It's All Good Astrology News logo
Benjamin Bernstein & Spiritsong, holistic astrologersMarch 2008

From holistic astrologers
Benjamin Bernstein & Spiritsong


   828-658-9073 / 800-461-3569 (Benjamin) or 828-777-6688 (Spiritsong)
   www.ItsAllGoodAstrology.com
   benjamin@ItsAllGoodAstrology.com; mary@SpiritsongOasis.com
   Skype Names: benjamin.bernstein (Benjamin), mary.oshannon (Spiritsong)


Greetings!

Welcome to the March It's All Good Astrology News. As always, thanks so much for allowing us the privilege of sending it to you!

In this issue you can read Benjamin's March forecast and learn some powerful new variations on his "Divine Saturation" Snap Meditation. You can also dive into information on his new four-hour "Deep Immersion" mega-consultation, and get an update on his busy March schedule of radio and lecture appearances.

There's also new information on Benjamin's online mentoring class starting March 27 (mostly full, so don't delay if you're interested) and lots more!

Benjamin wrote all of this issue's articles, assisted by his left eye's new 20/20 vision from his Feb. 28 cataract surgery. (How many times can he sing, "I can see clearly now, the blur is gone" before it becomes annoying?)

Thanks again for choosing to receive the
It's All Good Astrology News,  . Enjoy the issue!
Four Radio & Lecture Appearances in March for Benjamin

My March schedule includes two "radio" appearances you can hear from anywhere, as well as lectures in Asheville and Raleigh, NC. You can get full details on all four appearances by clicking here, but here are the highlights. (All times are US Eastern time.)

AspireNow logoWed., Mar. 5, 9 pm: my third appearance on Scott Andrew's AspireNow show. We'll be discussing astrology and taking live callers. (The show is done live as a telephone conference call, after which the recording becomes available on the internet.)

WPVM logoTues., Mar. 11, 8 pm: I'll be the featured guest on Scott Sessoms' "Tuesday Night with the Lark" radio show. The astrology discussion can be heard in Asheville, NC at 103.5 FM, and will also be simulcast online at http://wpvm.org.

Grove logoWed., Mar. 19, 6 pm: Lecture at the Grove Apartments clubhouse, 600 Bulldog Dr in Asheville, NC. I'll speak on how anyone can benefit from astrology's insights, giving mini-interpretations of audience members' computer-projected charts. Free admission.

NTA logoThursday, Mar. 20, 7 pm: Lecture on "Light Speed Astrology: Diving into the Heart of the Chart" for the Network of Triangle Astrologers (NTA) at The Dancing Moon Books & Gifts, 1840 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC. Event info: www.ntastrology.org, 919-602-6507 or twilson851@aol.com. Venue info: www.dancingmoonraleigh.com, 919-833-8081. $5 suggested donation.
Spiritsong Now Co-Hosting This Week in Astrology Podcast
Spiritsong
Spiritsong is now officially the co-host, with Benjamin, of the This Week in Astrology podcast. Her promotion was an easy decision, since her appearances on the show consistently generated such enthusiastic and positive listener response!

The show's listenership continues to grow steadily, helping it to maintain the "#1 astrology podcast" ranking it has held on iTunes since late 2007.
Celestial Forecast for March 2008
Green Zodiac
 
by Benjamin Bernstein

Whatever your sun sign, this forecast will help you choose how to best use each month's astrological energies! Events are most powerful on the dates listed. However, their influence will be active for at least several days before and after. All dates and times are in the U.S. eastern time zone.

While everyone is affected by these global transits, you will be most powerfully impacted when moving planets activate natal planets and other sensitive points in your birth chart.

3/2. With Venus conjunct Chiron, this is a great tweak day for creativity and relationships. Giving or receiving mentoring is also supported.
          Creativity gets an additional boost from the Piscean Sun's quintile to Pluto. 

3/4. Mars executes his post-retrograde entry into Cancer today through May 9 (he was also in Cancer 9/29 thru 12/31), giving drive and energy to the maternal energies of nurturing and healing. One way to use it: pick up the phone and call your mother! 

