March 2024 | Volume No 3
FOUNDER’S LETTER
“Much like nature, life is very often working in our favor,
even when it seems like we are only being faced with adversity, discomfort, and change.” — Brianna Wiest
I truly believe that nature can heal any internal storm. Nature has always been my therapeutic sanctuary, especially in times of pressure and stress. When I am in nature, it feels like a spiritual experience for me—one where I sense a profound interconnectedness with myself, God, and the Universe. Whether it’s embarking on a two-hour hike through a natural preserve, exploring a forest trail with the backdrop of bird songs, stargazing on clear nights, or simply closing my eyes to feel the breeze during a morning meditation, these moments bring me an immeasurable sense of mindfulness and peace.
At times, I find myself lying awake at night, worrying about the fate of our natural world and the beautiful animals that co-habit the planet with us. I’ve always had a profound sensitivity towards animals and have always seen them as individuals. Anyone who has ever had a companion animal or had the privilege of meeting a rescued dairy cow at an animal sanctuary can attest to the undeniable fact that animals have souls, just like humans do.
Earlier this week, Chicago graced us with a couple of days in the low 70s—a glorious and welcome change from the frigid cold. It served as a reminder that Spring is just around the corner. Although, as I write this newsletter, I find myself genuinely concerned about my car's wellbeing enduring 2” balls of hail currently railing against it in the driveway, all while a tornado warning looms. Just another day in the midwest.
As you’ll discover in this month’s Celestial Guide, March 19 marks the Spring Equinox and the beginning of the astrological year, and many in the spiritual community consider this the true start to the new year. Internally, it certainly feels that way for me. After the holiday rush and pop-up shop season, January is still a consistently busy time for our small business, juggling in-house order fulfillment while simultaneously wrapping up year-end tasks, doing inventory, and finalizing our bookkeeping in preparation for tax season. And let’s not forget social media. My favorite.
February provides a brief respite, a chance to catch my breath, but not for long as I have to dive into next year’s planner updates and spearheading new stationery products. It makes sense that February has naturally become a period of withdrawal for reflection and solitude for me. It has evolved into my 'creative hermit' month—a time when I work late into the evenings updating the planner for the upcoming year and conceptualizing/test driving new designs. A soft playlist, candles aglow, and the backdrop of cold and dark winter nights outside my window make these creative evenings so cozy.
As the days become longer, March always feels invigorating, offering a glimpse of the carefree summer nights to come. This is the season when projects and business objectives gain fresh energy and traction. I’ve always found that aligning our internal energy with the cycles of nature brings a sense of order, recognizing that every goal, dream, or aspiration will be achieved in due time, contributing another chapter to the masterpiece of our life's story.
— Elena
MARCH 2024 CELESTIAL GUIDE
Unveiling this month’s noteworthy celestial marvel where the skies above mirror the intricate symphonies of our inner worlds. For daily astrological aspects and lunar phases, reference your March Overview Calendar, nestled inside your
2024 Edition of The Astral Planner.
Numerological Insight: Harmony in Duality
March 2024, marked by the energetical influence of the number 2, invites us to explore the interplay between dualities, balance, and the harmonies of connection—within ourselves, with others, and with the celestial forces that shape our existence.
Often associated with the archetype of the peacemaker and diplomat, the number 2 embodies the idea of partnership, cooperation, and the delicate interplay between opposing forces. In the esoteric teachings, the number 2 is often associated with intuitive insights, emphasizing the importance of listening to the whispers of our inner selves and understanding the unspoken language that connects us with the divine.
This numerological belief is also illustrated in the ancient Taoist concept of yin and yang, where a small dot of each resides within the other, mirroring the concept that elements of opposites are interwoven and interconnected. Yin represents the receptive, feminine, and introspective qualities, while yang symbolizes the active, masculine, and outwardly expressive aspects. The number 2 encapsulates the essence of these dualities, signifying that true balance is achieved not through the suppression of one force in favor of the other but through their dynamic interrelation. This resonates with the foundational principle that within every dichotomy, there exists an inherent connection and interdependence.
In a world often characterized by division, this month’s underlying energy will encourage us to embrace the interconnectedness of all things and approach opposing perspectives with a curious, receptive, open mind. Practicing empathy and understanding towards ourselves and others becomes not only a spiritual pursuit but a practical tool for building bridges and fostering unity in a world that yearns for connection.
For further numerological insight, reference pages 29-32 in your 2024 Executive Daily Planner.
Third Quarter Moon in Sagittarius: Truth Seeker (March 3)
Sagittarius, the Explorer of the Zodiac, guides us to release arrows of curiosity into the uncharted territories of our lives. This lunar phase is a cosmic invitation to delve into the depths of our existence, unearthing profound truths that may have remained concealed in the shadows of our consciousness.
It's an opportune moment to question the narratives that have shaped our beliefs, to seek knowledge that transcends the boundaries of societal constructs, and to open ourselves to the expansive realms of higher understanding. Take advantage of this energetical alignment by reading personal development books, attend group healing sessions, performing shadow work exercises, journaling, or perhaps even book that first therapy appointment.
As the moon gracefully wanes, its diminishing glow serves as a metaphorical lantern illuminating the path toward personal evolution. This is a sacred juncture to delicately release the anchors that bind our growth, shedding self-limiting beliefs, and making space for the sprouts of transformation that await on the horizon.
