Vedic Astrology Forecast for March 2024

The Start of a New Season!

Despite March's windy reputation, winter isn't really blown away; it is washed away. It flows down all the hills, goes swirling down the valleys and spills out to sea. Like so many of this earth's elements, winter itself is soluble in water…It is a wet world, winter's harsh grip beginning to relax...An outcropping ledge on the hillside sheds its beard of icicles and becomes a seep spring that drips into a shallow pool that feeds a growing runlet. (Washing Winter Away, The New York Times, 1964 March 17th)

A new season is coming! March is almost here. In addition to marking the start of spring, March will be filled with a New Supermoon, a dramatic lunar eclipse, and other significant events. Here’s my update for the month:

The Start of A New Season

According to the Science of Life known as Ayurveda, the month of March in the northern hemisphere is the beginning of the Kapha season of the year, which will last until early June. Now in March, the cold, dry, frozen energy of winter will begin to melt into the slightly warmer and much damper energy of springtime. 

March is an important time to be mindful to avoid catching colds. We should eat well-spiced warm food that is light and easy to digest during this time, stay warm, and get lots of good rest, fresh air, and exercise. You might also want to check in with an Ayurvedic or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner to help you fine tune your system and adjust to the seasonal change.

Another Month of Saturn Energy

We will begin the month of March with the ongoing conjunction of the Sun, Mercury, and Saturn in mid-Aquarius, but this aspect will gradually be breaking up in the coming days. This combination was in full force during the last week of February. It indicates the potential for rebelliousness, eccentricity, financial worries, mental and physical strain, conflict with others, health aggravations, bad habit patterns, impatience, or criticism.

Saturn will remain the main influence in March, as it was also in February. This will occur through a complicated system of planetary dispositors (rulerships), as well as a predominant focus of planets in the signs of Saturn (Capricorn and Aquarius). The strong Saturn emphasis can suggest big storms or seismic events, as well as a multitude of annoying problems we may be facing in the mundane sphere.

Saturn is also in charge for all of 2024 as we are in an eight year, the number of Saturn (2024 = 2 + 2 + 4 = 8). Saturn always means business. This planet tends to bring karmic reckoning. It also suggests an emphasis on hard work, restlessness, pessimism, anxiety, and concerns over safety, security, and law and order. At the higher level, Saturn represents the divine impulse which encourages us to seek the truth and overcome our karmic limitations through spiritual humility, discipline, will power, and determination.

March 1 - First Day of Meteorological Spring in the Northern Hemisphere!

The meteorological seasons follow the annual temperature cycle. Meteorological spring in the northern hemisphere will occur from March 1 to June 1. This is reversed in the southern hemisphere, where meteorological autumn will be in place from March 1 until June 1. The meteorological season dates begin about 20 days before the astronomical season dates. For instance, in the northern hemisphere, astronomical spring will begin on March 19-20, and astronomical summer will begin on June 20.

March 6 to 25 - Mercury Will Transit in Pisces: Potential for Indecisiveness and Other Challenges in Communication and Decision-Making

Mercury will transit in Pisces from March 6 to 25. It will move to Aries on March 25, retrograde in Aries on April 1, will return to Pisces in retrograde motion on April 9, will continue to retrograde in Pisces until April 25, after which it will once again move in forward motion in Pisces until May 10. Due to its extended back-and-forth transit in this one section of the zodiac, Mercury matters will have a lot of impact this month and in the coming months. This is even truer because Mercury will be in the sign of the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, which can especially stir things up in the material realm (as Mercury rules the Earth element)!

Certain matters related to the house occupied by Pisces in a natal horoscope may go through some significant change and renewal during these months. For instance, the fifth house in a Scorpio chart is Pisces, so matters related to speculation, progeny, creativity, learning, spiritual practices, or romance may shift in a different direction. For Virgo, Mercury will retrograde in the seventh house, so it may be a time for relationship renewal and reconsidering agreements and reconfiguring contracts with others. Unresolved relationships or past unresolved issues with others may reappear.

