UH-OH, here comes trouble. The planetary picture in March is so crammed with events that it seems unlikely that some kind of bother isn’t in store. Let’s hope that it’s the mild variety flagged up by three weeks of Mercury in retrograde (from the 15th) when the rule is to always have a plan ‘B’ and to keep a spare key handy. At the other end of the spectrum comes the arrival of Neptune in Aries on the last day of the month for a 13 year stay (bar a few months later this year).
Neptune orbits the Sun every 165 years, meaning the last time the planet was in Aries was between 1861-75, its arrival coinciding (almost to the day) with the start of the American civil war. It currently seems the U.S. is determined to repeat the conflict in less bloody form. MAGA versus the rest.
Astrology plays out in different ways, however. 1861 also saw the paintings of Edouard Manet exhibited at France’s national Salon for the first time, marking the arrival of what became called Impressionism in the years that followed, the first great modern art movement. Liberation from the studio to paint real life en plein air and with looser forms. Neptune is a bewildering planet but music and art do seem to be part of its remit.
At mid-month comes another omen of doubtful help, a total lunar eclipse in Virgo, bang opposite Saturn in Pisces. Not all astrologers quake at eclipses (including this one) but they are often moments of change and are popular with the British royal family for its initiatives. Saturn’s presence suggests our minds need to stay focused.
Along with the retrograde of Mercury comes a retrograde of Venus, a less disruptive transit as a rule, dependant on individual horoscopes (see below). Then there is the Spring Equinox, which arrives a day earlier than usual on the 20th. As a predictive tool astrologers are less animated about the equinox than they used to be (it completely failed to forecast World War Two) but the first degree of Aries is still a potent date and with assorted planets crossing and recrossing it this month, best stay out collective toes.
The most important dates in March’s calendar are Sunday the 30th, when UK Summertime arrives, with Mayday two days later. Now welcome summer. Loudly.
Celestial Timetable
- The Sun moves from Pisces to Aries – the Spring Equinox – on March 20 @09.01 GMT
- Full Moon in Virgo on March 14 @06.55 GMT
- New Moon in Aries on March 29 @10.58 GMT, this is also a partial solar eclipse.
- Mercury begins the month in Pisces, moves into Aries on March 4, turns retro on March 15 and re-enters Pisces March 30
- Venus is retrograde in Aries until March 27 when it re-enters Pisces.
- Mars spends the month moving forwards in Cancer.
- Jupiter is in Gemini all month.
- Saturn is in Pisces all month.
- Prometheus is moving forward in Taurus all month,
- Neptune is moving forward in Pisces and moves into Aries on March 30
- Pluto is moving forward in Aquarius all month.
Pisces and Pisces rising
Pisceans are too often depicted as simple, trusting souls, and while certain creative types can become all-consumed by their art, most Fish folk brim with complexity and multiple agendas that they skilfully juggle. Those skills will come in jolly handy in March, a month that will at the least keep you in your toes and may blow you off your feet.
Two events dominate proceedings. Primary is the total lunar eclipse at the full Moon on March 14 which is bang opposite Saturn in your skies (and of course the Sun). Saturn likes control, as you have doubtless discovered but the eclipse is a wild card when events seem to have a life of their own. Since the eclipse is in the zone of significant others, either you or the other party may declare an end to the affair, or a rapprochement. It can go either way. At least the eclipse will burst any sense of shimmering tension.
The other action focuses on Aries, a sign where any Pisceans have planets, where both Venus and Mercury are retrograde and heading back into your skies at the end of the month and beyond. Get your chores list checked off before Mercury turns tail on the 15th. Aries represents your cash zone, so there may be money to chase up or to lose. Clutch your purse tightly, a notion supported by the new Moon here on the 29th, which comes with an eclipse,
Here’s a lifeline through any turbulence: Mars in Cancer is now on the march forwards, awakening your sense of delight and creativity and your appetite for the joys of spring. It’s a call to adventure, Happy Birthday.
Aries and Aries rising
What is often a joyous plunge into Spring when the exalted Sun enters your sign (on the 20th, a day earlier than usual) looks a trickier affair this year, with both Mercury and Venus in retrograde pretty much all month, the former meaning you will be mopping up admin details (unless you have thoroughly done your homework), while the latter may be bringing you a change of heart or even sightings of an old flame. Just to make sure there’s an element of uncertainty in play comes a partial eclipse of the Sun at the new Moon on March 29, just before Neptune arrives in the Ram.
That’s quite an agenda, especially for those of you born in the first few days of your sign. Patience is called for, especially governing matters of the heart, since Venus won’t be back on course until early May. Impulsive action is one of your traits but one best set aside just now. One planet working on your behalf (aside from the mighty Sun) is ruler Mars, now out of its own retrograde and marching onwards, getting pushy for those of you born after April 7. With Mars in square aspect, things happen; promotions arrive, jobs get completed, and arguments are aired. As for Neptune, unless you are moved to write a symphony, pay no attention. And happy birthday.
