March 2023 Astro-Highlights: The BIGGEST Planetary Shifts of the Year!

By the end of March, our lives are going to look VERY different than they do today!! DRAMATIC changes are on the way this month because of the biggest, most significant astrological shifts of 2023! Not only are the inner planets moving very QUICKLY this month, but TWO substantial outer planetary ingresses occur in March. Although the planets have been moving direct through February, March is, very literally, full speed ahead!

The month begins with Mercury moving into the sign of Pisces, where Mercurial things tend to get slowed down, and a little bit turned around! A BEAUTIFUL, supportive Full Moon follows this in Virgo that helps us to gently acclimate to the many changes that have occurred over the last few years! The Full Moon in Virgo occurs on the SAME DAY as Saturn enters Pisces, and it is at this time we will get a taste of what is to come throughout this 2.5-year transit!

Mid-month, Venus, and Mercury change signs again! Venus enters her home sign of Taurus, and while this would typically bring a welcome calm to Venusian matters, Venus will conjunct the North Node and Uranus in this sign, which is anything but calm! Mercury enters Aries, which will get us fired up to make crucial decisions!

During the final third of the month, the Sun shifts into the willful sign of Aries, marking the astrological New Year! This is followed up by TOTAL RESET, and a FIERY New Moon in Aries, where challenging new beginnings are afoot, whether we like it or not!

Late in the month, we have another major astrological shift! Pluto, the planet of death and rebirth, enters the enigmatic sign of Aquarius! Pluto's ingress into Aquarius lasts only three months before it moves back into Capricorn. However, it WILL undoubtedly be felt and give us an idea of what we can expect for the next 20 years!

The final significant shift of the month is Mars, moving into Cancer! While Mars typically spends six weeks in a sign, this shift is HUGE because, due to its retrograde cycle, Mars has been in Gemini for nearly 8 MONTHS!

Energy most positive for Sun/Moon/Rising in:  Aries, Libra

Energy most challenging for Sun/Moon Rising in:  Virgo, Pisces

Mixed energy for Sun/Moon/Rising in:  Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Aquarius, Capricorn

Maximum intensity for Sun/Moon Rising in:  Aries, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius, Pisces

Mercury Enters Pisces: March 2, 2023 

Full Moon at 16° Virgo: March 7th, 2023

Saturn Enters Pisces: March 7th, 2023 

Venus Enters Taurus: March 16th, 2023

Mercury Enters Aries: March 18th, 2023

Sun Enters Aries/Spring Equinox: March 20th, 2023

New Moon in Aries: March 21st, 2023

Pluto Enters Aquarius: March 23rd, 2023

Mars Enters Cancer: March 25th, 2023

Mercury Enters Pisces

Exact on March 2, 2023 at 3:52 pm MST

Active from March 2nd through March 18th, 2023

Mercury enters Pisces today, the sign of its detriment and its fall! Mercury represents how we communicate and take in information. In Pisces, these processes must operate under the non-linear energy of Pisces, which can lead to misunderstandings and confusion. Transit Mercury through Pisces can make communications a bit tricky to navigate because we may lack clarity in how we express ourselves or how we are taking information in.

However, this is an excellent energy for more creative or spiritual endeavors because Mercury, through Pisces, is highly imaginative and tends to pull ideas from the ethereal.

Mercury will make fairly positive aspects throughout its quick transit of Pisces, but be mindful of the days between  March 14^th-18th when Mercury and the Sun are conjunct Neptune in Pisces and squaring Mars in Gemini. Mercury squaring Mars is always tricky to navigate because of the increased chance of miscommunications and disputes. With Neptune in this mix making things even more confusing, it dramatically increases those chances.

Full Moon at 16° Virgo

Exact on March 7, 2023 at 5:40am MST

Most Active from March 2nd through March 12th, 2023

The Full Moon in Virgo happens within HOURS of Saturn moving into Pisces. The energies are not in close orb of each other, but because planetary ingresses are so prominent, Saturn's energy will be felt at this time. The Full Moon forms a beautiful, close trine to Uranus in Taurus, making this a time of intense compassion and practical, grounded integration of the changes we have been making. At the Full Moon in Virgo, many of us may find ourselves finally easing into the new life that is before us and inspired to take action upon how we can help others in the small ways available to us.

Uranus transiting Taurus has been shaking up all of our lives, creating instability in an area of life where we both need and want stability! It's Taurus, after all! However, this area can quickly become stagnant, dull, or even toxic and in desperate need of a change from time to time. When Uranus transits an area of our lives, we either make a change, or Uranus changes it for us!