Pisces is the sign of Mercury’s debilitation (greatest weakness). So for example, during the Mercury transit in Pisces, some may procrastinate, struggle with clear communication, or feel indecisive, ungrounded, disorganized, unmotivated, anxious, or depressed. If you experience any such challenges, now will be a great time to access and develop self-improvement tools that can strengthen and stabilize your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

March 7 to 9 - Mercury Will Conjoin Neptune: Enhanced Creativity and Potential Financial Issues

Mercury will conjoin transiting Neptune from March 7 to 9. This conjunction can be very good for artistic, humanitarian, and creative pursuits, and for tapping into altered dream states and higher consciousness. Yet, this conjunction will occur in the sometimes iniquitous Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra (ruled by a devilish character named Aja Ekapada). This suggests a tendency for heightened media sensationalism, as well as dishonesty, fraudulent actions, and mental aberrations in the mass mind and within those who are thus inclined.

In terms of financial astrology, Mercury rules trading, market transactions, commerce and negotiation. Neptune represents stocks, pharmaceuticals, fraud, mob psychology, and financial bubbles. The conjunction of these two planets in the sign of Mercury’s greatest weakness (Pisces) may highlight market volatility or other unpredictable moves in the financial sector.

March 7 to 31 - Venus Will Transit in Aquarius: A Constructive Time Especially for Innovation, Futuristic Exploration, and Goal-Oriented Group Endeavors

From March 7 to 31, Venus will transit in Aquarius, which is jointly ruled by Venus’ friends Saturn and Rahu. In its higher expression, Venus in Aquarius is hopeful, futuristic, goal-oriented, innovative, and especially successful when it comes to group endeavors. Venus transiting here can also be constructive in matters related to finances, the arts, love and relationships, inner peace, beauty, and vitality.

This would be especially true for those whose Ascendant, Sun, or Moon sign occupies Aries, Gemini, Cancer, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, or Pisces (and among these, it will be most auspicious for Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini). 

March 7 to 10 - Balsamic Moon: Time for Healing, Rest, Rejuvenation, and Clearing in Preparation for the New Moon

The Moon will move through its deeply waning balsamic phase from March 7 to 10. The Balsamic Moon phase is the time of the month for healing, rest, rejuvenation, clearing, and letting go in preparation for new energies coming in at the New Moon of March 10. This waning Moon phase is the most auspicious one of the year for those of us who worship Lord Shiva, as His sacred festival known as Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva, will occur on March 8 during the Balsamic Moon phase!

March 8 - Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva: Aum Namah Shivaya! May All Be Blessed!

Each month of the year, yogis celebrate the Night of Shiva (Shivaratri) before the New Moon. This is a time for deep contemplation and inner quiet. On this day, we can journey within and bask in the true inner light that exists beyond the world of form. 

The Great Night of Shiva (Maha Shivaratri) takes place only once a year on the chaturdashi tithi right before the Sun and Moon join together in Aquarius. It is celebrated at this time because Lord Shiva presides over this astrological sign. Aquarius is symbolized by the Water Bearer who pours forth the “water of life,” known as kundalini shakti, the essence of spiritual power, wisdom, purity, peace, and rebirth.

The immortal rishis of India understood that the days around the New Moon in Aquarius are a special time for connecting with the inner light of Shiva. Physiological and bio-energetic processes can become activated through spiritual practices like chanting and meditation. This is related to the Sun and the Moon alignment that takes place not only “up there” in the heavens but also “down here” in our sublime energetic system in the higher chakras.

One of the aspects of Maha Shivaratri that I love the most is that it commemorates Lord Shiva as Nilakantha, the Blue Throated One. In order to save the world, Lord Shiva swallowed the pot full of poison that came out of the great cosmic ocean during the samudra mantham (the allegorical churning of the great celestial waters). The poison was so deadly that Shiva's throat turned blue. Thus, Maha Shivaratri every year is a powerful time for purification within all of us and in the world.

March 10 - New Moon in Aquarius: A Time of Spiritual Renewal and Hope

On Sunday, March 10, the New Moon in Aquarius will occur at 5 AM EDT (9 AM UTC). This will be a New Supermoon as it will occur near perigee (when the Moon is closest to Earth). It will be the strongest New Supermoon of the year, which can suggest high tides and intense emotional energies.

