Category: Aries

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Sun Enters Aries – The Equinox And The Beginning Of A New Astrological Year

On March 20th, 2019 the Sun enters Aries and we have the Northern Equinox.

Sun’s entrance in Aries – or Sun at 0° Aries – represents the beginning of a new astrological year. The Sun starts a new journey around the zodiac. No matter where you live on the Earth, the day is equal to the night.

Equinox (‘equi’-’nox’) literally means “equal night.” At the Spring Equinox, day and night are the same lengths.

The reason why the Equinoxes are so powerful is that they are the only times of the year when the day is equal to the night.

No matter where you live, you experience the exact same amount of light and darkness. The Sun and the Moon share the sky as equals.

And it is only when the day and the night are equal, it’s only when the sacred masculine (the Sun) and sacred feminine (the Moon) are in perfect balance, that life can emerge.

It’s this perfect equilibrium that allows new life to be created, that allows creation to set forth its marvels.

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Why The Spring Equinox Is The Beginning Of A New Astrological Year

What does the equinox mean from an astrological perspective? As you know, in a year we have 2 equinoxes and 2 solstices.

The equinoxes happen when the Sun is at 0° Aries and at 0° Libra. The solstices happen when the Sun is at 0° Cancer and at 0° Capricorn.

The 4 degrees mark the “cardinal cross” and represent the 4 points in the sky where the Sun changes direction (as seen from Earth).

 

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All these 4 points are extremely important, but 0° Aries is the most relevant from a “new beginning” perspective because this is when the Sun rises North of the equator (and North = ascension, initiation).

No matter where you live on Earth (in the US/Northern Hemisphere or Australia or Southern Hemisphere), on March 20-21st, the Sun will rise North of the equator. By June 21st (when we have the Cancer solstice) the Sun will reach the Northeast point, and after June 21st, the Sun will start descending or start going South.

Because the Northern Equinox happens when the Sun starts its ascension, we consider the Northern/Aries equinox (March 20-March 21st) the beginning of a new Sun (yearly) cycle.

In many traditions, the time around the Spring/Northern equinox marks a new beginning. The Easter is in fact calculated based on the Equinox. The Easter takes place on the first Sunday (‘Sun’-day) after the first Full Moon after the Northern Equinox.

The Easter celebrates the resurrection of Christ (the cardinal cross) in the same way the Sun is ‘resurrected’ from the Southern descent and crosses the celestial equator going from South to North.

What To Expect From The Upcoming Northern Equinox On March 20th, 2019

In 2019, the equinox takes place on March 20th. That’s why March 20 will set the tone for the new astrological year.

If we look at what’s going on in the sky on March 20 (what transits we have) we will know what to expect in the upcoming 12 months.

This year, the equinox point is conjunct Chiron. This conjunction stands out because it is very tight. Chiron is a symbol of holistic healing. This means that 2019 will be the year of holistic healing.

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The term holistic or “wholistic” implies that there is an inherent fragmentation that keeps us broken. There wouldn’t be a need to “make whole” something that is already whole.

In Shamanic tradition, illness occurs when someone’s spirit is fragmented. The Shaman is a healer with special spiritual powers who is able to travel in between worlds. In Shamanic tradition, there are three worlds: the lower world, the middle world, and the upper world.

The Shaman is able to make the spirit whole again. In astrology, the Sun is a symbol for the Spirit (the divine spark of consciousness in the center of our being).

Because the spirit is broken into pieces, the person cannot function properly. This is when illness – physical, emotional, psychological or spiritual – occurs.

The Shaman will then go on a journey (in the lower world, middle world and the upper world) to find the broken pieces of the Spirit. Once the Shaman finds all the broken parts and brings them together into a whole, healing takes place.

Chiron is a symbol for the Shaman. Chiron orbits between Saturn (the lower world) and Uranus (where the upper world begins). That’s why Chiron in astrology represents the Shaman, or the ‘mediator’ between our animal side and our divine side. Chiron is half-horse (animal), half-God after all!

A Journey To Wholeness

The Northern Equinox conjunct Chiron means that at a collective and individual level, this year we will have the opportunity to restore our wholeness.

The journey won’t be easy. We will have to go down in the lower world and face what’s in there. We will have to open ourselves to the mysteries of the upper world, and embrace the unknown. Yes, the journey will not be easy, but it will be totally worth it. There is no greater gift than restoring one’s wholeness.

No matter what needs healing in your life, in the coming year you have the chance to finally restore your balance and become whole again.

This year you can become a Shaman or you can meet one. A literal Shaman or a teacher, a priest, a healer or a medicine man or woman. Chiron is also a symbol for mentors, so you can expect to find a mentor that will stir your life in the right direction.

