Astral Meanders 14-20 March 2012

In general: An attention-grabbing Grand trine begins our week with some interesting energy indeed! Venus trines Pluto, conjuncts Jupiter and trines Mars and Mars trines Jupiter and Pluto. Wow! This is a worthy time for deliberating long-term policies and legal matters, for making radical administrative moves, planning long-term political stratagems, and for embarking on fresh health practices. Our appetites are large for whatever need we are satisfying now. At weeks end Mars enters Aries. There's a sudden shift of vitality as a period of urgency arises. Forbearance and time for maturation of projects and plans just won't do anymore, we feel the desire to instantly get up and go! Preventing premature actions is the test of the month ahead. If you have your birthday this week then you will have a year of quite strong action, lots of lots of plans, document signing and organising. On the world scene this week sees the political wheels busy making plans, passing new judgements and laws and getting ready for big action up ahead. Locally remember to think before you leap…

Thought for the week: A goal without a plan is just a wish. Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900 - 1944)

Aries
Ideas you had months ago are brought back to life this week. Folk from the past can turn up now too. The key right now is to trust your intuition and take the time to think things through. Physical energy levels at a low and it’s natural to choose to keep a low profile this week. Get the rest and recouping time you need.

Taurus
Great opportunities are coming your way now. Romance and all things fun and joyous are on your mind now! It’s a vibrant and dynamic time. Others are attracted to your energy and enjoy being around you. Do however be extra diligent when conveying messages or sharing important information as muddle is likely.

Gemini
You are intuitively tuning into Mercury retrograde and being extra careful with your communications now and this is a great bonus for you! Whilst others are putting their feet in their mouths big time you are reaping lovely benefits from folk who are listening to what you have to say! Success comes from your diligence and hard work.

Cancer
Communication can be peppered with mix ups and confusion this week. Take extreme care! You are also likely to feel more restless than usual, but it’s nothing a good dose of adventure and challenge won’t cure. Your personal energy levels are strong and you are feeling bold so why not give something new a go.

Leo
You are laying the ground for success and good karma later this year. This is your transformation time and you literally feel as if you are shedding old skin. This can be a powerful time in the year for you guys, yet you are apt to feel less confident and more vulnerable than usual. Do not let this deter you from your dreams.

Virgo
You are feeling unusually competitive this week! You are also likely to be more assertive about your needs and wants. In fact you may even need to count to ten a few times this week. Energy levels however are a little low. Joint financial issues can need extra attention now. You seem less able to trust yourself here.

Libra
Positive money news is likely this week! Lucky you! It’s a busy week across the board and time management may be your main issue. Creative energy is high and much can be achieved as a result. You can be more critical than usual however and this can cause misunderstandings, try to be your naturally tactful self .

Scorpio
Work can involve a few muddled moments this week and plans may not work out as you have envisaged. You need to be extra careful about details this week and especially where you are communicating with friends and loved ones and where finances are concerned. Double check details and information.

Sagittarius
Home and family are highlighted this week and it is a good time to strengthen this area of your life. You need to adopt a less critical attitude to loved ones and try to be more understanding. Expect some confusion in then work arena and mis-communications. It may be harder to find time to enjoy little pleasures this week.

Capricorn
It is still a busy time for you guys. Lots of little errands and running around takes up the bulk of your time. Your natural charm is at an all-time high now and others are easily attracted to you. Love matters however can be touched with a hint of drama! Be extra careful whee paper work is concerned as mistakes are possible
now.

Aquarius
Pay attention to money matters as unexpected expenses can occur now. Try to curb those extravagant spending habits for a while. Your intimate life can become more tense and muddled now and communication can be suffering. Hold off on making any big decisions until early April however.

Pisces
Patience and planning is the order of the day at this time. Energy levels and confidence are building. Self-improvement endeavours are greatly favoured now. Finances and personal possessions are in a cloudy area now and may cause some anxiety for you. Refocussing and reviewing will be necessary to clear this up.

Astral Peeks: Mars
The Red Planet’s best form in 2012 happens in March. The Red Planet comes closer to Earth this March than it has in two years, providing earthbound observers with exquisite views. On March 4, the Red Planet lay 62.6 million miles (100.8 million km) from Earth. It measures just 13.9″ across at opposition before dropping to 12.7″ by the end of March. Mars reaches a point in its orbit called opposition March 4 (AEST), allowing for some of the finest views for years. But you don’t need a telescope to see Mars this month. In fact, even from the brightest city, you can spot the planet on a clear night with just your eyes. When searching for Mars, keep a couple of things in mind. First, during this opposition, after sunset the Red Planet is the fourth-brightest starlike object overall, but the brightest one in the eastern part of the sky. Second, Mars appears copper or whitish-orange in colour, not a deep red. For centuries, Mars has been called the Red Planet because of iron compounds in its soil and rocks. During opposition, however, the planet is too brilliant to be red.

Meditation Moments:

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8th across the world. IWD is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, present and future. It is an occasion for looking back on earlier struggles and accomplishments, and for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women. UN Women Australia’s theme for International Women’s Day 2012 is Women’s Economic Empowerment.
Economic Empowerment recognises that increasing women's access to quality education, meaningful employment, land and other resources contributes positively to gender inclusion, sustainable development and growth in prosperity. Across the globe, 70 per cent of the world's poor are women, women earn less than 10 per cent of the world’s wages – but, women do more than two thirds of the world’s work. On average women reinvest 90 per cent of their income into their families while men invest only 30-40 per cent.
For the women of the world, the symbolism of International Women’s Day has a wider meaning. It is an occasion to review how far women have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilise for meaningful change.
As A woman I mam kin to the suffering of my fellow women. I am aware that I cannot attend to the pain of all those suffering women but I can and will be there for all those that cross my path and where possible I will make myself aware of the plights of those in faraway places. I will encourage women to be strong, to question and to grow, to bring about the peace we all deserve.
“God may be in the details, but the goddess is in the questions. Once we begin to ask them, there’s no turning back." - Gloria Steinem
You don't have to be pagan to appreciate the Feminine Divine. She is a part of us all. So embrace your inner Goddess, and empower yourself to reach your personal potential!