March 2025 Vedic Astrology Forecast
A Blood Moon eclipse, the Equinox, and more, during one of the most dramatic months of the year!
Daffodils, the poets of spring, compose verses of rebirth with each nod of their golden heads. (Rabindranath Tagore)
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March looks to be a doozy of a month! Hold onto your hats, as the saying goes.
Please follow me on Substack Notes to get more regular updates. Here, I will share additional astrological charts and information about important transits and events! This is especially important in months like this one where there’s so much happening that I cannot share all the details in my monthly report.
March 1-April 2: Mars Marching Slowly Ahead in Gemini - New Information Might Emerge
We will begin the month of March with the warrior Mars continuing his march forward in the third drekkana (last ten degrees) of Gemini. This area of the zodiac can be associated with arrogance, as well as with fighting, whether with weapons or words. Mars will be moving slowly in Gemini, the sign of its enemy Mercury. During this time, some people may jump to false conclusions and be prone to restlessness, anger, arguments, mental agitation, and burnout.
In its higher manifestation, Mars in Gemini can bring a constructive focus on all forms of communication, science and technology, strategic planning, educational pursuits, and problem solving. Note that Mars here is retracing the steps it took in this same area of the zodiac last October. This suggests that helpful solutions to lingering problems may start to emerge in the coming month. For more information, please see my previous articles about the lengthy transit of Mars in Gemini in 2024-2025: How the Extended Mars Transit in Gemini Will Change Your Life, and The Extended Transit of Mars in Gemini.
March 1 to April 12: Venus Retrograde in Pisces - Economic Volatility
Venus will begin her retrograde phase on March 1 at 7:37 PM EST (March 2 at 00:37 AM UTC). The stationary period will extend a few days on either side of these dates, when Venus will be moving very slowly. The planet of love, wealth, and happiness will remain retrograde for 42 days, until April 12 at 9:02 PM EDT (April 13 at 1:02 AM). During this time, Venus will transit back from 17 degrees to zero degrees of Pisces.
In Mundane Astrology, Venus retrograde periods can be a time of economic volatility. We would be wise to proceed with caution now, and exert due diligence in our financial affairs. This is even truer because Venus will be transiting in the upcoming Pisces solar eclipse axis, which can stir up many challenges, cloud our judgement, and expose some weaknesses. This transit (and especially the stationary retrograde period) can generally indicate the breakdown of diplomatic relations, and some loss of equipoise, peace, and civility.
Since legal or judicial affairs may not proceed as anticipated, it is best to delay them if you can. If you have no choice but to proceed in this regard, you could work with prescribed astrological remedies to try and enhance more positive outcomes. This is also not a great time to buy expensive items (unless they are substantially discounted). Nor is it a time to have cosmetic procedures or to be married.
That said, the Venus retrograde cycle can also be a joyful and contemplative time. It can be ideal for finishing important creative projects. Some of our personal or business relationships may also benefit from a period of reflection and review during this time.
March 1-15: Mercury’s Pre-Retrograde Shadow Phase - Shades of Things to Come
Mercury’s pre-retrograde shadow period will last from March 1-15. During this time, we may be given a glimpse of the themes that will be playing out in our lives during the upcoming Mercury retrograde period.
March 2: Jupiter-Sun Square - Caution: Avoid Extravagance and Manage Expectations
Jupiter in Taurus and the Sun in Aquarius will square each other exactly on March 2. This aspect will be within an effective range of influence from February 28-March 4. It’s important to manage any unrealistic expectations and avoid impulsivity and extravagance at this time. Focus on cultivating patience, humility, and self-discipline, remain focused and grounded, and don’t take on more than you can handle.
March 9: Daylight Savings Time Begins in the United States and Canada - Take Extra Care of Health and Safety
Daylight Savings Time (DST) will begin on Sunday, March 9, at 2 AM in the United States and Canada, when the clocks will be set forward one hour. This is an important time for self-care, as the changing of the clock means misalignment with our bodies’ natural rhythms, which can carry risks to health throughout the week following the time change. You may want to read this Johns Hopkins article titled 7 Things to Know About Daylight Saving Time to help you navigate this potentially vulnerable time.
March 12: Saturn-Sun Conjunction - Challenges, Pressures, and Burdens
The Sun and Saturn will exactly conjoin at 28 degrees of Aquarius on March 12. More broadly, Saturn will be traveling within an effective 15-degree orb of conjunction with the Sun from February 23 to March 29. This is known as combustion.