Taurus and Taurus rising
Pisces is a companionable sign for Taurus, its water supplying nourishment for your earth – and in your solar ‘scope rules the crowd you muck along with; some good friends, others distant workmates- and normally the month of Pisces would be ushering such souls into your life in an uncomplicated way. However, there’s little uncomplicated about March’s astrology, and with ruler Venus and Mercury both backsliding in the most secluded and secret sector of your ‘scope, your support team may be unavailable and your diary left in a bit of a mess.
Likewise, the full Moon in Virgo, normally a good bet for a rave – is hit by a total eclipse on the 14th, though that may also supercharge the weekend. A couple of other planets complicate matters . Prometheus in your own skies is caught up in the eclipse and may play a wild card in terms of a seemingly random event or encounter. Mars is also on side, favouring travel and excursions and research and intellectual exploration.
Gemini and Gemini Rising
All your remarkable agility will be called on in March. Firstly, there is the matter of your Mercury ruler backsliding from the 15th, asking you to be fully documented and time-tabled beforehand, to minimise any dramas. Secondly there is the backslide of Venus, suggesting certain chums and perhaps lovers will be changing their tune this month and next. Or perhaps it is you that is flip-flopping emotionally (it’s been known).
At the centre of things remains Saturn, in the zone of your chart where you make your mark on the world. A total eclipse at the full Moon will blow away any cobwebs in your professional life, but don’t get blown away with them. Remain stalwart and committed to your medium to long term plan (assuming you have one, otherwise acquire one sharpish). The arrival of the Equinox helps – here’s fire energy for your airy disposition – and of course Jupiter in your skies remains a lifeline, buoyancy in the churning seas so to speak, a reminder that there’s always reasons to be cheerful, one two three.
Cancer and Cancer rising
Ensure that March is a case of two steps forwards one step back and not the other way round. The topsy-turvy nature of things this month, with retrograde planets bringing turbulence to your career path, has a sense of inevitability about it, while the total eclipse of your ruling celestial body, the Moon, is likely not doing you any favours unless you are planning to do a vanishing trick and be last sited sailing up the Mekong, but a change from the same old may be what you need.
The good news is that Mars in your skies has now looped the loop and is marching earnestly onwards before finally leaving your skies in mid-April. This brings not only determination – which you have doubtless tried – but results, especially with career matters after the new Moon of 29th. Before that, not the weekend of the 8th, when Luna is in your skies and your mojo is sparking. if romance has you feeling jittery, ride out the storms.
Leo and Leo rising
One assumes that you would rather not talk about money – vulgar stuff – but the month’s convoluted astrology suggests it would be far easier to get into a financial swamp than to extricate yourself from it. Both Mercury and Venus are heading backwards into the zone where banks come calling and partners get ratty because you aren’t paying your way, while a total eclipse in your cash zone (the 14th) might even describe your cash flow – totally eclipsed. You have, in short, to get frugal and organised.
Things are not all alarming, however. The Equinox brings your Sun ruler into favourable alignment, and providing you have patience, a following wind where romance is concerned. You may have to wait a few weeks until the retrogrades are resolved and the Sun’s partial eclipse (on the 29th) are out the way. If you can find a (cheap) way to get out of Dodge for a break, it will help.
Virgo and Virgo rising
Feeling beleaguered and picked on? Or singled out for a great mission you may not be able to fulfil? That’s the problem with Saturn in opposition – things get out of proportion and given that your sign is not known for arrogance and a sense of importance (there are exceptions!) you may draw the wrong conclusion. As much is important in March, when Saturn’s opposition comes with a Virgo full Moon that is also a total eclipse (the 14th), both of which emphasise partnerships and their ability to hold up when put to the test.
Things are made complicated by Venus. The relationship planet is now backsliding and will go into opposition from March 27 for all of April, a reminder that even true love never runs smoothly, and that patience is required. Your ruler Mercury is also retrograde, most likely to drive you nuts when in direct opposition from the 30th through to April 15. Hold promises to account. Going back to Saturn – the ringed planet returns to its current position in the autumn, so escape from duty may prove temporary. Discipline and thoroughness are always Saturn’s idea of a good time. Men, at least those in authority, may prove disappointing.
Libra and Libra rising
Drag your attention away from romantic connections – just for a moment – and consider that lunar eclipse (on the 14th) and its partner Saturn in opposition, respectively representing your secret self/spiritual aspirations and your everyday work. Both look inescapable issues just now; the former asking the perennial ‘What’s it all about? question, to which there is no answer beyond your own, and seeking that is no pushover The latter asks do you find your work rewarding or just a necessity? Let’s hope the former as Saturn can be ruthless about deciding who stays on board and who is expendable. Don’t take the outcome personally, it’s the system.