3/5. Virgos rejoice! The two planets associated with your sign, Mercury and Chiron, conjoin today. This is a great energy for editing and refining, made even better by the intuitive flashes you can receive because of their placement in Aquarius. 

3/6. If someone challenges your self-esteem today, it may have been triggered by today's Venus-Ceres square. However, with the Sun-Jupiter sextile's sunny vibe, it probably won't bother you too much. In fact, you might be so enraptured by the bliss of divine union or the ecstasy of creative inspiration (VENUS CONJUNCT NEPTUNE) that any intended sleights might not even register! 

3/7. MARS-PLUTO OPPPOSITION. Mars and Pluto both rule Scorpio, which makes for a very intense vibe as they oppose each other today. This is one of astrology's most dangerous pairings, and when not managed well has been associated with volcanic outbursts of rage or violence. But you can do better, by using Pluto's power of transformation and Mars' initiation ability to start or revitalize something with a major kick-off punch!
          Synchronistically, this Mars-Pluto opposition comes on the same day as March's NEW MOON.
new moon (New Moons are, by their nature, good times to start something new.) At 18° Pisces, this New Moon's Sabian Symbol* is, "In a gigantic tent, villagers witness a spectacular performance." This certainly resonates with the power of Mars-Pluto, and makes this a wonderful energy under which to thrust yourself into the spotlight if you're so inclined! 

3/8. One of my favorite quotes from my astrology mentor, Kelly Lee Phipps, goes something like this: "God would rather see you fail at doing what you really came here to do than see you succeed at someone else's vision." Another great astrologer, Steven Forrest, said that part of Aquarius' job is to follow their unique path, even if it means disappointing those who love them. Think on that today as the Sun (core of self, vitality and sanity) conjuncts Uranus, the planet of marching to your own drummer. How have you compromised your core needs to please others, and how can you use the powerful energies currently in the air to step more fully onto your own true path? 

3/9. Mercury conjunct Neptune -- mind joins with Source. This is a great day to have your own "Conversations with God," particularly with relational Venus also so near. Divine inspiration should also be close at hand for your creative outpourings. Like all planets, Neptune also has a dark side -- delusion, fogginess, deception, and over-idealization -- so be especially careful that no one pulls the wool over your eyes! 

3/12. Venus enters Pisces today through 4/5, making it easier to enter into relationship with Spirit, be a more open creative channel, and dissolve the boundaries between you and others. This boundary-dissolving effect can make you unusually sensitive, so check out the naturally protective effects of my original Divine Saturation Snap Meditation if this becomes a problem.
          Venus' sign change also ends the recent dominance of Aquarian energy in the sky, with three planets each now in Aquarius and Pisces.

3/13. Wouldn't you know it -- Venus gets herself all sensitized by entering Pisces, then has to go and sextile Pluto! Actually, this is a wonderful energy for creating positive transformation in your relationships and creativity, and is also great for deep counseling work.

3/14. Need to get some work done today? You'll get some help from today's "Energizer Bunny" configuration of Mars sextile Saturn.
          Mercury also enters Pisces today through 4/2. Not only does this recreate the effects of the recent Mercury-Neptune conjunction (see 3/9), it puts four planets in Pisces -- Mercury, Venus, Uranus and the Sun. This PISCES STELLIUM (a stellium is three or more planets in the same sign) makes the Sign of the Fishes the strongest astrological energy in the sky through 4/2. 

3/15. A MYSTIC RECTANGLE, mystic rectangleMarch's most powerful aspect pattern, peaks today. This one includes five planets: Virgoan Saturn, Cancerian Mars and Capricornian Pluto each holding down a corner, while Piscean Mercury and Venus huddle up in theirs. Mystic Rectangles are known for ease and flow, since they contain two sextiles and two trines. But the two oppositions give you enough energy to get up and do something with it!
          As the name suggests, magical things often occur during this configuration, which lasts from the 10th thru the 18th. Given the planets and signs involved, creativity, relationships and communication are among the easiest areas for this special energy to bless. If you mindfully harnessed the powerful energies of initiation on 3/7, then this Mystic Rectangle could move those projects forward in wonderful ways. But remember that planetary alignments represent opportunities, not guarantees: the more you consciously partner with these archetypal forces, the better your results will be!
          Two aspects within the Mystic Rectangle also come exact today. The first is a Mercury-Pluto sextile, which supports powerful, no-nonsense communication that can lead to cathartic healing and transformation.
          The other, a VENUS-SATURN OPPOSITION, can challenge relationships to test their staying power, and can also temporarily restrict financial flow. However, since Saturn respects hard work, facing up to whatever weaknesses Saturn exposes in these areas can give you a more solid foundation for the future.