Combustion occurs when a planet comes so close to the Sun that it becomes invisible to us. I like to think of the combustion cycle of a planet as a time when the planet is undergoing a period of death and rebirth. During this time, certain issues and qualities that the planet represents will go through a significant process of change.
When Saturn is combust, our patience and fortitude may be tested, and some may have to face challenges, pressures, and burdens. Take heart though, as Saturn’s combustion is not so difficult for those who are self-disciplined, take their responsibilities seriously, and live a contemplative life.
The latter is especially key as the Sun represents our conscious being, whereas Saturn symbolizes what is in our unconscious being (our psychological shadow). When Saturn is combust the Sun, this can be an opportune time to face one’s vulnerabilities and establish a new level of self-awareness.
March 13-14: Vedic Holika Dahan and Holi Festival - Celebrating The Victory of Good Over Evil
The ancient Vedic sages had a deep awareness of important astrological and natural cycles. They marked these cycles by important spiritual festivals such as Holi, which is celebrated around the last Full Moon of the Vedic lunar year. This year, the pre-celebration of Holika Dahan will be celebrated on March 13, and Holi itself will be celebrated on March 14. See DrikPanchang.com for more information.
Holi is the spring Festival of Colors, also called the Festival of Love. It occurs for a few days around the Full Moon in Leo every year. Many wonderful legends in Vedic culture describe why this is the time for new beginnings in the early-spring season, and why this festival celebrates love and the triumph of good over evil.
Leo the Lion stands for courage. This is an interesting word that comes from the Old French “corage,” which means “heart and spirit.” So the Leo Full Moon is a wonderful time to contemplate the true meaning of courage as the fire burning within our hearts.
This fits with the idea that Holi is a festival of sacrifice, in which great bonfires are burnt so that offerings may be made into the fire of transformation. This is a very necessary practice as we begin to close out the old lunar year to begin the new!
March 14 to April 13: The Sun Will Transit in Pisces - Time to Reinforce Our Energetic and Interpersonal Boundaries
The Sun will transit in the sensitive and dreamy Pisces constellation from March 14 to April 13. The Sun—our purpose, soul, will, confidence, and vitality—is normally well-placed during his sojourn in sweet and altruistic Pisces. In traditional astrology, this sign is ruled by Jupiter, planet of the dharma, wisdom, hope, and optimism.
However, the Sun will conjoin Rahu on March 17, and then Neptune on March 19. The Sun will be within close range of both of these celestial entities throughout the second half of March. The Sun will also be eclipsed by Rahu in Pisces on March 29. All of these factors will change the flavor of this transit and reduce some of its positive energy.
The higher expression of the Sun in conjunction with Neptune and Rahu in Pisces enhances spiritual attunement, sensitivity, and compassion. However, the lower expression of this aspect can be hyper-emotional, extremely porous and impressionable, unfocused, indecisive, changeable, and impractical. This will be a good time for prayer and aura protection practices. It’s also important to maintain healthy boundaries with others.
March 14: Full Moon/Blood Moon Eclipse - Ch-ch-ch-ch Changes!
On the early morning of March 14, 2025, a total lunar eclipse will be visible from Earth, and North America will be in the prime position for the spectacular event.
During the eclipse, the Full Moon will pass through the Earth's umbra and completely cover it. The Moon in a total lunar eclipse often turns a reddish-orange color, hence it is known as a “Blood Moon.” The eclipse will be seen mostly in North America and some in Europe. The totality will last a long time, about 65 minutes. You can read all about the eclipse on Space.com.
The Full Moon will occur at 29 degrees of Leo on March 14 at 2:55 AM EDT (6:55 AM UTC). It will be The Full Moon will occur in an out-of-sign conjunction with Ketu, the South Node, occurring at three degrees and 27 minutes of Virgo. The Total Lunar Eclipse will occur three minutes after the exact Full Moon 2:58 AM (6:58 AM UTC).
Note that while the effects of a lunar eclipse will last a month or so before and after the eclipse, we may feel the most unsteady during the several days on either side of the eclipse. As this will be a Ketu lunar eclipse, the vibrations around this time could be perceived as heavy or devitalizing. Certain matters may be cloudy, and some may have to face uncertainty, chaotic events, disruption, sorrow, or losses.
Relationship conflicts or unresolved psychological issues might come to the fore. These less positive effects would be more likely to occur if the eclipse is activating an important section in one’s birth chart. I can discuss the impact of this eclipse on your life during a personalized reading.