Moving on to the personal, each year the Spring Equinox routinely interrogates your partnerships, being the Sun in opposition with yourself put on the back foot. No exception in 2025, with ruler Venus not only opposing you but halfway through a complicated retrograde cycle that won’t be resolved until early May. Just who loves who and how much is in the churn for the moment, but best to neither panic nor stay complacent. Work at it, and don’t forget to treat yourself nicely if your main squeeze neglects to do so. You can also chase lost contacts, old flames, missed conversations and unexpressed expressions of adoration. A bit late for Valentines but still…
Scorpio and Scorpio rising
Of all the signs, Scorpio looks to be the one squeezing the most joy from the relentless and challenging events offered by the planetary map. There are two main strands in play; the first is the hullabaloo going on in Pisces, the second the adventures of your ruler Mars in Cancer. Since both those are, like your own, water signs you have a dynamic triangle in operation with you at one point. Mars rekindles your mojo. The red planet has been retrograde for months and now affirms your place as world citizen, soaring across space and culture – look for international contacts.
The season of Pisces is a more intimate matter, bound up with friendship, love, creativity and any pet interest. The total eclipse of the full Moon on the 14th may prove uncomfortable but it’s also bound up with may seems like destined events and encounters, especially since it’s caught up with Prometheus in your partnership zone. Looks exciting. The Sun in your work zone from the equinox onwards, together with a backsliding Mercury and Venus, plus a solar eclipse on the 29th all point to a protracted spell of graft this spring, but nothing that a red-blooded Scorpio can’t handle, and with an exalted Venus back in Pisces for April, you are in the business of pleasure.
Sagittarius and Sagittarius rising
What looks like a mighty month sweeps in, impacting you on several fronts. The new Moon of February 28 was about a fresh start with your home, and with Venus heading into the domestic zone in late March and all of April, Sag Towers are either getting an aesthetic spring clean or a new lodger. There’s work to do here, perhaps of the laborious kind (Saturn is still resident) but unavoidable.
More thrilling or alarming (delete to fit) are the goings-on in your fellow fire sign of Aries – the recreation zone in your solar chart – where you have both Mercury and Venus in retrograde this month along with a new Moon (the 29th) with a solar eclipse attached. Second thoughts about a romance, the return of an old flame, a return to lapsed hobbies pr an abandoned art project all fit the frame. Dealings with a significant other could turn problematic but with Venus, the relationship planet, not through with you until June, it could be an elaborate on-off thing.
Established partnerships should be on the up, now that ruler Jupiter is trundling forward in opposition, but do blow away the dust around them; duos are meant to be mutually enriching.
The total lunar eclipse of the 14th sits atop your horoscope, where a big shake-up in your career is possible, especially for birthdays circa December 15.
Capricorn and Capricorn rising
Is all quiet on the home front? I so, enjoy. If not, you can blame a variety of planets. Mars has been back and forth in your house of partnerships for months, blowing hot and cold where at least one relationship is concerned. Now the red planet moves forwards and heads for the exit in six weeks’ time. Things come out in the open therefore, and if someone does declare open hostilities, fight back.
The situation in your actual homestead or among the family, may also be less than serene. You have enjoyed Venus and mercury here in recent weeks, but the pair now go into retrograde, on the one hand allowing a reassessment of your lovely home but also stirring up antagonism (from the usual suspects). You can fix problems with patience and diligence but instant solutions don’t look available’ the new moon of the 28th, with its partial eclipse, should help makes things clearer.
The month of Pisces, meanwhile, moves on in hopefully benign fashion, especially if you are in the media or the world of education. The big unknown is the total lunar eclipse on the 14th, an exciting before-and-after moment.
Aquarius and Aquarius rising
A total lunar eclipse in your zone of shared resources does not mean your partner has cleaned out the joint account and done a bunk (have you looked?), but points to an imbalance in your financial set-up. Someone doing more than their share of the heavy lifting for example, or some cumbersome administration. With Mercury and Venus both retrograding back into your cash zone later this month, some kind of adjustment seems appropriate, together with a hard look at your travel set-ups. .
Your horoscope looks otherwise in generous mood. Jupiter holds sway in your zone of recreation and romance; ensure your social profile is as high – swaggering even – as possible. The Equinox and the season of Aries are also nicely lined up for a busy life among friends, crushes, though with both Venus and Mercury backsliding expect some no-shows alongside the appearance of old acquaintances.
Astrology Consultations from Pam Carruthers
Readers often ask if I give personal readings. I don’t. My primary jobs remain journalist and writer. By contrast, Pam Carruthers, webmaster, fellow astrologer and long time friend, is a professional astrologer who uses both western and vedic systems for individual clients.
Pam, who is now based in Eastbourne in the UK, has an international clientele. She is a gifted astrologer and teacher and offers Astrology Life Coaching based on your birth chart. One service she offers is Business Astrology helping clients choose the most auspicious dates to start a new project, get married or relaunch a website.
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Her website is www.healingstars.com
Want to know the Key Astrology Dates 2025 to help you plan ahead?
Pam Carruthers has compiled 2 FREE REPORTS. The New and Full Moons in 2025, followed by the Mercury Retrograde and Eclipses Report.
The most important days in the entire year to avoid launching any new projects are the days of the Solar and Lunar eclipses and the days when Mercury goes Retrograde.