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Transits

March, 2008

ASTROLOGY.COM'S MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS

IN THIS ISSUE:

--Free Samples: Personal Astrology Profile, Compatibility and Conflict Reading, Your Life Cycle Reading
--Free Fun: Celebrity Birthday of the Month, StarStories, April Fool's Pranks by the Signs, Tax Time by the Signs, Sex & the City Quiz
** All about Aries
** Your Starcast for March 19 to April 18
** Astrolesson: Equinox and Solstice

When the Sun enters Aries you're likely to feel just like the Ram: Ready to charge out into the world! Since Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, it's time for you to make sure you're putting yourself first and considering your own needs. Put some 'spring' into your step as we move into the first day of the Sun in Aries and the Spring Equinox. There's magic in the air -- revel in it!

Remaining with the subject of you, isn't it time that you learned a bit more about what makes you tick? Your birth chart shows where all of the planets were at the time of your birth. Check out what those placements say about you in our free sample Personal Astrology Profile.

As important as it is to be strong in the center of your own solar system, in relationships those other people have needs that are likely to be very different than your own! Do you know how to stay in for the long haul or are you looking for the exit door at the first sign of trouble? Find out where you have compatibility with your mate as well as the areas of conflict. Check out a free sample Compatibility and Conflict reading and learn how to navigate the lows and highs of your relationship.

It's always good to get another point of view, as well as take a step back and look at the big picture in your life. Our free sample Chinese Life Cycle reading -- based on the ancient theories of Chinese astrology -- explores the five stages of your life: birth, youth, maturation, adulthood and retirement.

Born March 25, 1965, Sarah Jessica Parker is a perfect example of an adventurous Aries. She started early with the starring role of Broadway's Annie at only 13 years old, and is well known as Carrie Bradshaw of 'Sex and the City.' Happy birthday, Sarah! We hope your solar year brings you another hit -- in the movies perhaps? Find out about Sarah and other Hollywood hotties in our Celebrity Section. Then, get a different astrological take on other famous folks in StarStories!

Since April begins with April Fool's Day, we thought we'd give you some ideas! Bring a little chaos to your favorite Virgo's world -- or hide a Leo's mirror! So many ideas and so little time! Check out April Fool's Pranks by the Signs.

Once you finish with the pranks, it's time to get serious. Tax time arrives too early each year, doesn't it? Are you already organized with your books, or do you need to hunt down all of the scraps of paper and receipts? Every sign goes about filing taxes in their own unique way. See if what we say matches with your filing style in Tax Time by the Signs.

Enough of pranks and taxes -- back to 'Sex and the City'! Which of the four friends do you think are the most like you? Are you a sweet and demure Charlotte? Do you wish you had some of the sex-goddess glamour of Samantha? Take our Sex and the City Quiz: The Four Women, the Four Elements, and see which beauty parallels you perfectly!

Keep reading for your Starcast, which will take you through the month's astrological events, and prepare you for all the interesting pathways and byways ahead. And be sure to check out this month's Astrolesson: Equinoxes and Solstices -- and get ready to dive into Spring!

Happy Birthday to all you Aries! The world needs someone to lead the way -- and we're glad it's you! Let your favorite Rams know how much you appreciate them by sending a free astrological e-card!

** All about Aries

Aries was named after the Greek god of war, and its patron planet is Mars, his Roman counterpart. Astrologically speaking, the Red Planet has long been associated with 'red' qualities -- like assertiveness, aggression and passion. Needless to say, those of you born with the Sun in this hotheaded, temperamental sign are also passionate, impatient and perpetually predisposed to leap first and look later -- if at all. But don't let anyone convince you that any of those traits are liabilities. In the right hands, they're all assets.

That impetuousness is part of what makes an Aries such charming, exciting company. It's a sign that's always brave enough to try anything once -- at least once. Basically, if you're an Aries, you're the perfect playmate; if you're not, you've probably enjoyed good times with one! The impatience associated with the sign also fosters a straightforward trustworthiness. Aries are big fans of the 'cut to the chase' strategy, so anything that gets between point A (where they are) and point B (where they want to be) just won't do. That definitely includes lies and deceit. Who has time for all that? For the Ram, it's better to just say what's true and get it over with. Aries certainly aren't afraid to take responsibility for their actions. What's the worst that could happen?

