Tonight – March 18, 2016 – the bright waxing gibbous moon shines in front of Cancer the Crab, the faintest constellation of the Zodiac. Although the moon pinpoints Cancer’s place in the sky on this night, the moonlit glare will make Cancer virtually impossible to see.
However, you shouldn’t have much trouble spotting the planet Jupiter as darkness falls. This dazzling world lights up the eastern sky at nightfall and early evening. Look closely and you might even see Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo, between the moon and Jupiter.
As the Earth spins beneath the heavens throughout the night, going from west to east, the moon, Regulus and Jupiter will appear to move westward across the sky. The moon and Cancer will set in the west in the wee hours before sunrise March 19.
Once the moon leaves the evening sky in late March, use the planet Jupiter and the star Regulus to star-hop to the constellation Cancer, as displayed on the sky chart above.
Bottom line: The bright waxing gibbous moon shines in front of Cancer the Crab, the faintest constellation of the Zodiac, on March 18, 2016.
Bruce McClure is the chief writer for the popular EarthSky Tonight pages. Since joining EarthSky in 2004, he has written thousands of astronomy articles, enjoyed here by millions. He also writes, gives planetarium shows and hosts a wide assortment of public astronomy programs in and around his home in upstate New York. If you ask an astronomy question on our site, it’s likely to be Bruce that answers it. His love for the heavens has taken him to Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, and he has sailed the North Atlantic, earning his celestial navigation certificate through the School of Ocean Sailing and Navigation. Bruce is also a sundial aficionado. He says his number one passion – besides his wife Alice – is stargazing.
Nine of Pentacles
Material wealth enjoyed alone. Knowledge of the workings of those things in your best interest. Love of home and garden.
Perthro
This may be a period of loneliness and stagnation you must fight through. This may not be a good time for you to take chances or indulge in any form of gambling.
The Bulla
You are distracted from this aspect by other areas of your life you feel are more pressing. This aspect is suffering from this lack of attention. You must ask yourself how much more you can let it suffer before you give it due attention.
Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.
Today’s Meaning:
There is a good vibration surrounding this aspect. It feels better than it has in quite some time. Maintain your faith in your deity of choice and this good vibration will remain. Waiver from your faith and this good vibration will dissipate.
General Description:
This Etruscan talisman – a tusk carved in basalt, and elaborately mounted in gold filigree work – was worn as a protector from danger and evil influences. The charm was supposed to attract good fortune and success. The Tusk represented one of the horns of the Crescent Moon, which was a symbol of the Egyptian goddess Isis, who, in the course of time, became the most universal and powerful of all the goddesses. The Etruscans, Greeks and romans had great faith in the reputed virtues of amulets, a belief which was greatly influenced by the Egyptians.
The Four Courses reading presents possible paths for the querent to take to reach a more complete state of being. While all paths may offer a degree of fulfillment, usually one will be more fruitful than the others. The trick of course, is to pick the one that will bring most beneficial results.
Your Current State
One/Four
Your spiritual and physical self may be out-of-balance at this time. While the journey may be arduous at times, the opportunity for you to bring these two important aspects of your being into a harmonious state is before you.
Northern Course
Five/Five
Your are in a place where can discover new aspects about you and the world you live in. Open up your spirit to new ways of seeing things and act based upon the new knowledge you will soon gain.
Eastern Course
Blank/Two
New friendships and opportunities will soon be yours. It is possible you will meet a new love, or the love you already have will deepen. However you must be open to change and have the courage to act.
Southern Course
Four/Six
Remember that you will reap what you sow. Do not allow yourself to become greedy or totally absorbed in yourself. To do so will leave you isolated and unhappy.
Western Course
Three/Three
That which has confused you will soon become clear. Your ability to think lucidly is at or near its zenith. Solutions to lingering problems will soon be obvious to you.
One/One
Now is the time for you to pursue new ventures. If you share your goals and ambitions with a partner, your partnership is extremely potent at the moment. Regardless of how wild some opportunities may seem, at least explore there potential before passing on them.
