnt.

Odin seldom used this precious gift of poetry himself, but imparted it to his son Bragi, who became the minstrel of the gods and sang many songs in honour of the gods and the great heroes in Valhalla. All the singers among men, the bards, or scalds, as they were sometimes called, were thought to have received the gift from Odin, and were greatly honoured for that reason.

The Witches Guide to Wednesday

Ruler: Wodin, Mercury

Colors: Orange, light blue, and gray

Power Hours: Sunrise and the 8th, 16th, and 24th hours following

Keywords: Success, creativity, communication

The word Wednesday is reminiscent of the Norse wind god Wodin, which is referenced in the popular rhyme verse “Wednesday’s child is full of woe.” This does not mean that those born on this day are full of sorrow or trouble. To be full of Woden (Wodin) means to be full of wind, to be spirited. Woden was such a powerful pagan god that the German church fathers changed the name of his day to Mittwoch, meaning midweek, in an attempt to exorcise his influence.

In the Spanish word for Wednesday, miercoles, we clearly see its connection to Mercury. Under the guidance of Mercury; Wednesday is a day of swift activity, communication, correspondence, and phone calls. This is a good day for journalists, writers, poets, bargaining, hiring employees, and visiting friends.

On Wednesdays, the hour of sunrise and every eight hours after that are also ruled by Mercury, making these times of the day doubly blessed. These are the strongest four hours for ritual work. Check your local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine when sunrise occurs.
Source
Gypsy Magic

Wednesday’s Witchery

Be bold and daring today! Expand your knowledge of the Craft by working with the planetary energies of Mercury on this multifaceted day of the week. Consider the Greco-Roman gods Mercury and Hermes and all of the many lessons they have for you. Embrace change and movement, and work on your communication techniques. Conjure up a little good luck for yourself with that Mercury dime spell. Call on Athena to inspire you to try magickal arts and crafts and to be more creative in your own spellwork and witchery.

Meditate on Odin and see what you can discover about him. I wonder what sort of fabulous and fascinating magickal wisdom you will uncover? Odin is a shaman, after all; he may appear in many guises and faces. I guarantee that he will make you laugh at yourself before he is through with you, but you will learn. It’s up to you what you do with that knowledge. Will you let it shapeshift into wisdom?

Wednesday is the wild and wily day of the week, so try to go with the flow; don’t fight the quirky energies of the day. Most importantly, follow your heart, and always keep a good sense of humor, because of Wednesdays you will really need it.

Source
Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

Magickal Applications for Wednesday

To the Romans, this day was called Dies Mercurii, or “Mercury’s day” Mercury was a popular character in the Roman pantheon. A messenger of the gods, he presided over commerce, trade, and anything that required skill or dexterity. The Celts also worshiped Mercury and eventually equated him with the Norse god Odin (some spelling variations on this name include Wotan, Wodin, and Wodan). In Norse mythologies, Odin, like Mercury, is associated with poetry and music. Interestingly enough, both Odin and Mercury were regarded as psychopomps, or the leaders of souls, in their individual mythologies.

Odin, one of the main gods in Norse mythology, was constantly seeking wisdom. He traveled the world in disguise as a one-eyed man with a long gray beard, wearing an old, beat-up hat and carrying a staff or a spear (which brings to my mind images of Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings). In the Old English language, this day of Mercury evolved into Wodnes daeg, “Woden’s day,” or Wednesday.

Wednesday carries all of the planetary and magickal energies and associations of the witty and nimble god Mercury himself. Some of these mercurial traits included good communication skills, cleverness, intelligence, creativity, business sense, writing, artistic talent, trickiness, and thievery. And don’t forget all of those wise and enigmatic qualities associated with the Norse god Odin/Wodin, not to mention the goddess Athena’s contributions of music, the arts, handmade crafts, and writing. Wednesdays afford excellent opportunities for seeking wisdom, changing your circumstances, and improving your skills, be they in trade and commerce, music and art, or in communication and writing.

