Today, we’re enveloped in intensity as Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, forms a tension-filled relationship with Pluto, the god of the underworld.

During this celestial alignment, passions may escalate and relationships may feel more intense. The concept of control—maintaining it and/or releasing it—takes center stage, with a feeling of all-or-nothing enveloping romantic and/or creative pursuits. There’s a volcanic sense of desire that may circulate deep within, emitting torrents of buried feelings that bubble up from below. These may be ones that we’ve turned a blind eye to or which we just have not wanted to express to another. Consequently, we may notice that instead of feeling we “should” do something we feel compelled that we “must” do it—almost like we’re in a river of do-or-die urgency.

Tensions may be stirred both in romantic liaisons as well as friendships (notably those with women). If you can stay true to your deep needs and express them, it will help your relationships to transform and become more integrated and authentic. Or you will see that, in fact, certain ones have run their course and do not necessarily offer you the value that you truly seek.

Last year we experienced similar alignments between Venus and Pluto. They occurred February 5, April 3, and May 2. Looking back to these days may help to give clues and context to the events and feelings that are being currently triggered.

We ring in the week with International Women’s Day, a worldwide holiday celebrated annually on March 8.

The timing of this year’s female-honoring commemoration seems incredibly fitting as over the course of the week we will be experiencing significant Venus transits. As Venus aligns with Saturn (Tuesday) and Pluto (Thursday), we can gain more clarity into the important role that women assume in society while also having the opportunity to herald aspects of the female power that resides within each of us.

Yet, it is not just the coming days that highlight the multidimensional spirit of the collective and individual female, but today as well. That’s because the Moon—the celestial body that reflects the feminine feeling side within us—makes numerous alignments, elevating it to center stage in our consciousness. It makes aspects with socially aware Uranus, relationship-oriented Venus, dream-the-dream Neptune, make-it-real Saturn, and recover-what’s-buried Pluto, ushering in a day where deeper layers of our feminine feeling nature can be discovered and honored.

So, today, in honor of International Women’s Day—and the numerous lunar alignments—take the time to celebrate the women in your life as well as the powerful multidimensional feeling-based spirit that resides within you.

Keeping the peace may seem as if it has moved itself to the top of the “to-do” list today. We’re pulled towards trying to avoid the generation or continuation of discord, as conflict today—of all days—seems quite unseemly. Yet, while our ideals may be stellar, it’s worthwhile to double-check our (or others’) motivations to ensure that there’s no hidden agenda present. Even if the deeper reasons seem well-intentioned, it’s really important to be clear and know the place from which we, or others, are acting. If we’re motivated to weave the day with “make/play nice” energy because we believe it will help others avoid discomfort, it’s worth remembering that a lack of conflict doesn’t always equal the alleviation of suffering.

Monday, March 1

With four planets—Venus, Jupiter, and Uranus along with the Sun—in aqueous Pisces for the last week-plus, it’s as if we’ve been swimming in the ineffable. As we’ve been floating in an ocean of emotion, it’s likely that it’s been difficult to pinpoint, name, and understand just what we have been feeling and connecting to since—at times—it may feel so vast and boundless. It’s as if we know something, we sense something—yet accessing it to be able to share (whether with others, or even just with our conscious mind) may be a whole other story.

Yet, that may change a bit today as the planet of communication, Mercury, joins these other planets in Pisces. This can create an experience-understanding resonance; we are able to tune into what we are perceiving in a way that allows us greater access to understanding and expressing our experiences.

That being said, with all this Piscean energy it’s important that while we feel connected to a heartfelt still of compassion that we stay grounded in our bodies and minds, lest we feel pulled in by an undertow of emotions that upends a semblance of sure footing. A gentle walk, going barefoot on the Earth, or massaging our feet for a few minutes are helpful Rx’s for our soles that can help us more consciously stay in body and soul.

Tuesday, March 2

Keeping the peace may seem as if it has moved itself to the top of the “to-do” list today. We’re pulled towards trying to avoid the generation or continuation of discord, as conflict today—of all days—seems quite unseemly. Yet, while our ideals may be stellar, it’s worthwhile to double-check our (or others’) motivations to ensure that there’s no hidden agenda present. Even if the deeper reasons seem well-intentioned, it’s really important to be clear and know the place from which we, or others, are acting. If we’re motivated to weave the day with “make/play nice” energy because we believe it will help others avoid discomfort, it’s worth remembering that a lack of conflict doesn’t always equal the alleviation of suffering.

Wednesday, March 3

What Twitter tag would I elect as one that well captures the energy of today? If I could only choose one, #Shedidwhat? would get my vote.

That’s because this run-on three-word questioning quip nicely expresses the influence of the day’s Venus/Uranus conjunction. When this planetary pair gets together, we get an influx of expect-the-unexpected when it comes to relationships, romance, and women (and the anima residing within men). Consequently, if you’ve been desiring to try something new on for size—whether it be a different lipstick, tie style, or seduction technique—today (as well as tomorrow) may be the day/s you’ve been waiting for.

Add to this that the Libra Moon trines idealistic Neptune and squares masculine Mars, and it further bolsters the elevation of relationships, beauty, and sexuality to the forefront of our minds (and/or our Twitter tweets and tags).

Thursday, March 4

If we’ve been holding onto something—words to share with another, pent-up tears, possessions that truly no longer hold any real value—today is a good day for their release. Making space in our minds and/or hearts will yield a greater opportunity to recognize others’ seemingly simple words as the true pearls of wisdom that they are.

