Mars making moves and learning astrology.
Making a shift in how I do this newsletter, figuring it out as we go.
Upcoming Astrology:
I’m trying something different this week where I’m just going to write about one current astrology thing. There are plenty of week ahead resources out there (the CHANI podcast is a good one), so I thought it might be more fun to read a focused interpretation of one dynamic in the sky.
Mars moved into Cancer on March 25: Mars has been in Gemini since August 20, 2022. This is a very long time for a planet that typically takes 1 - 3 months to move through a sign. Mars represents high-energy parts of life. Think about ignition starting, lit fuses, the gun firing and kicking off a high-stakes race. An impulsive hookup, screaming fights, a smashed plate. Technically seen as a “malefic” or challenging planet, Mars carries a lot of the uncontrolled parts of life that we often aren’t comfortable holding in our bodies.
For 7 months now, this fiery, angry energy has been pacing back and forth in cerebral Gemini, a part of the sky known for chaotic action, spinning ideas, and sociability. Depending on where this is happening in your chart, or if Mars is an especially important planet for you (Aries and Scorpio risings 👀), this time might have felt like there was a swarm of hornets just out of sight. Threatening, but too quick to get a clear view of. When Mars slid into Cancer this week, those bees got doused in a sheet of rain. Much of the energy has been washed away in a tide, leaving Mars behind, soaked, shivering, and under stimulated. A barracuda trapped in a tidal pool.
It’s a nice change for Mars to shift out of Gemini, but, unfortunately, it’s not into a part of the Zodiac the planet is very comfortable with. Cancer is a cardinal water sign ruled by the Moon. It’s a space that is more suited for defensive, responsive action and recuperation than it is for busyness. The Moon is connected to the body, moves through the sky in a regular, reliable cycle, and is responsible for pushing and pulling the tides. Mars is uncomfortable with all these things, with sitting still, with cool waters, with rest and waiting. As Mars moves into this space, you might find parts of your life where you also need to allow (enforce) rest. Follow Cancer’s lead and carve out space where you can pull back into your crab shell for some privacy, to integrate whatever you have experienced in the buzzy 7 months prior. Let the Moon’s consistency help you hold those difficult Martian experiences. It won’t be comfortable at first, but it is necessary.
A brief overview of how to decide what you want to do with astrology.
Part I: Retrieving the birth chart
I’ve been meaning to do this just so I can reference back to it easily when I discuss the impacts various sky happenings might have on your chart. It can be a great experience to have a reading with an astrologer (I am happy to recommend some or provide them!), but, for me, the fun and value of astrology increased immensely when I found an engagement that was personal. Being connected to time in this way has helped me be more present.
First, you’ll need to know your birth info: date, time, and location. If you only know some of this, try to track down your birth certificate or other records. Parents’ memories can be shaky, even if they’re relatively sure, because it was probably a busy day for them.
Next, use an online software to generate your birth chart. If you’re wanting to reflect on things using my writing, you’ll need to generate your chart in a Whole Sign House system.
Go to astro.com and choose “Charts & Calculations”
Choose “Extended Chart Selection”
Enter your birth info.
Select “Continue”.
Click “Zodiac and houses”.
Select “whole signs” and then “Show the chart”.
You’ll see your chart!
This looks like a very complicated symbol with lots of lines and numbers and confusing geometry, plus additional confusing charts and stacked boxes below the circle. There are differing levels of complexity you can choose to dig into or not dig into, but learning the basics allows you to consider how the movements of lights through the sky correspond to the lights that were shining when you were born.
Next week I’ll break down the actual anatomy of the birth chart, so look forward to that on Sunday, 4/2. Yes, I am back to shifting to Sunday even though, no, I did not send on Sunday this week. Will I definitely make that shift and stick to it? As I was told often when I was a kid: I’ll make you no promises and tell you no lies.
If you are reading this on Monday, March 27 and you haven’t taken action to support trans children in Texas, do so here. It takes like… two minutes max and will help keep trans kids alive.
Always a lot of credit goes to the people who have been my teachers, both directly and through their freely shared knowledge, and so many books.
P.S. Send me your Enneagram and astrology and random questions why not?