Pluto in Aquarius (and Mars enters Cancer)

March 24th ~ 31st

“Recherche de l’Absolut” by Rene Magritte

Mars enters Cancer March 25th

Slow and steady wins the race. ~ Aesop

The planet Mars first entered Gemini way back on August 20, 2022. And because of its retrograde phase which lasted from October 30th thru January 12th, it is only now finally leaving Gemini and entering Cancer on March 25th. That’s an extraordinarily long time for the pent up warrior to be agitating any particular sign. It usually only takes two months for Mars to raise the appropriate amount of mayhem before moving on to the next sign. I’m sure there are quite a few Gemini Sun, Moon, Ascendant and Midheaven people dusting themselves off and happily showing Mars the door.

Perhaps one of the things that made the Mars transit through Gemini that much more exasperating, were the extended squares to Neptune that permeated the general atmosphere with a distasteful fog for weeks on end. The last of these was only a few weeks ago. Mars was also out of bounds for much of the time it has been in Gemini, inciting it to wreak that much more havoc. So it is with a certain amount of relief that no sooner does Mars enter Cancer this weekend that it also makes a stabilizing trine to reality-centered Saturn.

For those who have been feeling somewhat scattered, and like they’ve been running on a hamster wheel going nowhere fast, this is a much less frenetic type of energy where we are more inclined to put up our feet for a bit. Mars can still carry its own sort of unexpressed resentment here, but with the trine to Saturn, it should turn the energy down a notch. We do tend to circle the wagons when Mars is in Cancer, defending our own: our turf, our family, our loved ones, our home, and the things that we rely on to support and carry us. It’s especially good for activities on or near the water, with family, and for women’s rights or causes. Cancer stuff. But it is the trine to Saturn that will win the day this week. Not by running. But by a slow and methodical patience, that covers all the bases, and takes care of the details.

What this week is good for:

  • Activities that require patience, planning and discipline. Things that we normally put off, but now have the discipline to follow through with.

  • Good time to set goals for yourself, both long and short term. Just by sheer persistence you will make progress, even if it doesn’t feel like you are doing so at the time.

  • In order to do something well, we need to make sure we understand the basics. Mars/Saturn ensures that we will. Everything depends on the foundation.

  • Activities that require persistence, and increase strength and fortitude: hiking in the woods, long distance running, mountain climbing. Things that require Mars/Saturn endurance.

Pluto in Aquarius March 23rd

It’s only after you’ve stepped outside of your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow and transform. ~ Roy T. Bennett

Pluto made its first dip into Aquarius on Thursday, March 23rd. It will still only be in the first degree of Aquarius when it stations for its retrograde phase on May 1st, eventually returning to Capricorn on June 11th. Just a brief preview in Pluto terms. Pluto moves so very slowly from its far reaches in the outer belt of our solar system. It can be equally as glacial in its effects. So we might not see anything all that miraculous as it first enters Aquarius, but by the time it reaches the last degree of Aquarius 20 years from now, we probably won’t even recognize ourselves, our lives, and the world that we are living in. Know that whatever changes Pluto brings to whatever department of our life it is moving through, are bound to be profound, and often life-changing as well.

However, now that Pluto is in Aquarius, it is functioning through a different lens and value system. And with this initial short stint in Aquarius, it is just getting us acclimated to what those values are, and may be going forward. In the long term there will be grand social changes, which will impact everyone. But we will also be redefining our own relationship to wherever we have the sign of Aquarius in our own natal charts.

Inspired by philosophers of the enlightenment era, both the Declaration of Independence in the United States and the early ideals of the French Revolution in 1789 began to change the way we do government, and served as an inspiration to other nations as well. Although the French Revolution devolved into a reign of bloody terror, and ultimately ended up replacing a monarchy with an Emperor, it did inspire the Haitian war of Independence and furthered radical political ideals based on the fundamental principle that the people have power.