3/16. One of the trines in the Mystic Rectangle, between Venus and Mars, comes exact today. When the classic male and female planets connect so easily, it bodes well for relationships, sexuality and creative expression. (And will be particularly refreshing after yesterday's Venus-Saturn opposition!) 

3/17. Today's Mercury-Saturn opposition, yet another Mystic Rectangle component, is especially well set up for Mercury's preferred activities of writing, speaking and teaching. Mercury is especially receptive to divine inspiration in Pisces, and Saturn radiates discipline, structure and attention to detail due to its placement in Virgo. As long as you let the complete creative download come through before you go into tweak mode, this can be an excellent aspect for getting out the work! 

3/18. Mars, which trines Mercury today (the next-to-last Mystic Rectangle
foot in mouth component we'll be discussing), adds energy to yesterday's Mercury-Saturn opposition. Mercury-Mars aspects have also been known to promote "foot in mouth syndrome," so be sure to think before you speak!

3/20. Welcome back, Spring! Yes, today marks the SPRING EQUINOX as the sun enters Aries -- a great time for us humans to make new beginnings along with nature. Join some fellow revelers in a reawakening ceremony, and seriously consider a physical detox to flush out those accumulated winter toxins!
          The day is made even brighter by the magical and inspiring quintile between the Sun and Jupiter, the solar system's most expansive and inspiring planet.

3/21. What exquisite timing: the day after we enter the year's most powerful time for new beginnings, the Sun squares Pluto, the bringer of transformation! The square, which represents challenge for growth, can feel like an itch that needs to be scratched. So embrace whatever changes need to happen in your life now, especially since resisting them will only bring suffering!
          The timing gets even better when you factor in today's FULL
full moon MOON at 2° Libra. This is a great time to reevaluate relationships, creative expression, and the presence (or absence) of beauty, harmony and balance in your life. In addition, this Full Moon's Sabian Symbol is, "The transmutation of the fruits of past experiences into the seed-realizations of the forever creative spirit." Today's Sun-Pluto square definitely radiates "transmutation," reflecting on "past experiences" is an ideal Full Moon activity, and making adjustments to your ongoing goals definitely plants new seeds of realization. And "forever creative spirit" definitely betokens high-vibration energy!

3/22. A T-SQUARE peaks today, with the Sun's square to the Mars-Pluto opposition rekindling some of its waning energy. See the 3/7 entry for a refresher on this opposition, and use it on the high side while this T-square is active the 17th thru 25th.

3/23. High enthusiasm (Aries Sun) may hit some kind of roadblock today (quincunx to Saturn). Today's two other aspects (Pluto quintiling both Venus and Mercury) may give a clue on how to get around the obstruction: communicating harmoniously and fairly, but with great underlying power.

3/24. Mercury and Venus -- the final components of the Mystic Rectangle in this month's forecast -- are conjunct today in Pisces. You can use them for harmonious communication, creative writing, dialogue with Spirit, and/or visualizing business success.

3/25-26. Mercury and Venus quintile Ceres on these days. This is a great time to observe how your dominant thoughts affect both your relationships and your self-esteem.

3/27. MERCURY-URANUS CONJUNCTION. Mercury and Uranus have a special relationship: Mercury represents rational thinking, while Uranus throws the lightninglightning strikes bolts of sudden insight. They're conjunct in the spiritual sign of Pisces today, making it a great time to catch those intuitive flashes and see for yourself why they're so much more accurate than limited, labored left-brain logic!
          Jupiter expands and supports this merging with a sextile to Mercury, which is also good for sales and business activities.

