CELESTIAL EVENTS - MARCH 2025

 When Mercury, the Prince of Communication and Messenger of the gods is out-of-bounds ( OOB - beyond 23°27’ declination ), whether natal or transit, there are several things we can expect. 

A transit only affects you during the duration of the transit. And because Mercury moves pretty quickly and only moves OOB up to four times a year, depending on the cycle. Mostly it's twice annually, but in 2025 it will be three OOB periods. 

In 2025, Mercury will be OOB the following dates: 

• Capricorn: Enters Jan 09/Leaves Jan 20 

• Gemini: Enters: Jun 01/Leaves Jun 20

• Sagittarius: Enters: Oct 31/Leaves Nov 10

Mercury can only be found OOB in the solstice and solstice-bordering signs of Gemini, Cancer, Sagittarius, and Capricorn.

Contrary to the Moon, Mercury is never out of bounds in the fixed signs such as Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. It is only present in cardinal (initiating) and mutable (changing) signs. 

Mercury maintains a balance between nocturnal and diurnal signs, as well as a balance of elements, yet it notably lacks the stabilizing presence of the fixed signs.

Mercury is also associated with the physician and healing; thus, he carries the caduceus, a short-staff wand entwined by two serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings that is now the modern symbol for medicine.  However, from a mythological standpoint, Mercury could also put people asleep or be a messenger of death.

OOB planets can go one of two ways: firstly, they can produce exceptional creativity exceeding the potential of expectations; secondly, they can be erratically unpredictable and go to extremes that can detrimentally affect others, including themselves. 

Those with OOB planets, to put it simply, like coloring outside the lines. That can be considered a creative genius or dangerous liability. Whether the declination is North or South is equally important. 

The North (N) is considered more outgoing whose actions affect the world, while the South (S) is more internalized and expressed through communication such as writing or speaking.

Dr. Jack Kevorkian, also known as "Doctor Death", was the infamous physician who passionately believed in a terminally ill person's right to euthanasia. He was certainly one of these people and had countless encounters with law enforcement because of his beliefs. 

With Kevorkian's Mercury is 25°Gemini39 N’ declination, we would expect to see this type of radical behavior in support of his unwavering opinions.

OOB planets and those who have them in their natal charts can be unpredictable; however, the energy does not necessarily manifest in a negative way. Some of the most gifted individuals have one or more OOB natal positions. 

Albert Einstein is just one example. Elvis Pressly and Judy Garland were also examples that showed positive aspects that excelled in acting and singing, and negative, leading them to early deaths from addiction. 

It's important to know if we have any OOB planets, and in what sign/house they reside to avoid any negative tendencies that can easily suck us into lower-vibrational energy. 

With Mercury OOB, we can expect flashes of genius and inspiration that may lead to exceptional writing or speeches. Being true to thyself is just as important as knowing thyself. 

Those of us, such as myself, with Mercury OOB, think and speak in different patterns than dominant culture dictates. We are apt to periodically isolate ourselves and require some time not talking. This means we most likely won't answer the phone, emails, or messages once we've conveyed the initial need for quiet time. 

We may also enjoy contemplating language in a more abstract manner. Or, on the other end, we could find ourselves talking incessantly and likely losing the attention of our audience. 

While my OOB Mercury is compounded with dyslexia, most with this natal placement find it difficult to orally convey their meaning; thus, they excel in creative expression, whether the written word, artistic endeavors, music, or interpretive dance. 

Mercury is inherently a trickster, and manifests in numerous ways in a given chart, which renders it likely impossible to pin down a singular out of bounds definition. 

Mine is in Sagittarius and I prefer associative, “literary” poetry. And, yes, I read and wrote poetry and painted LONG before I knew or understood my Mercury OOB and its propensity toward the expressive avenue of communication.

Again, it's extremely important to know whether or not you have any OOB planets to better understand yourself and your unique design. Otherwise, we apt to allow others to define us through a lens lacking the facets of an OOB planet. 

#art Kate Smith

First Full Moon of the Gregorian calendar for 2025; however, it's the Thirteenth Lunar Cycle on the thirteenth day, marking the final Full Moon for the Year of the Dragon. 

In the West called it's called the Full Wolf Moon, and will burgeon in Cancer 5:27 PM EST - "Emotionally Tenacity" is the key phrase. 

The Moon is dignified in Cancer, so this will strengthen its influence as well as our response. When a planet is dignified, it enables us to control our circumstances, which is perfect, as the Full Moon is the time of greatest power. 

When occupying Cancer, whatever has been buried will come to the surface. This can be an incredible time for awakenings, deep healing, forgiveness, and pouring emotional momentum behind manifestations.

Cancer is maternal, sympathetic, but sometimes patronizing, and apprehensive about matters outside of its control. Their primary attachment is to home and family; therefore, this Moon will touch on all our relationships and living space, urging us to process and practicing release of emotions to avoid blocks and maintain a healthy flow of energy.

