March, 2016

Sea nettle, Monterey Bay Aquarium, California

Happy Birthday

Pisceans !!!

Ready for some fun?

Pisces

Discover where to place your energy and attention this birthday year for the optimum results!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Enter your name to win a free 15 minute

Solar Return

Reading

on MP3

How to Enter:

If your Sun sign is in Pisces, email me with your name and SOLAR RETURN in the subject line. If I draw your name out of the box, I'll email you with further details.

margaret@margaretsweet.com

Deadline

Mar 15

Thanks for participating and Good Luck!

February 26, 2016

Hello everyone:

Firstly, thanks to all of you who sent entries for my Oscar Competition - you can still send your entries, but the cut off is midnight tonight!

We're having warm weather in Arizona at present. It's a delight to be out taking short walks in the evening. I didn't realize just how much I missed seeing the stars. It truly gives life a whole different perspective for me. I've always loved the 'big' skies of the Southwest.

I hope you can join me
for a workshop in Sedona on Saturday, April 9:
Inspiration & Manifestation.
This lovely workshop space
is located at the foot of Thunder Mountain, in West Sedona.

Thanks so much for joining me for the March newsletter.

Getting ready for Spring

If Mars has been challenging your chart, over the last couple of months, you may feel like you have barely stopped going since the beginning of the New Year.

You just may need to slow down, rest up, before you make a plan for catching up with the details
of your life!

Checking in with our inner child and making sure she is well attended to and h-a-p-p-y, can place us on the path to feeling more ease, being at peace with ourselves and our lives, and on our way to rejuvenation.

Art by Karen Stephany Lopez, Mexico

Once the planet Mars has had time to settle into the sign of Sagittarius (March 5 - May 26), it's going to be time for some action.

The Knight of Wands in the Tarot, is a good image to work with when we're speaking about Mars in Sagittarius. Everything about this card indicates fun, travel, freedom, adventure, and the quest for new, exciting experiences.

You see this energy combination is all about playfulness, adventure, spontaneity, breaking
free of limiting habits and routines, opening ourselves to embrace the new with reckless abandon.

Are you ready for this? Since a lot of us have busy lives, it may be time to get the calendars out and schedule in some play dates, road trips, or whatever takes your fancy. You can fill in the details later...trust me...as this energy gets underway, you're spirit will be sending you intuitive messages, nudges, and if necessary, might even push you right out the door, so that you can feel the 'presence' of the outdoors, and discover what new experience is awaiting you.

Respond to every call that excites
your spirit.

- Rumi

Please join me for a workshop in Sedona

Inspiration & Manifestation

When:    Saturday, April 9

Time:      10:00 am - 1:15 pm

Where:    Sedona Zen Den,
                 West Sedona

Registration required

Please click on link below for further information

More information....

The Power and Myths

around Eclipses

Many ancient cultures, especially indigenous tribes, who were in close relationship to nature and natural cycles, set aside time for quiet introspection, when eclipses were taking place. It was not considered a time to put forth effort toward material gain, be physically active or begin a journey.

There are many traditions which go much further than this. They considered Solar and Lunar eclipses to carry much negative energy, and strongly suggested people should stay indoors, so they would not be exposed to the 'rays' of the eclipses, which were considered to be bad omens.

I think it's wise to pay attention to eclipses, for they are extremely powerful. Whether we opt for it or not, our auras are automatically opened to much subtler universal energies, hence we are just not
in our physical bodies and maneuvering our environments in the same way when eclipses are taking place. It's also important to be aware of which planets are interacting with eclipses, both in our natal charts and in the heavens. The nature of those planets can give us insight as to the area of life where energy 'trigger points' are likely to occur, sometimes creating a feeling of instability and volatility.

Let's look at a few of the potentially challenging eclipses of 2016:

March 8: Solar Eclipse - 18 deg. Pisces

This eclipse takes place at the end of a week long Saturn-Sun-Neptune T-square, so we may come toward this eclipse somewhat 'world weary' from expending extra effort in the material world (Saturn-Sun square) and temporarily feel disconnected from ourselves and our purpose (Neptune-Sun opposition).