Both the Full Moon and Ketu will be in Virgo and Uttara Phalguni nakshatra, opposite the Sun which will occupy 29 degrees Aquarius in Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra. The Sun will also conjoin the fixed star Markab, or Alpha (a) Pegasus. This can indicate accidents and sickness. The Sun will be hemmed by two malefics, Saturn and Rahu, which further suggests the same, as well as potential for some geopolitical upheaval. This could include volatility in financial markets, and significant events involving the military, government, industry, public health, and international affairs.
On the upside, one of the names for the March Full Moon is the Sap Moon, when the life sap will be rising within all of nature in the northern hemisphere, including in us humans! In India, this Full Moon is known as Vasanta Purnima, as it is the Full Moon closest to the Spring Equinox in the northern hemisphere (Vasanta is the goddess of Spring). This Full Moon thus marks a time to celebrate new life. In South India, this is also the birthday of Lakshmi, the goddess of love, beauty, and wealth, and a wonderful day to do extra prayers and rituals to honor her.
March 15-April 7: Mercury Will Retrograde in Pisces - A Time to Stay Grounded
Mercury will retrograde in Pisces from March 15 to April 7, moving from around 15 degrees back to three degrees of Pisces during that time.
Mercury retrograde is notorious for technological and travel disruptions, storms and seismic events, delays and setbacks, uncertainty, mental fog, disordered thoughts, problems with communication, unpredictable economic events, and an overall sense of frustration or stagnation. As Mercury will also be combust from March 15-31 (too close to the Sun), more potential challenges are indicated.
This Mercury retrograde cycle is also likely to be unsteady because of its weakness in Pisces, which also happens to be the sign of the upcoming March 29 solar eclipse. All of this suggests a tendency for things to be quite stirred up in the material realm, as Mercury rules the Earth element! It’s super important for us to focus on staying grounded and steady—not to rock the boat, so to speak.
During the extended transit of Mercury in Pisces, and especially during its retrograde period, some of us may experience significant life disruptions. Past unresolved personal issues or unfinished matters involving others may reappear at this time to be dealt with. Ultimately, the positive expression of a Mercury retrograde cycle is that it gives us a time to pause and regroup, to dive deeper into ourselves for introspection, new inspiration, and healing.
Yet, the aforementioned afflictions to Mercury may result in listlessness, procrastination, indecision, disorganization, anxiety, or depression. Therefore, this will be an important time to access self-improvement tools and practices that can help to secure your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
March 16: The Rahu-Saturn Conjunction Comes Into Range - Potentially Tumultuous Karmic Events
Beginning on March 16, Rahu and Saturn will transit within a five-degree effective orb of conjunction. This conjunction will last until May 17, with the exact conjunction occurring in mid-April. When Saturn and Rahu are conjoined, this is known as Shrapit Dosha in Vedic Astrology. In its lower expression, it is considered to be a detriment to finances, relationships, and peace, and more broadly might point to tumultuous karmic events. It its higher expression, it can indicate a great drive and ability to achieve success.
One reason for the problems that are well known with this conjunction is that Rahu acts like Saturn ("Shani vat Rahu"), meaning that they will exponentially magnify each other's qualities when they are working together. Both aggravate Vata dosha. This means that Saturn can constrict the movement of life force, causing feelings of isolation, pessimism, depression, and anxiety, whereas Rahu can aggravate the life force, triggering hypocritical, aggressive, obsessive, and delusional thinking and behaviors.
The Rahu-Saturn conjunction can throw everything out of balance in body, mind, and spirit unless we are mindful and working to keep ourselves in balance and good health. We can experience restless feelings, insomnia, physical pain, digestive disturbances, tremors, arrhythmias, skin problems, dehydration, paranoia, phobias, difficulty concentrating, and other such ailments. If you need information about how to balance the Vata dosha during this transit, you can explore the myriad Ayurveda resources online or consult with an Ayurvedic health practitioner to help you learn more.
In the current case, Rahu and Saturn are coming together in the upcoming Pisces solar eclipse axis. Here, the conjunction is considered to be a potent irritating factor that can indicate emotional stress, health disturbances, relationship battles, power struggles, conflict with authority, emotional stress, extreme storms, civil unrest, violent or explosive events, and the revelation of mass crimes and corruption.