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Venus Conjunct Sun – A New Venus Cycle, A Rebirth Of The Hearth

Venus will conjunct the Sun on March 25 at 4° Aries, marking the beginning of a new Venus cycle. A Venus cycle is about new beginnings in love, beauty, money, and personal values.

What is a Venus cycle? Just like the Moon,  Venus also goes through different phases, depending on her relative position to the Sun.

A conjunction of Venus to the Sun -when Venus is retrograde, is called an inferior conjunction and it is the  equivalent of a New Moon. But if a Moon cycle lasts for 29 days, a Venus cycle lasts 18 months, and a complete cycle (a series of 5 Venus cycles) lasts 8 years. Eight years ago, in March 2009, Venus and the Sun united at 7° Aries. What happened to you then?

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The pattern of Venus around the Earth draws a 5-petalled rose in the sky, as viewed from the Earth. Every 8 years, when the Earth and Venus “kiss”’ to form another petal, Venus comes back to the same position in the sky. The patterns of Venus are extremely beautiful – the heart and the rose,  revealing one more time what Venus stands fore: pure beauty and love.

This particular Venus cycle starts in Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, so expect a lot of new beginnings in love.

Set your heart free by Christian Schloe
Christian Schloe “Set your heart free”

Aries, or “The Fool” as depicted in the Major Arcana in the Tarot, represents the unlimited potential of life. His journey is unknown but he embraces it with innocence. Every day is an adventure and each moment is lived to the fullest.

Venus,  starting a new cycle in the first decan of Aries represents the innocence and the purity of our heart. We are now  ready to leave the past behind, and start over with a newfound confidence that will manifest over the next 8 years.

This transit of Venus reminds me of David Bowie’s song “Absolute beginners”:

“I’ve nothing much to offer

There’s nothing much to take

I’m an absolute beginner

I absolutely love you

If our love song

Could fly over mountains

Could laugh at the ocean

It’s absolutely true”

I “absolutely love” this aspect and I believe it is by far one of the most important aspects of the year. Not only Venus starts a new cycle, but the conjunction takes place just after the Equinox and just before the first New Moon of the astrological year (2 days later, on March 27th).

We have so much fresh energy in the skies that is impossible to stay still, we MUST go and pursue our heart’s desire.

Spiritually, this is the point at which we experience a metaphysical rebirth of the heart. All new phases (New Moon, new Venus) are “dark” because the planets are not visible in the night sky. The depth of the night, just like the depth of the sleep, is the best time to connect deeply with the essence of the planet.

Venus will be invisible in the sky until March 29th so in the coming days take the time to reflect what “Venus” means to you. What role does love play in your life? What about beauty? Personal values? What about money and resources?

In the next three weeks (until Venus turns direct) dare to ask yourself the right questions and ponder what really matters to you. More clarity about what this new cycle is about will come after the New Moon on March 27th  and two days later on March 29th when Venus will start to rise again, now as a morning star.

Venus’ direct station  on April 15th is a good time to take action on whatever has been the outcome of your reflection.

January 9th 2018 will mark the half-way point of Venus’ cycle, when Venus  – now direct – will conjoin the Sun at 19° in Capricorn.  This is just like a  “Full Moon phase” of Venus  – a culmination of what you started on March 25th.

The theme of this new Venus cycle is Passionate Love. Passion for your lover, for your career, for what you like, for who you are. It is a time to get in touch with yourself and literally go to the heart of the matter. Now is the time to tell the world “this is what I want, this is what makes me happy” and then go and get it.

Venus in Aries is in mutual reception with Mars in Taurus which means that the two lovers get the best out of each other. No more settling for what others expect out of you. No more waiting. You will all feel an urge, an “all or nothing” desire to honor your heart and let your true self emerge.

Marked by the new Venus cycle, 2017 will be the YEAR OF LOVE. Those of us with planets or angles around 4° in Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) will especially be blessed with love this year. For all of us this new solar cycle will bring something new in your life: romance, relationships, beauty, money and possessions, values.

Anything is possible now: a new love, a new source of income – let the door open and Venus will shower you with her gifts.

Whatever is coming up for you right now is coming up for a reason.

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Why The Spring Equinox Is The Start Of A New Astrological Year

Why is the Spring Equinox the Start of a New Astrological year?

The Spring Equinox is the time when the Sun enters the first sign of the zodiac, Aries. This event marks a change of seasons as well as the start of the Astrological New Year.

In fact in many cultures The Spring Equinox is celebrated as the start of a new year. Spring is the time of year when the cycle of life, death, and rebirth is complete.

As plants bloom and new life returns, the theme of resurrection is ever present.

For example, the Christian tradition of Easter is celebrated soon after the Sun moves into Aries.

Equinox literally means “equal night.” At the Spring Equinox, day and night are the same length.

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And although most of us have already written our New Year’s Resolutions early January, NOW is the best time to start something new.

