March 2025 Newsletter
This month is very astrologically very active with both a lunar and solar eclipse, Venus and Mercury turning retrograde and Neptune moving into Aries.
This month I have focused on the two eclipses and the retrograde cycle of Venus. With both the Inferior Conjunction of Mercy and Venus and the Solar Eclipse falling in Aries [plus the retrograde cycle of Mercury which I don’t have time to analyze here] there is a major emphasis on how we all deal with the Aries archetype.
Next month I will look at Neptune’s movement in Aries.
Blessings
Christine Rothwell 🙏🏼
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.christine-rothwell.com
Contents
March begins with no planets retrograde but Venus and Mercury making their retrograde stations as the month progresses.
Note: all dates are for Australian Eastern Daylight Time.
March sees the first of 2 eclipse seasons for 2025. Eclipses are markers in the Nodal Cycle and can therefore herald major turning points and sudden changes of direction that serve our soul’s growth.
About 70% of eclipses return to the same degree of the zodiac every 19 years – the Metonic return – and these two eclipses were last experienced in March 2006. You may like to reflect back on what was happening then with the awareness that you have 19 more years of wisdom and consciousness to draw on.
Eclipse are energetically neutral and will highlight certain areas of our chart and are said to illuminate whatever is going on there for us, especially what may be simmering below the surface They give us the opportunity to focus in on an area of our life.
March 14: Total Lunar Eclipse at 23 Virgo
This lunation is a total lunar eclipse, meaning that the Moon is completely shadowed by the Earth. This phenomenon is only visible if the sky is dark when the eclipse falls. As this eclipse falls at close to 6pm local time [AEDT] and daylight time is in effect until April 7, the eastern seaboard of Australia will not see the eclipse phenomenon.
The eclipse falls on March 14 at 23 Virgo with the Sun directly opposite. People with planets and points close to 23 degrees of mutable signs – especially Virgo but also Pisces, Gemini and Sagittarius– will be most sensitized to its effects. This eclipse forms a very tight opposition to Saturn and a wider opposition to Neptune. It may act as a catalyst for the transits of Saturn that people with planets close to 23 degrees of mutable signs are currently experiencing. Neptune will not revisit this degree as it is getting ready to move into Aries at the very end of the month.
This month I have focused on the two eclipses and the retrograde cycle of Venus. With both the Inferior Conjunction of Mercy and Venus and the Solar Eclipse falling in Aries [plus the retrograde cycle of Mercury which I don’t have time to analyze here] there is a major emphasis on how we all deal with the Aries archetype.
Next month I will look at Neptune’s movement in Aries.
Blessings
Christine Rothwell 🙏🏼
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.christine-rothwell.com
Contents
- March Full Moon / Total Eclipse
- March New Moon / Supermoon / Partial Eclipse
- Venus Retrograde
- 2025 Astrology Classes & Consultations
March begins with no planets retrograde but Venus and Mercury making their retrograde stations as the month progresses.
Note: all dates are for Australian Eastern Daylight Time.
- March 2: Venus stations retrograde at 10 Aries 50
- March 3: Mercury to Aries
- March 14: Total Lunar Eclipse at 23 Virgo
- March 15: Mercury stations retrograde at 9 Aries 35
- March 17 to 29: Venus combust: lost in the blaze of the Sun.
- March 20: Spring Equinox: Sun to Aries
- March 23: Inferior Conjunction of the Sun and Venus
- March 29: Partial Solar Eclipse / Super Moon at 9 Aries
- November 31: Neptune to Aries
March sees the first of 2 eclipse seasons for 2025. Eclipses are markers in the Nodal Cycle and can therefore herald major turning points and sudden changes of direction that serve our soul’s growth.
About 70% of eclipses return to the same degree of the zodiac every 19 years – the Metonic return – and these two eclipses were last experienced in March 2006. You may like to reflect back on what was happening then with the awareness that you have 19 more years of wisdom and consciousness to draw on.
