Mercury Retrogrades Until April 4

Now that we have passed the first week of Mercury retrograde, how are you all doing? Mercury retrogrades through the signs of Aries and Pisces during this 3-week period. The signs most affected, besides Aries and Pisces, will be the cardinal signs of Libra, Cancer and Capricorn and the mutable signs of Virgo, Sagittarius and Gemini. Compounding this year's Mercury retrograde is an ongoing Mars retrograde in Virgo until April 14. So Virgos (and the other mutable signs) are doubly affected. All of us will more likely experience slow downs, glitches or various communication misunderstandings during this period. However, it is good to remember that the real purpose for retrograde periods is so we can turn inward, re-evaluate and become more conscious about our intentions and actions in the world.

Already I have heard of two accidents that have occurred to a Virgo and a Gemini during this retrograde period. The Virgo woman fell down in her apartment and her right arm got pulled out of its socket. She has been laid up with her arm in a sling, unable to drive. The Gemini woman ate an egg that was too hot, and when it popped she got blisters on her lips. This was just before a major trip. These accidents both happened partly because these ladies were in a rush to do something. During this period, it is important to slow way down and only do one-half of your normal daily routine.

Slowing down is especially crucial when Mercury is in the most impatient sign of Aries from March 3-23. We have also seen acts of heroism and courage (Aries) too, such as the mother who protected her children from a tornado, but lost both her feet. A positive use of Mercury in Aries is trying out new ideas and non-risky activities. On March 24, Mercury enters Pisces until April 16, which is the sign of going with the flow and is more patient and laid back. This will be a good period for introspective inner work, such as meditation, visualization, journal writing, or just getting caught up with reading/research.

There is a very good article about Mercury Retrograde in Horoscope Magazine for March, entitled "Mercury Retrograde: Retreat or Rejuvenate," by Sister Ray. She says that some rules to follow during this period include: Reflect, Read, Refresh, Review, Redirect, Repair and Rejuvenate. Then she goes on to write about how each sign will respond to Mercury retrograde. In general, any activity that begins with the prefix "re" is considered a good one for this period. This would be a wonderful time for going to a retreat, where one can release, relax and renew. Often one can hear from old friends and partners during this period, or a past unresolved situation can resurface along with a new approach. Even a missing object can suddenly reappear during this time!

We only have 2 more weeks to go! Hang in there, slow down and redirect your energies to flow better. Happy Spring Equinox!

Dennis Kucinich Loses Re-election Bid on 3/6/12

Dennis Kucinich lost his re-election bid for another term in Congress after serving for six terms in his Ohio district. He was forced to run against another Democrat after his old district was re-sized due to redistricting. Unfortunately this process turned out to favor his competitor. It is tragic that we have lost his strong progressive voice standing up for our rights against corporate interests.

Dennis is a Libra Sun, with Aries rising and Moon in Pisces. This shows him to be very sensitive to equal rights for all, and often taking a feisty lone stand against more conservative forces in his own party. Transiting Pluto over his Capricorn MC at this time suggests that he can likely find another position that would give him an influential platform to express his ideas and work towards his ideals.

Dennis's progressed chart (Solar Arc) for his election bid, dated March 6, 2012, reveals the pattern that brought his defeat. His progressed Sun at 20 Sagittarius is making a mutable grand cross in his natal chart, which directly squared his Moon in Pisces, Uranus in Gemini and Part of Fortune in Virgo. Uranus is the planet of change and upheaval, which is likely to occur when triggered by a progressed or transiting planet. This pattern will be in effect over the next couple of years, making any other attempt to run in an election also likely to be unsuccessful.

However, I'm sure that Dennis will continue to make his voice heard. What new format could he take to promote his progressive ideas? His progressed Sun in the 9th house suggests he may travel widely, be involved with educational work or perhaps a nonprofit foundation. He will likely strive to be as independent as possible and may still be seen as a lone maverick who speaks the truth as he sees it.

What do others think is Dennis' greatest legacy? What should he do after his term ends?

