Planetary Energies for March 19 to 25, 2012

NorthPoint

Astrology Journal

Written by Pam Younghans

Photo: Auroras over Muonio, Finnish Lapland, on March 16 (photo by Thomas Achermann)

THE POTENTIAL for change is magnified this week. We may consider several compound words among our possibilities, all beginning with the word "break": break-through (my personal favorite), break-down, break-out, break-up, break-away, break-in -- and yes, break-fast could be included, too, although in this context, we should take the meanings of the two words literally rather than planning what's on the menu for morning.

We can even include a few phrases on our list that are not compound words: break free, break camp, break ground, break even, break the ice, break the mould, break the bank, break service and break back (in tennis), breaking point, breaking story, taking a break (I like this one, too), giving someone a break (also good!)....

At this point, the word "break" is starting to look odd, having now typed it so many times.

ASTROLOGICALLY, this energy of change and new beginnings is scattered throughout the week. Specifically, we have the Sun entering Aries and the Equinox (Monday), Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury (Wednesday), the New Moon in Aries and Chiron opposite retrograde Mars (Thursday), and Uranus conjunct the Sun (Saturday).

Astro-scientists are aware that aurora borealis tend to increase around the time of the Aries Equinox. These colorful lights in our sky are usually caused by incoming solar winds. But, they occur around the Equinox whether or not solar winds are active.

The official scientific line is that "we don't know why it happens," but there is conjecture that the "auroral substorm" that occurs at the Equinox is due to the Earth's tilt at the time, which allows it to connect with the Sun's energy field more fully.

NASA's THEMIS MISSION has provided some clues to the mystery:

"THEMIS satellites have detected magnetic 'ropes' connecting Earth's upper atmosphere directly to the Sun," says Dave Sibeck, project scientist for the mission at the Goddard Space Flight Center. "We believe that solar wind particles flow in along these ropes, providing energy for geomagnetic storms and auroras."

These "rope-like magnetic connections between Sun and Earth" are strengthened at both the Aries Equinox in March and the Libra Equinox in September:

"As Earth goes around in its orbit, Earth's tilted magnetic poles make different angles with respect to the Sun. At the time of the equinox, Earth's magnetic field is best oriented for 'connecting-up' with the Sun."

SINCE WE ARE not only living on planet Earth, but are also connected to Gaia spiritually and physically, this tilt of our planet also affects us. Energetically we are equally influenced, even if we do not physically "light up" in response to the increased connection with the Sun. (Although, if you are someone who sees auras, I'd love to hear from you about what you see around the time of the Equinox...)

Thanks to Galileo and others, we know that the Sun is the center of our solar system. We acknowledge that the Sun supplies the light and heat needed to sustain physical life on our planet, and keeps us in orbit by gravitational force. Metaphysically speaking, we can take the symbolism of light, heat, and gravity and understand that the Sun also provides an ongoing stream of higher-frequency information and energy that supports our spiritual, mental and emotional growth.

WHEN SOLAR ACTIVITY is high, as it has been for the past week or more, the energy and information that reach us are magnified. Since we are also at the time of the Equinox, when the connection between Sun and Earth is already enhanced, we have been working with an even stronger energtic wave.

This energy is expansive and consciousness-raising, but can also feel overwhelming at times. We may need more rest this week (although actual sleeping may be difficult). Our emotional reactivity may be heightened, our mental activity more confused (especially with Mercury retrograde), and our extrasensory perceptions enhanced.

It's easy to see how highly energized times like these can tip someone over the edge, if they're already close to the precipice. This is true both in productive ways, as in helping us choose change over stagnation, but also in challenging ways, where the enhanced electrical energy overwhelms an already-compromised emotional or mental connection.

THE EQUINOX is officially at 10:15pm Pacific Time Monday night, which of course translates into early Tuesday morning for many readers. The Sun's ingress into Aries begins the astrological New Year and supports Aries-type activities such as pioneering new territory, taking the initiative, taking a leadership role, and breaking through old barriers of fear.

Those Arian themes are emphasized even further on Thursday, with the Aries New Moon occurring at 7:38am PDT. At the time of the lunation, there are four planets aligned in Aries: the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, and Uranus. And, Vesta and Ceres are also in Aries, although out of range of the other four planets.

This highly electrical energy is designed to break us free from old ways of thinking. We can use this time productively for brainstorming and for making ourselves available to higher-level information and insights. But, this can be a somewhat chaotic time mentally, if our nervous systems become too overwhelmed. Remember to stop and breathe periodically. Give yourself plenty of space and time to ground yourself, and always come from that place of grounding when making any decisions or acting on any ideas.

This is especially important given that Mars (the ruler of Aries) and Mercury are currently retrograde. The opportunity for error is heightened if we are not grounded. But, if we ground ourselves in our physical bodies and align with our spiritual center, the possibility for breakthrough is equally great.

THIS BREAKTHROUGH OR BREAKDOWN energy continues through the weekend, as the Sun and Uranus exactly align on Saturday. The Sabian symbol for the degree this alignment provides an appropriate visual for us to hold:

"A triangle with wings: The capacity for self-transcending. A new dimension of being is envisioned, mobilizing creative endeavors."

We are standing at a crossroads, and our choice is before us. Where do we choose to focus our energy, our intelligence, our power? How do we choose to perceive the world around us? What inspiration and motivation do we take with us into our everyday lives?

The energy of Aries is The Courage of New Beginnings. It assists us in starting anew, and in leading the way or inspiring others through our example.

Blessings,

Pam

NorthPoint Astrology Blog: Please check out my blog for periodic updates at http://northpointastrology.blogspot.com/ -- I look forward to your comments! To Subscribe to this Journal: If you have been forwarded this issue of my NorthPoint Astrology Journal and would like to receive it directly every week, please click here. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the webpage, fill out the subscription form, and click on Submit. To request a personal astrology reading, please e-mail Pam at pam@northpointastrology.com. Or, see the "Readings" page at www.northpointastrology.com to learn more. Please feel free to share this NorthPoint Journal with people you think may enjoy it. When doing so, please forward it in its entirety, including our contact and copyright information. Copyright NorthPoint Astrology 2012. All Rights Reserved.