Eclipse are energetically neutral and will highlight certain areas of our chart and are said to illuminate whatever is going on there for us, especially what may be simmering below the surface They give us the opportunity to focus in on an area of our life.
March 14: Total Lunar Eclipse at 23 Virgo
This lunation is a total lunar eclipse, meaning that the Moon is completely shadowed by the Earth. This phenomenon is only visible if the sky is dark when the eclipse falls. As this eclipse falls at close to 6pm local time [AEDT] and daylight time is in effect until April 7, the eastern seaboard of Australia will not see the eclipse phenomenon.
The eclipse falls on March 14 at 23 Virgo with the Sun directly opposite. People with planets and points close to 23 degrees of mutable signs – especially Virgo but also Pisces, Gemini and Sagittarius– will be most sensitized to its effects. This eclipse forms a very tight opposition to Saturn and a wider opposition to Neptune. It may act as a catalyst for the transits of Saturn that people with planets close to 23 degrees of mutable signs are currently experiencing. Neptune will not revisit this degree as it is getting ready to move into Aries at the very end of the month.
This full moon lunar eclipse is in opposition Saturn and forms an exact trine to Uranus in Taurus - a so-called easy-opposition - perhaps giving us the potential to use the Saturn energy more constructively. With Saturn in Pisces opposite the already somewhat hyper-vigilant full moon in Virgo we are being challenged to bring structure and pragmatism [Virgo] to our creative and spiritual pursuits [Pisces] and to ground them in our everyday Saturnian reality.
The Virgo Full Moon is always a call to re-balance body, mind and spirit and become more grounded. It is an opportunity to see if we are lost in our dreams [Pisces] or lost in the everyday details and ‘busy-ness’ of our life [Virgo]. How can we create more balance between these realms? In the house where 23 Virgo is found we may feel called to analyze, prioritize and DO something to function more efficiently.
Virgo is the perfectionist and worrier of the zodiac so this full moon eclipse – along with Saturn’s presence - challenges us to find more gentleness and compassion for ourselves and others [Sun, Neptune, Saturn and in Pisces] It may require letting go destructive [self] criticism and judgements that generate anxiety and alienation [dysfunctional Virgo] and Saturn. It may be the perfect time to decide to do something you have been putting off for some time ...clearing some cupboards or sorting that paperwork.
March 29: Partial Solar Eclipse at 9 Aries
This is the 3rd and final solar eclipse in Aries. Solar Eclipses are essentially potent New Moons that mark endings and beginnings. They can herald a crisis, but they also provide us with the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start again. Eclipses tend to be neutral energetically, but they often bring to the surface whatever has been buried, hidden and repressed, especially regards the sign and house where the eclipse falls in the personal horoscope.
This eclipse falls on March 29, a few days after the inferior conjunction of the Sun and Mercury which takes place on the 23rd of March. Both fall in the sign of Aires [along with Mercury, Saturn, Neptune and the North Node], inviting us to reflect deeply on this archetype and how we deal with it.
Aries symbolizes the Warrior archetype which challenges us to define what we want to achieve, make plans, and take action. Aries invites us to assert our sense of self directly and openly and have the courage to pursue what we want, as long as it does not harm others or infringe on their rights. Aries is independent, direct and adventurous and doesn’t like being told what it can and can’t do. The fiery, dynamic energy of Aries calls for conscious channelling of this energy and being mindful of its shadow.
The Aries shadow side can be selfish, aggressive, combative, enjoy conflict and can resist compromise and become destructive. If you find yourself angry and unwilling to take account of how your behaviour impacts on others take a pause and reflect. Let’s all make a conscious effort to lean towards the positive expression this month.
More on this in the next section on Venus Retrograde.