Start Something New at the Spring Equinox

Aries (the first sign of the zodiac) definitely has the power to lead the way and is a powerful manifestor. That’s why Aries season is the best time for new beginnings, for expressing oneself and making bold moves.

Don’t throw away your resolutions. You wrote them just after the Winter Solstice, another important astrological date.

If the Winter Solstice (the period just after Christmas and beginning of January) is the best time to conceptualize things and aim high (like a Capricorn would do), the Spring Equinox and the start of a new Sun cycle is the best time to make these goals tangible and put them into action.

So if you haven’t done much about your New Year’s resolutions until now, no worries! The Spring Equinox is the time to bring them to the next level!

Let’s take some examples…

  • If early January you set the goal to find a new partner, the Spring Equinox is about starting dating
  • Did you set a goal to increase your income this year back in December? Now is the time to decide what are you going to do about it: ask for a raise, get another job or become self-employed
  • If your goal was to learn a new language, now is the time to enroll to a language class or download a language app and start practicing

The Importance of the Spring Equinox Across Cultures

The Sun’s journey throughout the course of the year signifies an universal journey, undertaken by people throughout the world, and throughout time.

If we look at history we find many examples about how important the Spring Equinox was in the ancient world.

Did you know that the Great Sphinx of Egypt and many other sites around the world were positioned facing the Rising Sun at the Spring Equinox?

These sites used to be power spots, meant to attune to the eternal, everflowing energy of the universe.

Ancient Celtic and Mediterranean people celebrated the Spring Equinox as a sacred marriage between God and Goddess, yin and yang, day and night.

Equinoxes – Perfect Equilibrium

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The reason why the Equinoxes are so powerful is that they are the only times of the year when the day is equal to the night, no matter where you are on Earth.

No matter where you are, you experience the exact same amount of light and darkness. The Sun and the Moon share the sky as equals.

And it is only when the day and the night are equal, when the sacred feminine and sacred masculine are in perfect balance, that life can emerge.

It’s this perfect equilibrium that allows the universe to manifest itself.

Make an Intention

Take your time now and put your attention on what you want to create. Take advantage of this natural life force that arises with the Spring Equinox and the start of the New Astrological Year. This is a chance to manifest your soul’s desires.

Your intentions are like seeds that if planted in fertile soil and taken care of, will grow over the next season, to bloom at the time of the Summer Solstice in June.

The harvest of the fruit will come at the Autumn Equinox in September when you will get the chance to ponder over what you’ve done  – and reap what you’ve sown.

And later in the dark of the winter months, you can finally take the time to reflect on what is really important for you and prepare yourself again for the Spring.

Spring Equinox  – Things To Do

  • Light red candles and speak aloud your intentions for the Astrological New Year
  • Do a brain dump: get all your goals and TO DOs out of your mind and onto paper
  • Prioritize: What is your Number 1 goal for this year? What action do you need to take NOW to get it started?
  • Start something completely new. Aries is all about beginner’s mind so try something you never considered before
  • Enroll in a gym, take up a sport or find something to do with your body. Aries is a highly active sign dominated by Mars
  • Plan a date with your partner or with your new romantic interest
  • Gather with your close friends around a fire to share stories, music and dance. Dance around the bonfire. Do a ritual to celebrate the symbolic rebirth of the world around you
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Mercury in Libra is opposite Uranus in Aries

Our thoughts, ideas and opinions will be a little bit “different”, if not unusual!, and our mind will shine brighter during this transit. Both Mercury and Uranus rule the intellect, with Uranus being the higher octave of Mercury. Uranus transforms the logical processes of Mercury into sudden shifts of awareness. Together, the two will look at mundane things from innovative, highly interesting perspectives.

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Image: Michael Cheval – Swing of Love

Speaking our mind, not matter what, will become more important than ever. The Mercury / Uranus aspect is found in the natal charts of Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, James Madison and other epic figures that have set the foundations of what we call now “freedom of speech”.

Mercury in opposition with Uranus will also manifest in some sort of “rebelling” on a mental level. We can get easily distracted and disconnected from activities that bore us, and let our mind instead take off to some more interesting places. And because Mercury is in Libra, these places will tend to be beautiful and have plenty of socializing opportunities.

Things to do during this transit:

  • Question anything that society says is “the way it is”. Or, how Buddha puts it: “Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.” Doubt everything, find your own light 😉
  • Write a blog / conduct a research / communicate about an idea that no one has explored before. Research studies such as “Couples who drink more red wine stay together longer and partners are less likely to develop dementia “ or “How chicken feathers can be used to determine the speed of a tornado” were probably conducted during a Mercury /Uranus transit 😉
  • If single, check some internet dating websites – Mercury is in the sign of partnerships and Uranus can make anything possible 😉