Solar Phases

March is the month of the Spring Equinox - a very important time of the year for farmers and western astrologers. Since ancient times in the northern hemisphere, the ingress of the Sun into 0 degrees of Aries has signalled the start of both the astrological and the agricultural year. However, this is true only for those astrologers who use the tropical, i.e. based on the tropics of the sun, the solstices and equinoxes, rather than the sidereal zodiac, which follows the actual movement of the stars in the heavens.

When astrology was first created, both zodiacs were initially in alignment. However, due to a phenomenon called the precession of the equinoxes, caused by a wobble in the earth's axis, the position of the spring equinox in relation to the stars actually changes, gradually drifting through all the signs of the zodiac over a period of roughly 26, 000 years. During this time the spring equinox point will move through all twelve constellations, each year falling a fraction behind its position of the year before. This has come to be known by students of the occult, including Carl Jung, as the Great Astrological Ages.¹ The ancient Greeks referred to this period as the Platonic 'Great Year' or Aeon², which the philosopher Aristotle discusses in his treatise, 'On the Heavens.'

Because of this drift, at some time during the first centuries of the Christian Era, a split occurred between the tropical zodiac, which became a symbolic system based on the phases of the sun, and the sidereal zodiac, used mainly by Indian astrologers, which remained true to the astronomical or actual position of the constellations in the sky. hence the name, 'sidereal', from the Latin word sīdere = 'of or belonging to the stars.') This has led to the notion of a discrepancy between the position of the zodiac ‘sign’ in relation to its actual constellation. Today, vedic astrologers still use the sidereal zodiac to map their charts, which explains why, when comparisons are made between western and Indian astrology, people will often find that their rising signs will differ by almost one whole zodiac sign. ( eg. somebody born in early December 1977, for example, would have their Sun at 16 degrees of Sagittarius in the tropical zodiac, whilst in the vedic system, this same person's sun would be considered to lie in the late degrees of Scorpio.) This also helps to explain why astronomers appear to be one sign behind that of astrology when they give the co-ordinates for the position of a particular planet.

The decision taken by western astrologers, mainly due to the influence of the Graeco-Egyptian astronomer, Ptolemy, to work with a solar-based system probably had an ideological basis, the Sun and its stations carrying very powerful symbolic meaning for the pagan religions of the time, including that of Greece, Rome and Egypt - the three main cultures responsible for the development of modern western astrology, which has its roots in Hellenistic astrology - the astrology system developed in Graeco-Roman occupied Egypt (mainly Alexandria) during the first millennium CE.

Bernadette Brady has referred to the modern western astrological system, with its tropical and largely symbolic zodiac, as heliocentric:

[T]he astrology we have developed is what can more aptly be called planetology or solarsystemology, as it is really
about the relationship we have with the planets and the seasons on earth and very little to do with the dome of the
starry sky. Indeed the only star that is correctly represented in the map is Helios our sun and the planets in a horoscope

are measured in one dimension in relationship to Helios’ journey.³

It is this so-called 'reduction' of the sky onto the plane of the ecliptic, mainly by the Greeks, that has led her to develop her system of Visual Astrology, which aims to reintroduce the fixed stars back into astrology. However, one could argue that, given that the system of astrology is a a geocentric system, i.e. concerned with the sky as seen from the perspective of the earth perhaps it is right that we should continue to do so? It is the cycle of the sun, after all, that gives us the seasons here on earth and determines so much of how we view life, so surely this should be reflected in our astrology?

The zodiac itself is a largely heliocentric construction too, since it consists of groups of stars that litter the ecliptic, or annual path of the Sun. If one looks a little closer, one can also find seasonal imagery relevant to the northern hemisphere encoded in many of the zodiac signs themselves. This is probably because astrology developed at around about the time that human beings began to settle down and start farming, and so saw a much closer relationship between religion, fertility and the natural cycles on earth than we perhaps do today. From the point of view of farming almanacs, the spring equinox is obviously also an important time of the year, because this is when there is enough warmth and light for seeds to begin germinating. This fits perfectly with the imagery surrounding the sign of Aries - the Ram, since March-April in the northern hemisphere is the time of year when lambs are born.