Many fated changes were set in motion at the Total Lunar Eclipse in Taurus on November 8, 2022. Whether we have wanted change or not, we have had to deal with massive change and unpredictability in our worlds, either by our own making or by having changes forced upon us due to outside circumstances and events.

As we have moved through each subsequent Full Moon, Uranus has been activated differently, revealing what must be let go to integrate further the progress that Uranus represents. The Full Moon in Virgo is a much gentler revelation in that this Full Moon makes a beneficial trine.

Virgo is a practical sign of humility and service. The energy of this Full Moon trine to Uranus reveals how we can detach from our more selfish desires and begin offering up more of ourselves to help others during difficult times of transition. Instability and unexpected change can make us feel powerless and afraid, but the Virgo Full Moon may help us to see the little things we CAN do. 

The Full Moon is also beginning to square Mars in Gemini. The Moon square to Mars will always stir emotions in one way or another. Although this square may cause intense feelings, the intensity of our feelings will spur us into action.

Overall, the Full Moon in Virgo offers assistance, whether we are the ones that need the help or if we are the ones in the position to help others! Or both!

In what ways are you able to be of assistance to others at this time? Remember, with Virgo, no good deed is ever too small.

Saturn Enters Pisces

Exact on March 7, 2023 at 6:34 am MST

Active from March 2023 through February 2026

Today is one of the two BIGGEST astrological shifts of the YEAR–Saturn enters Pisces! This is a big change for Saturn as he is no longer strengthened by the energies of the two previous signs, Aquarius and Capricorn, where Saturn is at home.

Pisces is VERY strange waters for Saturn, indeed! Saturn, known as the Taskmaster, is highly connected to 3rd dimensional, real-world life experiences. Saturn wants order, rules, and convention. It establishes boundaries and regulations where it transits to keep things in check for the long haul.

However, there are NO BOUNDARIES in Pisces! In many ways, Pisces represents the exact OPPOSITE of what Saturn is trying to do. Pisces represents the infinite, otherwordly realms and unknown dimensions and is more concerned about our spiritual growth and expansion.

Saturn wants to hang on tightly and be in control, but Pisces energy is inclined to let go and allow things to happen. This will undoubtedly create fascinating and tricky dynamics for us in the coming 2.5 years. With Saturn in Pisces, there could be rules or regulations initially intended to be compassionate and kind. However, Saturn's urge to control can take things too far, and it is important to watch for how Saturnian authority figures extend their reach, making us feel restricted and unable to flow about our lives.

Globally, pay attention to all that Pisces represents. Water, oceans, gases, and even certain medicines could have strict regulations placed on them, all in the name of compassion. Whether they indeed are will be up to us to decide.

On a personal level, Saturn through Pisces could be a time when we will get more disciplined about our spiritual or creative practices. Saturn in Pisces will be strict but especially GOOD for people who have creative or spiritual aspirations. Saturn will help creative or spiritual people understand the business side of things, buckle down, and navigate the necessary channels to get things done correctly.

Pisces is also a sign of heightened emotional energy. Saturn in Pisces can bring about heavier emotional states or, for some, even suppress emotion altogether. Be sure to establish boundaries where they are needed and take care of your emotional energy through this transit. When times are tough, give yourself space and time to be alone, and remember that it's transient!

People with placements in the first 7 degrees of Pisces, Virgo, Gemini, or Sagittarius will likely feel this transit's most prominent personal impact in 2022. Look to the area of your life ruled by Pisces and know that it is time to get serious about the topics governed by this house. You can expect roadblocks, delays, and challenges here, but Saturn's transits are best if you work hard and keep in the forefront of your mind that you are building for the future.

Venus Enters Taurus

Exact March 16, 2023 at 4:34 pm MDT

Active from March 16th through April 11th, 2023

Venus moves into Taurus today, and the comforting energy of her home sign. While Venus in Taurus is a very sensual and indulgent energy, it also prefers commitment and longevity regarding relationships. In transit, this is an excellent energy for devoting energy to strengthening our financial security and the stability within our close relationships.

Venus transiting the sign of Taurus this year will, once again, activate the North Node and Uranus in this sign which changes the energy of Venus through Taurus significantly. With these activations, our relationships and/or our finances could receive shakeups that propel us in new and unexpected directions.

Venus will conjunct the North Node on March 20, which could mark a significant turn in direction concerning Venusian topics. It's important to remember that the North Node points our way forward, so while this transit could keep a little nerve-wracking change at this time, we will also find this change both alluring and exhilarating.

