full moon reflected on the water
Image by Dean Lewis


Narrated by Pam Younghans.

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Current and previous weeks' astrological overviews

Astrological Overview: March 14 - 20, 2022

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Venus trine Ceres, Mercury square Ceres, Venus semisquare Neptune
TUE: No major aspects are exact today
WED: Mars semisquare Neptune
THU: Mercury sextile Uranus, Sun semisquare Uranus, Mars trine Ceres, Mercury semisquare Pluto
FRI: Full Moon 12:17 a.m. PDT, Venus sextile Chiron, Sun sextile Pluto
SAT: Venus square Uranus
SUN: Sun enters Aries (Equinox) 8:33 a.m. PDT, Mercury conjunct Jupiter

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FINDING BALANCE between polarities is a prominent theme this week. We have a Full Moon on Friday, which means we'll be navigating the opposing energies of the pragmatic Virgo Moon and the visionary Pisces Sun.
 
And next Sunday, March 20, is the Aries Equinox, when spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn begins south of the equator. The word equinox derives from the Latin words aequus, meaning "equal," and nox, meaning "night." Equinox occurs twice a year, and is the day when the hours of light and the hours of darkness are closest to being in equal balance.
 
THE MOON reaches fullness at 12:17 a.m. PDT on Friday, March 18, when Luna is at 27°40´ Virgo and the Sun is at the same degree of Pisces. The chart for the lunation shows the Moon on one side of the wheel and all the other planets grouped together on the opposite side. This is called a "bucket" chart, where the lone planet is the handle of a bucket and the rest of planets form the pail.

A bucket chart gives added weight to the "handle" planet, which in this case is the Virgo Moon. While all Full Moons tend to increase emotions, this specific event is likely to raise sensitivities even more than usual. In mundane astrology, the Moon represents the public, so we expect to see a major emphasis on protecting and caring for others in our larger human family and providing for their practical, nutritional, and healthcare needs (Virgo). 


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THE SUN is conjunct Neptune at this Full Moon, and also widely conjunct Jupiter. As such, we'll be experiencing a preview of the effects of the spiritually expansive Jupiter-Neptune alignment that I wrote about in last week's Journal. This lunation will provide a significant opportunity for us to dive more deeply into a sacred practice or creative project. The dream state and daytime visions are likely to be especially active, so keep a pen and paper handy.

Questions we might ask ourselves at this Full Moon, to help us find our balance in the energies: How can I put my compassion (Pisces) to practical use (Virgo)? How can I use my discernment (Virgo) when dealing with issues that seem confusing (Pisces)? How can I keep the faith (Pisces) when I am tempted to see only what is wrong in the world (Virgo)?

THE SABIAN SYMBOL for the 28th degree of Virgo, which is where Friday's Full Moon occurs, reads: "A baldheaded man who has seized power." Here is astrologer Dane Rudhyar's interpretation of this symbolic image:

"Whether at the religious or the socio-political and cultural level, there comes a time when obsolescent patterns of order and cultural refinement have to be radically and relentlessly challenged. Catabolic personages emerge to seize power and dictate decisions that alter the structures of society."

Since it is the peak of the lunar cycle, a Full Moon is usually a time of climax or crisis. This Sabian symbol appears to link Friday's lunation directly to developments in current global affairs, and may indicate a turning point.

THE MARCH EQUINOX occurs when the Sun enters Aries, the first sign of the zodiac. This means that next Sunday marks the start of a new astrological year. It is an ideal time for setting new intentions, planting new seeds, and beginning new projects. It is a time to release the past and thus clear space for what is to come.

An equinox is also a sacred time for connecting with the cycles of nature. As we meditate on the passage of time, we come to a better understanding of the need for both the light and the dark, both spring and autumn, both beginnings and endings. "To every thing, turn, turn, turn ... there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."

HERE are the planetary aspects we'll be working with this week, day by day:

Monday
Venus trine Ceres, Mercury square Ceres: Family concerns are central today, as our hearts respond to the needs of those we feel close to. There are some potentials for miscommunication, however, so take the time to really listen to what a loved one is expressing.
Venus semisquare Neptune: We can be tempted to try to rescue someone with this aspect, out of a desire to assist. Be careful not to take on another's pain, but to keep boundaries in place, for the benefit of both of you.

Tuesday
No major aspects are exact today.

Wednesday 
Mars semisquare Neptune: It may be hard to know what we want with this aspect, and thus our next steps are unclear. If possible, pause before making important decisions or heading in new directions. The fog will not last long.

Thursday
Mercury sextile Uranus, Sun semisquare Uranus: New information and insights come forward now, which may test our faith. Flexibility is key in navigating today.
Mars trine Ceres: This is a good day to take care of home projects, or other activities that are helpful to loved ones.
Mercury semisquare Pluto: Differences of opinion can result in minor power struggles today. Be aware of the words and the tone of voice you use, since they will affect how well your ideas are received by another. 

Friday
Full Moon 12:17 a.m. PDT: Since this Full Moon perfects so early on Friday, we are likely to feel its impact at least the day before.
Venus sextile Chiron: This aspect represents an opportunity to heal rifts with friends and loved ones.
Sun sextile Pluto: Spiritual perspectives work in tandem with practical goals. This aspect helps us find solutions through meditation or in our dreams.

Saturday
Venus square Uranus: Disruptions in relationships can indicate a need for greater freedom or independence in one or both parties.

Sunday
Sun enters Aries (Equinox) 8:33 a.m. PDT: The Sun begins a new cycle through the zodiac today. There is a strong impulse to take new action in some area of our lives.
Mercury conjunct Jupiter: Spiritual insights flood the conscious awareness, opening the door to new experiences. It is easier to think optimistically and idealistically with this alignment.

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IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: Old definitions of self are dissolving now. It is time to accept yourself, forgive others, and release the past so that you can move forward in a higher vibrational state. You may have a sense of moving through fog at times this year; if something you are wanting is not yet manifesting in concrete form, consider it as an opportunity to utilize your inherent qualities of surrender, faith, and trust. The new you that emerges from the fog may have different aspirations than you now hold, so allow this process of creative change to unfold. (Solar Return Sun semisquare Venus, semisquare Uranus, conjunct Neptune, sextile Pluto) 

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TRANSLATION and AUDIO/VIDEO VERSION: This weekly Journal is now recorded (in English) AND the text is transcribed into 30 languages! You'll see a row of flags under "Available Languages" in the upper right. And, there are options to listen to the audio (in English)  or watch a video directly beneath the photo (see top of page).

The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

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About the Author

Pam YounghansPam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or leave a message at 425.445.3775.

For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.