Your Ancient Symbol Cards for the Weekend of March 18th
The Lotus
The Lotus represents the spiritual self in its purest form. It reminds us that for most achieving a well developed spirituality is a journey which can be long and arduous. The spirit of the Lotus is not of our secular world, and the presence of The Lotus suggests that what is needed can be found by exploring your relationship with the Universe not as a physical entity pursuing material gain, but as a divine soul in need of celestial sustenance.
Chance
The Chance card denotes a period in which taking risks may produce positive results. This doesn’t mean head off to a casino with your life’s savings! What is suggested is that you should make gains by taking a well calculated risk. For the power of Chance to be fully realized it is essential that you pick your risk carefully, move forward with conviction, and above all else don’t get greedy!
The Believer represents Faith and the realization that you have an important place in the workings of the Universe. Although The Believer may not always understand why things are the way they are, they none-the-less feel an underlying cosmic rhythm which is moving events in a direction that is good. The Believer rejoices in their celestial role, because they realize their life has purpose on a grand scale.
As a daily card, The Believer denotes a time when you will benefit by embracing and exploring your place in the Universe. The Believer confirms that you have inherent value far beyond our secular existence; that you are an important part of the both the grandeur and the mystery of our Cosmos.
Meaning: The presence of the spear signifies arguments, negative events, and all manner of strife of an upsetting nature. However similar to the ‘Tower’ tarot card if next to a positive rune it could mean the end of an argument or quarrel. If with the rings it means the healing or renewal of a relationship. If there are military connections it could mean promotion. If illness is within the equation it means a speedy and successful recovery.
Art denotes balance and harmony. The forces behind Art are those that keep us from succumbing to temptation or over-indulgence; steer us away from developing unhealthy addictions or behaviors. The Art driven Spirit avoids extremes, spreads harmony and brings opposing sides together. They find a happy, healthy median between what they want and what they need. Art provides an environment in which most will thrive, and a haven where the injured may heal, reenergize. Through Art success and contentment are found by practicing self-restraint, and using balance to create your own “shelter from the storm.”.
The Hermit denotes a need to have some space between you and the everyday hustle and bustle of our busy world. The Hermit needs to retreat. Indeed, happiness for The Hermit requires seclusion, freedom from material wants, and time for intense introspection. The answers The Hermit needs cannot be found in our physical world. The truths he seeks are internal, spiritual, and the distraction of a well developed social life can only impede his quest for his personal truths. Still, although not anything remotely resembling extroversion, The Hermit does sometimes need to share time with others; so he can both learn and teach, guide and be guided. The Hermit’s time spent amongst people depletes his energy rapidly. To avoid mental and physical overload he has to retreat from social settings quickly.
Take extra time for reflection if possible today, dear Aries, as you’re approaching a new year and a Solar Return as well. This can be a good time for getting some closure or putting something to rest. You are moving a step closer to a more active phase in your life. You might share a secret with someone, or you could come to a new understanding about a relationship, particularly a past one. There can be an epiphany today, and a sense of healing. Breaking with the past in some symbolic or literal way can be appropriate now. This is a good day for working on creative projects and romantic prospects.
Taurus
Taurus
You are moving into a period of your year that will involve more down time, personal space, and time for reflection, dear Taurus, and for some of you, it can also be a period of letting go in preparation for new beginnings when the Sun enters your sign next month. Today, there can be experiences with friends that can involve new understanding. You may become more aware of where you stand and who is truly in your corner. Clear your mind as much as possible. If you are shutting the door on a plan, dream, or even a friendship, know that you will be opening another to a more authentic life.
Gemini
Gemini
Your humble confidence in the workplace, or in your interactions with authority figures, will take you places today, dear Gemini. You also have your finger on the pulse of future trends, and others tend to look to you as a leader – at the very least, competent. Letting go of a project that no longer works for you may not be easy, but it might be very wise. Many of you have been filled with ideas for future happiness. In the coming week, obstacles tend to lift, particularly those that are actually self-imposed limitations.
Cancer
Cancer
You can be filling with ideas for what you’d like to do, especially on a professional level, dear Cancer, and simply need the opportunity and the confidence to move forward. With the Sun and then Mercury about to enter your solar tenth house, a sector of your chart that rules professional matters, responsibilities, and reputation. Today, wise advice may be forthcoming, and some of it can be coming from within. Listen to your instincts. Mentally prepare for new beginnings.