Astrology Report for March 2012

Astrology Report for March By Dorene Carrel Astrology Report By Dorene is part of the monthly Planet Alert mailings. View email in webpage browser format March is featured by the New Moon and Uranus aligned with the Sun and Mercury. This can bring us flashes of insight throughout the month. Mid-March brings a grand earth trine between Pluto, Jupiter, Mars and Venus, which opens the way for us to receive opportunities and prosperity. Mercury turns retrograde in Aries on March 12. The Spring Equinox occurs on March 19, which ushers in the beginning of the astrological New Year. As March begins, we are still in the waxing phase of the February New Moon in Pisces, with its spiritual and idealistic overtones. In late February we entered the shadow phase of Mercury retrograde. As Mars is also still retrograde until April, it is timely to review our goals for the next two years and be more patient towards oneself and others. The first week of March may be a bit challenging for relationships. On March 3, the Sun in Pisces opposing Mars in Virgo tends to make cooperation difficult. On March 4, Venus in Aries opposing Saturn in Libra can lead to freedom/closeness dilemmas. Expressing one’s sincere intentions may restore clarity and balance. On March 5 Mercury conjuncts Uranus at 3 Aries, which is the first of three alignments due to Mercury’s retrograde motion. The next two weeks can be a very stimulating period, filled with new and unusual communications and experiences. It may also be a period of flux, with changing, erratic people, traffic or computer issues. With both Mercury and Mars retrograde, there are likely obstacles to action, so it is best to take a slower, more cautious approach. On March 8 the Full Moon occurs at 18 Virgo. In Virgo, we can strive to use analysis and discrimination to further reassess and refine our original ideas and visions (Pisces). The alignment with Mars in Virgo inspires us towards pragmatic and productive activities. This is a good time to bring current and ongoing projects to completion. The Sabian symbols for this degree speak to a transfer of power and knowledge and “the stimulation that comes from a group effort toward a spiritual goal.” Mercury turns retrograde on March 12 at 6 Aries 49, and will travel back into Pisces before turning direct on April 4. Taking the usual precautions with computers, travel and decision-making is advised. Mercury in Aries tends to act and communicate impulsively or willfully, which can lead to possible accidents or regretful verbal disputes. March 12-14 features a harmonious Grand Earth trine pattern with Pluto in Capricorn, Venus/Jupiter in Taurus and Mars in Virgo. This can be a very flowing and abundant period, filled with opportunities and favorable developments. If one has worked hard towards a financial or other tangible goal, the benefits are likely to arrive now (especially if you have planets in earth or water signs). The second Mercury/Uranus conjunction in Aries occurs on March 18, bringing further stimulating events and intuitive insights. Mercury in Aries continues to bring a faster life pace and quickening of events. The third Mercury/Uranus conjunction will occur on April 22 (Earth Day). The Spring Equinox occurs the next day, on March 19, which is a good time to set new intentions and resolutions. The New Moon occurs on March 22 at 2 Aries 22. Aries themes include pioneering and inspired actions, along with being energetic, courageous, competitive and independent. This is a favorable month to take a fresh new direction in an ongoing situation or project. This lunation is aligned with the Super Galactic Center, along with Mercury and Uranus, which can bring us important spiritual messages through our dreams and meditations. The Sabian symbol for this degree speaks to the power of our collective energies: “The sustaining power of the Whole, as the individual identifies himself with Its life.” Mercury re-enters Pisces on March 23, where it stays until April 17. This is a favorable period for meditation, visualization and further developing our intuitive guidance. However, be sure to double-check all outer communications. On March 24 the Sun conjuncts Uranus in Aries, which brings more unusual, new and unexpected events. Nervous tension can be present, along with a more independent detachment. On March 29, the Sun makes a challenging square to Pluto, which can bring out power struggles, willful or manipulative tendencies. The Mercury/Venus sextile in Pisces/Taurus on this same day reminds us that we can draw on our peaceful inner resolve to rise above any conflicts. In April Mercury and Mars turn direct, while Pluto turns retrograde. Have a wonderful Spring! * * * * * * * * Dorene Carrel is a professional astrologer with over thirty years of experience, offering birth chart, transits/progressions and relocation astrology readings. She is certified in Astrocartography. For more information, contact Dorene at dorenea5@yahoo.com. Paypal accepted. Donations also gratefully accepted. Send to P.O. Box 432, Seahurst, WA 98062. Check out my astrology blog at www.astroconnections.blogspot.com for ongoing astrological observations on current events, people, trends, etc. All references to Sabian symbols are from An Astrological Mandala: The Cycle of Transformation and Its 360 Symbolic Phases, by Dane Rudhyar. Join our mailing list: subscribe Share this email: Asklepius Light Center PO Box 69613 Seattle, Washington 98168 Add us to your address book view email in browser | unsubscribe | update your profile | forward to a friend You are receiving this email because of your request to receive the Planet Alert Newsletter. 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