Source
Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, March 21

Harmony Day (Australian)

Waxing Moon
Moon phase: First Quarter
Moon Sign: Taurus
Incense: Honeysuckle
Color: Brown

Moon in Taurus

The Moon is traveling through comfy Taurus today. Eat something you love. Have a second serving.

We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and “stop to smell the roses”. Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence.

The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor.

WEDNESDAY CORRESPONDENCES

Mercury/Neptune/Air/North/West/Southwest/Female/Male/Gemini/Virgo

 

Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear, Loss, Travel, Money Matters

Color: black, light blue, brown, gray, green, magenta, orange, peach, purple, red, silver, turquoise, violet, white, yellow; orange is the primary color

Number: 3, 5

Metal: mercury

Charm: distaff, rod, runes, staff, iridescent garments

Stone: moss agate, amethyst, bloodstone, emerald, hematite, lapis lazuli, lodestone, pearl, ruby, sapphire, sodalite, all blue stones

Animal: bear, dog, fox, magpie, swan, weasel

Plant: almond, bayberry, chamomile, cherry, cinnamon, cinquefoil, clove, coltsfoot, ginger, hazel, hazelnut, jasmine, lavender, millet, oak, peppermint, periwinkle, rosemary, sage, St. John’s wort, sweet pea, tamarind, lemon verbena, violet

Incense: cassia, cedar, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, mastic, mint, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, storax, dried and powdered citrus peel, and all incense made from aromatic bark, wood, and seeds

Goddess: Carmenta, Hecate (Queen of Crossroads), Hel, Ishtar, Ma’at, the Morrigan, Nike

God: Anubis, Bragi, Elath-Iahu. Enki, Garuda, Hermes, Maximon (Black Magician), Mercury, Nebo (Wise God of Wednesday), Odin, Shango, Ullr, Vishnu, Wayland, Woden

Evocation: Agrat Bat Mahalat, Michael, Miel, Raphael, Seraphiel, Tiriel
Source
Moonlight Musings

 

The Energy of the Moon

Planet: Moon

Day: Monday

Color: Silver, white, light blue, purple

Metal: Silver

Associations: Childbearing and family life, purity and virginity, healing, wisdom, intuition

Ostara Magic

Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal as the earth comes back to life. Why not celebrate the themes of the season with a little bit of spring magic?

1. Spring Garden Magic
In the early spring, many of us who follow earth-based spiritual paths begin planning our gardens for the coming season. The very act of planting, of beginning new life from seed, is a ritual and a magical act in itself. To cultivate something in the black soil, see it sprout and then bloom, is to watch a magical working unfold before our very eyes. The plant cycle is intrinsically tied to so many earth-based belief systems that it should come as no surprise that the magic of the garden is one well worth looking into.

2. Serpent Magic and Folklore
Snakes have a long and colorful history in folklore and mythology, as well as in magical practice. Let’s look at some of the amazing customs surrounding snakes in magic and legend!

3. Egg Magic & Mythology
In many cultures and society, the egg is considered the perfect magical symbol. It is, after all, representative of new life – in fact, it is the life cycle personified. While many of us take note of eggs around springtime – the Ostara season is chock full of them – it’s important to consider that eggs feature prominently in folklore and legend all year long.

4. Rabbit Magic & Mad March Hares
Spring equinox, or Ostara, is a time for fertility and sowing seeds, and so nature’s fertility goes a little crazy. The rabbit — for good reason — is often associated with fertility magic and sexual energy.

5. Magical Spring Flowers
As spring arrives, our gardens begin to bud and eventually bloom. For hundreds of years, the plants that we grow have been used in magic. Flowers in particular are often connected with a variety of magical uses. Now that spring is here, keep an eye out for some of these flowers around you, and consider the different magical applications they might have.

6. Children’s Ostara Chant
If you have children, you may want to include them in your Ostara celebrations this spring. Teach them this simple rhyming chant, and clap along as you welcome the season of rebirth!

7. Garden Blessing for Ostara Planting Rituals
Getting ready to till the soil and prepare it for spring planting? Say this garden blessing before you begin.

