By Debra Infante
The spring eclipse season begins in March with a lunar eclipse on March 25, 2024, followed by a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Mars is exalted in Capricorn until March 15, 2024. Mercury transits Pisces, its weakest sign, from March 6 through March 25, and is involved in the lunar eclipse. On March 31, Venus, planet of relationships, begins its transit through its exalted sign of Pisces until April 24, 2024.
Mars, planet of action and courage, transits Capricorn, its exalted sign until March 15, 2024. Mars has been in Capricorn since February 6, and as Mars gets closer to its exact exaltation at 28 degrees Capricorn on March 12, it gives more power along with a strong will, directness, and courage. As Mars is the planet of physicality, athleticism, as well as yoga – this is a great period to attend yoga classes or increase your practice. Mars is symbolic of the “divine warrior” energy, and can give increased passion and ambition. Just make sure your desires are worthwhile and of a higher nature, or frustration or suffering can result.
Mercury, planet of communications and the intellect, transits Pisces, its sign of debility starting March 6 through March 25, 2024, the day of the lunar eclipse. Mercury will be at 15 degrees Pisces, its degree of debility, later in the day on March 14 to the early hours on March 15, MST. Mercury in Pisces increases our mental sensitivity, intuition, and visionary qualities. However, this is a time when communications can be a little unclear, delayed, or unsettled. Focus your energies, pay attention to details and don’t make quick assumptions. Mercury in Pisces asks us to be open-minded, and really listen when talking with others. This is a period to be more diplomatic and flexible.
From March 24 to March 26, Mercury transits the transformative gandanta degrees of 29 Pisces to 0 degrees Aries, during the March 25 lunar eclipse. Gandanta degrees are cuspal degrees between a fire and water sign, and when a planet transits these degrees this creates an opening for deep, positive change around the significations of the planet involved. Mercury rules education, business, sales, advertising, communications, and social media. Collectively, we may need to adjust or change the way we communicate with others and check our motives. Do we communicate in an informative, uplifting, and honest way? Greater discernment in these areas along with better boundaries is possible. This is a time to break old mental habits and patterns with heart-centered neutrality. Remedies for Mercury are meditation and breathwork or pranayama.
The major astrological event this month is the start of the spring eclipse season, with the lunar eclipse occurring on March 25, 2024, followed by the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Eclipses are tied to shifts in one’s life, bringing to surface hidden matters to be faced, so we can heal and grow. An eclipse can be an important learning experience, prompting us to take action and make needed changes. Eclipses are great times for introspection, meditation, and prayer, but are not favored for material or worldly pursuits. The effects of eclipses can last for several months.
The March 25, 2024 lunar eclipse occurs in the early morning hours, just after midnight MST, at 10 degrees Virgo in the nakshatra of Hasta. With this eclipse in the sensitive earth sign of Virgo, issues around health, diet, food supply, nature, and the work and service we provide can be major themes. Lunar eclipses can increase emotional intensity and deepen feelings. The nakshatra of Hasta where this eclipse occurs, has a special connection to the Sun and mantras, especially the Gayatri Mantra. Practicing mantras or performing prayers are helpful remedies.
Also around this lunar eclipse in Hasta nakshatra, increased concerns may arise around injustices in our lives and in the world. We may challenge powerful opponents, as we understand just how powerful words can be. Being a full moon eclipse, we may feel a greater emotional charge with amplified energies during this period.
Next month a total solar eclipse occurs on April 8, 2024 at 25 degrees Pisces in Revati, a wealthy and nourishing nakshatra. The focus may center around issues concerning prosperity, security, and the ultimate truth of life. Revati is the last of the 27 nakshatras in the water sign of Pisces, and therefore indicates a major focus on our spiritual fulfillment, moksha or enlightenment.
At the very end of the month on March 31, Venus, planet of love, relationship, and finance, begins its transit through Pisces its exalted sign until April 24, 2024. This brings a longing for greater compassion, kindness and peace in our world. We want to heal the suffering and challenges we see all around us. It’s easier to be more forgiving and unconditional with all those we encounter if we recognize the importance of opening our hearts and sharing with others. We may wish to add more devotional content to our lives as Venus rules the path of Bhakti Yoga.
Summary
Overall, March 2024 offers opportunities for growth, introspection, and positive transformation, especially through heightened awareness of communication patterns, service, and spiritual pursuits.
Debra Infante is a practicing Vedic astrologer and teacher. She began her studies of Vedic astrology in 1995 and was certified by The American College of Vedic Astrology as an approved teacher (Level I) in September 1999. She has taught Vedic astrology to the students in the yoga teacher training at 7 Centers Yoga in Sedona, AZ from 2002 to 2020. Debra can be reached at (928) 639-0623 or dinfante108@gmail.com for astrological consultations by phone or in person. Contact her to receive her monthly Vedic astrology article. You can also find her at http://ayurveda-sedona.com/yoga-and-vedic-astrology/about-vedic-astrology/
