March 2010 Wellness Horoscope

March 10, 2010: Mars Goes Direct

Mars’ current retrograde period—which it has been in since December 20, 2009—ends March 10 (at 9:09 am PST).

The retrograde period—while likely presenting challenges in terms of exerting initiative and go-after-it-gusto—may have been a productive time to get a more refined understanding of how our will operates and how we express our desires in order to achieve our goals. Reflecting upon the past ten-plus weeks may provide you with valuable insights into this aspect of yourself. If you want a refresher on the energies of the Mars retrograde period, click here.

For several days before and after Mars’ changing directions, try to take it slow and steady. When Mars goes direct there can be a burst of assertion and initiation that can result in anger, stress, and irritability. In addition to watching for this in yourself, be aware of it in others (even trying to stay out of their way, if possible). Taking extra cautionary measures when driving or being around large groups of people may be beneficial.

Now that Mars is direct, it’s a good time to consider insights you had into how you may want to exert yourself and turn these thoughts into concrete plans and actions.

March 15, 2010: Pisces New Moon (exact at 2:01 pm PST)

The Pisces New Moon inspires us to connect in with the well of compassion that resides within each of us. As we dive into our empathetic hearts, it’s important to remember that giving of ourselves doesn’t need to equal giving away of ourselves. There’s one thing to hold space for another and desire to foster their enhanced joy, and another to let go of our needs and sacrifice ourselves in that pursuit.

This lunar event aligns with Mercury and Uranus. While we may be enveloped by a sense of dreaminess during this New Moon, it’s important to also maintain a semblance of groundedness as well, notably important because Uranus can bring forth out-of-the-blue events that can be jolting. Yet, with our two feet on the ground, even if it’s a more fluid-feeling one, we can mitigate some of the wiry and unsettling feeling that could otherwise be evoked. This is especially relevant given that both Mercury and Uranus rule the nervous system, a part of the body that may be extra sensitive around the time of this New Moon.

Not only may our nighttime dreams be more vivid but so may our daydreams. If we find ourselves wandering in our minds, it would be of benefit to not discount the ideas, thoughts, and images that come through to us. During this Pisces New Moon the veil to our subconscious may be thinner and therefore we may be able to better access its jewels of wisdom.

This month’s New Moon falls at 25 degrees of Pisces (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Pisces or the other mutable signs—Gemini, Virgo, or Sagittarius—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Pisces is associated with the feet, pineal gland, and the immune/lymphatic systems. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this New Moon.

Dream journal: During the week of the New Moon, if you don’t already do so, keep a notebook by your bed. When you wake up, jot down any threads of your dream that you remember. Don’t worry if you can’t remember the whole “story line” as even capturing select images, people, or scenes may provide great fodder for learning, wisdom and healing. If it feels right, bring the journal with you during your waking hours to write down any inspiring daydreams that you may have.

Holy basil: Also known as tulsi, holy basil makes a delicious non-caffeinated “tea” that provides a meditative sense of centering while at the same time boosting the immune system and helping the body guard against stress. Holy basil is delicious hot or prepared as iced tea. Holy basil is also available as an essential oil to be used in aromatherapeutic applications.

March 29, 2010: Aries/Libra Full Moon (exact at 7:27 pm)

The Aries/Libra Full Moon calls upon us to integrate our desires with those of the people with whom we are in relationship. It can help us gain insight into whether our approach to accommodating our needs and those of others is a balanced one or whether the scale is tipped to one side. (For example, do we over accommodate others to the detriment of own needs, or vice versa?) Additionally, it’s an opportunity to inventory whether we are being our true selves when relating to others rather than being the person we think they want us to be.

This Full Moon connects in with transformative Pluto. This intensifies the energies of this lunar event and the emotions that it may uproot. Passions may flare and/or arguments ensue. If relationships have been peppered with secrets or hidden agendas, tensions may arise that help bring these to light as a means of clearing away blockages and instilling a more harmonious balance.

Different people draw out distinct parts of who we are. With some people, we may find ourselves more connected to our humorous side, others our serious nature, and with others our adventurous disposition. Use the Full Moon energies to get a sense of which aspects of yourself are brought to light when interacting with different friends and family members as well as your romantic partner(s).

This month’s Full Moon falls at 9 degrees of Aries (Sun) and Libra (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Aries, Libra, or the other cardinal signs—Cancer and Capricorn—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Aries is associated with the head, muscles, and circulatory system while Libra is associated with the skin, lower back, and blood sugar balance. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this Full Moon.

Exercise with a friend: Looking for an additional spark of motivation to help your spring get-in-shape resolution get underway? Instead of going solo to that yoga class or taking a walk alone in the park, invite a friend. Not only will the exercise pump your blood, work your muscles, and regulate your blood sugar, but you’ll get to enjoy it while having a social experience, which is always nice to do when Libran energy is around.

Don’t forget to eat: Both Aries as well as Full Moons bring out ramped-up energy. While you may feel a go-go-go rush in the air today, don’t let it distract you from eating nutritious well-balanced meals. If not, you’re more likely to be on a blood sugar rollercoaster with crashes followed by quick carb-infused highs, potentially leading to the headaches and that “brain fog” feeling that come with glucose swings. If you know you are going to be on-the-go all day, pack snacks such as trail mix, goji berries, or mini PB+J sandwiches.