“Into the Fire”
By Hilary Harley
March 2026
March begins like a slow drum beat that increases in volume and pace as we move toward April. In the wake of February’s planetary whiplash, we try to get our bearings.
Mercury retrograde does have its purpose; as we enter March, the messenger planet’s reverse motion feels like a relief to sort ourselves out. Until March 20th, Mercury retrograde pulls us into retreat and reflection mode. It is a terrific time to start your spring cleaning! Use the RE words during the first three weeks of March: research, restore, renew, refresh, renovate, relax and more. This is a good stretch for a break or escape from the daily routine.
The first week of March we do want to drop everything and run away. With four planets plus the lunar north node in Pisces, dreaming dominates. Music, water and imagination envelope us. This is a deeply spiritual time; so break away for a day or two for meditative activities: ice fishing, yoga and winter sports. Watch for pristine clarity and insight for problem solving. Craftsmen and artists benefit from this energy, especially musicians or maritime trades.
Pisces rules both fear and faith. If fear begins to overwhelm you, hit the pause button. Ask: what is real and what is not? Ground yourself: Turn music on, take a hot bath or walk in fresh air by a body of water.
The Lunar eclipse in practical Virgo on March 3rd keeps things real. The moon in earthy Virgo analyzes information, adores animals and asks how to be helpful. This eclipse emphasizes health, wellness and work. If something or someone is not feeding your soul, it does not deserve your attention.
Lunar eclipses are about endings. Any situation or relationship that is not working out as you once thought may be seeking surrender. Is your soul asking you to let go of a lifestyle, a belief system, a toxic relationship, a soul-crushing job? See everyone for who they are now. Instead of relying on others for answers, ask what feels right for YOU?
Becoming your own guru and guide is the primary lesson of 2026. Step into your own power and rely less on external validation.
We feel an urgency to get going when Valuable Venus joins the Saturn-Neptune duo in Aries on March 6th. However, with Messenger Mercury still retrograde, we’re swimming against the tide. If you feel at loose ends, use this time wisely for preparation. Reset and recalibrate, take inventory and consider your future plans. Because just after mid-month, we may feel like we were shot out of a cannon.
The New Moon in Pisces occurs on March 18th. Carefully hand write 3-5 goals you seek to manifest over the coming months. Set these safely alight as the Sun enters Aries on March 20th, marking the beginning of Spring. We feel the spark urging us to take action. Take the risk you’ve been mulling over!
On the Spring Equinox, Messenger Mercury also turns direct motion ushering in a two month phase where every planet is moving forward. Time to sign the significant documents, book the travel plans, invest in major purchases. Our dreams are inspired yet next steps are grounded in practical values and possessed by fearless courage to create our own reality.
Sealing the promise of what is yet to come, Valuable Venus turns into Taurus on March 30th. Here, she keeps our goals realistic. Exactly how do you plan to finance your project or product you’re dreaming about? The Universe has already said YES to you. Now you are tasked with filling in the blanks.