Lacking their own representation, a strong and emerging middle class rose up in France, carrying the banner for such idealistic notions as Freedom, Equality and Brotherhood. All Aquarian ideals. It can be argued that as a result of the revolution of 1789 the people were able to put an end to the feudal system, take down the monarchy, and establish laws fairer laws that would further representation of all the people. The sort of things that we associate with democracy.

What might we anticipate with the upcoming Pluto in Aquarius? Much depends on humanity as a whole. But here are some areas where we might expect to see some gradual but perhaps revolutionary changes over the next 20 years that Pluto will be in Aquarius:

Power to the People: Aquarius is a sign that is inclined to focus on what is best for the greater good, not just one isolated group or individual. Under Pluto in Capricorn there can be a tendency to want to isolate and limit power, concentrating the control, power and wealth at the top. In Aquarius, the power comes from below, from the people, and smashes caste systems, financial inequality, monopolies and authoritarian regimes.

The Greater Good: It is understood within the Aquarian paradigm that when we collaborate, rather than compete against one another, we can make the most use of all of our talent, ingenuity and skill within the community, and use it to our greater advantage.

Technological Advances: The last time Pluto was in Aquarius, the Industrial Revolution was spawned reorganizing and redefining the concentration of wealth in society as a result. With Pluto in Aquarius for the next 20 years we are likely to see technological advances beyond our wildest imaginings. The sorts of advances that can literally change our lives.

Freedom, Brotherhood and Equality: At its most ideal expression, the sign of Aquarius has a very large tent, where all people are welcome to live with equal representation, acceptance, and personal freedom. However, these can only be accomplished through systemic and endemic change. A slow, evolutionary process that can eventually change society from the inside out.

Challenges we are likely to have to work through:

The Mob Mentality: When the power of the people devolves into tribalism, or an ‘us against them’ mentality, our individual motives and ideals can get twisted and lost in zealotry and extreme views. People tend to do things within the excitement of a group that they would never think of doing on their own. This can lead to riots, and collective fear, that can ultimately lead to people ‘losing their heads’. When we lose sight of the ideals of Aquarius, we lose everything.

Authoritarianism: It doesn’t help to eradicate one set of authoritarianism, only to replace it with another authoritarian regime, just as oppressive and extreme in its ideology. Same stuff in different bottles. Governing without equal representation of all the people without discrimination, misses the whole Aquarian point.

Scapegoating: Pluto brings out the extreme expressions of the signs. So even as we are being asked to promote equality and freedom for all, there will be those who will be blaming, isolating and scapegoating certain individuals or groups. Hence within the Aquarius paradigm we can see the extremes of alienation and scapegoating vs. universal brotherhood.

The Impact of Technology and Energy on the Environment: As a result of the Industrial Revolution of the late 1700’s we saw some of the worst forms of pollution we had ever previously witnessed. Industrial cities lacked clean water, decent sewage systems, and forced people into filthy living conditions, with air so thick with coal dust by the early 1800’s that people suffered from every sort of disease imaginable. So what started as something that was seen to improve economic growth and opportunity turned into a living nightmare for many. By the time that Dickens was born in 1812 it was a mess. All this requires is a little forethought and ingenuity. In fact instead of further destroying the environment, how about using technology and science to heal the planet? That too can be a shining example of the Pluto in Aquarius era.

Pluto Enters Aquarius: Power To The People?

space, cosmos, Pluto Aquarius

Pluto in Aquarius

March 23 2023 to June 11 2023

January 21 2024 to September 2 2024

November 19 2024 to March 9 2043/2044

Pluto’s Slow Journey

Pluto is the slowest-moving of the ten planets and it can take up to two decades for Pluto to move through one star sign of the zodiac. A Pluto Return is approximately 248 years i.e. that’s how long it takes Pluto to make one journey around the whole zodiac.

Therefore, it’s a big deal that this year Pluto is changing star sign. Pluto enters air sign Aquarius on March 23rd but it will take a full eighteen months for Pluto to take up residence in Aquarius on November 19, 2024. Then, Pluto will be in the star sign of the collective for the next twenty years.

