MARCIA SACKS

The Full Moon takes place on March 31, 2018 at 7:36 a.m. CDT in 10°Libra. 

This Full Moon forms a T-square with the Moon in Libra, the Sun and Mercury opposing in Aries and Mars and Saturn conjunct in Capricorn.  This is a difficult but temporary aspect lasting several days before and after the full moon.

The Sun amplifies things external to you and the Moon amplifies things internal to you, so the Full Moon always has some conflict between what you're experiencing internally compared to externally.  Mars and Saturn conjunct symbolizes anger and frustration.  Linked to the lunation, you may find you are experiencing this anger and frustration internally and may also see it acted out by other people and situations.

What to do? Keep steady toward your goals and dreams, don't quit. 
“If you get tired learn to rest, not to quit.”  ~~~ Banksy

Some more advice about the Mars/Saturn conjunction (which is exact on April 2):​

Don't put a bowling ball on the top shelf of the closet!  This is a symbol of many other types of situations. Saturn represents things that are heavy. Mars rules the head. Be really careful.

If you do hatha yoga (or really any type of exercise) don't push to pain or past your limits at this time.  Don't try new postures or movements.  Move slowly, with proper placement and conscious awareness.  Saturn rules the knees.  Mars the muscles. Not a great time for weight-lifting in general, whether exercise or chores.

Difficult Mars/Saturn aspects often leave scars.  Physical scars are a possibility so be careful with sharp objects (Mars).  But remember that sharp, angry words are also Mars and scars from words said in anger can be even longer lasting than physical scars.

Positive keywords: Self-discipline; focus; steadiness of purpose.

Mantra:  Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Om is the sound of the oneness of the universe.  Shanti is the Sanskrit word for peace.
Let there be peace on every level of our being: body, mind and spirit.
You can listen to this mantra here.

In the future: 

Looking forward to attending this conference! It's a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the world's best astrology teachers, researchers and authors.

The Vernal Equinox takes place on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at  11:15 am CDT. 

The Vernal Equinox, also called the first day of Spring, is a potent time for new beginnings. The Sun is moving from dreamy, intuitive and internal Pisces to the Sun in Aries which is the energy of taking action and moving out into the world.  Are you ready?  Do you know what you want your new beginning or goal to be?

The closest aspect to the Sun is a square with Mars in Capricorn, and wider a square with Saturn in Capricorn. The Sun and Mars both have high energy that runs straight ahead toward the goal.  That could be good but what if your goals are at odds with other people's goals?  Can you initiate something without creating conflict, perhaps by moving gently but with steadiness of purpose toward your goal? That’s your challenge.

The spiritual essence of new beginnings comes from the creative efforts and energy you put into each moment.  Remember that we all embody the creativity of the Divine.  You create your new world one day, one thought, one breath at a time.

I spoke at the Noon Meditation and the 1 p.m. Lecture at the Temple of Kriya Yoga this past Sunday where I went more into depth about the Vernal Equinox and new beginnings:

The new moon takes place on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 8:11 a.m. CDT in 26° Pisces.
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Pisces is a sign of intuition, empathy and compassion.  Your dreams at night and the sparks of insight in your daydreams become more vivid and meaningful during this new moon time (including three days before and after).  Hopefully, you are already journaling these types of things.  Dreams and inspiration are fleeting and easily forgotten later if not written down.

Two aspects of note at this time:

The new moon is squared to Mars.  This aspect symbolizes a sensitivity to criticism.  You may find that your emotional buttons are easily pushed.  In advance of this, rehearse in your mind how you choose to respond, for example with detachment or with kindness or with firmly but diplomatically setting boundaries.  And vice versa, if you have a "helpful" critique for another, give consideration to the other person's feelings.  Remember that lunations have effect for two weeks.  If you start an argument now, it will take some time to resolve.

The new moon is conjunct to the asteroid Chiron.  As an astrologer, I use Chiron, when it's in a strong position like this one.  Mythology and Jungian psychology talk about Chiron as "the wounded healer."  This means that at this time you can be helpful to people with the wisdom gained from having worked with your own deeply difficult experiences.  You may not have perfect resolution of your own personal issues, but your journey toward wellness may shine a light on the path for others.  Don't give advice, just share your story when the time is right.

For creatives, artists, and art enjoyers:
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The new moon in Pisces is a wonderful time to write, paint, draw, craft, make music, listen to music or play in whatever medium makes your heart sing.  If you need a bit of motivation to get you going, visit a museum, go to a concert or simply sit out in nature with a sketchbook or notebook.  Julia Cameron, who wrote the wonderful book The Artist's Way, suggests having a weekly "artist's date" when you take time to do something that feeds your soul.  Here are her 101 Artist's Date Ideas.

I am giving two talks at the Temple of Kriya Yoga this weekend, Sunday, March 18 :

Noon Meditation:  The Spiritual Essence of New Beginnings
A special meditation for the Vernal Equinox

1 p.m. Lecture:  Astrology and the Practice of Tarka
Tarka is the spiritual practice of inner reflection in order to better know yourself and understand your world.

The Temple of Kriya Yoga
2414 N. Kedzie Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60647
773-342-4600
​kriya@yogakriya.org