“Inanna’s Descent”
by Gery Mews

The March-April period could be the most complex and confusing time of the entire year. It marks the first eclipse season, with a Lunar Total Eclipse occurring on March 14 followed by a Solar Partial Eclipse on March 29. Venus and Mercury, the two planets associated with diplomacy and communication, are both turning retrograde, Venus on March 2 and Mercury on March 15, adding to the potential of misunderstandings and ill-guided actions. Then Neptune, planet of imagination, spiritual longing but also dissolutions, crosses the threshold between Pisces and Aries on March 30 for the first time in 165 years. Neptune lingers here together with Saturn until early 2026. The first and last degrees of any sign are critical, but the passageway between 29 Pisces and 0 Aries is especially significant. It functions as a cosmic threshold, a powerful portal to the beginning of the zodiac and the birth of a new cycle with themes and images that belong to a new era. As many old pathways do not exist anymore, we may need to rely more on our instincts and inner guides to find our way into a new world.

On March 2, Venus turns retrograde and remains in reverse motion until April 13. During the Venus retrograde phase, the planet associated with beauty, values and possessions, displays her ‘darker’ side. Venus begins her retrograde phase in fiery Aries before returning to Pisces on March 28. When Venus is in Aries, we can expect stormy times in our relationships. On a mundane level, contracts and alliances between different nations or parties could be re-examined or even abolished. Therefore, the entire Venus retrograde period can coincide with the break-down of partnerships and emotional separations, as we review our personal needs and values during these 6 weeks. On the positive, the weeks when Venus is retrograde can be helpful for reflecting on what we require for our happiness and peace of mind.

A potent Full Moon lunar eclipse in Virgo occurs on March 14 at 5.54 pm AEDT. The eclipsed Moon is opposite a conjunction between the Sun, Saturn and Neptune in Pisces and forms a supportive trine with Uranus in Taurus. During a lunar eclipse the Moon passes through the shadow of the Earth and for a few hours the Full Moon will be darkened without reflecting the light from the Sun. While the total phase of the eclipse won’t be visible from most of Australia, we will be able to see a partial lunar eclipse when the Moon rises after dark. Lunar eclipses affect us on an emotional level (Moon). Feelings and events that have remained unintegrated within our subconscious may be triggered.  It is essential to hold back with our opinions and remain open to intuiting the larger picture. We are moving through the end phase of the Saturn-Neptune cycle. It is marked by a dissolution process of the old order. This coincides with the current chaos and uncertainty but also the potential for creative new beginnings.

Mercury stations retrograde on March 15 – just hours after the Lunar eclipse – and will remain retrograde until April 7. Mercury crosses the threshold between Aries and Pisces during this period. The cosmic messenger might bring out its shadow side and anything concerning communication, transport, contracts and travel may not work out as planned. This creates the need to make space for the unexpected.

The Equinox occurs on March 20 when the Sun crosses the threshold into Aries, the sign of pioneering activities and new enterprise. It marks an important turning point as we move from the end of the cycle (Pisces) to a new beginning in Aries. The hours before the equinox are best used for emptying out, releasing, and creating that special inner space, where new information can flow in and be received. Traditionally, it is the beginning of autumn in the southern and the start of spring in the northern hemisphere.

A partial Solar eclipse follows on later March 29 in Aries. Eclipses are powerful new moons (solar) and full moons (lunar).  There can signify endings but also new beginnings. In the period prior to an eclipse we are in a shadow, not seeing the complete situation. It is best to avoid making rushed decisions, especially when Mercury is still retrograde until April 7. This is the last eclipse on the Aries-Libra axis, the axis of war (Aries) versus peace (Libra). This eclipse cycle started in April 2023.

On March 30, only one day after the solar eclipse, Neptune crosses the zero-degree Aries point. Neptune, representing our imagination and collective dreams, moves us into new territory with a new awareness of living. In Aries, the inner fire is ignited. We are called to act on our vision and bring it to the world. The last time Neptune entered Aries was in 1861. Neptune will be in Aries until 2039.

Aries: The Venus retrograde phase March 2 – April 13 is well suited to re-evaluate plans, projects and re-negotiate partnerships, but be careful with getting drawn into arguments and conflicts. Instead, spend time alone for introspection. Resist projecting your expectations onto others and focus on your own goals. This is a great period for re-viewing your personal style of self-expression and being creative about your personal image and appearance.

Taurus: Relationship and money issues can be confusing during this period. Final decisions in these matters are best not made before the end of the Venus retrograde period because you might miss out on important information (March 2 – April 13). Mercury’s retrograde passage during March 15 – April 7  contributes towards delays and miscommunications asking you to remain flexible.

Gemini: Matters involving your life direction may take center stage during this month. The energies of the lunar eclipse on March 14 could be emotionally testing. You might feel pulled between trying to make rational decisions versus having trust in your own intuitive wisdom. This is a potent moment in time, when value judgements can be dissolved leading to greater integration and self-acceptance.

Cancer: With Mars now in forward motion, you can pick up from where you left back in October. Pay special attention to your future dreams and what you desire from life. It may be helpful to reflect on your personal and professional mission statement. Redefining goals and clarifying expectations can make this a time for birthing a new perspective and planting new seeds.  

Leo: It may be helpful to take stock of available resources and support needed for manifesting your dreams and vision. Do you get the resonance for your projects that you were hoping for? Is your vision bigger than your reality is allowing for? Things start moving again in the right direction from mid-April onwards. Remain open-minded and in the meantime work on broadening your perspective.

Virgo: The Full Moon eclipse occurs in Virgo on March 14 marking a powerful period for clearing out stagnant energy and letting go of what is not needed anymore. Relationships are also under review.  Unresolved issues may pop up for you to look at and heal. What needs dissolving for a new cycle to begin?  Is there something missing that used to make you happy? You might want to get in touch with your inner guides to find answers.

Libra: Health and work require some attention, including changes to diet or daily habits. This is also a time when you will be reviewing, changing or strengthening your relationships and contracts with others. You may feel less inclined to please others and instead request more independence for yourself. Venus retrograde in Aries asks you to speak your truth as taking a low profile won’t work (March 2 – April 13).

Scorpio: This period is helpful for reviewing your work commitments, daily habits and health concerns. You may also want to take better care of yourself, your body mind and soul. Feel encouraged to step outside what feels familiar while remaining open to intuiting the larger picture. This is a time when inspiring new beginnings are possible, especially when shifting the focus onto your creative self-expression.

Sagittarius: This eclipse season is helpful for meaningful encounters with who you are on a deep level, and you could discover some buried treasures. Unresolved themes from the past may be unearthed as well being integrated into your conscious identity. At the end of this process, you might move in a new direction as career goals have changed and your creativity has been revived.

Capricorn: It may be time to expand beyond the familiar four walls of your mind. Your way of seeing your world, including your beliefs, your perspective on life, and your knowledge is ripe for new information. Examine why you think the way you do and why you believe what you believe. With Venus in retrograde motion until April 13, it is a good time for reviewing core values.

Aquarius: Financial and material matters require your attention during this eclipse cycle. It may be time to settle some of your debts, financial or otherwise or some drama surrounding your relationships, personal or business. Balance whatever makes you feel comfortable and secure with attention to other people’s needs and comfort levels. Take this as a period of review concerning your personal and shared values with others.  

Pisces:  During this eclipse cycle, endings and new beginnings may manifest in your contracts with others. Partnerships may be tested, personal or business alike because feelings and events that have remained unintegrated within our subconscious may be triggered. Remain open to intuiting the larger picture but also know your boundaries. There is space for compromise and negotiation when you apply discernment.

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