Every month’s New Moon is ripe with the energy of initiation, when we should plant metaphoric seeds for the future by setting new goals and intentions. As the Moon slowly begins to wax brighter in the days following, it will start to reveal its light to us, and new understanding and ideas may start to blossom within.

This New Moon (Sun + Moon) will occupy sidereal Aquarius, the sign of the Water Bearer, and will be widely conjoined Saturn, the traditional ruler of Aquarius. The Aquarius New Moon has a creative, inventive, charitable, and philosophical quality. Saturn’s conjunction adds a serious tone and added potential for manifestation, organization, efficiency, and productivity.

The Aquarius New Moon coming right after Maha Shivaratri and ten days before the equinox can activate spiritual transformation and illumination to help set us on the right path. This is especially true as the New Moon will occur in the group of stars known as Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra. The higher expression of this asterism reflects the cleansing and vivifying energy of Lord Shiva.

March 10 - Daylight Saving Time Begins in the United States and Canada

Daylight Saving Time (DST) will begin at 2 AM on Sunday, March 10 in Canada and the United States, when the clocks will “spring forward” an hour. DST will continue until the clocks once again “fall back” an hour on November 3. Parts of Europe will observe DST from March 31 to October 27, whereas Australia and New Zealand will be ending DST on April 7. Only about one-third of countries in the world actually use DST. If you are curious about this topic, check out this interesting article on Pew Research Center: Most countries don’t observe daylight saving time (by Laura Silver, Laura Clancy and Jenn Hatfield). 

Research shows that the “spring forward” time adjustment is more challenging for health than the “fall back” change, and has been associated with serious negative health effects, including an uptick in heart attacks, strokes, and sleep issues, as well as a higher incidence of car accidents. Again if you are interested, check out this article by professor of neurology and researcher Beth Ann Malow in The Conversation, titled Springing forward into daylight saving time is a step back for health – a neurologist explains the medical evidence, and why this shift is worse than the fall time change (published March 6, 2023).

March 14 to April 13 - The Sun Will Transit in Pisces in the Eclipse Axis: A Good Time To Protect Your Energy with Spiritual Practices and Healthy 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 happy 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 be eclipsed in Pisces by Rahu on April 8, which will change the flavor of this transit and reduce some of its positive energy.

In modern astrology, Pisces is ruled by Neptune, which represents spirituality, art, photography, film, and music, as well as inflation, crime, escapism, drugs, illusion and deception. Neptune is transiting in early Pisces now. It will conjoin the Sun exactly on March 17, but their close aspect will be within range from March 14 to 19.

The higher expression of this aspect increases our spiritual attunement, sensitivity, and compassion, but in its lower expression, it can indicate a strong susceptibility to false and dishonest people and their schemes, as well as negative energies in general. This is a good time for prayer and aura protection practices. It’s also a good idea to maintain strong and healthy boundaries with others.

March 15 to April 22 - Mars Will Transit in Aquarius: The Warrior as Water Bearer

Mars will transit out of Capricorn and into Aquarius on March 15, where it will remain until April 22. The Late Western Astrologer Isabel Hickey taught that Mars in a Saturn-ruled sign attempts to check and restrain our lower “animal nature”; hence, a tension exists for Mars in Capricorn or Aquarius. However, in Aquarius, Mars is less bound by convention and hard-driving ambition than Mars in Capricorn.

Yet, as with Mars in Capricorn, Mars in Aquarius can also be contentious, impatient, and rebellious when afflicted. In its higher form, Mars in Aquarius is all about independence, freedom, and tolerance. Overall, the airy influence of Aquarius expands the Mars fiery impulse into intellectual, scientific, mental, or spiritual pursuits (Aquarius). When transiting in the sign of Aquarius, the great warrior Mars assumes the position of Water Bearer who carries the power of healing, knowledge, and wisdom into the world.