New Moon in Pisces: Embracing the Mystical Current (March 10)
Pisces, the final sign of the zodiac, serves as a vessel for spiritual transcendence and the dissolving of boundaries. Ruled by Neptune, Pisces is a sign that is deeply connected to the ethereal realms and the unseen forces that guide our intuition. The Pisces New Moon on March 10 urges us to explore the liminal spaces between dreams and reality, much like the tales of Odysseus in Homer's "The Odyssey”. This New Moon will be an opportune time to set plans that align with our spiritual aspirations and trust the intuitive whispers that guide us toward our soul's purpose.
The intuitive and empathetic energy of this New Moon encourages us to delve into practices like meditation, dreamwork, or creative expression to harness the power of our subconscious mind and an unwavering connection to one's inner compass. As Carl Jung once said, "Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens." Pisces, with its connection to the unseen realms, becomes a portal for self-discovery and awakening during this lunar event.
Mercury Enters Aries: Igniting Communication (March 10)
Simultaneously, on March 10, Mercury, the messenger planet, enters the fiery realms of Aries. Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, is associated with passion, initiative, and bold communication. As Mercury ignites the flame of Aries, our thoughts become dynamic, direct, and assertive. It's a time to express our ideas with courage and clarity, fueling the spark of innovation and fostering a sense of individuality in our interactions.
Venus Enters Pisces: Love’s Transcendent Embrace (March 11)
Venus, the celestial artisan of love and beauty, gracefully glides into the dreamy waters of Pisces. Pisces, embodies themes of transcendence, fantasy, and the dissolution of ego, symbolizing the allure of the subconscious, the depths of emotions, and the fluidity of boundaries, much like the enchanting lore of sirens in mythology, that beckons sailors to surrender to the mysteries of the unknown. The ethereal energy of Venus in Pisces promotes deep emotional connections and encourages us to connect with others on a soulful level, transcending superficial interactions. Movies like "The Shape of Water" illustrate glimpses of Piscean themes, capturing the essence of otherworldly love and connection.
First Quarter Moon in Cancer: Nurturing Growth (March 17)
Cancer, ruled by the moon, embodies the nurturing qualities of a protective mother. This lunar phase prompts us to assess the progress of our intentions set during the New Moon and make necessary adjustments. It's a time to cultivate a supportive environment for our aspirations to grow, just as a gardener tends to their blossoming plants.
Spring Equinox: Embracing Balance (March 19)
March 19 EST (March 20 UTC) marks the Spring Equinox, a moment of celestial equilibrium where day and night are of equal length. Ancient wisdom suggests that during the equinox, the veil between the material and spiritual worlds is thinner, providing an opportune moment for heightened intuition and connection with higher realms. It's an invitation to delve into practices like meditation, mindfulness, or energy work, tapping into the cosmic energies that abound during this celestial alignment.
The arrival of spring brings with it a sense of balance and renewal. This moment of balance extends beyond the physical realm, resonating with the spiritual principle of finding equilibrium within our own lives. 3 months into a new year, the Spring Equinox serves as an opportune check-in point to release stagnant energies, embrace change and growth, and assess whether our relationships, work, and personal well-being are in or out of balance.
Sun Enters Aries: A New Astrological Year Dawns (March 19)
On March 19, the Sun enters the dynamic and fiery realm of Aries, marking the commencement of the astrological New Year. As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries signifies a cosmic rebirth, a time to shed the old and embrace the new. Guided by its assertive and action-oriented planetary ruler, Mars, Aries propels us into a season of heightened energy and assertiveness. Represented by the pioneer forging a path through uncharted territories, the next 31 days will be an opportune time to set ambitious goals, initiate projects, and take the lead in complex endeavors.
Mars Enters Pisces: Channeling Emotional Strength (March 22)
On March 22, the red planet Mars enters the watery realms of Pisces, infusing our actions with emotional depth and sensitivity. Mars, the warrior, takes on the compassionate and empathetic qualities of Pisces, encouraging us to approach challenges with a gentle strength. It's a time to harness the power of emotional intelligence, allowing our actions to be guided by empathy and understanding.
Mercury at Highest Altitude in Evening Sky and Greatest Eastern Elongation (March 24)
On March 24, Mercury reaches its highest altitude in the evening sky and achieves its greatest eastern elongation. This celestial event amplifies the communicative prowess of Mercury, providing us with heightened mental clarity and effective expression. It's an opportune moment to engage in meaningful conversations, share ideas, and seek intellectual expansion. The sky becomes a canvas for inspired dialogue, urging us to connect with others through the art of expression.
Full Moon in Libra and Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: Balancing Opposites (March 25)
On March 25, we will have a Full Moon in Libra, accompanied by a subtle shadow play in the form of a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse. Symbolized by the Scales of Justice, Libra embodies the quest for equilibrium, fairness, and harmony in relationships. It will serve as a metaphorical mirror, prompting introspection on our innate sense of fairness towards ourselves and others. You may experience a heightened awareness of your emotions, achieving incredible clarity about any inequity in your partnerships.
Adding a layer of cosmic drama, the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Earth partially veils the sun's light from reaching the moon, casting a subtle shade on its surface. In folklore, lunar eclipses have been viewed as moments of transformation, where shadow and light engage in a cosmic dance to find harmony within dualities. When we experience imbalance in any area of our life, our overall wellness suffers, leaving our mind and body disconnected. Luckily, when the Moon is in the coordinated sign of Libra, there's a heightened focus on creating tranquility, beauty, and harmony all around you. Libra doesn’t just appreciate balance—Libra actively seeks and corrects imbalances.
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