8. Ostara Prayer for the Resurrection of the Earth
While many other religions celebrate the rebirth of Jesus, for those of us in earth-based faiths, the focus is often on the land and the soil. Celebrate Ostara with a simple prayer for the new life that begins as the earth itself is resurrected.

9. Prayer to Honor the Goddesses of Spring
Many Pagan traditions have goddesses that are associated with the new beginnings of the Ostara season. Whether you celebrate Flora or Eostre, use this simple prayer to honor the goddesses of spring.

Source

Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on & owned by ThoughtCo

Magickal Goody for the Day – Make Yourself A Brand New Spring Wand

 

Any of the Equinoxes as wonderful times to make new ritual items that you might be needing. For Spring, how about making yourself a brand new Wand!

Items You Need:
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 guide below to choose the wood for the wand you want to make.

Birch – New beginnings

Hawthorn – Protection

Hazel – Wisdom

Poplar- Succcess

Maple – Longevity

Beech – Divination

Rowan – Magick

Oak – Power Magick

Apple – Love

Pine – Birth

Cedar – Strength

Elm – Dignity

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 ask for permission to cut one ot 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 is 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.

Celebrating Legends, Folklore & Spirituality 365 Days a Year for March 20 – 22, Ostara/Spring or Vernal Equinox

March 20 – 22

Ostara/Spring or Vernal Equinox

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.

Magickal Activity for March 21, Ostara/Spring or Vernal Equinox – Prosperity Seed Spell

Prosperity Seed Spell

Items You Will Need:
Marigold seeds
A clay pot filled with Earth
One green candle
A small topaz stone
Green paint
Brush
A small square of paper

Paint the rune symbol for wealth (Fehu) on the clay pot and on the paper. Put the topaz stone along with the paper in the bottom of the pot, and fill it with the Earth. Place the pot and seeds, along with the candle, on a small table or altar covered with a green cloth.

Light the candle. Pick up the seeds and hold them as you meditate on what it is you need. For more than one participant, put the seeds on a small plate so that each person can take a seed and plant it, making his or her own wish. When you feel the time is right, plant the seeds as you chant:

“Seeds and earth,
To dreams gives birth.”

Leave the candle to burn for four hours. Extinguish the candle and place it along with the pot in a window. Each time you water the seeds, light the candle and repeat the chant. This is a great activity for the whole family, particularly if family members have a collective goal in mind.

Equinox Chant

The day is balanced.

The night is balanced.

All is balanced this day.

Let balance be our way.

The God energy is balanced.

The Goddess energy is balanced.

All is balanced this day.

Balance in all we do, think, and say.

The Sun is balanced.

The Moon is balanced.

All is balanced this day.

Balance is the divine way.

The light is balanced.

The dark is balanced.

All is balanced this day.

From balance, may we never stray.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ginger Strivelli, Author
Source
Ostara Lore
Researched and Compiled by StormWing

Ostara to Beltane

The advent of Spring marks the turning of the year, when hours of daylight begins to outnumber the hours of darkness again. New growth emerges around us and we experience renewed energy and hope, while fertility becomes the focus of the animal and human world and is also seen in the reawakening of the Earth and the flora it sustains. Because the Sun returns to our lives at the Spring Equinox, it is associated with the color yellow.

Your Cosmic Weather Horoscopes for the Month of March

 by Jane Lyle, Astrologer

From the Astrology Room

 

The global hive is awake, and the season turns as we approach the Vernal Equinox on 20th March. So please do relish the very early days of March, still drowsy and dreaming beneath planets in Pisces, and a hazy full Moon in Virgo – the first of two full Moons this month. The remainder of March demands action.

Tuesday 6th March – Saturday 31st March:

Sheep and Goats – The Challenges of March, 2018

Venus and Mercury enter fiery Aries, the Ram, today. A blast of fresh, straightforward energy, a burst of pure, spring-like optimism is born. This bright partnership is around until 22nd March. So, our spring-time actions speak louder than words – but wait! Don’t accelerate too fast. Sober old Saturn, in the sign of the Sea Goat, is about to slow us down a little.