Leo
Leo
You may have been itching to do something new or to begin a brand new project, dear Leo, but you haven’t quite had the time or energy to get going. These feelings are transforming, and in the coming week, your energy and confidence levels are set to rise. Today, identifying problem areas of your life comes intuitively, and letting go does as well. Listen to your instincts. Shortly after today ends is the astrological new year – a time for new beginnings, not just with projects but also with attitudes. It’s a great time to make a resolution. The Moon is in your sign all day, bringing emotions to the surface. You’re able to channel your feelings into productive projects.
Virgo
Virgo
Good feelings can come today from pinpointing problem areas in your life and managing them, dear Virgo. You can actually feel good about letting something go right now. Even though power seems to be in others’ hands these days, step by step, you are regaining control of your life. It’s a strong day for forgiveness, especially as it’s good for your own soul. You are learning that healing begins when you let go of resentment and anger, as these things involve others indirectly controlling your life. Clear your head today, as the astrological New Year – a time of new beginnings and fresh energy – begins shortly after this day ends.
Libra
Libra
You can be in a good frame of mind for setting goals and working towards them, dear Libra. You are coming across quietly but effectively today. Others may be appreciating you for your support, and it won’t hurt to emphasize it now. This is not a day for bold moves. Instead, it’s a day that favors taking things one step at a time. Go with the flow. If your intuition tells you to let something go, it’s probably right on. Prepare for the astrological new year that begins shortly after today ends by clearing your head and tuning out everyday noise.
Scorpio
Scorpio
Today, the Moon at the top of your chart keeps you in a goal-focused frame of mind, dear Scorpio. You may be wrapping up a creative project or even a romantic relationship now. Strong relationships advance to a higher level of understanding or turn over a new leaf. You are moving towards a more work-centered period, when routines and practical matters receive more of your focus and attention. Today is good for intuitively knowing which attitudes that need to go so that you can bring the best version of yourself into the astrological new year that begins shortly after today ends.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
The Moon transits your adventure sector all day, dear Sagittarius, encouraging you to think and feel in big, happy terms. You might enjoy making travel or educational plans. Shortly after today ends, the astrological new year begins, and new beginnings are in store in the coming weeks. You can be especially wise today about which attitudes and projects need to be set aside in order to go forward with as little emotional baggage as possible. A family member may be integral in pointing you in the right direction.
Capricorn
Capricorn
Life has been busier than usual lately, dear Capricorn, but this may have been due to some level of scattering of your energies. You are transitioning into a more comfortable phase, when familiarity tends to win over variety. Personal relationships begin to require a softer approach. Shortly after today ends is the beginning of the astrological year – a time for new beginnings. Today, consider carefully what, if anything, you’d like to begin. If it’s not an actual project, it can be an attitude that needs refreshing. There may be communication or news today that brings closure to a matter.
Aquarius
Aquarius
You’re transitioning into a busier, more engaging period, dear Aquarius, as the Sun moves into Aries and your communications sector tomorrow and Mercury will soon follow. The coming weeks are strong for new ideas and becoming caught up in new interests. If you’re anxious to move a new project forward, however, you may want to wait a little longer. In all likelihood, instinctively you know to wait, or circumstances are temporarily holding you back from moving forward. Today is good for intuitively knowing what has to go, and you have the wisdom to know that it’s good for you.
Pisces
Pisces
The Sun will leave your sign shortly into the day tomorrow, dear Pisces, when it enters your solar second house, signaling a building phase approaching. Today, you have quite a bit of charisma, although it’s of the quiet variety. This can be a good day for making a break from a bad habit or situation, and for thinking about new goals for the year ahead, particularly related to security and/or finances. Today is also good for dealing with details and tying up loose ends. You can be especially practical yet also progressive in your approach today – a great combination.
You are an extremely intuitive person who is sometimes hard to read–and hard to reach! You seem to need more quiet time for personal reflection than most. However, when you are with others you are sociable, interested, and lively. You relate well to people from all walks of life. You have a great need for stimulation and change in your daily routines.