The Virgo Full Moon is always a call to re-balance body, mind and spirit and become more grounded. It is an opportunity to see if we are lost in our dreams [Pisces] or lost in the everyday details and ‘busy-ness’ of our life [Virgo]. How can we create more balance between these realms? In the house where 23 Virgo is found we may feel called to analyze, prioritize and DO something to function more efficiently.
Virgo is the perfectionist and worrier of the zodiac so this full moon eclipse – along with Saturn’s presence - challenges us to find more gentleness and compassion for ourselves and others [Sun, Neptune, Saturn and in Pisces] It may require letting go destructive [self] criticism and judgements that generate anxiety and alienation [dysfunctional Virgo] and Saturn. It may be the perfect time to decide to do something you have been putting off for some time ...clearing some cupboards or sorting that paperwork.
March 29: Partial Solar Eclipse at 9 Aries
This is the 3rd and final solar eclipse in Aries. Solar Eclipses are essentially potent New Moons that mark endings and beginnings. They can herald a crisis, but they also provide us with the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start again. Eclipses tend to be neutral energetically, but they often bring to the surface whatever has been buried, hidden and repressed, especially regards the sign and house where the eclipse falls in the personal horoscope.
This eclipse falls on March 29, a few days after the inferior conjunction of the Sun and Mercury which takes place on the 23rd of March. Both fall in the sign of Aires [along with Mercury, Saturn, Neptune and the North Node], inviting us to reflect deeply on this archetype and how we deal with it.
Aries symbolizes the Warrior archetype which challenges us to define what we want to achieve, make plans, and take action. Aries invites us to assert our sense of self directly and openly and have the courage to pursue what we want, as long as it does not harm others or infringe on their rights. Aries is independent, direct and adventurous and doesn’t like being told what it can and can’t do. The fiery, dynamic energy of Aries calls for conscious channelling of this energy and being mindful of its shadow.
The Aries shadow side can be selfish, aggressive, combative, enjoy conflict and can resist compromise and become destructive. If you find yourself angry and unwilling to take account of how your behaviour impacts on others take a pause and reflect. Let’s all make a conscious effort to lean towards the positive expression this month.
More on this in the next section on Venus Retrograde.
This eclipse will highlight:
VENUS RETROGRADE …TIME TO THINK WITH OUR HEART: March 2 to April 13
Venus entered the retrograde loop on January 28 and will begin Her retrograde phase on March 2 when She reaches 10 degrees of Aries 50 minutes. She will conjunct the Sun on March 23 – in the middle of Her retrograde phase – heralding the beginning of a new Synodic Cycle of Venus.
Venus is known in popular astrology as the Goddess of Love and Beauty, but She has a much deeper significance as an indicator of our VALUES. Her retrograde cycle always asks us to re-evaluate our lives and reflect on what is of value to us, especially regards the area of the chart where She is retrograding in the personal horoscope.
During this retrograde phase Venus will retrograde back to close to 24 Pisces 37, challenging planets and personal points located between the first 10 degrees of cardinal signs [Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn] and the last 6 degrees of mutable signs [Pisces, Gemini, Virgo and Sagittarius]. Those of you who have planets around these degrees may find that as Venus makes Her first pass over these points issues come into focus that may lead to some dissatisfaction as She starts to prepare for Her new cycle.
Aries Archetype under the Spotlight
When Venus stations retrograde, She is conjunct the Moon and sextile to Jupiter. At the Inferior Conjunction – the start of the New Synodic Cycle – She is conjunct Neptune, Saturn, the North Node, Mercury as well as the Sun. All these planets will probably fall in one house of your horoscope which will be a major area of concern and the concentration of energy may focus you on the affairs of this house. This archetype is also highlighted by the March 29 Solar eclipse and will become a major feature of our collective landscape as Neptune and Saturn join Chiron and Eris here for the next few years.
Venus retrograde in Aries may bring up Issues around freedom, and autonomy in our relationships as well as the area of life symbolized by the house it is falling in. Here are some questions for reflection:
If the shadow is activated, it may suggest that we need to take some time out to reflect on the above questions. Here are some ways the Aries shadow may manifest:
…then you may need to find ways to assert yourself more constructively and create more space for yourself.