This is especially important news for Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, and for anyone with planets in those signs at 7 – 10 degrees.

What might we watch out for? The machinations of Mercury are worth noticing for a start. Chatty, mischievous Mercury represents media and travel, amongst other things. When Mercury clashes with Saturn there’s an air of restraint, restrictions, or limitations on what we say, tweet, write, or express. Similarly, travel delays or speed limits are in the news. Mercury in Aries can be tactless as well, multiplying the ‘oops I didn’t mean that’ moments this spring.

With Mercury reversing in Aries from the 23rd March – 15th April, it’s sensible to allow extra time for all our journeys, large and small, this spring, and take all the usual Mercury backtracking precautions.

Mercury squares off with Saturn on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th March. Over this weekend, many of us will be saying ‘enough is enough’ about something in our lives. The same impulses to take action reappear between 21st and 26th April – so if we hold off on facing up to something now, we’ll get another invitation from the Universe!

And pleasure-loving Venus, lively, sporty, and impulsive in Aries, faces up to Saturn too – on Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th March. Some limitations in love, art, fashion, money, and social events are the usual manifestations. Yet this isn’t always such a bad thing, it favours refinement, it says ‘less is more’. It could also be a helpful time to begin a diet, clear out your wardrobe, or experiment with some kind of digital detox.

If this all sounds too bleak, here’s a more charming Venus-and-Saturn thought:

‘Elegance is rare in the modern world, largely because it requires precision, attention to detail, and the careful development of a delicate taste in all forms of manners and style.’

– Genevieve Antoine Dariaux, ‘Elegance’ (1964)

Practising sorting the sheep from the goats with delicacy and precision is helpful preparation for later in March, when things take a more uncompromising, even dramatic turn.

A Bracing time

As the weeks pass, there’s no doubt that we’re in for an eventful, bracing time. It kicks in during the run-up to the end of March, culminating in the Easter weekend of 30th March – 2nd April.

On Wednesday 28th March – Thursday 29th March the Sun, newly vibrant in Aries, argues with Saturn in Capricorn. People in authority and government are tested, or must face up to very serious situations, and a great deal of effort or responsibility. In our own families, and at work, a similar story is told about those in charge, or senior family members. It can be a dynamic turning point.

Alongside this, Mars – ruling action and desire – moves towards meeting Time Lord Saturn in Capricorn – exact at the beginning of April. This is a weighty moment.

Mars and Saturn don’t align in the same sign again until 2020. The basic message of these two is ‘restricted action’. This means hard work, and heavy responsibilities – yet what’s achieved can last for a long time when the young warrior and the old king work together. Sport, finance, military plans, and legal matters are all in high focus this spring.

So, yes, it’s looking quite crunchy in the days leading up to a dynamic, possibly disruptive, Libran full Moon on 31st March on Easter Saturday.

These testing, push-me-pull-you days begin around Saturday, 24th March, when the mighty Sun challenges Mars, highlighting anger, impulsiveness, and confrontational events.

Uncompromising attitudes in our world continue to buffet us over the Easter weekend that follows.  Such sobering, chillsome cosmic weather demands extra effort, discipline, and caution from everyone. This is the big astrological theme for March 2018.

If you, or someone close, have planets in Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn at around 7 – 10 degrees of those signs, prepare for a seriously grown-up phase this spring.

An astrologer can always tell you more about how this works out for you personally, of course.

Saturday 17th March:

St. Patrick’s Day and a potent New Moon in Pisces

A Pisces new Moon celebrates what’s fantastical, entertaining, contemplative or magical. This one comes powered by Jupiter for a thrilling tour of the haunted castle, or the mysterious underground cavern. There’s healing potential, and incredible imaginative energy here.

But Mars square the Moon spells uncertain tempers and turbulent emotions. Close by, the fixed star Scheat in the constellation Pegasus symbolises amazing potential, yet warns against risky falls from the heights.