3/28. Venus is right on Mercury's heels, establishing her own Uranus conjunction and Jupiter sextile today. This makes the time ripe for positive paradigm shifts in relationships and creativity.
          Today also marks the peak of a long JUPITER-URANUS SEXTILE, strongest 2/26 thru 6/22 (and returning for an encore throughout November). This aspect energizes the forces behind the Law of Attraction: Uranus is in Pisces (imagination, visualization), while Jupiter is in Capricorn (manifestation, making it real). Thus, this is a powerful time to be holding the vision of that which you desire while doing the physical work to make it happen. (And a good time to remember that worry is a sincere prayer for what you do not want!)
          Uranus' involvement is a reminder to not just program from your personality, but to actively listen for the intuitive flashes that will tell you what Spirit would like you to accomplish. Any Jupiter-Uranus aspect can help energize a revolution in your philosophy or spiritual path, and all the energies involved here can help you create a life a little bit more like heaven on earth.

3/29. Ceres enters Gemini today thru 6/10, combining the archetypes of value and information. Good ways to use this include learning more about finance and observing how a thing's perceived value can shift so much with a simple change of thought.

3/30. The Sun in Aries squares Mars today, broadcasting a strong dose of Pioneer/Warrior energy. With Mars in Cancer, be sure that your efforts to nurture or heal aren't so aggressive that they do more harm than good! It is, however, a powerful day for new beginnings as long as you keep your energy on the high side.


* Marc Edmund Jones created or discovered the Sabian Symbols with the assistance of the clairvoyant Elsie Wheeler in 1925, and in 1953 he published The Sabian Symbols In Astrology, a book that renders a specific symbol and interpretive character for each of the 360 degrees of the zodiac. These symbols have gained broad acknowledgment by way of their usage throughout the astrological world. (Footnote courtesy of wikipedia.org)

QUICK GLOSSARY OF ASTROLOGICAL ASPECTS

Conjunction. Two planets in the same place (0° apart). Union; merging.
Opposition. Two planets opposite each other (180º apart). Opposition; relationship.
Square. 90° angle.  Conflict; challenge for growth.
Trine. 120° angle. Easy, flowing connection.
Sextile. 60° angle. Flowing, high-energy connection.
Quincunx. 150° angle. Difficulty making connection; adjustment required.
Quintile. 72° angle. Inspiring, creative connection.
Biquintile.  144° angle. Like a quintile, but more subtle.

In Closing

Thanks for taking the time to read this, . Your comments are always welcome. May the stars light your way!

Be well,

Benjamin Bernstein & Spiritsong
Holistic Astrologers

It's All Good Astrology
"Take Charge of Your Destiny"

   828-658-9073 / 800-461-3569 (Benjamin) or 828-777-6688 (Spiritsong)
   www.ItsAllGoodAstrology.com
benjamin@ItsAllGoodAstrology.com; mary@SpiritsongOasis.com
   Skype Names: benjamin.bernstein (Benjamin), mary.oshannon (Spiritsong)

Benjamin & Spiritsong host the This Week in Astrology podcast -- the #1 astrology podcast on iTunes! Discover how you can make the best use of the current planetary energies while deepening your knowledge of astrology!

"Insightful and inspiring! The passion you have for astrology, combined with the thoughtful and compassionate way you share the information, is awesome. It's like therapy and career counseling and someone reading a blueprint of your life all at once!"  - Anna B, Weaverville, NC
In This Issue
>>>Four Radio & Lecture Appearances in March
>>>Spiritsong Now Co-Hosting Podcast
>>>Celestial Forecast for March 2008
>>>New "Deep Immersion" Consultation
>>>Online Mentoring Class Mostly Full!
>>>Variations on the Divine Saturation Snap Meditation
>>>Benjamin Published in Constellation Magazine
Deep Immersion image


Benjamin's New
Deep Immersion Consultation Dives Deep Into the Mystery...of You!