20 March - 20 April
SUN IN ARIES
On the 20th of March, the Sun will enter Aries at around 17h32 GMT. Aries qualities include youthfulness, drive, physical strength and decisiveness. Around this time, day and night are once again of equal length and the balance between light and dark shifts in favour of the former, with days getting gradually longer from this point onwards until the summer solstice. According to The Busy Pagan, the Vernal Equinox is considered to be a 'Fire day, when the heat of the Sun starts to be noticed and take effect.'⁴ Perhaps this is why the ancients chose Aries, one of the fire triplicities, to be the zodiac sign in which the sun is exalted. This elemental quality is reflected in the Aries character, which is passionate and impulsive. This is a good time to begin new projects, plans and personal cycles, especially around the time of the New Moon. Be like farmers - in tune with the seasons, and plant new metaphorical seeds now, with a view to reaping the rewards from your efforts in the autumn. Most people should notice an increase in their levels of stamina, focus and overall sense of well-being, as well an increase in confidence and assertiveness. This influence is likely to increase after the 11th when Mars, ruler of Aries, returns to direct motion in the fiery sign of Leo.     

This solar cycle will most positively affect those with air or fire Sun, Ascendants or Moons, especially those in Aquarius, Gemini, Libra, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

Lunar Phases
The Vernal Equinox also has ties to lunar symbolism. The Christian festival of Easter, for example, always falls on the  Sunday following the first Full Moon that occurs after the Spring Equinox. Graham Miller suggests that this is because the Biblical events surrounding this feast day were connected to the Jewish Passover, the date of which was calculated using a lunar calendar. According to The Busy Pagan, symbols such as the easter egg  and the easter bunny appear to be inherited from  rites held in honour of the Saxon lunar goddess, Eostere. Interestingly, this egg was not associated with a bird but with a serpent. Serpents have long been associated with the Moon because of their habit of shedding skin, which mirrors the Moon's monthly cycle of acquiring and then shedding light from the Sun.  Traditionally, the feast day of Eostere was held on the night of the Full Moon following the spring equinox. Interestingly, the term for the female hormone, oestrogen is derived from the name of this goddess.⁵ Here we see a link between the lunar, human and animal fertility cycles, and spring - the time of the year when many domestic animals give birth.

15 March
NEW MOON IN PISCES
The New Moon in Pisces at 21h01 GMT on the 15^th of March and, according to the Moonwise Calendar, is ruled by the alder tree - a member of the birch family which is known for its rapid growth and love of waterside locations. In Celtic mythology, the alder is associated with courage and chieftainship, it's name being derived from 'alderman' (chief/village elder). Patricia Vega states that the Celts valued this true for its dye-producing properties - the colour red could be produced from its bark, whilst green could be obtained from its flowers.  The alder also appears to 'bleed' when cut, it's wood turning from brown to red - a quality which struck awe into Irish Celts in particular. Alder wood was also used in the process of metal-smelting and working, which gave it a connection to weapons and war.  Interestingly, Mars, the ruler of Aries, is also associated with blood and war, and rules over the metal iron - the predominant metal used in early weapons, and the major component of blood, giving it its red colour - so these two traditions appear to parallel each other very nicely. In Celtic astrology, this tree is associated with the power of fire to overcome that of water. Perhaps this is why Helena Paterson, author of The Handbook of Celtic Astrology, writes:
 

 . . . [F]rom this day forward the sun would appear to have dominion over the moon, but only in the exoteric sense. The soli/lunar relationship was not one of contest, but one of divine union.⁶

 

Despite the statement above, on this particular night, water will hold its own - Pisces being a water sign, and the Moon itself having associations with the same element. The New Moon bodes well for new photography, music or film projects, and spiritual or humanitarian initiatives, as well as those in the acting profession. It is also a good time for institutions such as prisons, museums and spiritual communities to introduce changes or improvements to the way things are done. This is also a good date to consider going on retreat or to a spa - quiet contemplation, meditation and purification techniques involving water are all well-starred now.

 

This New Moon will be most positively affect those with a water or earth Sun, Ascendant or Moon, especially those in Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio, Taurus or Capricorn, and to some extent, Virgo.