So please do be extremely aware of confusion – this is not the time to begin work requiring balance or consistency. Over-inflated dreams will fail, while pushing recklessly ahead brings accidents. Why not simply indulge in some rest and relaxation instead? Your imagination is bursting with gifts for you.

Tuesday, 20th – Wednesday 21st March:

The Spring Equinox

Spring is here! Today, the Sun enters the first sign of the Zodiac, Aries. Our astrological year begins. All the symbolism of this pivotal moment is about new life, fertility, dynamism, beginnings.  This year, an earthy Taurus Moon expands that intoxicating feeling of spring fever, while hot-headed Mars stirs up energy and fighting spirit from equally earthy Capricorn.

The day and night are of equal length now, a point of balance. We’ll have to look for it and strive for it. In many corners of this fresh spring world we are – collectively – quite as mad as those magical, traditional March Hares.

Saturday 31st March:

Balancing Trick – The Full Moon in Libra

A full Moon in Libra always has balance, poise, and artful skill at its heart. This one – connecting with sober Saturn and determined Mars – throws down a tough challenge. It poses questions about partnerships between me and you, us and them, the people and their governments, independence and security. It is dynamic, meaning that we can (eventually) work things out.

This is a Blue Moon, the second full Moon this month. It energises the national horoscopes of many locations. All of them will be considering their partnerships, governments, and alliances, one way or another. They include the UK, Israel and Palestine, Australia, Russia, and much of Eastern Europe. This is a notable full Moon for the EU too.

We’ll be wanting those Libran diplomatic skills, and all the power and beauty of Venus, just arrived in her home sign of earthy Taurus on this very day. It’s looking like a busy – yet potentially productive – April awaits us all.

Your Daily Star Horoscopes for the Month of March

by Jane Lyle, Astrologer

From The Astrology Room

 

ARIES

Are you in a pensive mood? Well, don’t feel bad about taking the time you need for reflection. For like a flower in spring, you’ll gradually open up to the world around you as the days pass. Venus and Mercury in Aries from 6th March, boost your charm and your way with words for the rest of this month. And Mars in skittish Sagittarius is heating up your social and romantic life – especially when travelling – until 17th March, so making a good impression should be easy-peasy. After this, your attention shifts towards your dreams and ambitions. You soon realise that you’ll need to work very hard this spring – there may well be obstacles to overcome, some in the shape of other people, or long standing connections. You’ll see things in a new light beneath the full Moon on 31st, and there’ll be even more encouraging revelations and surprises coming your way in April.  While you can’t push the river, you can certainly establish some firm, new foundations over the coming weeks. Cultivate patience.

TAURUS

Early March brings deliciously sweet dreams, so do make the very most of it and enjoy beauty, art, food and love. Planets begin lining up in Aries on 6th March, when both Venus and Mercury enter the hidden house of your solar chart. Secret negotiations, clandestine romance, or tricky people who smile at you while working against your interests are all highlighted – with the days between 10th-14th looking very sensitive. Perhaps you’re trying to establish something of your own, but find the power plays or plans of others are distracting you? Perhaps you’re inclined to be seduced by someone you think is more creative, spiritual, or charismatic than you are? Just be wary, proceed with your usual aplomb, and wait and see what emerges towards the very end of March. Some very interesting opportunities are waiting for you in April, especially if your plans involve study, finding a new job, or making a proper romantic commitment.

 

GEMINI

It’s good to be aware that Mercury, your light-footed ruling planet, reverses on 23rd March and turns direct again on 15th April. So, as you probably know, communications, computers, and travel plans can get a bit tangled up during this phase – and in the days either side of those dates. Belt and braces plans will be needed.  It’s a perfect time to review things though, particularly creative projects, exercise regimes, and the ways you choose to communicate with everybody. There are lively, flirty social events to enjoy too – with invitations from colleagues, partners and friends encouraging you to get out and about. Meanwhile, the new Moon in Pisces on 17th March hints at fresh possibilities, or suggestions for new ways to earn some extra money. Try not to get carried away though, for there’ll be some sobering financial issues to negotiate. You may have wait before you get what you want, because, on the whole, others don’t think or act as speedily as you do. Eventually, and probably after 15th April, you shall prevail.