March 19 to April 1 - Mercury’s Pre-Retrograde Shadow Phase: A Preview of the Themes That Will Appear in the Retrograde Period

From March 19 to April 1, Mercury will be in its pre-retrograde “prologue” phase. Mercury will start to slow down in preparation for its retrograde phase that will last from April 1 to 25. Pay special attention during this time as you will be shown clues about the issues that may develop for you during the upcoming Mercury retrograde cycle in April.

March 19-20 - Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere: Balance Point

The equinox will occur on March 19 at 11:06 PM EDT, and on March 20 at 3:06 AM UTC. Check Time and Date 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 vulnerable 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.

March 21-24 - Venus and Saturn in a Planetary War (Graha Yuddha): A Time of Potential Upheaval

From March 21 to 24, Venus will be in a planetary war with Saturn (close to 18 degrees of Aquarius). This is known as graha yuddha in Vedic astrology. It may indicate a new twist in the burgeoning economic crisis, uncouth and uncivilized behavior, issues with agriculture, labor, or mines, ongoing concerns about the real estate market, national calamities (like floods or earthquakes), or heightened political upheaval. Such issues may begin to be revealed now, but could move to a higher crisis level around the time of the solar eclipse of April 8, which will occur during a tense Mars-Saturn conjunction at 18-20 degrees of Aquarius.

On a personal note, this period could activate a sense of loneliness, alienation, or a financial or relationship concern, or possibly some laziness, disorganization, or lethargy. The key remedy is to stay grounded!

March 24-25 - The Vedic Festival of Holi Dahan

The festive Hindu holiday of Holi is a two-day celebration that takes place annually around the Full Moon in sidereal Virgo. Holi is known as the Festival of Colors, Love, and Spring. This year, it will occur on Sunday, March 24, and on Monday, March 25. On the first day, the Holika Dahan ceremony celebrates the victory of good over evil. On the second day, merry makers throw colored powders and water balloons to celebrate the magical and eternal love story of Krishna and Radha.

Holi signifies the triumph of good over evil in observation of the victory of Vishnu (as Narasimha) over the demon Hiranyakashipu. It is therefore traditional to burn bonfires that commemorate the burning of Hiranyakashipu’s sister Holika, who is the embodiment of evil. This ritual is symbolic of not only the victory of righteousness over sin (light over dark), but also marks the end of winter. Holi also celebrates Lakshmi Devi, the goddess of love, wealth, truth, and beauty.

Swami Sivananda so beautifully explained the deeper meaning of this holy festival:

Holi means sacrifice. Burn all the impurities of the mind, such as egoism, vanity and lust, through the fire of devotion and knowledge. Ignite cosmic love, mercy, generosity, selflessness, truthfulness and purity through the fire of Yogic practice. This is the real spirit of Holi. Rise from the mire of stupidity and absurdity and dive deep into the ocean of divinity. The call of Holi is to always keep ablaze the light of God-love shining in your heart. Inner illumination is the real Holi. The spring season is the manifestation of the Lord, according to the Bhagavad Gita. Holi is said there to be His heart.

March 25 Full Moon/Penumbral Lunar Eclipse in Virgo: A Supercharged Highly Sensitive Full Moon

The Full Moon will occur at 11 degrees of Virgo in Hasta nakshatra on March 25, at 3 AM EDT (7 AM UTC). This will occur the night of March 24 in Hawaii and the South Pacific. The Full Moon will be eclipsed shortly thereafter, at 3:12 AM EDT (7:12 AM UTC), in what is known as a penumbral or appulse lunar eclipse. If you want to understand more about the astronomy of eclipses, I recommend this article by Mr. Eclipse.

The lunar eclipse will be visible in Antarctica, the western half of Africa, western Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Americas, the Pacific Ocean, Japan, and the eastern half of Australia. About 95.57% of the Moon will be immersed in Earth's penumbral shadow, and the eclipse will have a subtle darkened shading on the Moon with only a slight sliver falling outside the shading.

In the days leading up to this event, we can become more sensitive to energies and emotions. Mental energies become heightened and agitated. The effect of a penumbral lunar eclipse is akin to a supercharged Full Moon with an enhanced lunar effect, which can indicate seismic events or storms, both literal and figurative.