Venus transiting Uranus on March 30 is an energy of wanting more freedom regarding Venusian topics. We may want to break out of our routines and try something new with our partners during this time. This could also mark an unexpected opportunity to free ourselves financially and begin earning money through innovative or unusual sources.

Mercury Enters Aries

Exact on March 18, 2023 at 10:24 pm MDT

Active from March 18th through June 11th, 2023

Mercury enters Aries today and brings a sharp contrast to the energy of Mercury in Pisces! Mercury represents the energy of communication and how we take in information. In Aries, everything is FAST and excitable. We may find ourselves talking fast, working fast, and expecting everyone else to be fast too! This energy is mentally sharp and can be very sharp-tongued, so watch your words throughout this time!

The good news is that anything unclear or confusing while Mercury was in Pisces will likely become much more evident and finally get moving! Mercury will transit Jupiter on March 28 while in the sign of Aries. This transit will bring the element of optimism and luck to this already highly optimistic mental energy. We may find ourselves delivering or receiving important news that significantly shifts our outlook! Overall, Mercury's transit of Aries looks positive and is a nice reset to our mental state.

Sun Enters Aries/Spring Equinox

Exact on March 20, 2023 at 3:24 pm

Active from March 20 through April 20, 2023

Happy Aries Season and Happy Solar Return to the Aries readers out there! Aries season is a beautiful, symbolic time, marking the Spring Equinox in the northern hemisphere and the astrological new year! The Sun in Aries is exalted, which means the Sun loves to be in Aries! The Sun and the Mars-ruled sign of Aries are incredibly motivated and goal-oriented energies! This transit marks a time when we could feel inspired to begin something new, take on a leadership role, or be driven to prove ourselves in our lives ruled by Aries. The Sun in Aries is about newness, optimism, playfulness, leadership, and independence.

This Aries season looks positive, especially in April when the exalted Sun will conjunct Jupiter! These energies will likely be a time of intense enthusiasm, passion, optimism, and luck! Overall the Aries Sun is relatively unhindered by outer planetary influence, making this an exhilarating time when our energy levels are high, and we could make a lot of progress.

New Moon at 0° Aries

Exact on March 21, 2023 at 11:23 am MDT

Active from March 16th through March 26th, 2023

It's time to get fired up for the ULTIMATE new beginning! The New Moon in Aries is a total reset, especially in the area of our lives ruled by Aries! This New Moon occurs at 0 degrees Aries, the beginning of the Zodiac and makes POWERFUL connections to its ruler Mars!

The New Moon in Aries connects to Mars in Gemini by a close but out-of-sign square. This is emotionally charged and highly ambitious energy! However, with the power of the New Moon squaring Mars, we feel ready to take action born from INTENSE frustration or impatience. When Aries wants something, they wanted it five minutes ago! The Sun and Moon squaring Mars can be hot-tempered; this is when we may feel DONE with whatever is holding us back from what we want. 

Additionally, the New Moon is conjunct with Mercury, the messenger. Mercury's involvement at this New Moon adds to the element of potential disputes, disagreements, or harsh truths. We may need to deliver or be on the receiving end of frustrating news that does not land so well. Whatever is occurring in our lives now will reach its boiling point at the New Moon in Aries. This is when we may finally make changes or cuts that assist us in our new beginning.

The good news is that the New Moon is in a very close but out-of-sign sextile to Pluto at the last degree of Capricorn! This energy is POWERFUL! The sextile to Pluto indicates TRANSFORMATION, and while the square to Mars indicates taking decisive action that we may not enjoy, the sextile to Pluto indicates that it DOES lead to the ultimate new beginning we are seeking.

At the New Moon in Aries, something to remember is that whatever comes up is likely to have been boiling under the surface for some time. Be cautious with the Aries New Moon, especially how you communicate with others. Pause and reflect before saying or doing anything that will greatly impact your life down the road. While on the one hand, one of Aries' strengths is the accuracy of their initial impulses, and they are encouraged to act on them. On the other hand, Aries can be overly harsh, misfire, and end up burning the wrong bridge.

Overall, the New Moon in Aries is about what we WANT, 'me, myself, and I.' It's not about what we need or what someone else wants for us. It's about YOU and your desire alone. What does this mean for you? This is the kind of energy when we want to push through any obstacles to our desires and make them happen.