- The house where 9 Aries is located in your personal horoscope.
- Any planets or points within a 3 to 5 degree orb …between around 4 to 14 degrees of cardinal signs for an inner shift, perhaps 6 to 12 degrees of cardinal signs for an event. This will impact Libra and Aries placements strongly, but also Cancer and Capricorn points.
VENUS RETROGRADE …TIME TO THINK WITH OUR HEART: March 2 to April 13
Venus entered the retrograde loop on January 28 and will begin Her retrograde phase on March 2 when She reaches 10 degrees of Aries 50 minutes. She will conjunct the Sun on March 23 – in the middle of Her retrograde phase – heralding the beginning of a new Synodic Cycle of Venus.
Venus is known in popular astrology as the Goddess of Love and Beauty, but She has a much deeper significance as an indicator of our VALUES. Her retrograde cycle always asks us to re-evaluate our lives and reflect on what is of value to us, especially regards the area of the chart where She is retrograding in the personal horoscope.
During this retrograde phase Venus will retrograde back to close to 24 Pisces 37, challenging planets and personal points located between the first 10 degrees of cardinal signs [Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn] and the last 6 degrees of mutable signs [Pisces, Gemini, Virgo and Sagittarius]. Those of you who have planets around these degrees may find that as Venus makes Her first pass over these points issues come into focus that may lead to some dissatisfaction as She starts to prepare for Her new cycle.
Aries Archetype under the Spotlight
When Venus stations retrograde, She is conjunct the Moon and sextile to Jupiter. At the Inferior Conjunction – the start of the New Synodic Cycle – She is conjunct Neptune, Saturn, the North Node, Mercury as well as the Sun. All these planets will probably fall in one house of your horoscope which will be a major area of concern and the concentration of energy may focus you on the affairs of this house. This archetype is also highlighted by the March 29 Solar eclipse and will become a major feature of our collective landscape as Neptune and Saturn join Chiron and Eris here for the next few years.
Venus retrograde in Aries may bring up Issues around freedom, and autonomy in our relationships as well as the area of life symbolized by the house it is falling in. Here are some questions for reflection:
- Are you living true to your core values and true self?
- Do you need time out to do your own thing?
- Can you create boundaries that give you healthy space and time to do this?
- Are you able to assert yourself here in a clear and non-aggressive way
- Do you need a [new] sense of adventure?
If the shadow is activated, it may suggest that we need to take some time out to reflect on the above questions. Here are some ways the Aries shadow may manifest:
- Firing up more than usual …getting angry?
- Feeling defensive, irritable?
- Acting the bully or the victim?
…then you may need to find ways to assert yourself more constructively and create more space for yourself.
Key dates in the retrograde cycle
Time to think with our heart
My belief is that Venus is always inviting us to listen to the whisperings of our heart, especially regards the affairs of:
This is beautifully demonstrated through the heart motif that Vuenus creates in just over one full cycle. . It is significant that Venus makes Her closest approach to our Mother Earth during Her retrograde phase, inviting us to become more conscious of our values and think with our hearts as well as our heads. We could say that the Divine Feminine / Great Goddess is challenging us all to consciously re-examine our values, our relationships and all we hold dear from a feminine or soul centred perspective.
The new cycle, which begins in the middle of the retrograde phase on March 23 at 2 Aries 39 - with the conjunction of Venus and the Sun, symbolizes a union of the masculine [Sun] and feminine [Venus] principles that live within every one of us. This is a calling to align our values [Venus and the heart] with our core self [Sun, identity, purpose and ego].