There is added potential for some mental disturbances at this time, related to the Moon’s conjunction with Ketu and the placement of Mercury, the ruler of Virgo, in the sensitive Pisces gandanta (cusp) during the eclipse. Certain matters related to the astrological house which Virgo occupies in a natal or mundane chart may be accented.

In addition, issues connected to the sign of Virgo may generally come under fire. These may relate to public health and the general conditions of the working classes, armed forces, military matters, municipal services, national employment, or the national food supply.

Often, secrets or revelations come out of the shadows around eclipses. A Ketu lunar eclipse can be very draining or may suggest some kind of dramatic situation, upheaval, loss, or turning point, during the month before, the month of, or the month after the lunar eclipse, and the closer we come to the eclipse, the more intense it could be. However, your birth chart will impact how this period will affect you more specifically.

As an example of how to analyze an eclipse, let’s look at the United States birth chart (see the Kelleher chart below). Virgo aligns with the tenth house, so tenth house matters will be affected (these include the President, government, and political party in power, those in power generally, as well as the status of the nation, and foreign trade).

The eclipse is also conjoined natal Saturn in the United States chart, which points to a time of uncertainty and frustration related to the government (the executive office), as well as a potential serious health concern, change of direction, diminishing power, declining credibility, and loss of support for the leader or leaders in power.

The lunar eclipse of March 25 will be followed by a total solar eclipse on April 8. A few weeks before the lunar eclipse, the two weeks between eclipses, and the few weeks afterward may be quite a sensitive time of change, with the possibility for extreme twists and turns of fate.

It is best to use the time of maximum eclipse period to look inside and meditate, pray, or chant. This will magnify the positive results of your intentions. Check out Time and Date to find out the exact time for your location.

March 25 to April 9 - Mercury Will Transit in Aries: Caution Required

Mercury will transit in Aries from March 25 to April 9, and because of its retrograde period in April, it will revisit Aries from May 10 to 31. The higher expression of Mercury in the sign of the warrior Mars can be passionate, assertive, decisive, determined, and confident. Mercury in Aries often inspires social activism.

The lower expression of Mercury in Aries can be aggressive, irritable, rash, impatient, and accident prone. It can be associated with anxiety and insomnia, all depending on how this transit interfaces with a natal or mundane horoscope.

March 31 to April 24 - Venus in Pisces: A Good Time to Tap Into Your Intuition

From March 31 to April 24, Venus will transit in its sign of exaltation in the Pisces constellation, where it can reflect the highest expression of love, compassion, idealism, and creativity. Venus transiting in Pisces can be a time of heightened intuition and interesting dreams. However, this year, Venus in Pisces will be tied up in the upcoming solar eclipse axis with Rahu, the Moon’s North Node, which changes the tone somewhat.

The Rahu eclipse effect on Venus in Pisces can highlight unrealistic, delusional, overindulgent, or escapist behaviors. It can suggest conflicts around unfulfilled desires, self-esteem, relationships, or finances. In mundane astrology, this combination of Rahu and Venus in Pisces has been associated with corrupt religious fanatics, natural disasters, catastrophic accidents, and assassinations.

March 31 - Easter Sunday: From Darkness to Light

Easter Sunday will be celebrated on March 31 this year. This is one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion on Good Friday (which will be on March 29 this year). Easter celebrates the joys of springtime, the death of the dark, the rebirth of the light, and the promise of eternal life.

As you can see, spring will be off to a strong start! March will be a dynamic month, filled with Saturn and Aquarius energy, the most powerful New Moon of the year, and a dramatic lunar eclipse.

As winter draws to a close and spring begins, nature is waking up and the world is becoming brighter and warmer. As we navigate this seasonal shift, I hope that you also feel renewed, refreshed, and ready to begin the next phase of the year!

Please note that this and all my other forecasts are based on the sidereal zodiac used in both Vedic and Western sidereal astrology, not the tropical system used by most Western and a small number of Vedic astrologers. All the astrological charts that I work with and share are calculated according to the sidereal zodiac and Lahiri Ayanamsa.