Journey into higher dimensions

On February 18, the sun entered the mystical water sign, Pisces, where it will travel until March 20. The last of twelve signs of the zodiac, Pisces, represents the end of a cycle and contains the culmination of everything that has come before. Anyone born with the sun, moon, or rising sign in Pisces has a profound need to experience the sublime, higher dimensions of consciousness. Each of us has the capacity to raise our consciousness. Often we blissfully touch in to the celestial realms through art, music, nature, or meditation. While the sun travels through Pisces this month, it is important for each of us to take time to renew ourselves spiritually through one of these practices.

Moving ahead with future plans

For most of last month, Mercury, the planet symbolizing communication, traveled in retrograde (apparent backwards) motion, bringing delays and occasional setbacks, or breakdowns in our communication and transportation devices, along with the need to clear up mis-understandings from the past. Mercury returned to direct motion on February 25, and regains its normal speed mid-March, making it easier for us to move forward with future plans. However, a planetary retrograde of an entirely different nature occurs this month.

Love heals all things, making peace with the past

Venus, the planet of beauty, abundance, sensuality, art, and romance, turns retrograde in Aries on March 8, and will remain retrograde for six weeks. The significance of any planet in retrograde motion is that it delays our present momentum, and brings our attention to the past, giving us an opportunity to complete one cycle, before beginning a new one. While Venus is retrograde from March 8 through April 19, we are given the opportunity to complete any unfinished business from past relationships. This is the time to make peace with the past, to gain understanding, or grant forgiveness to anyone with whom you have been in relationship, including parents, children, friends, or lovers. This may also include your relationship with yourself, as well as your relationship to money.

Full moon breaks through the past

A full moon in Virgo, opposite the sun in Pisces, occurs on March 9, lighting the way for us to see clearly what brings us fulfillment and a feeling of abundance in this life. The transformative planet, Pluto, teams with the planet of action, Mars, in Sagittarius to help us break through old, crystallized beliefs and habits into a new realization of what truly has meaning and value. Inspiration, coupled with creativity and practicality, show us how to incorporate the principle of love into all that we do.

Great planetary challenge subsides

Many of has have experienced great challenges in the last 20 months, with the pressure of an intense aspect between Saturn, the planet of karma, boundaries, and life-lessons, and Uranus, the planet of unexpected changes. Saturn in Taurus has held us to the values that truly have meaning for us, while Uranus in Aquarius has parted the clouds, revealing an entirely new way of living and being. The challenge has been for us to integrate the values which have held through the Uranus encounter into the fabric of a life based upon higher, spiritual principles. It is through the light of our transformed values that we view our past and present relationships through new eyes. The Venus retrograde teaches us that Love is a principle to be lived, not a commodity to be traded.

New cycle of love, spirituality, and creativity

The sun completes its transit of Pisces, entering Aries on March 20 at the Spring Equinox. If we have used the Pisces transit to pray, contemplate, or meditate; to somehow touch in with our spiritual essence, then Spring gives us a sense of renewal, a fresh start at the inception of the new Season. A new moon in Aries on March 24 brings the beginnings of this new cycle with the impetus to initiate new activity, imbued with the wisdom from the previous year's cycle. The new moon in Aries brings enthusiasm, love, spirituality, and creativity, but we will each need to provide focus and direction for all this energy, so it doesn't get dissipated into too many directions.

Sun Signs for March 2001

ARIES - Financial difficulties that involve friends, relatives, or people with whom you socialize may precipitate a spiritual or philosophical challenge. Trust in your inner truth, and allow a loved one to encourage and inspire you to find a new way to live

TAURUS - Saturn in your sign for the past year has brought you much to learn in terms of your values. This month, you incorporate new values based on humanitarian principles. A deep transformation of your belief system helps you to clear old relationship issues.

GEMINI - You may feel like you are standing on shifting sand, as your life and primary relationship is undergoing many changes. A review of your long term plans for the future will assist you and your loved one to see the direction that is right for you.

CANCER - It will no longer be comfortable for you to merely express your beliefs; you are being challenged to live them fully. A transformation in the way you live your daily life, attending to work and health, is underway. This is a good month to put changes in place.

LEO - Everything in you wants to play, exploring the deeper mysteries of life, and finding your creative self-expression. Idealistic visions of love conflict with the daily realities and responsibilities of life and bring up differences in values with a partner. Resolve differences through shared spirituality.

VIRGO - The full moon in your area of relationships illuminates a major transformation happening in your home and family. A loved one brings needed inspiration and resources. This month, resolve a long-standing difference in values and life-style with a partner.

LIBRA - This month, clear up mis-communications with neighbors, friends, or relatives. Let go of any resentments and start fresh with loved ones. Issues with intimacy and trust surface, but can be resolved by communicating openly.

SCORPIO - New ideas and possibilities abound as creative energy runs high this month. Financial transformation is possible as a good investment or opportunity comes your way, but it also demands that you become clear about mutual goals and agreements. Changes in your home life may become necessary.

SAGITTARIUS - With Pluto in your sign for many years, your life journey is characterized by much transformation. This month, dormant creative longings surface, and, although they may require a change in your existing routines, it is important to make room for your creative self- expression.

CAPRICORN - Do you remember the last time you had some good, old-fashioned, light-hearted fun? This month, the stars are clearly stating that you have been working too hard, and need to take a break. A spiritual retreat, or a health resort may restore your tired body and frayed nerves, as well as bring you renewed inspiration.

AQUARIUS - You may have been feeling a bit stuck, wanting to make significant changes, but unable to see how. This month, you have a breakthrough of insight into your new direction that requires you to let go of the past. The support you need will be there.

PISCES - The full moon opposite your sun illuminates career concerns, bringing long-needed transformation. Previous difficulties with communication resolve this month as a new vision for your future becomes apparent and finances improve.

Carolina Eastwood is a professional astrological consultant, counselor, and teacher with over 22 years experience providing insight and guidance for clients throughout the world. Carolina has appeared on national TV, hosted radio shows, spoken at national conventions, and presented classes and workshops to numerous audiences

Your astrological chart is your "blueprint" for this lifetime. A personal session with Carolina Eastwood is a journey deep into the heart of your being, a look at your entire lifetime, and a remembrance of your spiritual purpose.

For more information, or to schedule a session with Carolina, call Earth Star Consulting Services 1 858 - 259-1590, or email to estar@cts.com. You can also visit Carolina's website at www.earthstarconsulting.