Pluto Enters Aquarius

Exact on March 23, 2023 at 6:13 am MDT

Active from March 2023 through June 2023 (full into Aquarius November 2024)

Pluto makes a massive change today as it leaves the sign of Capricorn, where it has been for the last 15 years, and dips its toes into the radical sign of Aquarius! Pluto is a long, slow transit, and over the next 20 years, life as we know it will not resemble what it is today, both personally and globally! In 2023, we will simply get a taste of Pluto in Aquarius, for it will only be in this sign for three months before it retrogrades back into Capricorn. Due to the slow movement of this outer planet and its long retrogrades,  Pluto will go back and forth between Aquarius and the end degrees of Capricorn before it fully enters Aquarius in November of 2024.

However, planetary ingresses are like huge energetic waves, and although this is a short stay for Pluto, it will still be felt. When any planet, especially the outer planets, shifts signs, it is often marked by a significant event or series of events that show us the themes we will be working with throughout the transit.

In order to understand the themes we will be working with, it may help to break down these energies separately and then put them together.

First is Pluto. Pluto is EXTREME. Pluto is the planet that brings death, destruction, fear, intensity, and power struggles. Pluto brings dramatic endings and new beginnings. Pluto seeks out the TRUTH; his transits can often reveal what is hidden or beneath the surface. Pluto is penetrating and deep, and the transits of Pluto often show us the areas of our lives that have grown toxic and need to be burned away to in order to regenerate.

Ultimately, Pluto is extreme in order to bring about TRANSFORMATION! Pluto is the metaphor for the caterpillar, first dissolving into the dark nothingness of the cocoon to emerge the beautiful butterfly. This is important to remember as we move through the coming years with Pluto in Aquarius. Something must die away before it can be reborn, and that process is often painful and can illicit fear.

Aquarius is the Zodiac sign of progress and people! Aquarius is the most revolutionary sign of the Zodiac, and it represents a collective power coming from the people versus a single person or entity in control over the people. Aquarius rules breakthroughs in science and technology. Aquarius represents space and extraterrestrials. Aquarius governs the fringes of society and what is strange and unusual about our lives. Aquarius is an energy that does things differently instead of conforming to any accepted norm. It's an enigmatic energy that cares for society as a whole, while also rembracing the unique individual.

Pluto's entrance to this sign will undoubtedly transform our society in the years to come in an extreme way. First and foremost, Pluto in Aquarius will likely stir the people to stand against tyranny of any kind. Oppressive structures of old no longer work for society and are likely to die away with Pluto in Aquarius. 

We will see amazing breakthroughs in science, technology, and space travel. We could find ourselves making contact with extraterrestrials or even find ourselves co-existing with them! Those on the fringes of society may become the so-called norm. Pluto in Aquarius could also bring about INTENSE cosmic downloads and extreme transformations of consciousness.

On a more personal level, look to the area of your life that Aquarius rules. Keep in mind that in any single lifetime, Pluto will not transit the entire birth chart. Consider the transits of Pluto to be significant transformations that are specific to you in this lifetime. The area of your chart ruled by Aquarius is likely a little bit unusual as it is. Despite being under construction over the last 2.5 years, with Saturn transiting here when Pluto enters, the REAL changes come! Pluto will bring anything that is not your TRUTH to an end so that you may start anew. However, if your foundations are solid and you are living your truth, Pluto will bring this area of life to a whole new level.

Mars Enters Cancer

Exact March 25, 2023 at 5:45 am MDT

Active from March 25th through May 20th, 2023

Mars enters Cancer today! The good news is that Mars FINALLY leaves Gemini! Mars has been in Gemini for nearly 8 MONTHS, and those with strong Gemini or mutable energy are likely happy to see it go! The bad news is that Cancer is the sign that malefic Mars is at its fall! Mars in Cancer is an intense and emotionally volatile energy, and this transit comes amidst a great deal of energetic change. In each of our lives, we could find ourselves riding many emotional waves throughout this time 

In their fall or detriment, planets are often highly misunderstood energies, Mars in Cancer included. Mars in Cancer puts the willful, ambitious, and forward-moving power of Mars in the side-stepping, moody sign Cancer, the sign ruled by the waxing and waning Moon. While Mars in Cancer can be all over the place emotionally, this is still an energy of motivation. This energy is motivated by family and by the security of that family. Think of Mars in Cancer as the Mother bear, calm and collected until something threatens what she cares about most. This type of emotional trigger motivates the Mars in Cancer people to act. These people tend to feel very deeply, but because this energy can often keep things in too long when they do take action, it often feels out of place or too severe for the situation.

On the plus side, this energy benefits those who channel their emotions into their work or something creative. This is an energy that can capture the feelings of others through art, music, or poetry.

Throughout this transit, it is an excellent time to pause and reflect on whatever is happening in our lives that may be causing such extreme feelings and emotional waves. Take time to nurture yourself and know that the waves will subside.