For Mars's favorite sign, stress equals excitement, excitement equals adrenaline, and adrenaline is what makes it all worth it -- so getting involved with an Aries, even platonically, isn't a job for the faint of heart. Romantically speaking, anyone who decides to take on a Ram had better be a brave, spontaneous, unencumbered companion. But an Aries will also want a worthy opponent, someone who's not afraid to disagree with their partner -- or with the rest of the world, for that matter -- when the need arises. Aries folk are natural-born warriors who respect that quality in others. In short, anyone who's afraid (of anything) just won't do. An Aries's lucky partner will be rewarded with a life full of adventure, passion and surprises. To say that there will never be a dull moment when Aries is involved isn't even scraping the surface!

Learn more about always-active Aries, or explore any other sign at Sun Sign Central.

Not an Aries? Look beyond your Sun sign and find out where the Ram might appear in your own birth chart with a free sample Astro Identity Reading.

** Your Starcast for March 19 to April 18

Courage and pioneering instinct are a couple of the wonderful Aries traits that we all get to take advantage of as the Sun makes its yearly entrance into Aries on March 19. Then, take a deep breath as March 21 brings an unusually contentious full Moon in Libra. On the same day, the Sun squares Pluto, making it necessary to contend with a powerful person. Enjoy a breather from the intensity on March 28 as lovely Venus sextiles and conjuncts independent Uranus on the same day. Jupiter sextiles independent Uranus on the 28th, and your need for freedom will be extra important. When Mars squares the Sun on March 30, make sure you're not working against your own interests. While Pluto's retrograde on April 1 brings you into a review of your powerbase, Mercury and Venus entering the first sign of the zodiac on April 2 and April 5 respectively encourage that you try something new! Then on April 5, the new Moon in Aries underscores the message and it's time to take the initiative. The Sun in impulsive Aries squares Jupiter in ambitious Capricorn on April 10 followed on the 13th with the Sun sextile Neptune; Examine the workability of your projects while taking advantage of significant opportunities. In the middle of all this is a feisty T-square with Mercury square Mars on April 10 and square Jupiter on April 13. Make sure you don't over react to anything during this time! Thank goodness that on April 19 clear-thinking and stability reign with Mercury's entrance into Taurus. It's a perfect way to end this solar journey!

March 19: Sun enters Aries

Each year the Sun enters the first sign on the zodiac, marking the Spring Equinox for those of us above the equator, and the Fall Equinox for those below. Whichever side of the planet you're on, this is the time to embark upon a new journey. If you can draw on the courageous and pioneering attributes of this sign, you'll have everything you need for a stellar start!

March 21: Full Moon in Libra

A full Moon in Libra is normally a time to tune in to your relationship ideals and to mind the balance between yourself and others. However, this particular full Moon is quite contentious! A Grand Cross, a major aspect pattern that has four planets squaring each other, is prominent in this full Moon, making this a potent time for people to challenge each other. Warrior Mars and intense Pluto are weighing in now, so power struggles are inevitable. If you find yourself getting overly emotional, think twice before you do anything. Take a deep breath, take a cold shower and give yourself the time you need to act in a thoughtful and intelligent way.

This full Moon will most affect those born September 22-16, December 21-25, March 19-23 and June 21-25.

March 21: Sun square Pluto

No matter what you're initiating with the new energy of the Sun's transit through Aries, you'll need to contend with a dominating person who has his or her own agenda, and who demands that you make alterations to your own plans. It pays to listen carefully and to be mindful of other peoples' needs right now. You're also challenged to make sure you're empowering yourself, so don't be stubborn, but don't give away the store either! You'll know what you need to do if you think things through.

March 28: Venus sextile Jupiter

Ah, the good life! Go out to your favorite restaurant, attend your company party or get tickets for a fun event. Opportunities are everywhere to meet someone if you're single, or to rekindle the romance for those of you already in a committed relationship. Life is too short to miss a chance to have fun!

March 28: Venus conjunct Uranus

This is an electrifying, sparkly aspect. Be ready for an out-of-the-blue meeting with someone who captures your interest, or a huge desire to change things up in your relationships. Expect conversations exploring how close is too close, or how you can keep the excitement alive. Giving people breathing room helps to develop closeness. Ironic, isn't it?

March 28: Jupiter sextile Uranus

Jupiter, the planet of expansion, in achievement-oriented Capricorn forms a helpful aspect to Uranus, the planet of independence, making this a great time to assess your social life. Do you have enough interesting activities and know people who introduce you to new ideas? You're ready to build more experiences into your life that feel meaningful, exciting and motivating. This week, accept all social invitations. You never know who you'll meet!

March 30: Mars square Sun

Sometimes we do things that don't really fit who we are. When the planet of action, Mars, challenges what we've already set in motion, it's important to reconsider how you're going about your plans. A traditional phrase for this aspect is 'working at cross purposes.' So, before you take another step, make sure you're being helpful to yourself.