 

30 March
FULL MOON IN LIBRA

The Full Moon occurs on the 30th of March 2010 at 02h25 in Libra. This is an excellent time to sort out relationship problems, hold diplomatic talks or finish off a creative project. If the difficult cardinal squares between the Sun, Saturn and Pluto have caused problems for you in the weeks preceding this date, then this Venus-ruled Moon should help to smoothe things over and return discussions to a calmer and more civilised format. The keywords of the day are compromise, balance and symmetry. This is a 'both/and,' rather than an 'either/or' sort of day. For Librans, this is a sort of personal 'year end' - the perfect time to consolidate and let go of emotional and physical habits that no longer serve you, as well as gain satisfaction for finally achieving an important personal goal. The only thing to watch out for now is a tendency to try and keep the peace at any cost. Integrity and dignity are never worth trading in exchange for a quiet life.

This Full Moon will most positively affect those with air or fire Sun, Ascendants or Moons, especially those in Aquarius, Gemini, Libra, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

 

Planetary Events, Stellar Phases & Energy Shifts

During March, the planet Saturn, begins to gain in visibility as it approaches its closest position relative to the earth within the path of its current orbit. According to the Moonwise Calendar, its rings, invisible towards the end of 2009, are again observable through a small telescope. Around the 16th of March, just after the dark phase of New Moon, the first glimmer of the new lunar crescent will appear in the western skies at twilight, just below Venus as the evening star. The following evening (17th), it will move to a position above that of Venus as it glides through the stars of Pisces. Around the 14th, Mercury will temporarily disappear into the rays of the Sun as it passes behind it. On the 31st of March, Mercury and Venus can be seen close together just after sunset. They will come to within a 3 degree orb of each but never actually complete or perfect the conjunction. On the same night, Venus will enter the astrological sign of Taurus. If you are living in the northern hemisphere, you may also have notice the appearance of the constellation of Leo in the south-eastern skies around sunset. Later in the evening, both Orion, and Canis Major (The Dog), including the star, Sirius, will rise to positions high above the horizon in the southern skies. In ancient Egypt, Orion was associated with Osiris, god of death, resurrection and fertility; whilst Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, was thought to represent Isis, his sister and consort. Midmonth, Mars will begin to decline in brightness as it edges slightly further away from the earth, but will still be visible from early evening in the constellation of Cancer. Around the 24/25 of March, the balsamic Moon will be positioned fairly close to Mars as it waxes from first quarter to full. As part of it's retrograde motion, Mars will continue to move westwards through Cancer until the 8th of March when it will appear to slow or station before changing direction around the 11th and once again resume an easterly track across the skies.  According to Ian Morrison of the University of Manchester, " This 'retrograde motion' is because the Earth has been overtaking Mars on the 'inside track'."⁷ 

 

1 March
MERCURY INGRESS INTO PISCES
On the first day of the month, quick-moving Mercury glides into watery Pisces. In this sign, Mercury acquires a sensitive and intuitive character, so between now and the 18th of March, expect to be able to sense the hidden agendas behind people's written and spoken words, and to feel more attuned to news that evokes compassion, empathy and kindness. You are likely to lend a sympathetic ear to friends, or relative shaving a hard time now. Just be aware that Pisces can sometimes blur boundaries and confuse identities, so don't be surprised if you take on somebody else's bad or depressive mood without realising it or find yourself reading too much into what certain people are saying, especially if you think they are criticising you or somebody else. Whilst it is good to really listen to other people, to have a conscience when it comes to commerce, and to be kind in all one says and writes, it is also important to distinguish clearly between what is and is not your problem.

 

Zodiac signs most likely to benefit from this planetary position include: Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio, Taurus, Capricorn, and to some extent Gemini and Virgo.

 

4 March
MERCURY IN PISCES SEXTILE PLUTO IN CAPRICORN
The first major aspect of March is a stimulating sextile between Mercury, planet of communication, commerce and quick-wittedness; and Pluto, ruler of reform, recycling and personal transformation. Blended together, this aspect is likely to result in some major changes to either your communication style or current thinking, possibly as a result of outside influence - either a moving experience or advice from someone you look up to. It is also possible that, as a result of something you say, write or present, somebody else may decide to make some life-altering decisions, so tread carefully now - your words and thoughts carry great power at this time. The positive combination of industrious Capricorn and adaptable Pisces is likely to result in dramatic progress being made in business affairs. Institutions, including charities, hospitals, prisons, hospices, nursing homes and museums; and big corporations, may also announce plans for reform or a change in policy today.

Zodiac signs most likely to reap the rewards of this aspect include: Virgo, Capricorn, Pisces, Taurus and Scorpio, and to some extent Gemini, Cancer and Aquarius.