This solar eclipse in Pisces is conjunct Ceres (Mother Earth), so giving thanks for our food and that which we take from the Earth is an especially auspicious practice. Meditation, chanting and other such spiritual practices are particularly powerful when an eclipse is in the sign of Pisces. Putting aside that which requires strenuous activity, or running around unnecessarily, depleting our energy reserves, is a good thing to avoid.

March 23: Lunar Eclipse - 3 deg. Libra

Taking place in the relationship sign of Libra, and followed by a T-square configuration on Friday, March 25 with Venus (ruler of Libra) in square to Jupiter and Saturn, can present challenges with regard to one's own self-esteem, and sense of financial security. In personal relationships it is wise to avoid conversations about power, money and children until the weekend (March 26/27).

.

September 1: Solar Eclipse - 9 deg. Virgo

This eclipse takes place just after Mercury has gone retrograde (Virgo) AND it creates a challenging T-square as follows: Both the New Moon and Sun in Virgo oppose Neptune in Pisces and square Saturn in Sagittarius - Sept 1 and 2. The Moon squares Mars in Sagittarius, late morning. of the 1st. Retrograde Mercury conjuncts Jupiter, morning of the 2nd.

So what do we have here? With this much astrological activity taking place, travel can be fraught with unexpected challenges, and when all is said and done, extra social activity can take a lot of effort and energy. Overextending our energy toward outward activities can increase a feeling of tiredness and irritability.

September 16: Lunar Eclipse (Harvest Moon), at 24 deg. Pisces

This eclipse falls in between a challenging Saturn aspect, Neptune-Moon conjunction, Moon-Mars square, and action packed Mars/Uranus trine. Moon-Saturn square and Neptune-Moon conjunction takes place on the 15th, Moon-Mars square on the 16th, and a positive Mars-Uranus trine on the 17th.

No matter which way you cut the cards, this eclipse carries magnified, action oriented aspects. On one hand, this can make it feel quite exciting, because it's like riding the crest of a wave, but it also carries a higher risk for accidents. The idea is to pay attention to what is taking place around you and be willing to slow down and get grounded!

International Women's Day

March 8, 2016

Let it rip, girls!

Winner of February Solar Return reading:

Deb Polumbo, Spring Hill, Tennessee

Thanks to everyone who entered!

If you have a Pisces Sun sign, you can enter for this month's drawing. Details are in left hand column of newsletter.

Astro Tips

Artwork by Rita Lloyd
www.nurturingart.com

Note: All times given below are PST

We enter into the month of March on a Saturn-Sun-Neptune T-square, which is in place for the first week, and exact on March 5. This is often referred to as the 'chop wood, carry water' influence, in that it seems to require additional effort to keep all the balls up in the air, to maintain a good state of mind, and to feel 'connected' with ourselves and our purpose.

Mar 1: Not a good idea to skip breakfast this morning. In fact, you may find yourself opting for a pick-me-up of your of choice (coffee or a brisk walk) to overcome a brief mid morning energy lull.

(Sagittarius Moon squares Neptune in Pisces, exact at 10:45 am)

Mar 2: Today, the Sagittarius Moon has like minded playmates. Tap into the creative, innovative cosmic flow and reach out to interact with others.

(Leo Moon trines Uranus in Aries)

Mar 4: There's a potpourri of influences today. Just when we're beginning to feel the stability of a Capricorn Moon, it starts to dance all over the place, bumping into this planet and that planet, temporarily throwing us off course. However, things are upright, by lunch time. The evening brings forth an 'erratic' communication influence, not conducive for heart to heart conversations, or diving into technical work on the computer.
(Moon conjuncts Pluto (Capricorn) at 9:15 am and squares Uranus at Noon. Moon trines Jupiter (Virgo) at 12:30 pm; Mercury (Aquarius) squares Mars (Scorpio), exact at 9:45 pm, but may be felt from earlier in the evening)

Mar 5: It may be a good idea to choose low key activity today, as the influence of the Sun-Saturn square (Sun in Pisces - Saturn in Pisces) can be felt all day today, though it's not 'exact' until 10:00 pm.