April 2: Pluto turns retrograde

Pay attention! This marks the first time that Pluto turns retrograde in Capricorn since entering this sign last January 25 and, as with any retrograde, it's time for a review. Think back to the beginning of February to get a sense of what you've been building into your life. Transforming and reforming are two key concepts of Pluto, while Capricorn is concerned with achievement. As the world is focused on rebuilding systems and infrastructure and how to make them more solid, tune in to what you can do to rehab your own life system.

April 2: Mercury enters Aries

When the planet of communication enters this pioneering yet impulsive sign, your brain gets fired up and you are likely to be especially creative and enthusiastic. So, give your mind a project or else Mercury in this warrior sign may start stirring the pot. Why waste this fabulous transit on conflict when you can use the initiative of this sign to dream up something new!

April 5: Venus enters Aries

Chivalry is not dead! The planet of love in a sign that is gallant, fun and creative brings out the knight or knight-ess in shining armor. Who wants to wait on the sidelines when you can gallop right into the arms of your romantic interest! With this fire sign, make sure you set time aside for activities. This is not a stay-at-home placement. Have fun courting! Bring your partner flowers, plan a vacation or train for the marathon. It is the doing that sparks love -- so get moving!

April 5: New Moon in Aries

A new Moon in the first sign of the zodiac heralds a time of fresh starts. In this cardinal sign, it's time to take the initiative. Don't wait on the sidelines thinking that someone else is going to move you forward! More than likely you will feel the drive of this pioneering sign and take the necessary steps to further your goals. Keep in mind that Aries is also the sign of the warrior, so be thoughtful of others while advancing your own causes.

This new Moon will most affect those born April 4-8, July 6-10, October 7-11 and January 5-9.

April 10: Sun square Jupiter and April 13: Sun sextiles Neptune

The Sun in impulsive Aries squares Jupiter in ambitious Capricorn, challenging you to remember to take practical matters into account while fired-up about your projects. Ask yourself what is workable and what is not. The social climate, represented by Jupiter, is not in tune with the warrior nature of Aries, so you'll need to know when to dial back your emotions -- or at least have a feasible plan. The Sun's sextile with Neptune three days later should help you see the larger picture.

April 10: Mercury square Mars; April 13: Mercury square Jupiter

Mercury, Mars and Jupiter are forming a major aspect pattern called a T-square. With Mercury in hot-headed Aries squaring Mars in emotionally driven Cancer -- expect fireworks! This in an argumentative aspect and people are quick to jump into the fray. Don't bonk people over the head with your point of view. Not everybody has to agree with you. Take your own inventory rather than focusing on other people's issues, and you'll be miles ahead of everybody else. Then, Mercury squares Jupiter, the planet of beliefs and philosophies, and the tendency is to think big. Mercury in Aries tends to speak too quickly before ideas have been thought through, while Jupiter in Capricorn values hard work and industriousness. You'll be challenged to back up your great ideas, so do your homework!

April 17: Mercury enters Taurus

Don't let anybody rush you! 'Deliberate' and 'thorough' should be your keywords as Mercury enters the most stable sign of the zodiac. Your attention will turn to practical concerns, making this a great time to smooth out your financial life, or to decide what you want to plant in your garden.

Enjoy the Sun's transit in Aries!

** Astrolesson: Equinox and Solstice

Have you ever wondered just exactly what an equinox and a solstice are? We mark these points four times a year: on or near March 21 for the Spring (or Vernal) Equinox; and on or near September 23 for the Fall (or Autumnal Equinox). The Summer Solstice happens on or near June 21, and the Winter Solstice occurs on or near December 21.

These four points correlate with 0 degrees Aries (Spring Equinox), 0 degrees Cancer (Summer Solstice), 0 degrees Libra (Fall Equinox), and 0 degrees Capricorn (Winter Solstice). And, these four cardinal points, which form a 'Grand Cross' in the zodiac, mark our seasons, with the beginning point being 0 degrees Aries -- better known as the first day of Spring! (In the southern hemisphere, this point marks the first day of Autumn.) At the equinox, the day and night are considered to be equal, or near equal, in length. The term comes from the Latin 'aequus' which means 'equal.'

The equinoxes occur when the Sun is directly over the Earth's equator, while the solstices are marked when the Sun reaches its northernmost and southernmost extremes at the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. This is when the tilt of the earth's axis is oriented away from the Sun. The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn are the two imaginary lines, or circles of latitude, around the earth with the Tropic of Cancer being approximately 23 degrees and 26 minutes north of the equator, and the Tropic of Capricorn being the same distance south of the equator.

We hope that gaining a better understanding of what exactly is going on during the first day of Spring will help you enjoy the Vernal Equinox even more this year!

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