This lunation can send our intuition and sensitivity into overdrive. If we allow ourselves to be imposed upon, we may feel a deep resentment. Remember, this Moon is dignified, which enables us to control our own circumstances. Adhering to boundaries is imperative. 

Each month the Full Moon resides in different constellations, zodiac signs, and houses. For that reason, it’s best to know what that sign represents, and which house it occupies in your personal chart, for the deepest understanding of how the Full Moon will affect you directly. 

If you'd like to know which house this lunation falls in your natal chart, reach out!

According to Native American legend:

"Native American tribes have labeled full moons for many reasons. This particular full moon is called the Wolf Moon. It is said to be the time wolves howl loudly at the moon.

"They are crying out in hunger as the cold season has left them with fewer prey options. This has also been referred to as the Spirit Moon because it is the first full moon of the year, indicating the importance of setting intentions and goals.

"The wolf moon can evoke an animalist desire to be free, to be wild, untamed, to crave, and to pursue the things that we’re naturally drawn to. Even if it doesn’t make you money, even if it’s not particularly profound according to worldly standards, the full moon wants you to go after what your soul craves."

Being this is the first Full Moon of the year known also as "Spirit Moon", rituals are sacred investments in ourselves, our abilities, and the healing of parts of us that have experienced negative circumstances such as betrayal, rejection, etc.

It's time to howl at the Moon. Perhaps a sacred salt bath. Spiritual music. White candles. And some of the most important releases and intentions of the year.

#art: Dimitra Milan

  ☄ Skywatcher Note! 

Returning after 160 millennia, Comet ATLAS will reach perihelion at 5:17 PM, EST. Later tonight, it will come closest to Earth and could reach a maximum magnitude of -3.2, placing it between the brightness of Jupiter and Venus, which are prominent in our evening sky.

Daniel Green of the Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams in Cambridge, Massachusetts predicts "The comet will be close to the sun when brightest, but it’s becoming difficult now even for Southern Hemisphere observers to see," Green told Space.com. "It’s really hard to call these comets when close to the sun like this, in terms of visibility."

The Northern hemisphere's first opportunity to see ATLAS will come early on Jan. 13. From mid-northern latitudes, the comet will rise about 35 minutes before sunrise and will be positioned 5 degrees directly above the sun at local sunrise. 

So, beginning about 25 minutes before sunrise, slowly scan/sweep along the east-southeast horizon with binoculars to try and sight the comet.

On the evening of Jan.14, the comet will set 35 minutes after the sun and at local sunset will be positioned about 7 degrees almost directly above the sun. So, beginning about 10 minutes after sunset, slowly scan/sweep along the west-southwest horizon with binoculars to try and sight the comet. 

Image: Comet Atlas C2024-G3 from International Space Station, details in comments

Source: Space News

  ☄ Skywatcher Note! 

A very rare treat is about to grace the heaven's night skies! Actually, it's not uncommon for a few planets to be on the same side of the Sun at the same time, but it's less common for most, or even all of the planets to align.

January 21, 2025, six of the seven planets will appear in the sky at once in a large alignment – Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn, with the exception of Mercury.

However, on February 28, 2025, ALL seven of the other planets in the Solar System will appear in the night sky at the same time, with Saturn, Mercury, Neptune, Venus, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars all lining up in a neat row – a magnificent sky feast for the eyes known as a great planetary alignment.

Image: Starwalk

Detrimental Dark Moon in Capricorn will occur at 07:36 AM.

Void of Course occurs tomorrow afternoon @ 10:48 AM - 2:41 PM. As this lunation occurs in the collective 12th House, it's an advantageous period to take charge and rearrange or organize any aspect of our lives that appear disheveled or unproductive.

This is accomplished by implementing guidelines and setting clear boundaries as well as seeking avenues of learning to further our expertise. Take care not to eschew the emotions of others by acting too professional or businesslike.

Regardless of your natal chart, the Moon and her cycles affect us all in some way. However, if you truly want to understand yourself, your lunar placement and aspects can provide the details on how the Moon might influence you in a particular way.

As a Cardinal sign, Capricorns are ambitious, serious, and dedicated to duty. Life can seem difficult because they're ruled by disciplinarian Saturn, but ultimately, they triumph. They are self-disciplined, responsible and practical; however, at times can wallow in self-pity. 

They have excellent reasoning ability and a strong sense of purpose and direction. They may appear somber and reserved in their dealings with others, but once they trust you, they are loyal and steadfast.

On the other hand, the Moon is an emotional, intuitive planet whose influence in the chart is very important because it's closest to Earth and moves through the zodiac rapidly. Where you find the Moon in your chart is where you are subject to emotional ups and downs. 

When the energies of the New Moon and Capricorn combine, you may feel drawn towards hard work, tending to your responsibilities, and the projects you wish to focus on most, and you’re better able to manifest your ideal position or career than ever. 

This energetic cojoining revitalizes your dedication to your commitment to intention-setting. Combined with a midmorning a sextile between the Moon and Neptune in Pisces creates an atmosphere of potential success through focus and dedication. Trust your intuition.

