© 2016 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter March 2016
by Sally Shotwell
We are now in Pisces Season which means that Spring will arrive soon. This also indicates that it is time for us to tie up the loose ends which remain from the astrological year which is coming to a close. This water sign stresses sensitivity and tolerance so, hopefully, we employ these qualities with ourselves as we sort through our own issues.
Right now the Sun(our consciousness), inspirational Neptune and mental Mercury(beginning 3/5) are hanging out in the sign whose symbol depicts two fish swimming in opposite directions, in the depths of the ever-changing ocean, surrendering to the flow of the great unknown. This gives us a clue that we are encouraged to release our dependency on strictly rational thought. This can be scary but we're needing to turn to our feelings and instincts to be able to pick up the nuances of mysterious Neptune(ruler of Pisces) is sharing with us. To pick them up, we need to be quiet and pay attention to our inner voice.
Pisces and Neptune, as a team, are fully capable of guiding us into marvelous realms way beyond our ken but they can also conspire in misleading us through illusion and glamour. When we deal in ideals, we are frequently disappointed and feel we have been misled(propaganda anyone?). Our challenge is to remain functional in this world, free from the temptations of escapism, while embracing an expanded world-view, making room for the transcendent in our lives. Artistic and other types of creativity access energy which opens all types of doors to our potential. Sometimes this leads us to feeling ungrounded and confused.
To help us keep in mind the need to be aware of our fuzzy thinking as we experience reliable boundaries dissolve before our very eyes(through a fog), assertive Mars enters fiery, wise Sagittarius (March 5) somewhat shifting the focus from our inner realm to our outer obligations. The New Moon Solar Eclipse in Pisces March 8 further helps us hone in on what is of the most import to us as we forge ahead. Solar Eclipses happen during a New Moon, initiating changes arrived at by turning inward and sorting through our past in order to clear the decks for new projects.
Haven't we heard about this process ad nauseum?
Well, it's still important for our journey to self-empowerment and the mystical is now a strong component. The Sabian Symbol gives us a glimpse of this: "A master instructing his disciple; the transfer of power and knowledge which keeps the original and spiritual creative impulse of the cycle active and undeviated".
Are we allowing ourselves time to explore new avenues of thought?
Are we retiring to stillness on a regular basis?
March 12, the planet of personal love, Venus swims into Pisces adding an emphasis on our earthly relationships. This is a happy melding of Venus' devotion with the transpersonal inclusivness of Neptune's universal love, leading to expanding our horizons.
Do we nurture our heart-connections to allow for us to grow in mutual understanding?
Our active engagement in getting our act together pays off big time when we welcome the Vernal Equinox March 19. The Sun enters fiery, dynamic Aries ushering in the New Astrological Year, seen from ancient times to epitomize rebirth. The first day of Spring is equal in length between night and day and represented the reappearance of both spiritual and physical shoots of life. Gatherings were held to celebrate the resurrection of Persephone from the annual tenure in the Underworld. In modern times, it is the time the faithful around the world congregate to honor the resurrection of Jesus.
Three days later, March 23, we have the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse(culmination) in airy, harmony-loving Libra. The Symbol refers to the need of individuals to convene to share with each other their deepest longings to connect: "Around a campfire, a group of young people sit in spiritual communion; the necessity to unite with kindred spirits as one enters unbeaten paths illuminated by still-insecure light of a dawning intuition of new values".
How are we acknowledging this fertile time to initiate new beginnings?
This renewal requires increased energy to fuel our new ventures and March 21, communicative Mercury enters Aries to assist in this sign's message of change and progress, leading to inspiring new ideas. Fiery Mars, the planet that rules Aries is in equally hot Sagittarius, and the Sun, Saturn, Mercury and Uranus are also contributing their flames to the furnace. To temper this potentially volatile confab, we have lovely, airy Venus still hanging out in compassionate Pisces connecting with transformative Pluto in stabilizing, earthy Capricorn on March 29. Just to be on the safe side however, let's have our soothing music and Bach Flower remedies at the ready!
Blessings and Happy Spring!
Sally Shotwell is a life-long student of esoteric spirituality with a super-natural curiosity and an undying thirst for knowledge. Her focus on studies in Astrology have spanned decades, and have included studying with Mario C. Veo, John Joseph, Mark Husson and C. A. Brooks.
Mercury will go retrograde on Thursday, April 28 in the sign of Taurus and will not return to direct motion until Sunday, May 22. During the time while Mercury is retrograde we will have ample time to re-evaluate our attitudes and decisions about money and what we perceive to be of most value. 