 

VENUS CONJUNCT URANUS IN PISCES
On the same day as the Mercury-Pluto sextile, a meeting takes place between Venus, planet of creativity, fertility and harmony and Uranus, ruler of sudden change, technology, and lighting-like flashes of inspiration.  Taking place in artistic and sensitive Pisces, this combination is likely to result in divinely-inspired imaginative visions and frenzied but productive spurts of activity for artists, musicians and actors. For anyone who has been struggling with writers' block or a creative dry spell, today's heavenly configuration may serve to once again get the juices flowing. Inspiration is likely to come unexpectedly, in the form of a sudden vision, or flash of insight - a sort of Eureka moment in which the solution to a dilemma becomes instantly clear. This aspect is also excellent for sudden meetings with exciting or attractive people (great for chance romantic encounters) who can provide you with just the right sort of help or advice that you need - you could say that this sort of energy serves to ensure that you are in the right place at the right time - magical stuff! Surprise and possibly even shocking decisions regarding relationships are also possible now.  

 

The signs most likely to benefit from this aspect include: Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio, Taurus, Capricorn, Taurus and to some extent, Aquarius, Libra and Virgo.

 

7 March
VENUS INGRESS INTO ARIES
Today Venus changes signs, shifting from dreamy and romantic Pisces to go-getting and assertive Aries. This is likely to increase the desire to take action in relationships. During this transit, people are more likely to act impulsively and take increased risks, both financially and romantically. Whilst this may be a good thing for those with apathetic or more laid-back partners or beaus, it is worth noting that in traditional astrology, Venus is in detriment in the sign of Aries. Perhaps this is because rashness and over-enthusiasm are two qualities that don't generally lead to positive outcomes when it comes to either love or money. Being overly keen can come across as desperate to the object of one's affections, and not thinking things through before making purchases or commercial deals can inevitably lead to huge financial losses. So, during this month, it will be important to strike a balance between action and strategic periods of pause and reflection. Expect to feel more passionate around this time, especially with regard to anything that you really value or hold dear. Bosses and lovers will no doubt appreciate your renewed sense of commitment, as well as your single-mindedness and focus. If things have become a little 'samey' with a lover, then things are likely to hot up now, especially in the bedroom!

 

Signs most likely to positively benefit from this planetary position include: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, Aquarius, Gemini, and, to some extent, Taurus and Libra.

 

8 March
MERCURY CONJUNCT JUPITER IN PISCES
Today, expect to do a whole lot of talking, especially about more spiritual subject matters, as the planet of intellect and communication hooks up with the great amplifier, Jupiter. On this day, religious or philosophical epiphanies are possible, thanks to the influence of Jupiter, planet of religion and higher education, and former ruler of Pisces, a sign associated with wisdom, spiritual union and freedom from ego-based desires. Those who work in the caring professions, public sector institutions or a not for profit foundation are likely to benefit from this stimulating and uplifting energy which adds a certain  momentum to conversations or meetings concerning ways to improve the circumstances of those less fortunate. If you have to have any difficult conversations with family or relatives of a patient, this is the perfect day to do so, as your compassion and concern for the person involved will be more than evident. You will also discover that you are able to find just the right words to convey your message kindly but eloquently. Today is also a good day for creative people of all types, including actors and musicians - if you have been searching for that 'Big Idea' this could be the day that you find it!

 

The signs most likely to benefit from this aspect include: Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio, Taurus, Capricorn, Taurus, Sagittarius, and to some extent, Gemini and Virgo.

 

11 March
VENUS IN ARIES SQUARE PLUTO IN CAPRICORN
This is likely to be a challenging day for relationships of all kind, as Venus and Pluto square up in cardinal signs. While Venus is usually a peacemaker, in the sign of Aries, she acquires a more feisty and warlike dimension. Pluto, which is associated with qualities such as obsession, intensity and extremism, is currently residing in the somewhat cool and calculating sign of Capricorn. Within the context of relationships, this particular combination of planet and sign could result in a strong desire to try and control or reform a lover, or perhaps lead one party in a relationship to be jealous, possessive or exacting in their expectations of others. One can therefore easily see how a tense angle between these two planets could cause the sparks to fly, especially if one party (Venus in Aries) resists any attempts by the other party to dominate him/her. A lack of consideration for the feelings of others, or difficulty in controlling certain urges or desires is also likely at this time.  At its most extreme, this aspect could result in an element of obsession developing within a sexual relationship, or a breakdown in relations due to a build up of resentment, a strong attachment to one's own point of view or circumstances beyond one's control. On a day like this, it is advised that politicians postpone any attempts at power broking, especially with ruthless to morally circumspect individuals, and that possibly contentious discussions involving joint finances, insurance, taxes, inheritance, or alimony be avoided temporarily. 

