"Get up, Stand up, Stand up for your rights!
Bob Marley
Aries 2012
This month we hit the ground running as a massive lineup of Aries energy ignites evolutionary activism. This energy began on March 20, the vernal equinox, which marks the first day of spring when the Sun moves into Aries and the tone is set for the entire season.
By the look of the equinox chart and the New Moon chart which followed two days later, this looks to be an explosive spring. We will be seeing activism, action and a showdown between differing philosophical views. To understand why things will be heating up it is helpful to understand Aries the first sign of the zodiac.
Aries the ram is the most masculine sign of the zodiac. That is to say it carries an almost entirely positive yang charge. Aries is named for the Greek God of War Ares, whose Roman name was Mars. Mars, the planet of War, action, drive, desire and testosterone is the ruling planet of Aries. Everything about this sign is muscular, active and ready for action.
The symbol for Aries is the ram, a creature who lives high in the mountains, a reference to the leadership tendencies of this sign. The ram is recognized primarily for its horns and head butting combat during mating season. All of this is intensely Aries, the sign which rules the head, combat and male competition for mating. Aries rules action, both the desire and ability to move forward. It is the sign associated with spring and dawn, that magical moment in the day when night is vanquished and dawn breaks. Aries is the moment in the year when winter’s dormancy is over and the raucous wake up call of life begins. Hibernating creatures awaken, green shoots push up from the ground and a new cycle of life finds the courage to begin.
Aries is the warrior, the sign most willing to fight. In fact natives of this sign often enjoy combat, physical training, confrontation and aggression. These tendencies form both the hardware and software of the warrior. Love of adrenaline and adequate muscle is needed by those who are called by the universe to the fray of the battle field, to rush into burning buildings, or to engage in any courageous act. Aries reminds us that courage is action in the face of fear. To act when one is scared or even terrified is the only time one can be brave.
Aries asks us what are we willing to fight for. What are we willing to stand up for. What are we willing to take action for and what are we willing to protect with fierce and courageous action. Mars, the God of war reminds us that a life devoid of duty and sacrifice is meaningless. The warrior archetype is one of tremendous power over life and death. Combat is a bloody business that leads inevitably to destruction, dismemberment and death. What informs this deadly force astrologically is the opposite sign Libra, the sign of Justice, Beauty and Peace. To fight for any lesser principle than those defined by the scales of Justice degrades the warrior into a bully, brawler or berserker.
Aries rules manhood. Most if not all ancient and tribal traditions included some form of initiation for men. It was understood that only men could initiate their adolescent boys into manhood. Here in the west young men have been cut adrift from traditions that strengthened, informed and defined their manhood. Initiation was a way of connecting men to a larger web of support while tempering the physical power of manhood with compassion and sensitivity for women, children, elders, their tribe and the natural world. With Uranus the planet of evolution, revolution and awakening in Aries till 2018, we may see a reimurgence of the male mysteries and male initiation that could go far in strengthening and deepening modern men.
Ancient cultures stressed similar spiritual disciplines for the warrior tradition. The celts, a fierce culture of fighters had the saying "Never give a sword to a man who can’t dance." The samurai tradition stressed the arts as well as the martial side of becoming an impeccable warrior. When informed of cuts to the arts funding in England because of the war effort, Winston Churchill is famously reputed to have replied "Then what are we fighting for!"
To honor Aries energy this month ask yourself what you are willing to fight for. Get active. Get fit. Build muscle. Take risks. Honor the military. Do volunteer work to assist veterans. Help the families of veterans. Thank returning soldiers for their service. Learn about post traumatic stress disorder. Be Brave. Do one thing daily each day of April that scares you. Speak out against injustice. Fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Set your house in order. Be the commander in chief of your own life. Create a strategy to achieve your goals, then each day take one action toward that goal.
