The Static Between Frequencies
Dates and times are given for U.S. Pacific Time zone.
Shouldn’t “should”
The past two years have been eye-opening. The lingering, separating square between Saturn (rules, authority) and Uranus (rebellion) has pitted friend against friend, brother against sister, splintering even time-tested relationships.
Now, with Venus and Mars together in Aquarius, you’d think we’d be linking arms in fraternal affection and singing kumbaya. Our survival as a society depends upon getting along, and it’s worth making an effort to show more goodwill. You might even say we should do all these things.
But as Mars in freedom-loving Aquarius squares Uranus this week (March 22, 2022, 1:44 pm PDT), we’re fed up with “should”s. Should or should not wear masks, get vaccinated, go on vacation, gather together in person, shouldshouldshoulddoasIsay. Especially if you have planets in the degrees halfway through Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius, you may find yourself fantasizing about running away from home, tossing a match over your shoulder without so much as a backward glance at the resulting conflagration.
In brief: This is a volatile week. A lot of us are on edge. So let’s take it easy with the “should”s.
The Static Between Frequencies
Mercury joins with Neptune this week (March 23, 2022, 10:44 am PDT), initiating a new chapter in their ongoing (if very different) quests for clarity. Normally, Mercury feels that truth is found in the mind, in what can be observed with the senses and analyzed with logic. Neptune knows that it’s not as easy as that, that so much of what’s true and precious can only be experienced with the heart and soul. As Hamlet said, “There are more things in heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”
At this conjunction, Horatio – dressed in Pisces clothing – gives himself over completely to Neptune’s realm of intuition and the invisible. For a couple of days, let your mind wander a bit. Tune in to the static between frequencies. Let your mind jump the tracks of earthly logic and swim in the waters of imagination.
Ghosts of eclipses past
There is important business to resolve at this Capricorn Last Quarter Moon (March 24, 10:37 pm PDT, at 4°33′ Capricorn). It’s business that has its origins in the Dec. 26, 2019 Solar eclipse (the New Moon that initiated the current lunar phase family), and it directly affects the Capricorn and Aries portions of your chart.
The Last Quarter Moon is the time in the lunar cycle to take stock. You have one more chance to take action toward your New Moon goals, this time with more knowledge and experience than at the First Quarter. It can be a regretful cycle, too; we may still be haunted, held back by, or recovering from what was revealed at that distant Capricorn eclipse. Still, you made a promise to yourself to reach a cherished goal, and at last, you’ve got the vitality of the Sun in Aries – and the tenacity and ambition of the Capricorn Moon – to push you over the finish line. Don’t give up now!
An Icy Shower
Refreshed from its dip in Neptune’s waters, Mercury makes its final aspect while in Pisces: a sextile to Pluto (March 26, 2022, 3:35 am PDT) – which should feel a bit like going from a warm bubble bath into an icy shower. Pluto always gives us the chance to see what’s really going on, without Neptune’s comforting illusions. The truth can be as bracing as that cold shower – but once we’re fully awake, fully aware, we have a better chance of making good choices, and moving in the direction of authenticity.
Feet-first into the fire
AAfter drifting through Pisces since March 9, a deeper, wiser, and well-rested Mercury jumps feet-first into the fires of Aries (March 27, 2022, 00:44 am PDT). Here, Mercury favors moving fast, thinking fast, and talking even faster. It’s not that we’ve forgotten the wisdom of the Pisces journey; it’s just that, where Aries is concerned, each day is potentially the beginning of a whole new life. Aries is more interested in new challenges and fresh ideas than in soul-searching and reflection.
Enjoy Mercury in Aries (through April 10); it can be an invigorating influence, and a lot of fun. It’s not the best placement for detail work or drudgery, but it’s headed for happy dialogue with Mars (the ruler of Aries), Venus, and Saturn in Aquarius; mind, body, and desire are at last in sync, with a touch of Saturn’s tempering discipline to help us stay on task. Relish Aries’ inspiration, and embrace the desire to take on the world.
Writing and collages © 2019-2025 April Elliott Kent
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