In Lal Kitab, a unique Hindu system of Vedic astrology and palmistry, the conjunction of Rahu and Saturn is called “nagmani,” which refers to the legendary jewel (mani) in the snake (nag). The nagmani is said to be a rare and precious gemstone or pearl formed by crystallized venom within the heads of certain noxious snakes, particularly cobras. It is also known as the "snake stone” or “cobra's pearl.”
Most sources I have accessed say that there is no scientific evidence that snake stones actually come from snakes. Some scientists speculate that they are really bezoars, stony concretions that come out of the stomachs of animals, especially goats and other ruminants, and sometimes humans. I actually came across human bezoars on several occasions when I worked as a nurse in an Endoscopy center years ago.
Nonetheless, whatever its origin, the mythical snake stone is a folk remedy in many world traditions, used for snakebites and for spiritual protection, and as a symbol of wealth and power. The nagmani reference in Lal Kitab is a metaphor indicating some good fortune that comes after a difficult challenge. I always tell my clients who have this combination in their natal charts that after they wrestle the serpent (deal with and overcome their related problems), they will find the jewel in the snake, the gift at the end of the struggle.
Other astrologers say that Saturn sucks the venom out of Rahu (puts a break on Rahu's ruthless energy). That is another explanation of the nagmani. Either way, the positive expression of this combination is the ability to make rapid changes that help us break free of old patterns and limitations.
Previous times when Rahu and Saturn conjoined in Pisces were in the spring of 1968, and before that in the spring of 1820. Both of these previous times were associated with violence and civil unrest. For example, the Scottish Insurrection (Radical War) occurred in 1820, followed by the Yorkshire West Riding Revolt in England. These were a series of uprisings by the working class. And, April 1968 was a time of violence and civil unrest in the United States, following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.
March 18: Uranus Will Transit Back Into Taurus - Get Ready For a Quantum Leap and Radical Transformative Events
Uranus will move forward into Taurus on March 18 at 8 PM EDT. Uranus has been in Aries since December 13, 2024. Now Uranus will move into Taurus and remain here for six years. It will move into Gemini from July 6, 2031, to January 8, 2032. Then it will go back into Taurus until April 2032, when it will finally transit into Gemini for a lengthy period. Please refer to my previous article to understand more about this incredible new cycle of Uranus!
Please also be aware that from May 2024 to May 2025, Uranus is transiting in the two-degree cusp between 28 degrees of Aries and two degrees of Taurus, an area of the zodiac which comprises the sharp and fiery Krittika nakshatra. This asterism is ruled by Shiva’s son, the great warrior Kartikeya, who incarnated to save the world from evil.
The edge between Aries and Taurus also contains two intense and transformative fixed stars, Capulus and Algol. Uranus transiting here indicates unusual and dramatic global upheaval, revolutionary forces, seismic or meteorological events, militarism, major endings, and brand new beginnings.
The lower expression of this extended Uranus transit reflects a huge overall sense of agitation and instability, which can be associated with aggression, financial woes, employment problems, mental health and substance abuse crises, and relationship conflicts. Yet, there is also a higher expression of Uranus transiting here, which can manifest as increased will power, strength, stamina, and a thirst for adventure.
March 20: The Equinox - Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, and Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere
The equinox will occur on Thursday, March 20 at 5:01 AM EDT (9:01 AM UTC). You can check TimeandDate for the exact timing if your location differs. This will be the spring equinox (beginning of astronomical spring) in the northern hemisphere, and the autumnal/fall equinox (beginning of astronomical autumn/fall) in the southern. The day before, the day of, and the day after the equinox are important, as the Earth and our own energy systems will undergo a significant shift during this time.
Around the equinox, we should protect our health, which will be more sensitive than usual. We should not plan to make any significant moves during this time (don’t get engaged, married, start a business, and so on). In other words, it is not a time for new beginnings because the Sun is sankranti. This means that the Sun is in process of changing its position, and thus not strong and stable enough to help bring forward any desired long-term results. It is, however, a wonderful time for healing and spiritual practices.
The equinox is a balance point when the Sun momentarily pauses on the celestial equator to recharge before continuing its journey northward, when light and day become more evenly balanced. It would be especially helpful on March 20 to rise early and meditate on the sunrise and the Light within, aligning with a sense of inner peace, harmony, and renewal of hope and purpose.
March 22: The Inferior Conjunction of Venus: A Time For Self-reflection and Setting New Intentions
Retrograde Venus will exactly conjoin the Sun on March 22. This is known as the inferior conjunction of Venus, which occurs halfway through the retrograde cycle of Venus. This is an excellent time for self-reflection and setting new intentions.