Astrologically where there is Mars, his celestial consort Venus will never be far away. In fact what arouses Mars to act is the tip of her scales. There is an undeviating mechanism of Justice in the Universe. When the scales of Justice are wildly out of balance, Mars awakens in people and threre is uprising and activismm. Activism and uprising are an immediate clue that somthing is far out of whack. It takes a lot to get people out in the streets. It is tiring and can be dangerous, and only happens when people are sorely pressed, which brings us to where we are right now:
The equinox and New Moon charts in Aries, both indicate a surge in activism. This is due to the active nature of Aries as well as the fact that in both charts, the planet Uranus, which is the planet of evolution, humanitarianism, liberty, revolution and technology is concunct the Sun and Mercury retrograde. This indicates that activism will be regarding issues that we are reviewing, which arise out of the past. With Saturn, the Planet of Karma, and responsibility moving retrograde through the last degrees of Libra we are now reviewing justice issues which have been with us for a while, where the dispensation of Justice has been unfairly weighted.
The Shot Heard Round The World:
At this very moment the news is dominated by the shooting of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed African American teenager, stalked and shot to death, while out to buy candy, by self appointed vigilante George Zimmerman. The killing of this boy has ignited activism among all races who are outraged by the unjust handling of this case by Sanford Florida police from the get go.At this writing no arrest has yet been made, though the police chief has been replaced.
The incident highlights the terrible nationwide injustice of racial profiling of black men and boys. With Saturn the planet of karma moving retrograde through the last degrees of Libra, the sign of Justice, this is clearly a Justice issue writ large that I believe will ultimatly change the national perception and legal treatment of black boys and men. The world is now watching to see whether there is truly Justice For All in America. This case may well spark the repeal of the ill conceived “Stand Your Ground” law which exists in many states and appears to be a licence to kill. It is noteworthy that law enforcement officials were overwhelmingly opposed to this law as it was being passed.
With the Sun conjunct Uranus in Aries we can now take a huge evolutionary leap in men’s issues. We are now very likely seeing the beginning of the end of racial profiling.
The Sun entered Aries on March 20th and will remain there till April 19th when it enters Taurus.
The Equinox chart as stated above sets the tone for the entire spring and is marked by a massive upswing in activism and uprising world wide. Saturn in Libra countervails the potentially violent side of this aspect and stresses remedy through non violence and legal remedy.
Mercury is retrograde in Pisces till April 3rd when it goes direct. On April 16th it enters Aries were it remains through April, and we can act on our plans and revised strategies. Till then we are reconsidering military strategy (sparked by the massacre of 17 civilians in Afghanistan by an American soldier}. We are reflecting compassionately upon mens issues due to the sacrifice of Trayvon Martin and reviewing all issues that seem unjust. Retrogrades are times of return and it seems that the Occupy Wall Street movement is back to protest fiscal injustice as well as a host of other issues.
Venus is in the last degrees of Taurus till April 4th when it moves into Gemini for the rest of April, inspiring us to communicate beautifully and fairly, making April a great month for creative writing and speaking.
Mars, the ruler of Aries is still retrograde in Virgo till April 13th asking us all to reflect on issues of diet, health and fitness. We are being asked to also reflect on the Virgo issues of labor, the environment, and healthcare. At this writing the supreme court is reflecting on the affordable health care act, and may overturn it, which in turn will spark massive Aries activism. On April 13th the massive energy buildup of Mars retrograde since January, finally goes direct and personal and collective energy can bolt forward, with new vigor.
Jupiter is moving forward all month in Taurus, giving financial markets, the construction sector and agriculture sectors opportunities for growth and abundance.
Saturn moving retrograde in the last degrees of Libra holds old issues of Justice and injustice up for examination and activism to right the scales. Saturn in Libra asks us to create Justice in all our relationships, both personal and professional.
Uranus in Aries sparks global activism and revolution against tyranny and corporate malfeasance. Uranus also helps men and technology to take a huge leap in consciousness and evolution. We may in this decade see an entirely new breakthrough in energy technology.
Neptune in Pisces conjunct Chiron the wounded healer cracks our hearts open with compassion and helps keep all activism on a spiritual track. Keep up with meditation, blessings, gratitude, prayers and forgiveness.
Pluto the destroyer continues to move through Capricorn, demolishing the structures of the world as we know it. On April 10th it goes retrograde and reveals hidden issues involving the corporate sector, infrastructure, the government and banks. Uranus and the whole Aries lineup this new moon begins a series of squares to Pluto that will ultimately demolish our old structures of society based on organized selfishness, greed and fear.