- Venus retrograde: March 2 to April 13
- Sensitive degrees: around 24 Pisces to 11 Aries
- Full time in the retrograde loop: January 28 to May 16
- The new Venus Cycle begins on March 23 at 2 Aries 29
- Venus disappears as the Evening Sky [combust] around March 17 and reappears as the Morning Star around March 29
Time to think with our heart
My belief is that Venus is always inviting us to listen to the whisperings of our heart, especially regards the affairs of:
- The house[s] where 24 Pisces to 11 Aries is found, especially 2 degrees of Aries 39 minutes where the new cycle begins.
- Any planets or points that will be aspected by Venus in our personal horoscope.
This is beautifully demonstrated through the heart motif that Vuenus creates in just over one full cycle. . It is significant that Venus makes Her closest approach to our Mother Earth during Her retrograde phase, inviting us to become more conscious of our values and think with our hearts as well as our heads. We could say that the Divine Feminine / Great Goddess is challenging us all to consciously re-examine our values, our relationships and all we hold dear from a feminine or soul centred perspective.
The new cycle, which begins in the middle of the retrograde phase on March 23 at 2 Aries 39 - with the conjunction of Venus and the Sun, symbolizes a union of the masculine [Sun] and feminine [Venus] principles that live within every one of us. This is a calling to align our values [Venus and the heart] with our core self [Sun, identity, purpose and ego].
Every 8 years Venus stations retrograde 2 degrees earlier and 2 days earlier as She traces a pentacle in the sky. Venus may pick of threads that relate back to this time, especially if we have key planets and points here, calling us to undertake a deep re-evaluation of this area of our life every 8 years. Can you link this time with around this time of year in 20217, 2009, 2001, 1993 and so on.
General Info on Venus Retrograde
Reprinted for each Venus Retrograde Cycle to refresh your memory of the process, to skim …or maybe to skip.
The 584 day cycle of Venus charts our likes and dislikes, our attractions and repulsions and most importantly – OUR VALUES.
Venus goes retrograde [appears to move backwards] once every 19 months for about 40 days. At the beginning of this period Venus is the Evening Star, visible in the western sky for a few hours after sunset. She then slowly dips lower in the sky and disappears into the blaze of the Sun to reappear as the Morning Star. A new Venus cycle will begin on March 23 at 2 Aries 39 when Venus conjuncts the Sun.
Whenever a planet goes retrograde it offers us a new perspective. A doorway opens and we have the opportunity to develop a more objective viewpoint. It suggests a time of reflection on the past, and a need to refocus. The house position where this retrograde motion is occurring suggests the area of your life that will need to be reviewed.
Venus is at her closest to Earth at this point, calling us to reflect on whether who and what we find closest to us is a true reflection of our values. We are challenged to develop more objectivity and consciousness about all things Venus rules including our
- personal values
- relationships
- likes and dislikes
- tastes
- desires
- and self-worth.
Sometimes we realize the need to develop a new set of values and attitudes based on current personal beliefs and let go outdated values based on habits and attitudes that come from the collective and our conditioning. This may crystallize around the beginning of the new cycle on March 23 when Venus is at Her closest to Mother Earth and conjunct the Sun.
On a deeper level the retrograde phase and the conjunction with the Sun are calling us all to not only become more objective about and conscious of our tastes, likes, etc., but to also separate from our biological drives and conditioning and become conscious of the values on which we have based our identity [Sun]. This process may relate specifically to the house where Venus is retrograding and the affairs of any planets that Venus will aspect in the natal chart during this time, especially by conjunction.
Traditional astrology says that this is not the time to make a major purchase or begin a new relationship as it may be an over- reaction to old patterns. Personally, I have not found this to be valid but this is a potent time to:
- Reflect on your current financial situation.
- Contemplate a change of image
- Reflect on how you can beautify your home or personal environment.
- Step back from your relationships and engage in a process of review. This is a time when you can gain greater clarity here.
- Reflect on self-worth and how you are honouring this in your relationships with both yourself and others.