 

Those born under the signs of Aries, Capricorn, Cancer, Libra are most likely to notice the effects of this aspect, whilst those born under Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius or Leo may also be affected, but to a lesser extent.  

 

MARS DIRECT IN LEO

Those of you who are Mars ruled, or have a planet in one of the fire signs, should find yourselves feeling more motivated, energetic and confident than you have in a while after today. After several months of retrograde activity, the return of Mars to forward motion should restore your ability to lead, focus and make firm decisions, as well as renew any efforts to promote yourself and move assertively towards your goals than you may have been able to in recent months. At this time, your

overall sense of physical strength and vitality is likely to improve - good news for anyone who has felt run-down, tired or generally unable to cope with the stresses of everyday life. On the down side, Mars can exacerbate any tendencies towards bluntness, egotism, impulsiveness and selfishness, so try to get the best, rather than the worst, out of this planetary configuration. If your exercise regime has slipped lately, then this is an excellent time to get back on track.

 

Those born under the signs of Aries, Leo, Scorpio and Sagittarius are most likely to notice the effects of this aspect, whilst those born under Gemini, Libra and Aquarius may also be affected, but to a lesser extent.  

 

14 March
SUN CONJUNCT MERCURY IN PISCES
Today, expect to experience a gentle increase in your levels of self-confidence and assertiveness, especially when it comes to expressing yourself or your ideas, as the Sun and Mercury meet up in gentle and sensitive Pisces. This is a time when your intellectual interest in occult or spiritual matters may be stimulated, or where communication with people involved in this field is likely. It is also a favourable time for appealing to the compassionate side of authority figures or those in positions of power. Great strides can be made now in efforts geared at promoting charitable, healthcare and other public institutions. This aspect can also lend a glamorous or mysterious element to any forms of communication with the general public such as a movie release or marketing campaign involving a film or musical element.

 

The signs most likely to benefit from this aspect are the water and earth signs including: Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.

 

17 March
SUN CONJUNCT URANUS IN PISCES
Today, expect the unexpected to happen! As a continuation of the good vibes produced by the benefics in Pisces, this exciting and rather stimulating aspect is likely to result in surprise announcements from friends, as well as the sudden appearance of opportunities for advancing one's personal ambitions and objectives. at this time, you can expect to exude added glamour, sparkle or personal magnetism, especially if one has personal planets in Pisces, or a strong Sun or Uranus natally. An urge for personal freedom or independence is also characteristic of this combination. This combination is also good for scientific and engineering projects, as well as forays into the occult, spirituality or parapsychology. Once again, surprising or shocking developments or announcements in relation to public institutions, including prisons, hospitals, mental health facilities, museums and charities. This is also a good day for sudden recuperation from illness, as well as flashes of intuitive insight.

 

The signs most likely to benefit from this aspect are the water and earth signs including: Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio,  Taurus and Capricorn, and to some extent, Leo, Virgo and Aquarius.

 

MERCURY IN PISCES TRINE MARS IN LEO
This is a slightly unusual occurrence - an out-of-sign trine between planets in different elements. In this case, we have a trine between Mars in the fire sign of Leo, and Mercury in the water-ruled sign of Pisces. Usually trine aspects only take place in signs of the same element or triplicity. What this is likely to mean is a slightly incongruous blending of decisions based on intuition or emotion, with actions that are dramatic, motivational or just downright organised! At this time, it is likely that you will be able to think intelligently, clearly and then act decisively. This is also an excellent transit for executing well thought-out plans, basically co-ordinating your thoughts, speech and actions smoothly and easily. As a result, this transit is very favourable to those involved in political discussions, or the strategic planning and execution of military or law-enforcement operations. Creative initiatives that promote a good cause are also well-favoured now.

 

The signs most likely to benefit from this aspect are the water and earth signs including: Pisces, Gemini, Aries, Leo, Cancer and to some extent, Virgo, Aquarius and Capricorn.