Famous people born today: Edgar Cayce, Queen Latifah, John Updike, Vanessa Williams, Lily Collins.
Tomorrow, the Sun will enter your sign and the astrological new year begins, dear Aries, making today an important time for clearing your head and getting in touch with your true priorities. This way, you’re in a position to truly start fresh. Your ruler, Mars, is in your adventure sector these days, and this helps boost your energy (so does the Moon moving into Leo early today). You are set to turn a corner now in terms of energy and confidence. With Mars forming a minor challenging aspect to Uranus in your sign today, however, watch for a temper or rebellious feelings now that interferes with your goals. Restlessness can get in the way of taking advantage of the opportunities available to you.
Taurus
Taurus
Mars is currently transiting your solar eighth house, dear Taurus, and this can have the effect of animating your intimate world. This can be a time for getting into touch with some of your deeper or hidden desires. You might put a whole lot more energy into intimacy and self-understanding. You are more interested in making inner changes now, and this can be the result of conflicts at times. Today, Mars is challenged, and you may want to watch for impulsive moves or a tendency to follow whims that you might later regret. Early today, the Moon moves into your family sector, and this places further emphasis on your personal life and your emotions.
Gemini
Gemini
Mars in your solar seventh house these days, dear Gemini, enlivens your relationships with others, sometimes stimulating conflicts. Some of you could be rushing into a new relationship or partnership during this cycle. Today, there can be problems with restlessness as you may need a change of pace, particularly in your relationships with others. The trick today is to take it easy and focus on one thing at a time rather than a random approach. Ground yourself. Tomorrow, the Sun will enter the first sign of the zodiac and your social sector, beginning a brand-new cycle. Today, get into better touch with your desires and goals.
Cancer
Cancer
The Moon moves out of your sign early today, dear Cancer, and emotions tend to settle. You are looking for ways to get comfortable now. With Mars in your solar sixth house these days, however, you’re inclined to want to keep busy in order to make important improvements to your daily life. Today, Mars and Uranus clash, and this can stimulate restlessness if you don’t watch out. You may end up only spinning your wheels today if you allow yourself to become overwhelmed by things you want to accomplish. Look for ways to change the usual pace and enliven your day, but be sure to start with something useful and work yourself up.
Leo
Leo
With Mars supporting your sign these days, dear Leo, you’re more confident, involved, and spirited. Today, you may need a change of pace in order to feel these things more fully, or at least some goal to work towards so that you have a sense of purpose. If you’re not ready to set goals, you can still take advantage by pouring your energy into something creative, physical, or just for fun. Watch for impatience and hasty moves. The astrological new year begins tomorrow, and it makes sense to clear your head today in order to find your emotional center and begin the new cycle fresh.
Virgo
Virgo
The Moon moves into your privacy sector early today, dear Virgo, and this is a signal that you should consider ways to relax, rest, and focus on healing. Mars in your sector of home and family these days can point to a busy time for your domestic life, dear Virgo. At times, excess energy can lead to some level of chaos or turbulence in your personal life, and today, this is a little more likely with Mars in hard aspect to Uranus. You may have so much that you want to do that it’s difficult know where to begin. This energy can be channeled positively with some self-awareness. Try to tame restlessness by directing your energy into productive channels, such as redecorating, organizing your home, going on outings with family, or actively working on problem areas in your personal life.
Libra
Libra
You enter a brief but energizing cycle today that turns your attention to friends and happiness goals or dreams, dear Libra. Mars has been traveling through your communications sector recently, and will continue to influence this area of your solar chart for some time. This can be a busy, communicative time for you, and motivation to learn, connect, and pursue your mental interests is strong. However, today, impatience can be a problem if you feel others are not keeping your quick pace. People may not be on the same wavelength as you and this can produce some tension. A partner may be unreliable or off-putting, but if you aim to slow yourself down, you may be able to enjoy today’s more easygoing energies as well.
