On March 20th at 2:17 pm EST the sun enters the initiatory sign Aries heralding the beginning of Spring, also known as the Vernal Equinox. During the Vernal Equinox both day and night are of equal length signifying a balance of energy. The earth embarks on a cycle of renewal. This was the time of year that ancient cultures traditionally celebrated a new year by performing rites of fertility and cleansing.

We have inherited the ancient Saxon rite of acknowledging this renewal force by honoring the Goddess Eostre (Easter), an ancient fertility goddess whose symbols were the egg and the rabbit- both symbols of fertility. The Romans chose to incorporate this peasant tradition into Christianity by making it part of the celebration of Christ's resurrection. This was done partly to appease the country folk, but mostly to foster the spread of Christianity throughout Europe.

Part of the traditional celebration of the Vernal Equinox was to thoroughly clean the home. This practice evolved into what we call spring house cleaning, which was originally performed to renew both the environment and the body. Its purpose was to remove any negative energy that accumulated in the form of trash during the winter. After noting that the newly sprouted greens and herbs had a laxative and cleansing effect, the ancient used these to purify the body in preparation for spring's rejuvenating energy. This spring cleaning for the home and body is one of the ancient practices us moderns would do well to follow in order to synchronize ourselves with the earth's renewal cycle.

March Guide To The Most Auspicious Days

Expansive Jupiter goes direct in motion on March 1st at 10:16 am EST in Cancer. Time to concentrate on growth and abundance.

Mars enters practical Taurus on March 1st at 6:35 pm EST. Our energy is focused on accumulating possessions.

Venus enters rambunctious Aries on March 7th at 8:43 pm EST. We're willing to fight to restore peace.

Mercury enters illusive Pisces on March 11th at 6:35 pm EST. We can't believe everything we hear.

New Moon occurs in Pisces on March 13th at 9:04 pm EST. Very fruitful time for planting seeds physically, mentally and spiritually. We're more sensitive now. Listen to your intuition and flow with your feelings.

Disruptive Pluto goes retrograde on March 17th at 9:54 am. "Beware the Ides of March."

The Sun enters Aries on the 20th at 2:17 pm EST. Arians are the warriors, pioneers and the daredevils of the zodiac. Their motto is, "I y'am what I y'am".

Full Moon occurs in Libra on March 28th at 1:26 pm EST. Eye opening revelations in a relationship occur. We seek compromise with the opposition.

Dates: 1-6, 9-11, 17, 18, 22- 25, 28, 31.

Dates: 3-6, 9-11, 17- 21, 26, 28.

Dates: 1, 2, 5, 6, 19- 21, 26- 29.

Dates: 1, 2, 9- 11, 17- 21, 28- 30.

Dates: 1, 2, 5, 6, 17- 21, 24, 25, 28, 29.

Dates: 1, 6, 9-11, 14- 16, 22, 24, 28- 30.

Ama is an astrologer and pathfinder. For questions email her at lafngcro@yahoo.com. For more information about astrological services provided visit www.amalaughingcrow.net.

© Melt Magazine 2002