CANCER

It’s a lively month for your hopes, dreams, work, and connections with others. Look outwards is the general message, so try to resist getting bogged down in money worries or financial shenanigans. Of course your finances are important – and those eclipses in January and February will have highlighted that for many of you – but, but, but. There’s more to life, and if you can widen out your life in some way – socially, creatively, or spiritually – you’ll benefit in so many ways. And, you know, by wandering routes and mysterious paths, you’ll probably end up benefiting in terms of your cash and security too. Early March favours adventure and imagination, so if you want to expand your skills and knowledge, or find love, do respect those fleeting thoughts your subconscious throws at you and follow up a few leads. Later on there are likely to be a few unavoidable dramas or challenges with those close to you. A feisty full Moon in Libra on 31st March highlights home and family, bringing something to your attention, or marking the end of a phase. Don’t stress! You’re very well-equipped to deal with this.

LEO

Fiery Mars in Sagittarius brings curiosity and fun to your journeys and explorations until 17th March. Even short journeys can inspire or surprise. So learning more about the world around you, even if you’re stuck at home, can be very creative or even romantic this month. Unusual or unexpected encounters are set to shake up any dusty old ideas you might be hanging on to – particularly around mid-month, and at the end of March. Those Leo-Aquarius eclipses of January and February have – on many levels – highlighted your relationship with yourself, and with others. So you may be feeling a bit restless – in search of change, but not sure what form it might take. Nothing has to be decided straight away. Your optimism and openness are brightened by Venus and Mercury in Aries this month, and they make lively companions. If you want to write, or raise your profile in some way, it’s a helpful time to use original ways of promoting yourself and your skills. It’s also good to get involved with neighbourhood projects, get-togethers, or social events. Routines may be disrupted, but don’t you think that some new ones wouldn’t be such a bad idea?

VIRGO

Although there are many debates about your ruling planet, traditional astrology says Virgo is ruled by fleet-footed Mercury. So it’s worth noting that Mercury rewinds from 23rd March – 16th April. This flags up all the usual nonsense with travel plans, computers, communications and details, just in time for the Easter holiday weekend. Triple check plans, and keep your software up-to-date. Tedious? Yes, but it’s a great chance to pick over details of any shared financial arrangements, and is also a helpful moment to talk honestly to lovers and supporters about what you need, and what you think. A strong new Moon in Pisces rises on 17th March, which suggests that certain relationships at home or work could do with a bit of a spring clean. Are there any hidden resentments? Have you kept quiet about something difficult or hurtful? If you feel something like this is holding you back, you’re in a good place to clear up any misunderstandings. Why not open up the windows, and let in some fresh air?

LIBRA

People are out to charm and disarm you this spring. Well, some of the time anyway. So you could sit back now and then, and see what’s on offer instead of trying to be the captain of your personal ship all the time.  Relax, and you’ll discover unlikely champions, allies, inspirations and potential collaborators – particularly during the first two weeks of this month. You may not really relish surprises, yet making space for the unexpected offers you an intriguing perspective. Your home and family, or even your ancestors, want more of your attention as the weeks pass, with Mars moving into serious Capricorn until mid-May. So whether you’re digging into history, decorating, or planning on some zen de-cluttering of heart, mind, or wardrobe, you’ll have the grit and determination to see whatever it is through. Certainly, with a dynamic and uncompromising full Moon in Libra on 31st March, you’re approaching a pivotal moment. By the merry month of May, you’ll see why, and you’ll be smiling.