Mar 7: Short lived frustration-impatience can zoom into focus around lunch time today. In the evening, there's a 'dreamy' influence, suited to day dreaming, artistic pursuits, listening to soulful music or being involved in spiritually oriented activities.

Lord Shiva (Lord of Yoga) is honored on this day in a celebration known as Mahashivaratri. It is said that the repetition of Shiva mantras are especially powerful on this day and convey many blessings.

(Pisces Moon squares Mars (Sagittarius), exact at 12:15 pm; Moon conjuncts Mercury (Pisces), exact at 6:30 pm)

Mar 8: Solar Eclipse in Pisces. See article about Eclipses.

Mar 9: All systems go..when this energetic combo is in place, early afternoon.
(Aries Moon trines Mars (Sagittarius), at 1:45 pm)

Mar 10: Steady focus from an early afternoon influence, is soon replaced by more erratic energies, which can contribute to feeling rushed and angered. Not a good idea to push the river. If what you're focusing your attention on isn't working out well, come back later to try again. Pay close attention to driving in early evening. As we're headed off to bed, in comes the perfect aspect for good dreaming - but not for late night techies!
(Aries Moon trines Saturn (Sag) at 1:30 pm. A T-square configuration comes together when Aries Moon squares Pluto (Capricorn) at 3:00 pm and conjuncts Uranus, exact at 5:45 pm; Mercury-Neptune conjunction, exact at 10:00 pm)

Mar 12: Take advantage of the flowing, artsy energies supported by a relaxing Taurus Moon.
(Moon sextile Neptune/ Mercury (Pisces), 4:00 - 8:00 am; Moon trines Pluto (Capricorn) at 3:45 pm and trines Jupiter (Virgo) at 4:40 pm)

Mar 13: Figuring out what we want to do this evening may be the biggest dilemma of our day. Mental energy tend to be changeable and non-committal.
(Gemini Moon squares Venus (Pisces) at 5:15 pm and opposes Mars (Sagittarius), at 6:45 pm)

Mar 14: Changeable mental energies are in place throughout the day and into early evening. This is not a good day to give talks/presentations, sign important documents/agreements, get on the phone with your utility company or financial institution, or be involved in extensive projects using technology.
(Gemini Moon squares Neptune (Pisces) at 7:00 am; Mercury in Pisces squares Saturn, exact at 12:30 pm. Venus in Pisces squares Mars (Sagittarius) at 1:45 pm. T-square forms in the early evening, as Gemini Moon squares Mercury (Pisces) at 6:45 pm and squares Jupiter (Virgo) at 7:45 pm).

Mar 15: Oops...one more 'mercurial' aspect lagging behind after yesterdays catch, may find us lingering in bed a little longer.
(Mercury (Pisces) opposes Jupiter (Virgo), at 2:45 am)

Mar 16: Waking up to a homely Cancer Moon, doesn't go well with rushing out the door on an empty tummy. We're more in the mood for preparing our favorite comfort food for breakfast. While we may feel a little vulnerable and even spacey around lunch time, this is quickly followed by an influence which is good for focus, artistic refinement and productivity.
(Cancer Moon trines Venus (Pisces) at 2:45 am and trines Neptune (Pisces) at 12:15 pm; Jupiter (Virgo) trines Pluto (Capricorn), exact at 1:30 pm)

Mar 17: We can feel pressured by time this morning, but if we can factor in some 'reflection' time, things flow better.
(Cancer Moon opposes Pluto (Capricorn) at 1:00 am and squares Uranus (Aries) at 4:30 am; Moon trines Mercury (Pisces) at 9:15 am)

Mar 18: Hallelujah - we're energized and ready to hit the road this morning (though we may opt to take the long, scenic route to work.
(Leo Moon trines Mars (Sagittarius) at 8:45 am)