Keep in mind that retrograde Venus becomes combust and thus invisible to us when it is transiting within eight degrees of the Sun, which will occur during the second half of March. The Venus retrograde (and combust) cycle is elegantly described by the late astrologer Anne Massey in her book Venus: Her Cycles, Symbols & Myths (Llewellyn Publishers, 2006, pp 127-133):
With the retrograde periods, we talk about the journey into the underworld, which we understand to be our subconscious or unconscious mind. Once there, we encounter some hidden or forgotten truths about ourselves and ideally emerge stronger and better. When we are talking about Venus, we are invoking something in our hearts...Venus is about what the heart desires.
After Venus goes through its journey “in the underworld,” it will have transitioned from its Evening Star apparition to reemerge as the Morning Star in late March or early April. It will remain as the Morning Star for the rest of 2025. The ancient Maya saw the Morning Star version of Venus as a warrior goddess archetype who deals in conflict. She also illuminates what has been hidden before, and this can be especially so in the political realm. Now will be a good time to think about your goals and set new intentions, which may begin to ripen after Venus moves out of retrograde on April 12.
March 26-29: Balsamic Moon - Prepare For the New Moon Ahead
The Balsamic/Waning Moon phase will begin on March 26 when the Moon begins transiting within 45 degrees behind the Sun. The term "balsamic" refers to the healing energy that is naturally generated in this lunar period. The Balsamic Moon phase is the time of the month to pause, reflect, let go, and heal. It is an opportune time to clear our energy systems and our physical environments (including clearing clutter).
The inner Light that is highly accessible in meditation during this time has the innate power to bring us back to harmony in body, mind, and spirit. This will prepare us for new beginnings that will come after the New Moon and the Vedic Lunar New Year on March 29. Keep in mind that the days leading into the Vedic Lunar New Year can be a time when a lot of “stuff” is churning up, so be sure to “mind the mind” and take good care now.
March 29: The New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse and Vedic Lunar New Year - A Rare and Sacred Alignment in Pisces
The New Moon and Partial Solar Eclipse in Pisces will occur on March 29 at 6:58 AM EDT (11:58 AM UTC). The Vedic Lunar New Year, known as Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, will also take place at this time, as it does every year at the New Moon in Pisces. I will be writing another article about this momentous event occurring with a big lineup of planets in Pisces.
March 29: Saturn Will Transit Into Pisces - A Sea Change!
On March 29, about five hours after the New Moon/solar eclipse, Saturn will transit into Pisces. Saturn will remain transiting in Pisces for a few years. This represents a sea change for all of us. The last time that Saturn transited in Pisces was from 1995-1998 when Bill Clinton was the President of the United States. Saturn here suggests a time when we must bring some closure to the past. It also represents a period of technological, spiritual, and cultural revolution. Please see my latest articles about this monumental shift: Saturn’s Transit in Pisces and How the Transit of Pisces Will Change Your Life.
March 29/30 to April 6/7: Chaitra Navaratri - The Nine Nights of Mother Divine
In North and South America, Chaitra Navaratri will be celebrated from March 29 to April 6. In the rest of the world, it will be celebrated from March 30 to April 7. This Vedic festival is celebrated for nine nights in commemoration of the allegorical battle of good versus evil which is symbolized by Mata Durga’s defeat of the demon Mahishasura.
Navaratri has a profound esoteric meaning and significance for devotees who fast, pray, meditate, chant, bathe in holy rivers, and participate in other kinds of specific ancient rituals during this time. During the nine nights, devotees worship Devi Durga in a multitude of her various forms. She is said to walk among us and bless us as she helps us to fight our own inner battles and release our own inner demons.
One of the ways to worship during Navaratri is to focus on and propitiate three aspects of the goddess for three days and nights each: The first three are devoted to Durga Devi, the personification of power and purification. The second three are devoted to Lakshmi Devi, the essence of compassion and beauty. The last three are devoted to Saraswati Devi, the embodiment of wisdom and grace.
As you can see, March will be jam packed with planetary movements and major celestial events. I have been practicing astrology for decades, and I haven't seen such a momentous month in a very long time. As we move through this potentially difficult part of the year, I urge all of you to draw on your inner strength and power. As I like to say to myself during challenging periods: Remember, this too shall pass.
Wow! Preparing now!! Thank you for your insight into the upcoming energy shifts!!
Love your work Juliana Mwah 🙏🕉👣