ARIES: Happy birthday Aries! This year you can really change and be free as Uranus the planet of awakening allows you to take a giant leap forward. This leap forward with Mercury retrograde in your sign on the equinox, is paradoxically connected to you facing down old issues from the past that have bound you and be done with them . It’s a whole new day. This year take audacious action and use technology to do so. Jupiter the planet of opportunity and wealth is in your financial sector along with Venus. Some lovely opportunities are coming your way along with a solid new sense of self esteem On April 4th Mercury will have just gone direct in Aries and Venus will move into communicative Gemini, so writing and communicating can move forward now. Think about completing and pitching new creative ideas. Saturn is coming to the last degrees of Libra in your relationship house, were it has been testing your boundaries and partnerships. By October you’ll know which ones make the cut. Your career is transforming continue to build new structures that will support your vision. Maintain your spiritual practice, It is the secret support of your whole existence these days.
TAURUS: This month your spiritual life is the major focus of your chart. The Sun and Uranus are asking you to awaken in a whole new way. Your holy work is paradoxically to deploy your inner armies in the spiritual act of surrender. You are capable of a leap in your spiritual development and perception. Mercury retrograde in your networking house asks you to reconnect and revise the manner in which you interact with friends and associates. Fear not, the abundance and expansion you have been working towards is on the way. Get your inner world in order and the rest will follow While Mercury is retrograde be circumspect in all that you say. Spend time revising plans then on April 4th you can move forward and share ideas and your new vision productively.
GEMINI: This month there is major activity in your friendship and networking sector. The Sun and Uranus encourage you to get out there and Network and use technology to do so. There could be changes in how you interact with friends and associates. Mercury your ruling planet is moving retrograde in your career house bringing back old business contacts who share your vision. Watch your speech till April third when Mercury goes direct, then resume communicating your revised career vision in a new technological and aggressive way. Mars is still retrograde in Virgo in your home sector asking you to continue editing, cleaning and organizing you home life. On April 14th it goes direct and new home plans can move forward. There is a solid new sense of spiritual and angelic support, with Jupiter in your spiritual sector. Jupiter is helping you build in a truly solid belief that you are worthy of and deserve all forms of abundance.
CANCER: The major focus for you this month is in your career house. Your inner armies are gathering there to form a new strategy for advancing your career goals. At the start of April Mercury is retrograde along with Neptune in Pisces asking you to engage in any spiritual practice that connects you to the source. This could include but is not limited to spending time in nature. Blessing people who annoy you, prayer or meditation, yoga or anything that brings you stillness and peace.After April 4th start moving forward with new plans and visions. Mars retrograde in Virgo, in your mental house asks you to pay attention to your mental health and see that you are eating sleeping and taking adequate supplements.Saturn in the last degrees of Libra in your house of home is asking you to set boundaries with your family and get your home situation in order. Do what you can while Saturn is retrograde to recover from any old issues stemming from your family of origin.
LEO: There is major energetic focus this month in your house of philosophy and publishing. Now is the time when you can take a big leap forward in you writing and communicating.Mercury is moving backward in your house of the deep unconscious helping your review and release with compassion any deep seated issues that still bind you. Forgiveness is the magic word. As always begin with yourself and move on from there. If you can’t it is always helpful to pray or simply ask your higher self for the willingness to forgive. It always comes if we ask for it. Jupiter is in your career house presenting you with an abundant expansion in that sector. Get your ducks in a row and be willing to say yes. Mars retrograde in you money and self esteem sector till April 14th says now is the time to get your finances in order,intime for tax season, and analyze issues of self worth as you do. Devise an earning plan and after the 14th put it into action
VIRGO: The major focus this month is in your house of transformation, alchemy and the deep unconscious.Your inner armies are deep in your unconscious helping you to transmute the lead that has heretofore prevented you from living an empowered life in which you can productively merge you life and resources with other for mutual benefit. This may entail some discomfort as you unearth old fears and limiting beliefs lodged in you body mind or spirit, but stick with it.the Sun and Uranus in Aries joined by Mercury after the 17th give you extra bravery and audacity to face whatever is down there.. Mars the ruler of Aries is still retrograde in your sign asking you to analyze and take courageous action to put your life on the track you want it to be on. Your deep meditation on self that began in January is almost over. After the 14 take action and move ahead with your deepest desires.
