On 3/17, Mars begins to move direct from its retrograde status in debilitated Cancer, at 6 degrees.  Even though Mars is weak there, it will gain some momentum as it moves direct.  Mars remains in Cancer until the end of May 2010, when it then enters a stronger sign of Leo.  Therefore, we are likely to continue to experience some difficulty getting projects to move at a more rapid pace, or even getting new plans and projects off the ground.  This situation improves by June of this year, as Mars gains strength.  For now, plans and projects may move more slowly than expected or desired.

Both the Sun and Mercury move into Pisces on 3/14.   Venus, Mercury and the Sun will all be in Pisces simultaneously, while receiving the aspect of Saturn.   Moreover, Mercury will be transiting through its debilitated sign until 3/29.  Therefore, Mercury remains weak for the last half of the month.  Expect some mix-ups with communications, travel, appointments, lectures, education, contracts and other timely matters.   Allow some extra time for travel.  Be sure that others understand your statements, and that you understand what others are trying to convey.  This is a brief period where misunderstandings are bound to cause problems.  

However, when exalted Venus and Mercury are conjunct, Mercury’s debilitation is said to be “neecha” or cancelled.  This may be interpreted, as Mercury offering some potential opportunity, after the problems involving Mercury occur.   For example, Albert Einstein had this exact configuration in his birth chart, and he is known for his intellectual brilliance.  He was a visionary with a mind that worked in a very unique way.   Yet, in his early education he struggled greatly in school, failing exams and performing poorly.  However, it was precisely these early failures, which led him into the world of physics.  Mercury represents the logical part of the brain, the intellect, and the organization of the mind.  With Mercury in Pisces, the mind wanders, is dreamy, tends toward creativity, thinking outside of the box, and does not follow the rules of logic.  This mode is excellent for deriving unique solutions to problems, engaging in creative, artistic endeavors and intuitive thinking.  However, this Mercury status is not particularly helpful for following directions, calculating technical mathematical equations or performing “linear, precise logical” tasks.   It’s easy to get lost or take tangential journeys under such a transit of Mercury.   It is wise to double-check your figures (or your accountant’s numbers) on your tax return if you are working on this during the current month.

Saturn makes an exact aspect to Mercury on 3/17 and then to the Sun on 3/28.  This creates some potential challenges to communications, contracts and achieving goals on these dates. Mars aspects the Sun exactly on 3/21, creating some heat, irritability, aggression and impatience in the atmosphere.

Saturn continues its retrograde transit through Virgo in Uttara Phalguni nakshatra for the entire month.  The emphasis on environmental improvements, public health concerns, food supply safety, agriculture and living a lighter, healthier lifestyle continues.  Biotechnological developments and inventions are favored.   Excessive rains and flooding appear prominent through May, due to Mars.  Venus transiting Pisces turns more kapha, which favors rain as well. Jupiter transiting through Shatabhisha, ruled by Varuna, refers to promoting rains and churning the seas.  All of the above will promote continued rain, flooding, storms and wet, more humid conditions during March and into the spring months.