Scorpio
Scorpio
The Moon moves into your career and reputation sector early today, dear Scorpio, and this can turn your focus to what needs to get done – taking care of business fills an important need right now. Mars has been moving through your solar second house these days, and this influence stimulates your desire to improve your lot in life. At times, there can be agitation if you’re not getting what you want fast enough. Watch for impatience today, as it can only push you further from your goals – the old adage, “haste makes waste” seems to apply now.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius
Mars has been transiting your sign, dear Sagittarius, and will continue to do so for some time. This influence brings a lot of energy to your personality. You’ll get plenty of chances to assert yourself and seek out what you want from life with Mars boosting your personal energy, initiative, and drive. Angry feelings might also be stimulated during this cycle, and you might want to watch for overly hasty, impulsive, or impatient behavior, particularly when Mars is stressed as it is today. If you can manage to direct your energy productively, this can be a strong time for heartily pursuing your personal goals. Focusing on one thing at a time, and prioritizing, will serve you the best right now, as difficult as it may be today.
Capricorn
Capricorn
Tomorrow, the astrological new year begins, making today a good time for finding your emotional center. Resolutions for the year ahead might be made. Mars has been moving through your twelfth house these days and will continue to do so for some time, and this can point to some shifting and reorganizing of your goals and desires, perhaps questioning things before you gain clarity. You may find that you’re in need of more rest than usual, and more time to come to decisions. However, you should watch for impulsiveness that works against your best interests from time to time when Mars is challenged in this sector of your solar chart, as it is today. Aim to be self-aware.
Aquarius
Aquarius
Mars is currently transiting your solar eleventh house, dear Aquarius, and you have a stronger desire for freedom of action. Fortunately, there tends to be fewer limits and restrictions on you than usual. You can be especially motivated to pursue your goals and dreams in concrete ways. When Mars is challenged during this period, as it is today, there can be troubles with friends – those matters that have been brewing or held at bay now become pressing matters. Impatience can be a problem, and this is particularly so with your communications and transportation today. Also watch for a tendency to push your way out of situations too quickly, and to react rather than act mindfully. Otherwise, this can be a good day for connecting with others and feeling supported by a partner.
Pisces
Pisces
The Moon moves into your work and health sector early today, dear Pisces, and this puts a strong focus on the important details in your life. Of course, it may also prompt you to focus on the not-so-important little things in your life that are going wrong, so watch for this. Mars has been moving through your career and reputation sector these days, and will continue to do so for many more weeks to come, increasing your ambition. You’re more inclined to want to have things running your way, and this is a good thing unless you push this a little too far – a possibility today if you don’t watch for it.
Watch also for impulsive buying or business moves today, which may come from an authentic desire for change that should be acknowledged rather than allowed to rule your behavior.
If your birth chart combines energies from the dreamy, imaginative sign of Pisces and go-getter Aries, chances are you know what you want — and you want it now.
Those born on the Pisces-Aries cusp, which falls between about March 17 to March 23, are an intriguing mix of fiery impulsiveness and imaginative daydreaming, which is actually pretty excellent because it means they’re both dreamers AND doers.
A bit impatient and very direct, “Pisaries” peeps can sometimes rub others the wrong way by refusing to compromise. Why compromise when you are always right, they wonder? But at the same time this does make them great leaders.
Because they combine a certain fearlessness with compassion for others, these cuspers have a natural ability to push limits and bring others along with them toward success. It’s all about generating new ideas, working hard to put them in effect and then playing hard to reduce the stress.
If those born on this cusp can just work a little harder on their social skills and try to cultivate patience, their lives will be much easier. In fact, when they can balance the two sides of their personalities they work well together — Pisces can temper Aries hasty moves, while Aries can make Pisces’ dreams a reality.
Perthro
The Bulla
One/Four
Five/Five
Blank/Two
Four/Six
Three/Three
The Lotus represents the spiritual self in its purest form. It reminds us that for most achieving a well developed spirituality is a journey which can be long and arduous. The spirit of the Lotus is not of our secular world, and the presence of The Lotus suggests that what is needed can be found by exploring your relationship with the Universe not as a physical entity pursuing material gain, but as a divine soul in need of celestial sustenance.
The Chance card denotes a period in which taking risks may produce positive results. This doesn’t mean head off to a casino with your life’s savings! What is suggested is that you should make gains by taking a well calculated risk. For the power of Chance to be fully realized it is essential that you pick your risk carefully, move forward with conviction, and above all else don’t get greedy!
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