LIBRA: This month the major focus is in the house of partnerships, both personal and professional The Sun and Uranus already in your partnership house will be joined by Mercury on April 17th to usher in new and productive partnerships that help further your communication goals At the outset of April Mercury is retrograde in Pisces asking you to revisit and revise your work vision including division of labor. After the3rd begin to take action on a new plan now that you have seen what is not working in the old one.Saturn in your sign is testing your executive leadership, reminding your that carrying the heavy load makes you very strong Mars retrograde in your spiritual sector asks you to deploy energy to your spiritual sector. Remember what you serve will serve you. Keep your eye out for a financial merger or backer this month.
SCORPIO: The armies of health organization and fitness are with you this month helping you to whip your environment into shape, while you run, jog and leap your way into a fitness routine. As the month begins Mercury is in your house of creativity and the inner child ask you to revisit any creative projects or inner child work that needs to be done. On April 3rd Mercury goes direct and
you can put your revised visions into action. This is a great month to spring clean your life. Mars retrograde in your friendship sector has you reconnecting with old contacts and reflecting on current friendships . On April 14 Mars moves forward and you can move ahead with new alliances. Jupiter is moving through your partnership sector. Be on the lookout for a woderful new partner who brings abundance and opportunity into your life.
SAGITTARIUS: The massive energy is in your romance sector this month illuminating and transforming your approach to fun and romance. At the start of the month Mercury is moving backwards through your home sector asking you to reflect on your home, family of origin and living situation. After the 3rd Mercury goes direct and you can move ahead with your new vision. Mars is still retrograde in your career house reconnecting you with old contacts and helping you define the details in your approach to work. Saturn moving retrograde though your networking house brings old contacts from the past. It is time to reflect on your relationships and resolve any outstanding issuers one way or the other.Jupiter in your house of work brings new and lucrative work opportunities. Practice saying yes.
CAPRICORN: This month your inner energy is deployed inward and on the home front. It is a great month to change your approach to home. You may find yourself cleaning, remodeling, renovating or changing your approach to how you deal with your family. Uranus the planet of liberty is helping to liberate you from family of origin issues as well as unproductive patterns in the present. The key is a whole new level of consciousness and presence regarding your home and family. Remember your home either supports or thwarts your relationship to the career sector, so it pays to clear things up at home. Jupiter is moving through your creativity sector making this a wonderful month to capitalize on your creativity. Play, fun and inner child work will do wonders for your self esteem this month. There is a grand trine in the earth signs making this month a productive period for creative empowering communication projects.
AQUARIUS: This month the battle is one of words and ideas which is tricky with Mercury retrograde till April 3rd. After that you can take the marbles out of your mouth and present your ideas. With Mercury in Pisces along with Neptune, part of your message has to do with a transcendental compassionate and spiritual approach to the material world. With Uranus your ruling planet in Aries in your house of communication for the foreseeable future, you are the outspoken voice of the global evolution, using technology to fight for liberty and Justice for all.Mars in Virgo in your sector of shared wealth and the deep unconscious has you analyzing how you merge with others on all levels. This has been you deep meditation since January. On April 14th Mars goes direct and you can act on what you have discovered. Pluto in your spiritual sector continues to transform your spiritual life, destroying all that holds you back from your full empowerment.
PISCES: This month your armies are camped out in your financial center contemplating a new strategy to secure your fiscal desires As the month begins Mercury is retrograde in Pisces your own sign asking you to contemplate how you approach life. With Neptune in your sign you are more sensitive than ever and that’s saying a lot. . On April 3rd Mercury goes direct and moves forward through your sign releasing you from the deep meditation you have been in since Mid March. On April 17th Mercury moves into Aries and your fiscal center where it joins the Sun and Uranus and you can move ahead with business plans. Mars has been retrograde in your partnership sector since January encouraging a deep reflection around your partners both business and personal. On April 15th Mars begins to move forward and so can you with a new revised approach to these relationships.
Namaste,
Demitra