Designed for those who yearn to dive deep into the mystery of who they really are, this mega-consultation (four hours, divided into two or three sessions) begins with an in-depth exploration of each and every component of your birth chart. Knowledge is power, and the understanding you'll gain of your hard-wired talents, strengths and challenges can be profoundly empowering! This usually includes:

* Extra-thorough coverage of the "basics", including the multi-layered meanings of every planet, sign, house and important aspect in your natal chart,

* Special attention to the Nodes of the Moon (the "Destiny Axis"), which contain powerful insights into your lifetime's evolutionary journey, and

* The Sabian Symbol for each of your planets and power points, which can add surprising and helpful insights to your self-understanding.

We'll also scrutinize your "cosmic weather" during the next 12 months and beyond so that you can maximize windows of opportunity and be prepared for challenges. We'll cover this area in much greater detail than is possible during shorter consultations. This can include:

* A "grand overview" of the current and near-future energies impacting you,

* A month-by-month breakdown,

* How each New and Full Moon will specifically impact you, and how to best align yourself with the Lunar Cycle's power of initiation and reevaluation,

* More precise timing of important upcoming events, as revealed by the fast "trigger planets",

* How to sync up more consciously with your personal evolutionary journey, as shown by the slow but powerful movement of secondary progressions over your lifetime, and

* A 100-year overview of your life's most powerful opportunities for positive transformation, as stimulated by the transiting "gods of change" Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

Astrology has great power to aid you in your personal evolutionary journey, and the Deep Immersion Consultation allows you to gain an extraordinary amount of insight into yourself!
Four hours, divided into two or three sessions. $395.

For more information, or to schedule a Deep Immersion Consultation with Benjamin, call 828-658-9073 or 800-461-3569 toll-free or email info@ItsAllGoodAstrology.com.

Online Mentoring Class, Starting March 27, Mostly Full Aready!

headset ladySix of the 10 slots in my March 27 online mentoring class have been reserved as of 2/29, and I expect the class to fill up very soon. I encourage all those who are interested to enroll soon to insure your space!

This class will give participants an opportunity to significantly deepen their understanding of astrology in an intimate small-group setting. The investment for tuition is much less than the cost of my individual mentoring sessions, and participants won't even have to leave home!


Classes will focus on the areas where many astrology students tend to get stuck: how to blend natal planets, signs, houses and aspects into a clear, accurate and helpful interpretation. We will also frequently discuss how to most productively partner with the energies of the moving planets (transits, progressions and solar arcs).

Participation will be limited to 10 people at a time, and mentees must already have a good understanding of the planets, signs and houses. (Click here for information on two excellent books that will teach you the basics.)

Classes will be in a flexible Q&A format, with specific topics and chart examples contributed by the mentees. Benjamin will ensure that, over time, each student will have fair input into what the class covers. Since there is no specific syllabus, new students are welcome to join as space becomes available.

The audio portion of the class will be via Skype conference call, while the visuals will be displayed on a special website. The site will display my computer screen in real time so that participants will be able to see all the charts we're discussing (static and animated), as well other helpful images. (The Skype window will also carry my video image in real time.) No software purchases are required to participate; all students will need is a computer with a high-speed Internet connection, a PC headset, a free Skype account and an open browser. An audio MP3 of each class will be available to participants at no additional cost.


The class will be held weekly on Thursday nights from 8-10 p.m. US Eastern time starting March 27. Tuition for each month of classes, payable by verbally giving me your credit card information or by using our PayPal payment button, will be required in advance at the rate of $20 per two-hour class. I will keep a waiting list, and will open additional sections as needed to meet demand.

All students' tuition investments are protected by the It's All Good Astrology guarantee: if you do not find the classes to be genuinely helpful, you will receive a full refund of that month's tuition.
 
If you'd like to participate in the Thursday 8 p.m. class, or request a spot in a different future section that would fit your schedule better, please  call 828-658-9073 or 800-461-3569, or e-mail me at info@ItsAllGoodAstrology.com. I'm looking forward to an exciting, stimulating and enlightening series of classes!

Variations on the Divine Saturation Snap Meditation
aura image color-shifted

Bliss and energetic protection are the two benefits most commonly reported by those who have used my Divine Saturation Snap Meditation. It's a simple and surprisingly effective one-breath technique that I've shared with many of my astrology clients.