Mar 19: Focused productive energy this morning lends itself to getting chores out of the way. Come early afternoon, we're ready to pick up the pace and go have some fun.
(Leo Moon trines Saturn (Sag) at 8:00 am. Moon trines Uranus (Aries), exact at 1:45 pm)

Mar 20: The Spirit moves us this morning. This energy is best experienced by turning within to connect with the inner realms. Evening influence can create mental restlessness.
(Venus-Neptune conjunction in Pisces, exact at 10:45 am; Virgo Moon squares Mars (Sagittarius) at 8:15 pm)

Mar 21:   There's some carry over from yesterday's 'dreamy' influences. Getting into the body could take a little extra time this morning. Evening influences lend themselves to touching base with ourselves and then doing some preparation for our day tomorrow.
(Virgo Moon opposes Neptune-Venus conjunction in Pisces, at 7:00 - 9:15 am; Moon squares Saturn (Sagittarius) at 7:00 pm, conjuncts Jupiter at 7:30 pm and trines Pluto (Capricorn) at 9:00 pm)

Mar 23:
Lunar Eclipse in Libra. See article about eclipses.

Mar 24: It may take some time today to find our own rhythm. We can be dealing with irritability, especially in our interaction with others. Mid afternoon influence getting everything flowing nicely and moving forward.

(Libra Moon squares Pluto (Capricorn) at 9:30 am, and opposes Uranus (Aries) at 2:00 pm. Mercury (Aries) trines Mars (Sagittarius), exact at 3:45 pm)

Mar 25: Figuring out what we really want today is key. We can feel out of sorts, just not finding our reference point for the day, or the recipe for happiness and contentment.

(Venus (Pisces) is in a challenging T-square configuration, as it opposes Jupiter (Virgo), exact at 5:00 am and squares Saturn (Sagittarius), exact at 10:00 am)

Mar 26: We come out of yesterday's 'haze' and start the day on an energetic, focused influence. There are several positive influences which unfold during the course of the day.

(Aries Sun trines Mars (Sagittarius), exact at 3:30 am; Venus (Pisces) sextiles Pluto (Capricorn), exact at 4:15 am; Scorpio Moon trines Neptune at 8:30 am, sextiles Jupiter (Virgo) at 7:30 pm)

Mar 28: We seek physical activity today, feel the desire to get our ducks in a row, but want to avoid details. The evening brings relaxation.
(Moon-Mars conjunction in Sagittarius, at 1:15 pm. Moon trines Sun (Aries), at 5:15 pm and Moon squares Neptune (Pisces) at 8:45 pm)

Mar 29: Sagittarius Moon takes us for a bit of a ride, as it expands and contracts, depending on which planets it interacts with. At the end of the day, balance is sought between what we create in our minds, and the focus required to make an action plan, to manifest.
(Sagittarius Moon trines Mercury (Aries) at 6:00 am, squares Jupiter (Virgo) at 7:00 am and conjuncts Saturn, at 8:15 am; Moon trines Uranus (Aries) at 3:00 pm, squares Neptune (Pisces) at 7:00 pm; Mercury (Aries) trines Saturn (Sagittarius), exact at 8:00 pm)

Mar 30: It's important to be objective in our thinking this morning, to avoid slipping into negative thinking.
(Mercury (Aries) squares Pluto (Capricorn), exact at 7:45 am)

Mar 31: Lots of creative energy is available to us this afternoon and evening. This can be experienced in . exciting breakthroughs, practical solutions and a strong sense of empowerment.
(Mercury conjuncts Uranus in Aries, exact at 1:45 pm; Capricorn Moon trines Jupiter (Virgo) at 4:00 pm and Moon-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn, exact at 7:45 pm)

Please note: There will be a price increase in readings, effective April 1, 2016.

Thanks for checking in with the March newsletter.

I hope you have a great month.

much love,

Margaret

www.margaretsweet.com