AN ASTROLOGICAL NEWSLETTER
BY MITCHELL SCOTT LEWIS
http://www.mitchastro.com/
AUTHOR’S NOTE:
Spring has arrived (though you couldn’t tell by the weather in the North East), and with it all the hopes and dreams of a New Year, which is exactly what the Spring Equinox is. When the Sun hits 0 degrees Aries it begins the zodiac year anew. I have celebrated this as the New Year for decades. The past 2 years have been difficult, to say the least. Despite a Dow Jones above 10,000, most Americans aren’t fooled by such nonsensical numbers. We realize the shape the economy is in, especially in places like New York City, where the unemployment rate is almost double what the Feds admit to nationally. Our status in the world remains questionable, and the occupation of Iraq looks more and more like a quagmire waiting to suck our military down the quicksand.
The recent attack on Spanish soil, and the ensuing “surprise” election could prove devastating. When comparing the transits on this year’s U.S. Election Day to America’s natal chart I saw so many conflicting aspects, that a similar attack at that time would not surprise me at all, although I am loathe predicting such things for many reasons. Saturn will be transiting America’s Mercury, ruler of the 7th house of partners and open enemies. We will have a difficult time establishing strong connections with other nations this year. There will also be an underlying malaise, or depression that will undermine our national consciousness. It is important that we remain upbeat, especially in the face of future terrorist attacks. It isn’t a question of “if”, but “when”. As I have written for the past several years, we are heading further to the “right”, and each new incident will add fuel to the reactionary fire. Things change quickly, even on a grand scale. All of a sudden it isn’t hip to be Jewish or liberal. The Jackson family (thank you Michael and Janet) have single handedly done more damage to the sexually liberal cause than any politician ever could.
The rumors are that Mel Gibson will earn about $700 MILLION DOLLARS from the “Passions of the Christ”. Not a bad price for alienating most of Hollywood. But then, who cares if you can afford to produce your own movies for the rest of your life. Another rumor has him aiming at producing the “true” story of Chanukah! Personally, I think Mel Brooks would do a better job. He could cast Billy Crystal, Robin Williams and Josh Mostel as the Hasmoneans, better known as Judah and the fighting Maccabees. Mel Brooks could play the evil Syrian King Antiochus (can’t you just hear the puns?). Or better yet, in a casting coup he could cast Mel Gibson in that role!
NEW MOON:
This month’s New Moon falls on Saturday March 20th at
5:41 P.M. EST at 0 degrees Aries 39 minutes. The beginning of Aries falls
on the spring equinox and is recognized by astrologers as the beginning of
the zodiac, thus it is the New Year. This is a very important New Moon, as
it not only begins the lunar cycle, as all New Moons do, but the solar cycle
as well. Use the next 2 ½ weeks to initiate any new projects and to jump start
your year. Changes happen more easily at beginning times than at ends. Many
projects that have been delayed should begin shortly.
MARS ENTERS GEMINI:
On Sunday March 21st at 2:39 A.M. EST the god of
war enters the sign ruling communication and transportation. We are begin
a period of intense communication. There will be a lot of fire behind your
words, which if used properly can be of great help. Just be careful not to
be too aggressive in speech and writings. It will be difficult to avoid confrontation
and arguments for the next few months. Try to choose your fights carefully.
There will not be a shortage to pick from. Be careful while traveling, and
don’t get behind the wheel if you are angry (always good advice, but more
so now.)
On the world stage the aggressive nature of man will be displayed. It will be difficult to negotiate, as egos will get in the way. There will be more explosions involving motor vehicles, especially near our troops. Expect an escalation of the nasty war of words between our two presidential candidates.
PLUTO RETROGRADES:
On Wednesday March 24th at 10:07 A.M. EST this distant
cousin starts its yearly trip backwards, putting limitations and delays on
partnerships. It will be more difficult to use other people’s resources now
and you should not rely upon them. This is a good time to delve into the working
of your mind and perhaps clean out some of the cobwebs. Those in therapy can
make great gains in their understandings now.
MERCURY TRINES PLUTO:
Also on Wednesday March 24th at 3:39 P.M. EST these
two planets create a positive and useful aspect adding to our self awareness.
You will be looking for deeper answers to life’s questions. Use this time
to communicate your ideas to the world. If you have been waiting to make a
presentation, now would be a good time. If you are looking to begin a partnership
or new business this is a very good aspect to work under.