Since introducing it, I've created a number of variations on it to meet the needs of various clients. In this article, I'll be sharing the most universally helpful of these.

To begin, please read the article describing the original technique by clicking this link. Even if you've read it before. Go ahead, I'll wait.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Finished reading the original article? Really? No kidding, you really need to read it before going forward in order to understand what follows, so here's another chance. Go ahead, I'll wait again.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Okay, I'm going to trust that you've really truly done your homework, and we'll proceed with:

Variation One: The Energy Flush

1. Mentally scan your body and take note of any areas where the energy feels blocked. This can manifest in many ways, including pain, soreness, stiffness, heaviness, and numbness.

2. Choose a particular area to work on. This can be a physical location or an area of subtle energy, such as a chakra or acupuncture point.

3. Request or invoke the energy that will serve your highest need in this area. This phrasing is sufficient, since Spirit knows what you need better than you do!
        However, if you just can't resist being more specific, you can ask for a particular outcome such as pain relief or resumption of a strong, clear energy flow. If you do this, I strongly recommend that you end your request with the Universal Karma-Free Safety Clause: "This or something better now manifests for the highest need of all concerned." By doing this, if you're asking for something that does not actually serve your highest need, you're specifically telling Spirit not to give it to you.

4. Inhale the energy through the top of your head directly into the part of the body you're focusing on.

5. Hold your breath for a moment. Visualize the blocked energy being released. (I like to imagine the Scrubbing Bubbleanimated Scrubbing Bubbles, from the famous bathroom cleaner commercials, enthusiastically scouring away on my behalf.)

6. Exhale loudly and forcefully. Imagine the released dark energy being flushed out your hands and feet, and also being blown out with your breath.
        Note: You can exhale more quietly if necessary. But there's something so satisfying about a full-volume primal outbreath exhaled with full shamanic intensity!

Repeat Steps 4-6 as needed. 

Variation Two: Grounding Yourself

If you're feeling too spacey or "floaty," do the original technique, but with one key difference: start by asking Mother Earth to fill you with the energy of groundedness and stability. Then, instead of inhaling energy from Spirit down into your heart chakra, breathe grounding earth energy up through the soles of your feet into your root chakra at the base of your spine. (You can also try breathing earth energy up into the sexual, solar plexus and heart chakras.) Repeat until you feel firmly grounded, with your consciousness firmly anchored in your physical body.
        The optimal way to do this is with your naked feet on grass, dirt or rock. However, this is not necessary: with good concentration, you can get excellent results even if you're wearing four pairs of socks and insulated boots in a three-mile-high airplane! 

Variation Three: Balancing Between Heaven and Earth

This combines the original technique with variation two. On your first breath, use the original technique to inhale spiritual energy through the top of your head into your heart chakra. On the next breath, breathe grounding earth energy up through your feet into your root (or other lower) chakra. Continue alternating in this manner until you feel balanced between heaven and earth.
        Note: Strict alternation is not mandatory. Feel free to take as many breaths in a row from either direction as you like.

I hope that you find some or all of these variations helpful. Please feel free to share your personal stories about how any of these techniques have (or haven't) helped you.

I'd also love to hear about any helpful variations you've created on your own, the best of which I will share in one or more future articles. (You can, of course, choose whether to be credited as the variation's creator or remain anonymous.) Please e-mail your contributions to info@itsallgoodastrology.com. Thank you!
Benjamin Published in Constellation Magazine
 Pluto in Capricorn
I'm proud to announce that the online astrology magazine Constellation is featuring my "Pluto in Capricorn" article, which appeared in this newsletter in January, in their current (2/12) issue. The article, which forecasts major astrological trends through 2015, is lavishly illustrated, as is true of all their content. Constellation is definitely the most graphically stunning astrology magazine I've ever seen, and I highly recommend it to astrology lovers who want to make both sides of their brain happy!

Click here to go straight to my article. If you want to use any of the links in the article, though, click here for the less attractive but more functional version on our website -- as of Feb. 29, Constellation hadn't yet "linked up" the article.

Many thanks to Constellation's co-publisher Sherene Schostak for publishing the article!
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