When Pluto transits kick in, you are often on a journey into the underworld, where you may encounter the dark or corrupt side of life. Pluto is the planet of extremes, linked to power and control, loss and death. Pluto can wipe out and raze to the ground but is also a symbol of the phoenix who rises from the ashes.

Most of us know there are hidden riches to be found in the dark places. We often emerge from tough periods in our lives stronger and wiser, knowing we can survive. This is Scorpio’s strength, Pluto’s sign of rulership. At its best, Pluto encourages us to be fearless and step into our power.

Pluto Leaves Capricorn

Pluto’s journey through earth sign Capricorn began in 2008 with a financial crash. Capricorn is the star sign linked to big business and the establishment. And, Pluto’s one of the planets linked to wealth, especially money that’s hidden. It’s a symbol of corruption, the planet of the underworld.

As Pluto is preparing to leave Capricorn, the banks are in trouble once again. It’s often a turbulent period when the modern planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, change star sign and they’re all going to make a major shift over the next few years.

Pluto’s transit through Capricorn has elevated the role of the ‘plutocrat’ and the billionaire. We are constantly being bombarded with examples of power, status and entitlement in positions of authority and leadership.

During Pluto’s transit through Capricorn, there’s been a power grab for money and wealth creating a stronger divide between rich and poor.

The 1% hold most of the world’s wealth and a huge debt mountain has built up while Pluto’s been in Capricorn. Will Pluto’s transit through 29° Capricorn, the last degree of the star sign, bring more chaos and destruction to our economy? This will continue to unfold from March 2023 until November 2024.

Pluto Enters Aquarius

Here’s hoping that Pluto’s move into Aquarius creates a more equal society. And, that it will herald a time of leadership when leaders care more for the people they are governing than lining their own pockets.

Aquarius represents the common people, the collective and society as a whole. It’s the star sign linked linked to groups and friendship, humanitarian and social causes. At its best, you could say that Pluto in Aquarius restores ‘power (Pluto) to the people (Aquarius)’. This is one way that Pluto’s move into Aquarius could play out, a redistribution of wealth.

Yet, Aquarius is the technology star sign and we’re already getting an idea of what Pluto in Aquarius may bring. The last Jupiter-Saturn conjunction heralding the start of a new twenty year era took place in Aquarius in December 2020. Aquarius is already the star sign of the moment and there’s more to come.

The rise of AI (artificial intelligence) is coinciding with Pluto’s move into the star sign that rules the internet, the airwaves. It’s a new level of technological development that could theoretically take over from human beings, the era of robotics and superior technology. Is this a dangerous path to tread? What do we lose and what do we gain?

Social media has already changed the speed in which we receive information anywhere around the world. It’s changed our relationship with the truth too, what’s real and what’s fake news? And, we’re already witnessing how social media can be used to manipulate and control society.

Perhaps, Pluto’s move through Aquarius will bring a backlash to social media and our reliance on the internet. Alternatively, there could be reminders that technology doesn’t always work and there could be severe outages or technological breakdowns stopping the flow of information.

It won’t all happen at once as Pluto’s slow-moving and will be in Aquarius for the next twenty years. Yet, it’s worth bearing in mind the symbolism of Pluto in Aquarius and what this could mean for our society. Be vigilant and alert to both sides of Pluto, the dangers and the hidden riches.

Pluto In Aquarius – Last Time

The last time Pluto was in Aquarius was from 1777-1798. This was the period when Uranus, the planet linked to rebellion and revolution, was discovered in 1781. And, Uranus is the modern planet that rules Aquarius. You could say the two planetary events went hand-in-hand.

1776 was the Declaration of Independence in the USA, when Pluto was in its last degrees of Capricorn, and the French Revolution began in 1789. The UK is currently gripped with strikes and France is one of the countries yet again leading the way in protests and radical rebellion.

The Vindication of the Rights of Women by Mary Wollstonecraft, a fierce advocate for women’s right, was published in 1792. You can see by these few examples that this was a time of sweeping change and social reforms.

These themes may well be reawakened or reinvented with Pluto moving through Uranus’ star sign Aquarius once again. Although, let’s not forget that even though Aquarius is the star sign linked to equality, it’s a fixed star sign, i.e. dogmatic and stubborn.