 

18 March
MERCURY INGRESS INTO ARIES

Taking its lead from yesterday's trine, today the blending of thought and action goes one step further as fast-moving Mercury enters decisive and dynamic Aries. During its stay here, Mercury is likely to infuse people with a certain intellectual and communicative feistiness. Passionate debates and strong points of view are likely now. expect individuals to be somewhat more combative or defensive when expressing themselves or promoting their plans or ideas. During this transit, you are likely to be very productive, accomplishing a lot in a short space of time. There will be an added determination to solve any potential problems or pitfalls that get in the way of action or this increased pace of efficiency. However, be careful not to get frustrated or argumentative if you feel things are not progressing as quickly as you would like - not everything or everyone can move at warp speed, and there is always room for error if details are missed. Once again this transit is excellent for business meetings, political summits and military operations. 

Signs most likely to benefit from this planetary position include: Gemini, Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius and to some extent, Virgo and Libra.

MERCURY IN ARIES IN OPPOSITION TO SATURN IN LIBRA
On the same day as Mercury's ingress into Aries, a cardinal square will develop between Mercury and Saturn. This is likely to flag up issues relating to the need to defend one's ideas and ensure that one's viewpoint prevails on one hand, and the necessity of ensuring that the needs of others is taken into consideration, especially with regard to the potential impact your decisions may have on close or diplomatic relationships. Thus, on this day, you will need to ensure that you have covered all the bases, got signed things off with authority figures, or OK'ed things with spouses or business partners before proceeding with any plans for action. Taking 'executive decisions'  without consulting any other parties involved in the matter is just likely to backfire now. Instead use this energy to get to the bottom of certain problems or hold-ups and take into consideration the viewpoints or input of others because even though it could delay immediate action, it could save you a lot of time and/or money in the long run. Consensus is what is needed now to ensure the long-term success of your plans.

20 March
MERCURY IN ARIES SQUARE PLUTO IN CAPRICORN

On the day of the spring equinox, a difficult and challenging aspect between Mercury and Pluto takes place, also in cardinal signs. This time, it is the turn of ruthless and implacable Pluto to put mouthy Mercury in Aries in its place. If the Saturn square wasn't quite enough to put the brakes on hasty or ill-considered plans or speeches, then hard-hitting Pluto is likely to step in now. At this time, impulsive decisions and selfish actions are likely to have long-term consequences, so if you ignored the first warning sign, take this particular aspect as the big flashing red STOP light that is telling you to pause and reconsider your plans now. With Pluto involved, it would seem as though this message is likely to come from a large multi-national conglomerate, such as a bank or law firm, or indeed, could even come from government, or indeed, if we take our cue from its position in Capricorn,  an authority figure such as a father, boss, judge, politician or beaurocrat. Even if you are convinced of the merits of your position or viewpoint, try not to offend powerful people now or you could be surprised at the strength of their response and the extent of their ability to exact retribution. At best, this aspect can be used to implement radical reforms, revisions or changes to working practices or policies within organisations or large power structures such as governments; or to make drastic changes to heath or diet regimes, contracts or style of speech. Secrets, mistrust, power struggles and mental coercion of all kinds are also characteristic of this particular aspect and such matters should be approached and handled very carefully. 

 

Those most likely to be affected by this aspect are the cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, as well as, to a lesser extent Leo, Sagittarius, Gemini, Aquarius, Scorpio, Virgo and Taurus.

 

21 March
SUN IN ARIES TRINE MARS IN LEO

A slightly better day for those with strong fire in their charts than yesterday, this is a great day to make headway with personal goals, undertake physical activity or make a show of your leadership skills and abilities. Thanks to all this positive fiery energy, you should feel an increase in joie de vivre, self-confidence and sense of personal authority now. This combination of planetary energy is excellent for extravagant displays of power or wealth if your aim is to impress a potential business partner, investor or fellow leader. It is also excellent for making creative strides, especially if you work in set design, the performing arts, fashion, PR, advertising, sports or the military - shows, events, parades and pagentry of all kinds are very well-starred at this time. Physical activities and leadership courses are also activities that are likely to be favoured now.

 

Those most likely to benefit from this aspect are the fire signs: Leo, Aries, Sagittarius as well as, the air signs Gemini and Aquarius, and to a lesser extent, Scorpio, Libra and Virgo.