THE SUN SQUARES SATURN:
On Friday March 26th at 6:14 P.M. EST this nasty
aspect occurs, which can make us feel frustrated in many endeavors. There
are delays and complications that seem meant only to annoy us. In reality
things are slowed down to allow time to double check our plans and avoid problems
down the road. Of course we don’t see it that way at the time and the pent
up energy could be misdirected. Take deep breaths and wait a day or so until
this completes before rushing ahead. You will only be banging your head against
a locked door.
MARS SQUARES URANUS:
On Sunday March 28th at 12:40 P.M. EST and for a
day or so leading up to this aspect I suggest caution. When these two planets
conflict it is an accident or argument waiting to happen. Be careful while
traveling and avoid dangerous situations and neighborhoods. People could blow
up for the slightest reasons, sometimes from behind the wheel of a car. This
could certainly point to a terrorist attack somewhere, but probably not in
your home town. In terms of interpersonal relationships you or your next door
neighbor could play the role of terrorist. Try to let things cool down before
reacting.
MERCURY ENTERS TAURUS:
On Wednesday March 31st at 9:28 P.M. EST the planet
that rules our thoughts enters the fixed earth sign, forcing the mind to slow
down and take stock. Mercury in this placement tends to be a bit stubborn
and slower in making decisions, but once those decisions are made it is almost
impossible to change. It is a wonderful placement for putting down a foundation
of ideas. Just don’t become so fixed that you can’t make changes. Use this
energy to plan financial directions and try not to be too unbendable. A foolish
consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds…
VENUS ENTERS GEMINI:
On Saturday April 3rd at 9:57 A.M. EST the god of
love enters the sign of the mind, creating a mutual receptivity with Mercury
(each in the sign ruled by the other). This could be a good month for love
affairs, especially where communication is deemed important. Talk to your
lover this next month and you will be amazed at what you learn. But be careful
not to over intellectualize affairs of the heart. Communication is one thing.
Taking all the fun out of love is quite another.
THE SUN SEXTILES NEPTUNE:
On Sunday April 4th at 4:07 A.M. EST these two planets
create a positive angle, setting up a nice aspect for artists and philosophers.
Take advantage of this energy and use it for anything creative. There will
be a feeling of empathy in the air, which could be used to smooth over ruffled
feathers.
FULL MOON:
This month’s lunar peak occurs on April 5th 7:03 A.M.
EST at 16 degrees Libra 00 minutes. All Full Moons must be given the respect
they deserve. Since Libra rules relationships I strongly suggest you avoid
direct confrontation in a marriage, business partnership or other close partnering.
If there is any underlying animosity if very well might come out now. Of course
releasing pent up tension is important, but so is the timing of that release.
Near the Full Moon, such an event could have repercussions far beyond what
you had anticipated. A few days from now would be a better time to approach
difficult subjects.
MARS
SQUARES JUPITER:
On Tuesday April 6th at 1:15 A.M. EST the ego gets
blown out of proportion. You must be careful under this aspect not to overreact
or become too aggressive. While Jupiter squares are usually easier to handle
than other planetary conflicts, when Mars is involved you must be careful.
Anger and tension are in the air, and you could say or do something in a joking
manner that will be taken out of context and result in confrontation. Since
Mars rules the military there could certainly be some form of attack or escalation
around this time.
MERCURY RETROGRADES:
Also on Tuesday April 6th at 4:28 P.M. EST the mischievous
winged god begins running backwards, for the sole purpose of screwing up our
lives. (That’s probably not true, as the planets do exist separate from us.
But it sure seems that way.) As always I must warn you not to buy a new car,
cell phone, clock radio, computer, airplane, boat or any other communication
or transportation devises. Until this planet turns around on Friday April
30th you should not sign any important papers. If you absolutely
must, then scrutinize those contracts as if your life depends upon it. Don’t
buy a house, start a new job or get married. There will be problems in communication
and difficulties down the line.
VENUS SQUARES URANUS:
On Friday April 9th at 5:51 A.M. EST the weird meets
the sublime. Unusual romances and quick affairs are common while this is in
play. Any relationship begun under this aspect although exciting will tend
not to be too stable. Be careful of your money and possessions. This is an
“easy come easy go” type of configuration, so hold on to that dollar till
the eagle grins.
