“Who understands why spring is born / out of winter’s laboring pain / or why we must all die a bit / before we grow again.” –The Fantasticks

Mars ruled Aries is the first sign of zodiac and the New Moon in this audacious sign signals a powerful new beginning, one filled with fresh energy and endless possibilities. Aries represents pure action and movement; it’s normally a time to set bold intentions and launch new plans. And yet, as a nation, we are confined to home, practicing social distancing, and without our familiar routines, activities, and pleasures. What can this New Moon teach us?

Not all action or movement is outer oriented. For instance, forgiving Chiron (in Aries) is conjunct (close to) the Sun and Moon giving us an opportunity to heal old wounds, buried traumas, and grievances. It takes guts to confront these issues. There have been many articles and blogs about the value of slowing down during this crisis, becoming more authentic, vulnerable, and open to change. This too, takes Aries courage, as does dealing with our fears and concerns which are real and must be honored.

“One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Struggling souls catch the light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it.” –Caroline Myss

In mythology Chiron (called the wounded healer) was a beloved teacher who was both brave and kind. He taught the sons of the great men and gods to be the heroes they were meant to be. Perhaps this is a chance for us to become the heroes of our own life, not by asserting our ego, but from a place of wholeness. That includes developing more compassion, empathy, and reaching out to others who are feeling alone and challenged.

A formidable line-up of Jupiter, Pluto and Mars in Capricorn bestows great insight, depth, and faith during this period. Loving Venus, in her home sign of earthy Taurus, makes a supportive trine to the Capricorn planets, helping us to deal with deep issues. Venus makes an exact trine to generous Jupiter March 27 showering us with some grace and good will.

Unconventional Uranus in earthy Taurus creates a positive sextile to mental Mercury (in inspirational Pisces). Mercury is the mind; Uranus is called the divine mind; together they dazzle. New ideas, solutions, and creative projects can emerge from this crisis. A friend has created a hand sanitizer with essential oils, another is making beautiful face masks, while others (myself included) are using this time for a writing retreat. No pressure; just being home, taking care of our family, staying in touch with friends via Zoom or Skype, or simply giving ourselves lots of down-time can be deeply healing.

March 21 Saturn moved from strict Capricorn into tech-savvy and progressive Aquarius. It will go retrograde on May 10 and return to Capricorn July 1. Saturn will enter Aquarius December 17, 2020 until March 7, 2023. Saturn’s current visit into Aquarius is just a preview but nevertheless, there is a sense of movement and change in the air. Mars will join Saturn in freedom-loving Aquarius on March 30.

“Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try and do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work; you don’t give up.” –Anne Lamott

In mythology, Persephone was kidnapped by Pluto and “confined” to the underworld for six months out of the year. Yet it was in the underworld that she found her power and became whole. Her mother, the goddess Ceres (the Greek Demeter), was bereft and withdrew to Eleusis where she practiced her own form of “shelter in place” by disguising herself as a mortal woman. Yet, it was there that she created the Eleusinian Mysteries, the most famous of the religious rites of ancient Greece. Even a tragedy or crisis can be part of the master plan.

This is an extraordinary time in the world and there is much we cannot control. But we are in charge of how we feel and what we think. Taking precautions goes without saying. But it’s also essential (I believe) to find ways to feel good and be happy every single day, even for a little while. We are all in this together and we owe each other (and ourselves) a tremendous compassion. All is well, you are loved, Virginia

“No threshold needs to be a threat, but rather an invitation and a promise. Whatever comes, the great sacrament of life will remain faithful to us, blessing us always with visible signs of grace. We must merely trust.” –John O’Donohue (Bless the Space Between Us)