ASTROGRAM for March ~ April 2011

 by Barbara Ybarra

On March 13 the planet of upsets and surprises and technological wonders has moved into Aries once again.  The one and only Uranus, has returned from its retrograde journey into its prominent position in our sky.  Last summer, astrologers everywhere anticipated the formation of the "Cardinal Grand Cross" of planetary energies, and watched carefully as the build up of forces made their way to this point in time which is yet still the continuing build up into 2012.  We are on a journey indeed.  It is difficult for me to speak of small matters when there are so many great matters to speak of. Consider the unrest in the world and where it is going from here.  Consider the disaster in Japan.  The earth is changing.  It is not doomsday, but beginnings day, and there will be more earth changes coming which are all part of the process.  Our task is not so much to make practical arrangements (although I believe that is permitted) but to allow our hearts and our spirits to grow in understanding and grace.

Just recently the quirky little asteroid Chiron moved into Pisces, and many are talking about experiencing more compassion.  On April 5th the planet Neptune moves into Pisces as well.  Neptune is the ruler of that great Piscean energy.  That energy dissoves boundaries and lets us swim in the vast ocean of shared experience, shared emotion, both of suffering and joy.  See if this happens to you this next  month.  Watch for boundaries that are no longer needed.  Be the brave one to suggest that those boundaries be discarded.  Watch for fences tumbling down.  Let someone share an old hurt with you, and then together watch it float away and disappear.

Blessings to everyone at this Spring equinox.  We are planting important seeds.  Happy Solar Returns especially to those of you who are born between March 13 and March 29 because this next year will be one of great personal change for you.  Embrace it, and own it.

Mercury will go retrograde in motion on March 29, but already by March 17, on St Patrick's Day, it is time to take note of the finality of things that are said and done.  All of us may want to be observant of our words that are said out of frustration.  By the 29th we may have to begin to eat them if we haven't been framing them correctly.  Words used as ammunition are every bit as damaging as sticks and stones.   Let the newly-found compassion work its way all the way to the tongue, or just bite your words...you will thank me for it.  I'm going to try and take my own advice!   Mercury retrograde periods are also excellent times to rework something, including just organizing the garage, recycling old stuff that you no longer use (even better since it is Spring).  It will last until April 23rd, but better to start at it early.

Happy Equinox.  Celebrate the Full Moon on Saturday the 19th just before the equinox.  It seems like a Bilbo Baggins sort of day, full of excitement for a special journey.  Watch for ethereal beings that have come to help you on your journey.  With Uranus at the Aries point, their presence should be discernable.

Barbara 

Barbara Ybarra can be reached at 530-210-6292 or earthsigns@rocketmail.com.  

She is also on Facebook.