Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday morning, 2 am, Monday is Pisces new moon (25 degrees), and St. Patrick’s Day is Wednesday. We’re less than two weeks from Spring equinox. However, I hear in Tennessee the robins have returned so they think it’s already spring. Every month esoteric groups worldwide observe new and full moon times with prayer and meditation. They invoke (call forth) and receive the concentrated light (Pisces this month) from the Sun and moon and radiate that light into the world (into humanity and earth’s kingdoms). The new moon theme is always to “Strengthen the hands (work, activities, intentions, resources) of the New Group of World Servers (NGWS)” –men and women of Goodwill working for equality of opportunity, justice, inclusiveness and right relations for all of humanity. Many work unrecognized. Their intention is to meet the needs of humanity and all living creatures through understanding the inter-relationships (Life Principle, Monad) existing among all kingdoms (mineral, plant, animal, human, Soul, Hierarchy, Shamballa).

This entire winter Mars, planet of action/activities, has been retrograde. The result: we’ve had difficulty moving about, holding objects, having direction, maintaining energy. As projects stalled, clarity of purpose was unavailable. Some of us, paddling upstream, have experienced strange body aches.

Mars, planet ruling Aries (the head) and what creates a forward trajectory combined with direction and purpose, has not only been retrograde since Dec. 20, 2009 (almost 80 days) but has been imperceptibly slowing to a crawl in order to meet its stationary direct deadline (1 degree Leo), Wednesday, March 10, 9:09 a.m. (PST). We’ve had to focus philosophically on the big picture—retro planets only focus (to clarify) on the past. We’ve been compelled to strengthen certain areas of our life (wherever Mars retro transited our charts). If anything new occurred in the last 70 or 80 days, it was most likely (or should have been) postponed. Conflicts and challenges occurred unexpectedly. Patience and ability to dialogue were in short supply. Nothing has moved fast (enough). Instead we’ve had to wait, watch, plan, hope for, be delayed, take detours and accept compromises. Mars retro reviews goals and developments for the purpose of discovering something valuable and worthwhile. We’ve had to make significant adjustments. Seeds are sown during retrogrades. Later, when the planet is direct, those seeds take root. As Mars unhurriedly moves forward (not until May 19 will Mars move out from its retro shadow) we’ll gradually redirect our power; anxiety will lessen as we re-gather purpose and a needed aspiration to move forward. Self-identity/self-expression again become clear and definite It’s been a long interiorly-oriented winter. Mars retrogrades again January 2012.

Spring’s almost here, daylight’s increasing, trees are abloom, and we’re beginning to bloom and increase in light, too. Esotericists worldwide are preparing for the Three Spring Full Moon Festivals (Aries, Taurus and Gemini), many since Winter Solstice. Sunday morning (8:20 a.m. Pacific time) is the full moon/solar festival (10 degrees Pisces/Virgo). It’s also the noisy, joyful, liberating Jewish festival of Purim. (See the Book of Esther.) The Soul’s seed thought for Pisces is “I leave the Father’s house and turning back, I save.” Observant readers recognize similarities between Pisces and Capricorn seed thoughts. For both the disciple/Initiate “turns their back” on ”heaven” choosing a return to Earth to “serve” (Aquarius) and to “save” (Pisces) suffering humanity. The Pisces seed thought is a message of willingness. It knows a supreme sacrifice was made when we left the “place where the Will of God is known,” the “Father’s house,” our original spiritual home prior to successive lives on Earth. We (our Souls) know we left the harmony and unity of the Spiritual world in order to serve the Plan for Humanity (potential world disciple). When we realize these things we understand who we are, why we live on this planet of deep suffering, and what we are to do from this moment forward. As all signs reveal the Path of Light of the Soul, Pisces is the “Light of the world,” which reveals the Light of Life itself ending forever the darkness of matter.” Pisces, the last zodiacal sign, holds all gifts, abilities and seeds of the preceding signs. Pisces also holds the sufferings of humanity as well. These words also explain in depth the person born in Pisces (Sun, moon, rising).

As Aquarius, sign of service, comes to a close, and we begin the influence of Pisces, sign that Saves the World, here are two quotes invaluable for understanding our world situation and maintaining balance through unceasing personal and global chaos (Ray 4). ‘Conflict is the essential core of a free and open society,’ (Saul Alinsky) and ‘Do what you can with what you have, where you are’ (Theodore Roosevelt). Quotes are from "Taking On The System: "Rules For a Radical Change In A Digital Era," a book by Markos Moulitsas, founder of "Daily Kos," (daily weblog, political analysis on U.S. current events from a liberal perspective).

Happy Birthday, Pisces. The compassionate (Neptune) yet powerful (Pluto) Pisces (water) influences begin Thursday, 10:36 a.m. (Pacific time). We must be careful with Pisces (the fishes). They can feel threatened by social limitations, criticisms, censure and judgments. They must swim away to safety.

I  noticed the acacia, plum and quince blooming so it must be time for the centuries old Chinese Lunar, Spring & New Year (year 4707 in the Chinese lunar-solar calendar) Festivals. The Year of the White Metal Tiger (yin branch) begins on Valentine’s (Sunday, Feb. 14), the day after the second new moon (25.18 degrees Aquarius) of the year. The festival ends at the Lantern Festival and full moon (9 degrees Pisces/Virgo). Like Christmas in the west, Chinese New Year is the most important celebration in China and consists of family celebrations, gift-giving, and special foods.

This Year of the Tiger “wearing metal” signifies a non-peaceful year. “This tiger jumps around attempting to shed the metal around its body.” However, Tiger is considered most caring and thoughtful, protecting loved ones and friends against injustices. The Tiger, symbolizing power and leadership, can also at times be inflexible and have difficulty with Right Relations. Tiger is “learning.”