But first, relinquish something: a bad habit or pattern, toxic relationship, job, an illicit affair—whatever is holding you back from honoring our soul. This is where you apply knowledge and understanding to the circumstance to bring about balance—and that’s where Capricorn’s earthy nature can ground you and provide a practical viewpoint. 

A conjunction between the Moon and Mercury late afternoon ushers in an enhanced reasoning ability from a balanced mind and heart, followed an hour later by intense, unearthing emotions when the Moon conjuncts Pluto. Remove yourself from any toxic person or behavioral situation to maintain equilibrium this evening. 

This Capricorn Moon, although in a detrimental position, is to be celebrated! It provides the focused energy to manifest your goals and to attain your dreams while keeping us grounded in reason. Just remember those feelings and emotions also need attention—now you have the formula to overcome. 

Image: The Veil of Night by Serena Malyon

New Cazimi Moon in Aquarius @ 7:36 AM, 1st House: New Beginnings. No void-of-course time for this lunation. 

A stellium is currently formed in Aquarius & Pisces during this lunation: Aquarius involves the Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Pluto, while Pisces involves Venus, Saturn, and Neptune. The atmosphere is super-charged. 

Aquarius is electrified with Uranian currents while Neptunian Pisces is flowing with watery currents. Electricity and water make for some electrifying energy requiring grounding if we're to maintain our equilibrium during this cycle.

Aquarius embodies independence, individualism, imagination, progressive, artistic, and scientific just to name a few. This Moon brings out the rebel and warrior within us. We're ready to make our mark and for new adventures and experiences that highlight who we truly are to others. 

With the Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Pluto in Aquarius, this marks the beginning of progression and ascension for humanity. There's going to be some serious leveling up for our individual as well as global consciousness this year. If you aren't feeling the undercurrent now, you will be soon. 

More and more individuals are coming home to their hearts from their monkey-minded jungle. As this happens, more and more will understand and incorporate energies and choices to live a more peaceful and joyful existence inclusive of individual freedom and positively progressive advancements. 

Global change begins on a personal level. Once that personal level expands, it encompasses mass consciousness as a whole. Power structures will begin to crumble under the weight of light. It may not appear that way outwardly, but the seeds have been planted, and the roots are reaching deep into the earth. 

The number of awakened and awakening souls has tripled in just the last few years. They are challenging patriarchal paradigms rooted in fear and dominant control. The level of positive, energetic vibrations is reaching mass contagion levels, and no negatively infused vaccine can prevent the spread. 

This New Moon in individualistic, progressive Aquarius is the doorway to a more heart-centered way of life. The Aquarian age is a booster for strong independence, so that we are grounded in our power and evolve. 

It will also highlight originality and creativity, which brings more stability grounded in joy and truthfulness, both welcomed attributes on this new and exciting journey.

#art: The Spirit of The New Moon by Artur Loureiro

Uranus stations Direct in Taurus @ 11:23 PM, 1st House: Set Course for New Beginnings! 

Our opportunity inhale, slow down, and pay close attention to what we're doing and saying to one another during its retrograde period is closing with Uranus stationing. The lessons we may have learned won't necessarily be apparent until we're faced with a circumstance that tests our resolve and how we react or respond. 

We may attract energy at some ethereal level, and it can seem surreal, as though we are living in an alternate reality or separate dimension during this acclimation period. It's totally normal to experience this energy. Utilizing grounding techniques will better assist us to recoup solid balance.

The motivating force of power, Uranus represents the freedom urge. This planet is known to rebel against conformity. Its keyword is "the awakener", reflective of one of my favorite lines from Dune, "The sleeper must awaken." 

If we feel as though we have been struggling against the current to achieve what we know in our hearts is part of our destiny, we can now expect Uranus will be the catalyst for that change to take place. This influence won't be external, but internal. 

This means we need to pay attention to our attitude, perspective, and belief system moving forward—any, or all of which could be holding us back. This may become the epitome of walking by faith alone. 

As the awakener and challenger of our boundaries and comfort zones, Uranus holds the element of surprise, so don't be if unexpected assistance, concepts or even challenges appear unexpectedly. It's all opportunity. 

This planet is also associated with natural disasters, particularly earthquakes; however, such disconcerting events reveal humanity's ability to united through a combined humanitarian effort. Uranus' purpose is to awaken our altruistic nature. 

Uranus in Taurus presents a type of polarity between the desire for freedom and lack of restrictions with Taurus' grounded and domestic surroundings. Most Taurians aren't socialites who prefer the spotlight. Rather, they enjoy the comforts of a beautiful home, close friends, and good food. 

While this pairing may seem tense, and it can be if we resist, it's also a beautiful time to discover just how liberating relationships and safe environments can become ports in the storm of uncertainty. Perhaps it's time we notice the blessings of home and those who care for us rather than seeking some greater cause to advocate. 

Afterall, feeling safe and loved is the greatest crown we could ever don, and the most loving energy we could ever spawn into humanity. 

#art Gabriel Pacheco