The idealistic view of an equal society hasn’t always played out well in the past around the world, but there’s always hope for a new future and a New Age opening up.

The post Pluto Enters Aquarius: Power To The People? appeared first on Sally Kirkman Astrologer.

New Moon Aries: A Fresh Start

New Moon

New Moon [0 Aries 50]

– March 21, 2023 (17:23 GMT)

New Beginnings

Are you ready for new beginnings? There’s a double whammy of fresh start energy this week as it’s the Equinox when the Sun moves into the first sign of the zodiac Aries on March 20th AND there’s a New Moon at 0° Aries on March 21st, a point of pure potential. This is when nature, life, you, everything leaps into action.

I don’t know about you, but I’m more than ready for a fresh start. Last week’s astrology was a doozy as Mars gave one last battle cry in Gemini and ran into the confusing waters of Pisces where the Sun & communication planet Mercury were having a Neptune party.

Cue an over-lively mind with a side portion of foggy thinking, irritability levels at high alert, plans falling apart and no idea which way was up! Also, fatigue and sleeping for England…

Therefore, there’s every reason to be delighted by this week’s New Moon that takes place one day after the Sun’s move into Aries. Use the fresh start energy of this week’s astrology to good effect. This means the following:

  • Set your intentions – speak them out loud, write them down
  • Take the initiative – sow seeds that can then flourish & grow
  • Make a wish – traditionally, this is when you first catch sign of the crescent moon in the night sky
  • Get things moving – take action, be impulsive, take a risk
  • Be a dare-devil – do something bold & exciting

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac; dynamic, go-getting, full of vitality and spirit so jump to it. Start something new, let the world know who you are and what you have to offer.

Aries is one of the fire signs and the fire signs are big on personality; ‘this is who I am’. It’s the ideal time to motivate yourself ready for the new zodiac year ahead.

Make A Fresh Start

Aries season and a New Moon in Aries are double reason to unleash your inner warrior and let your inner diva out to play. Set your intentions for your next steps as this is the ideal time for a fresh start.

Here’s a quick guide to the areas of your life highlighted by the New Moon. Read both your Sun sign & Ascendant sign if you know it:

ARIES 1st House: Your image or online presence benefits from a makeover, a relaunch. How to change the way you come across to other people? Get physical.

TAURUS 12th House: Time to reawaken your inner life, your spirituality and your quest for peace of mind. Perfect for a retreat and a period of soulful reflection. Meditate, go inside.

GEMINI 11th House: It’s about the friends, the groups, the personal tribe. Network, make new connections, play a key role within society, bring more fun into people’s lives.

CANCER 10th House: Your career or vocation requires a shake-up, a new sense of direction, especially if you’ve lost your way. A new-found sense of adventure may prove to be deeply fulfilling.

LEO 9th House: This is the ideal time to go on holiday or take a trip. Find a deeper purpose in life, expand your mind, read books, watch films and actively seek out people who inspire you.

VIRGO 8th House: Be open to new ways of money management. Think radically in your pursuit of money, shift your money attitude, be decisive and innovative around money. Help others when you can.

LIBRA 7th House: Love thrives when you throw extra energy and motivation into the mix – a new relationship equals excitement. In a relationship, be less of a coupley couple. Spice up your life.

SCORPIO 6th House: Fresh ideas rejuvenate a tired work or exercise routine – be adaptive. Take on a part-time job or add another skill to your portfolio. Health – you are what you eat.

SAGITTARIUS 5th House: More laughter and positivity make Sagittarius happy. Get on the phone and make people laugh. Kids? – it’s full on adventure. Romance is positively zinging.

CAPRICORN 4th House: Inject energy into your home life and start a new project. Change things around; no TV for a month, more talk, games and ideas. Find new ways of reconnecting with your family.

AQUARIUS 3rd House: A hectic lifestyle requires a rethink. Cycle or walk if you can or run up and down stairs. Get back in touch with a sibling. Be there for your neighbours. Flex your written and spoken word – find your voice.