SCORPIO

Early March plays the same bewitching music you heard in late February. The dreamy mood favours love, creativity, playfulness and your relationships with any children in your life. Do enjoy it all, and take a break if you possibly can. The push to get on with things bubbles up, particularly once Mars (your traditional ruling planet) enters no-nonsense Capricorn on 17th March. If you need to promote yourself, get in touch with people, or communicate in any way then the next couple of months would be a positive moment for such projects. Jupiter reverses in Scorpio on 9th March until 10th July –  reminding you of past ideas or half-forgotten possibilities. If you think you may have missed out on something, this should help you see that you can pick up where you left off, or make a success out of something that seemed to fail before. Perhaps that’s a relationship, or perhaps it’s the search for some sort of personal best. Keep going, for what begins in a small, even plodding way this month can burst into colourful life by late April.

SAGITTARIUS

Little by little you’re shifting gear. All manner of realisations are surfacing since Saturn left Sagittarius, and you need time to process what’s going on. Early March is still dream-time, but you’ll probably notice a few hints about your career or where you’d like to be in your life – a movie could get you thinking, or a seemingly casual conversation sparks off a train of thought. And when Mars in your sign is all lit up by Uranus in fiery Aries between 6th – 12th, followed by a potent new Moon on 17th March you could be looking at a whole new vista. You may not be able to spend a lot of money in pursuit of your dreams, or your crush, but don’t let this put you off romance, or stretching your mind.  Using your amazing imagination will propel you further than you think. You’ll just have to find ways under, over, or around those rocks in your path. There’s plenty of time to tweak things, or experiment if you want to – Jupiter, your ruler, rewinds until 10th July, a helpful time to revise your plans. By November Jupiter enters Sagittarius, so right now you’re in a vital transition period. Why not make the most of it?

CAPRICORN

Relentless could be your middle name this spring. Why? Mars is in Capricorn for the first time since 2016, joining Saturn, your ruling planet, and powerful Pluto in your own sign. So you’ve got some serious planetary back-up, and will be in the right frame of mind to just keep on keeping on. Have you set your heart on anything? Good fortune and positive help flows from projects involving groups. Now those could range from your local market to a choir, a community campaign, or a class you attend. Others are one of the keys to your success and fulfilment, so take it easy. There’s no need to control everything – your charisma and energy will dazzle everyone. And what you’re aiming for now will gradually come together over the next couple of months. As a result, certain things will be left behind – as the full Moon on 31st March should reveal. For some of you, this could signpost a new home, fresh family routine, or even a new family member. For others it signals a new phase in your relationship. Just remember, you’ve got more oomph than you know, so tread softly.

AQUARIUS

A surprise or revelation is on its way. Mars in the sign of the traveller, Sagittarius, is eager to deliver some amazing news to you this month. For when Mars meets Uranus, your ruling planet, sparks fly – and both circumstances and attitudes are challenged. Your willingness to consider unusual ideas, or get to know edgy or eccentric people, opens the door to possibilities and questions now. So why not do some exploring, and check out your options? For some Aquarians, news and opportunities will link to foreign locations, or bring a chance to travel for work or study. For others, a long-distance friend or lover becomes more important in your life. Either way, past discussions about future plans can now be chewed over, refined, or even rejected. There’s much brewing behind the scenes, but by late May you’ll be in the mood to create change or take action. You can move forward at a measured pace, for once action planet Mars enters Aquarius on 16th May, you’ve got that dynamic energy on your side (with one short break) until November.

PISCES

A potent new Moon in Pisces rises on 17th March, meaning that you’ve got a kind of brand new year moment all over again. And energetic Mars is currently encouraging you to do something a bit different, particularly when it comes to your finances or even the way you earn a living. Admittedly, March begins in a bit of haze. Getting things straight with a partner or longstanding friend or associate will be almost impossible at that time. You’re better off focusing on your gorgeously creative, spiritual side for a while – and as you may have already noticed, that’s a vitally important theme this year. So whether you’re learning to play music, discovering meditation, or planning an adventure, you’ll find this more fulfilling than having some horribly familiar, confusing argument with someone close. Positive developments link with study, using your skills, and friendship – so don’t feel you must sacrifice everything you enjoy for the sake of just one other person. The bigger picture is just so much more beautiful.