…And most importantly: to reflect on your values, especially regards the affairs of the house where Venus is retrograding. Reflect on whether you are walking your talk here or whether adjustments need to be made.
Sit with any shifts while Venus is still retrograde. The time after Venus moves direct and re-covers the degrees of the zodiac that She has moved backwards over – April 13 to May 16 – is the time to start to move forward and honour the insights of the retrograde phase.
May the Goddess & God Bless You All
Christine
🙏🏼
www.christine-rothwell.com
[email protected]
Astrology Classes
Beginners through to Advanced Classes
Christine offers an in-depth psychological and mythological approach to astrology. Her classes are suitable for those individuals who are wishing to learn more about themselves as well as those interested in becoming a professional astrologer.
First Year/ Beginners’
First year is only available as Video Only. Please enquire for more information.
First year focuses on learning how to read / delineate a horoscope and covers the elements, signs, planets, houses, aspects etc.
Second Year / Intermediate
Second year is also available as Video Only and focuses on additional points and themes in the horoscope [ lunation cycle, asteroids, Eris, Medical Astrology, Career] and Dynamic [predictive] Techniques: Transits & Progressions.
Advanced Group
Begins online – on Zoom – Thursday evenings in February 2025.
The Advanced Classes give you the opportunity to integrate what you have learned through a seminar format that allows exposure to more advanced techniques and psychological perspectives, plus the opportunity to develop your delineation skills.
Please email for a brochure.
[email protected]
Or visit
www.christinerothwell.com
For more information
Consultations
are now on Zoom and are still recorded so the sound file link can be sent to you via email.
Gift Certificates are available for most consultations.
AN INITIAL CONSULTATION
explores the soul’s journey as revealed through the personal symbol of the birth chart. The focus is on the potential inherent in the birth chart and the challenges that need to be embraced to realize this potential.
Also available as an…
In-depth Consultation Two hours to explore both the soul’s journey [see above] and the year ahead. Includes 2 or 4 supplementary e-booklets.
Chart Up-date: The Year Ahead
Explores the year ahead from a psychological perspective.
Understanding Your Child:
A wonderful gift for new parents and explores a child’s unique needs, motivations, potentials, and challenges.
Christine
🙏🏼
www.christine-rothwell.com
[email protected]
Astrology Classes
Beginners through to Advanced Classes
Christine offers an in-depth psychological and mythological approach to astrology. Her classes are suitable for those individuals who are wishing to learn more about themselves as well as those interested in becoming a professional astrologer.
First Year/ Beginners’
First year is only available as Video Only. Please enquire for more information.
First year focuses on learning how to read / delineate a horoscope and covers the elements, signs, planets, houses, aspects etc.
Second Year / Intermediate
Second year is also available as Video Only and focuses on additional points and themes in the horoscope [ lunation cycle, asteroids, Eris, Medical Astrology, Career] and Dynamic [predictive] Techniques: Transits & Progressions.
Advanced Group
Begins online – on Zoom – Thursday evenings in February 2025.
The Advanced Classes give you the opportunity to integrate what you have learned through a seminar format that allows exposure to more advanced techniques and psychological perspectives, plus the opportunity to develop your delineation skills.
Please email for a brochure.
[email protected]
Or visit
www.christinerothwell.com
For more information
Consultations
are now on Zoom and are still recorded so the sound file link can be sent to you via email.
Gift Certificates are available for most consultations.
AN INITIAL CONSULTATION
explores the soul’s journey as revealed through the personal symbol of the birth chart. The focus is on the potential inherent in the birth chart and the challenges that need to be embraced to realize this potential.
Also available as an…
In-depth Consultation Two hours to explore both the soul’s journey [see above] and the year ahead. Includes 2 or 4 supplementary e-booklets.
Chart Up-date: The Year Ahead
Explores the year ahead from a psychological perspective.
Understanding Your Child:
A wonderful gift for new parents and explores a child’s unique needs, motivations, potentials, and challenges.