Friday, March 5

Diving deep within our hearts today will allow us to see a situation a little bit differently than we had previously perceived.  An intense desire to bask in a feeling of love may leave us disillusioned; yet, if we adopt a perspective that marries a realistic approach with a “you never know how this may work out” open-mindedness, we may set the course for a journey that will yield more self-insight and understanding.

Saturday, March 6

Today, we should consider saying “Yes” a few more times than usual. That’s not to say that a blanket affirmative should be on tap; after all, discernment still needs to be maintained lest we find ourselves committed to things that pull us too far off course. Yet, a few more “Yes”s judiciously scattered throughout the day may award us with valuable opportunities and enriching experiences.

Sunday, March 7

With all the Piscean energy we’ve been floating in, things may seem a bit dreamy, with a sense of sprite, let alone gumption, potentially challenging to access. But today with Venus moving into the fiery, self-assertive sign of Aries, that may change a bit.

As we find a sense of initiative easier to access, we can use this Venusian energy to express our pinings and proclivities, spicing things up a bit. In addition to spicy, things may also get a little steamy as Venus—the planet of love—is aligning harmoniously with Mars—the planet of desires. And, with expands-all-it-touches Jupiter conjunct communicative Mercury, understanding and expressing our thoughts on what may satisfy our wistful longings may be more readily accessible.

With four planets—Venus, Jupiter, and Uranus along with the Sun—in aqueous Pisces for the last week-plus, it’s as if we’ve been swimming in the ineffable. As we’ve been floating in an ocean of emotion, it’s likely that it’s been difficult to pinpoint, name, and understand just what we have been feeling and connecting to since—at times—it may feel so vast and boundless. It’s as if we know something, we sense something—yet accessing it to be able to share (whether with others, or even just with our conscious mind) may be a whole other story.

Yet, that may change a bit today as the planet of communication, Mercury, joins these other planets in Pisces. This can create an experience-understanding resonance; we are able to tune into what we are perceiving in a way that allows us greater access to understanding and expressing our experiences.

That being said, with all this Piscean energy it’s important that while we feel connected to a heartfelt still of compassion that we stay grounded in our bodies and minds, lest we feel pulled in by an undertow of emotions that upends a semblance of sure footing. A gentle walk, going barefoot on the Earth, or massaging our feet for a few minutes are helpful Rx’s for our soles that can help us more consciously stay in body and soul.

On January 14 (the evening of the Capricorn Solar Eclipse), I was was honored to present a discussion on Astro*Health Trends at the monthly meeting of the Washington State Astrological Association (WSAA).

Understanding societal trends is yet another significant contribution that astrology can offer as it allows us a way to both delineate cycles as well as connect with the archetypes that are being expressed during various times. Given my passion for and background in nutrition and wellness education, I am especially interested in understanding patterns as related to enhancing collective well-being; hence, my focus on Astro*Health Trends.

Reflecting the interest expressed  by readers and colleagues not able to attend the discussion, I thought I would make the lecture notes available online in PDF format. If you would like to download them, click here. The discussion was taped and will be available in the near future on the WSAA website; when it is, I will post a link to it.

This is a burgeoning field of study/research for me and one that I am excited to further focus my attention upon. If you have any feedback, suggestions, or questions, I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment or email me at StephanieATplanetaryapothecary.com.

Namaste, Stephanie

PHOTO © ALEX CARRILLO

Have you seen the movie Valentino: The Last Emperor, the documentary about Valentino Garavani, the legendary haute couture designer famous for dressing Jackie O, elevating the color red to iconic, and having six M-named pug dogs? There’s an essence captured in that movie that reflects the astrological energy of today, as we stand at a Saturnian crossroads.

Beginning today, for the next ten months, Saturn–the planet of structure, of testing limits to ensure integrity–will journey between Virgo and Libra. It moves into Libra today, dips back to Virgo on April 7 and then re-enters Libra on July 21, remaining there until October 5, 2012.

Usually, subsequent signs are thought to not be synergistic. Yet, given that Saturn will be transitioning between these two signs for the next ten months, I have been thinking a lot about the ways that Virgoan and Libran energies can co-exist and even be constructive partners.

Which is where Valentino comes in.

The movie shows an exaltation of Virgoan craftsmanship (and craftswomanship): the nips, the tucks, the thousands of sequins, the fact that every dress is constructed by hand.  Valentino–as well as his head seamstress, Antonietta de Angelis–are models of dedicated perfectionism, which inherently supports his persistent commitment to creating beauty and elevating fashion into art. When asked “What do women want?” Valentino’s reply echoes the archetype of Libra’s planetary ruler, Venus: “They want to be beautiful.” Surveying how the eminence of beauty rests upon painstaking dedication to the details and how art is a reflection of craft, Valentino reflects one example of how Virgo and Libra can work together gracefully. This is, of course, just one manner in which these two signs can sync and benefit one another, and, in turn, us.

Today, as we stand in a microcosm of the next nine months–as Saturn is in Virgo until 10:09 am PDT, at which time it progresses into Libra—consider where, in your life, you can apply the complementary teachings of these two signs. For example, how can you be both methodical (Virgo) and diplomatic (Libra)? What social activities (Libra) can you participate in that will be of benefit to your health (Virgo)? Are there ways in which you can be of greater service (Virgo) to your partner and/or friends (Libra)? Or, like Valentino, how can you use your critical eye (Virgo) to create more beauty (Libra) in your life?