PISCES 2nd House: Listen to new ideas about wealth creation and value your money and investments. The economy’s changing and it’s the right time to adapt with it. Value your skills and boost your self-worth.

The post New Moon Aries: A Fresh Start appeared first on Sally Kirkman Astrologer.

New Moon in Aries, March 21, 2023

Cardinal energy snaps in the atmosphere with the New Moon at 00° 50’ Aries on 21 March 2023, 10:23 AM PDT. The New Moon comes in right after the Sun reached Aries on March 20, strengthening the desire to start something new and fresh. Whether or not we can make that happen is another story. The Sun, Moon and Mercury are conjoined in Aries with all three semi-sextile Saturn in Pisces. Mars, Aries’s ruler, is still in Gemini and inconjunct Pluto in Capricorn as well as still within orb of a waning square to Neptune in Pisces. The dissonance created by this situation will likely make choosing a new path challenging.

The Aries stellium (Sun, Moon and Mercury) are semi-sextile Venus in Taurus and Saturn in Pisces. The Aries Sun and Moon are tightly semi-sextile Saturn in Pisces, a reminder of why it is important to take time to remain sensitive to other people’s needs because if we don’t, Saturn in Pisces may decide to hit us with instant karma. Mercury in Aries is exactly semi-sextile Venus in Taurus which suggests we’ll get better results with kind, tactful words rather than snapping at people and attempting to shove our point of view down their throats.

The situation with Mars isn’t likely to change soon. On the New Moon, Mars is in Gemini inconjunct Pluto in Capricorn. Gemini and Capricorn seem to live in different worlds which makes resolving their differences difficult. Gemini lives in a swirl of change, constantly on the lookout for new and interesting information whereas Capricorn prefers a more traditional approach. Conventional Capricorn usually regards Gemini as frivolous, while Gemini typically sees Capricorn as quite boring. Both Mars and Pluto are about to change signs too. Pluto makes the transition into Aquarius on March 23 and Mars will move into Cancer on March 25. Here again they are inconjunct. Cancer’s main focus is on home and family while Aquarius is largely concerned with society as a whole. A feeling of bewilderment is quite common with the Cancer-Aquarius inconjunct. It’s a good thing Mars moves fairly quickly, and by the first week in April will be out of orb with Pluto in Aquarius. In other words, the first couple of weeks in Aries season we may find ourselves moving in fits and starts, having difficulty maintaining a clear direction.

Oh yes, don’t forget Mars in Gemini is still within orb of a waning square to Neptune in Pisces. Mars is not having a good Aries New Moon but we should see improvement once Mars enters cardinal Cancer. Getting away from Neptune will allow for more clarity of purpose again.

A bright spot is the waning sextile between Venus in Taurus and Saturn in Pisces. It is excellent for getting our gardens ready for spring planting, no matter the size of our “garden”. If we need to trim back old growth to allow the new to emerge more easily, this aspect is very good for those projects. This applies to our investments too. It might be time to meet with a good financial advisor to help with those decisions.

The only aspect Jupiter in Aries and Uranus in Taurus make is a semi-sextile to each other. This looks like a curiously lucky aspect that may bring us good fortune in an unusual, down to earth way.

The Aries stellium on this New Moon in Aries is definitely a force to be reckoned with. It can cast a bright light capable of dissipating the Neptune generated fog of the past week or so. Whether we are happy with what is revealed is something else again. Aries is nothing if not direct and, at times, brutally honest. Don’t be surprised if some people actively resist acknowledging the truth of those revelations because it creates too much dissonance within their world view. We’re going to need to practice patience and tolerance while we reflect on the fact the only person we can hope to change is ourselves. Nonetheless, here in the northern hemisphere it is now officially Spring (Autumn in the southern hemisphere). We can set aside our worries for awhile and celebrate this lively Aries New Moon energy by contemplating the possibility of bold new adventures awaiting us down the road. Peace and love to all.

Note: Timing is averaged for EDT to PDT.

Image:  Aries © Stephanie Pui-Mun Law