SUN TRINES PLUTO:
On Sunday April 11th at 1:31 P.M. EST this very
useful and powerful aspect hits. You must take advantage of the trines and
sextiles in a chart or they will pass uneventfully. The harder aspects make
themselves known to us, forcing our attention on them. Use the day or so leading
up to this make plans and discuss projects with your partners. They will be
more receptive than usual.
MERCURY ENTERS ARIES:
On Monday April 12th at 9:23 P.M. EST the retrograding
Mercury reenters Aries, sign of its rulership. After its partial, laboriously
slow journey through Taurus, the sign ruling speech will be happy to get back
to this more comfortable energy. People will tend to be more aggressive and
direct. You will find that they talk more quickly and assertively. Be careful
not to overdo it. The frustration of being in Taurus has made our minds antsy,
and we might react in erratic ways.
MARS TRINES NEPTUNE:
On Tuesday April 13th at 6:02 P.M. EST our fantasies
get a jolt of energy. This is a wonderful aspect for creative people or those
working in the medical field. Often a drug administered with a Neptune friendly
aspect will have more affect than at other times. Treatments of all sorts
seem to work better. If you are in the middle of a creative project, this
will move it closer to fruition.
VENUS SQUARES JUPITER:
On Wednesday April 14th at 4:57 A.M. EST we have
a square between the lesser and greater benefic planets. The worst thing about
this configuration is overindulgence. If you have a drug or alcohol problem
it could certainly flair up at this time. The same is true for gambling, overspending
or just a lackadaisical attitude towards money. Watch your pocketbook, and
only buy what you really need. Tomorrow you will look at that African wall
hanging and wonder: “What was I thinking?”
Another place to pay attention is in love. You could easily fall head over heels for someone, only to discover in a few days that he or she isn’t quite what you thought at the beginning. Don’t give your heart away too fast on this aspect.
THE SUN CONJUNCTS MERCURY:
On Friday April 16th at 9:05 P.M. EST these two
meet, giving a great deal of energy to our speech. When a planet is near the
Sun it is called “combust”, as the Sun is fire. This is a powerful aspect,
and when used properly can communicate ideas with great force and direction.
If misused, this energy will only come across as willfulness, often turning
people off to your ideas. Use charm and a bit of subtlety, and you can make
great strides in understandings.
DARK OF THE MOON:
The next New Moon is on Monday April 19th. The few days
preceding is the end of the lunar cycle, and has little energy for anything
but completions. Spend your time finishing up anything that is incomplete,
don’t try to initiate new projects on a waning moon, it just won’t work out.
Once the New Moon hits you begin new projects or attempt a new approach to
an existing problem.
People often misunderstand this time of the month. If you have been living in a situation or involved in a relationship that is intolerable or has outlived its usefulness this would be the proper time to move on with your life. If you have been working on a project that is almost complete but you seem to lack the energy for the finality, you must push during these low energy days to end the matter once and for all. If you don’t, when the New Moon arrives it will bring this “dead” energy along with it and conflict with the newer force being presented. Often people, ideas or situations remain long after they have outlived their usefulness in our lives. Each month we are offered a chance to clean house, so to speak. Take advantage of it by finalizing anything in your life that needs completion.
Happy New Year everybody!
All times are Eastern Daylight:
March 22nd 10:13 A.M. – March 23rd 1:09 A.M.
March 24th 5:29 P.M. – March 25th 12:35 P.M.
March 27th 5:44 P.M. – March 28th 1:23 A.M.
March 30th 11:00 A.M. – 1:07 P.M.
April 1st 6:56 P.M. – 9:45 P.M.
April 3rd 1:23 P.M. – April 4th 3:52 P.M.
April 5th 5:26 P.M. – April 6th 6:24 A.M.
April 7th 7:06 A.M. – April 8th 7:50 A.M.
April 9th 8:29 P.M. – April 10th 9:33 A.M.
April 11th11:46 P.M. – April 12th 12:33 P.M.
April 14th 3:27 P.M. – 5:24 P.M.
April 16th 9:42 A.M. – April 17th 12:24 A.M.
April 19th 9:21 A.M. – 9:42 A.M.
Mitchell Scott Lewis
March 2003
New York City
(212) 726-3814
Copyright 2004
All Rights Reserved