Though it is still really cold in Boston and the ground is covered with snow, tomorrow is the first day of Spring.
It is possible to cast an astrological chart for a moment in time, such as the Spring Equinox, which has relevance both collectively and personally. The symbols in the chart convey messages about the potentialities of “What is important now?” “What are the dangers and the opportunities?” ” What is being asked of each of us?”
The Spring Equinox is defined by the Sun moving into the sign of Aries, the first sign of the zodiac. The head of the year. The Sun just spent 12 months traveling through all of the signs, and is now in the last degrees of the last sign, Pisces, before it will move into Aries tomorrow, March 20, 2018, at 12:16 PM EST.
The Spring Equinox is by definition always a new beginning, but the energies of the chart for this Equinox symbolize a new beginning that is very much colored by karmic consequences of the past. There is a need for a reality check, as well as a demand that we align our actions so that they meet standards of universal justice and morality, lest there be adverse consequences.
The chart for the Equinox is not forgiving. It does not say, “Just let by gones, be by gones, let’s press the reset button and get on with things.” Not so fast. In this case, the freedom and freshness that often accompany a new cycle is much more fettered and weighty than usual. Though the Sun moving into Aries is typically a full steam ahead type of energy, at this time there is a reigned in quality, like driving simultaneously with your foot on the gas pedal and the brake. Realistic considerations of what really works and what does not in all areas of life will be imperative, and a need to understand both the big and small lessons, both on a collective level and in our personal lives. There is a demand for maturity and seriousness at this time, to reconsider our intentions and to proceed cautiously and responsibly.
It seems unlikely that those in positions of power, who have transgressed and have not thus far been held accountable, will continue to enjoy immunity. They will reap what they sowed. There is a melody playing that says that the time has come for the paying of karmic dues.
In the new cycle there are also clear themes of wounding and healing represented. Healing that actually comes through the wounding is symbolized. An example of this can be seen in the tragedy of the Valentine’s Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, with students mobilized around the country on behalf of stricter gun control. Another example is the exposure of the reality of pervasive sexual abuse in all spheres of life, the government, Hollywood, sports and the Olympics, with victims finally empowered to come forward and to speak out. This is true as well for oppressed minorities who are rallying together, raising consciousness about the true nature of the experience of being a black person in this country, exemplified by the Black Lives Matter movement. We are now witnessing a record number of women and minority candidates running for public office. The wounds are being acknowledged and there is a call to activism that has not been seen since the late 60’s.
The chart for the Equinox focuses attention on the centrality of the plight of our planet, and that an emotionally connected response to the ecological crisis is required of us. Though overwhelming, we must not defend against the unfolding disaster with dissociation and helplessness. Activism on behalf of the natural world is integral to our mission and purpose at this time.
The chart for Equinox reflects the reality that we are living in times of greatly accelerated evolution. We are constantly bombarded with so much information, stimulation and change, that it is difficult to assimilate and keep up with what is going on. This results in a disorientation and surreal quality to our experience. There is no end in sight to the intensity and pressure that all of us have been experiencing for the last 10 years. Yet in the midst of all of this extreme turbulence, each of us continues to be called upon to make the unique heart centered contribution of which only we individually are capable. In order to do this, the chart recommends that we emotionally tune into what do we really care about? What are our values? What matters to us in the long run?
At this time also, we will particularly benefit from attending to the basics of self care: feeding ourselves, moving our bodies and getting sufficient rest. It is also of vital importance to take pleasure in the body, the senses and the beauty of the natural world. We need to focus on what brings a feeling of security and calm amidst the storm. Self nurture is not only essential and protective, but will provide the platform which will allow us the greatest possibility of fully contributing.
