Calendar Page
Special Days and Aspects for March 2004
Welcome to March! Click on a date in the calendar to see the current aspects and events for that day.
March 1, 2004
Martenitza: In Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Greece
and Cyprus, people celebrate the arrival of March by wearing red or
giving each other red and white cloths, tassels or strings, representing
health and happiness.
Procession of the Swallow: Another ritual to welcome
spring, this one is done by Greek children who carry a wooden swallow,
bedecked with bells, from house to house, leaving behind ivy leaves for
luck and good health.
St. David’s Day: Feast day of the patron saint of Wales.
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March 2, 2004
Ashura (Mohurrum): Islamic observance related to the miracles of creation
and Noah’s safe landing of the ark, but also commemorating for some the death of a grandson of
the Prophet Muhammad, Husain ibn Ali, who was martyred in a battle in Karbala in present-day Iraq
on this day in the Islamic calendar. In India, Mohurrum is marked with solemn processions where
people dress in black, emulate the sufferings of Husain’s beleaguered army, and cry aloud lamentations,
remembering the martyrdom of Husain (and his brother Hasan, who had died earlier of poisoning).
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March 3, 2004
Hina Matsuri: This Japanese Doll Festival has been celebrated
since about 1600. Girls display their elaborately dressed dolls on a specially made
stage in their homes, with the figures arranged like a royal court. Families visit
one another’s homes to admire the displays, which usually include heirlooms from
many generations.
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March 4, 2004
Happy Birthday to Piscesdreamer! |
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Sun at 13 degrees Pisces conjunct Mercury
A chatty, busy sort of energy begins our road into March. Today
you’ll feel talkative and alert, ready to begin new projects, especially ones
that affect your personal environment. Pisces adds a watery sentimentality to
your thoughts and feelings. It’s a great day to write letters or take a short
trip to visit family — especially siblings, whose relationships are governed
by Mercury.
Sun at 13 degrees Pisces opposite retrograde Jupiter in Virgo
Oppositions can occasionally be demanding, confrontational aspects but, this
one isn’t likely to pose many difficulties. Jupiter is such a jolly, feel-good
influence that the only bumps in the road may come from feeling too good, to
the point where excesses in spending, eating or socializing may have a
detrimental effect. Enjoy the optimism, the inflated self-confidence, and the
good feelings that come today, but keep one foot on the brakes so that you
don’t end up running into the ditch.
Mercury at 13 degrees Pisces opposite retrograde Jupiter in Virgo
The last of today’s trio of short-lived, ebullient aspects comes
to us in the form of another Jupiter opposition, this time to Mercury. And as
with the opposition to the Sun, this isn’t likely to be a troublesome aspect at
all. Instead the tension of the opposition gives a strong and focused type of
energy. You have the ability today to think big, to put into motion all sorts
of grand projects. If there’s trouble here it will come from feeling so pleased
with your own ideas that you arrogantly fail to see the worth in the thoughts
of others. Tap into the selfless compassion granted by Pisces today and watch
how effortlessly your ideas can meld with others to create something bigger and
better than you first thought possible.
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March 5, 2004
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Venus enters Taurus
Venus, patroness to the arts and the planet of beauty and love, plants her feet
in one of her two ruling signs today. Venus in Taurus is all about the lush, fecund
splendour that is slowly unveiled throughout the spring. We open windows wide
while we clean and beautify our homes, stale from being shut for the long
winter months. We emerge into warmer days and longer evenings and gather convivially
with friends and neighbours. This is a time for decadent pleasure as the earthly
Taurean energy delights all our senses.
Birthday of Lao Tzu: In the Chinese lunar calendar, this
is the birthday of the founder of Taoism. Taoists believe the Chi, the basic
energy of life, is composed of the unity of Yin (eternal feminine) and Yang
(eternal masculine).
Eight Hour Day: Western Australia and the State of
Tasmania in Australia celebrate labor unions’ efforts to improve working
conditions, particularly the achievement of the eight-hour workday.
Feast of Excited Insects: In China and Korea, the day
is celebrated as the arrival of spring and the day when the bugs awaken from
hibernation. It is a day for planting and performing rituals to ensure
abundant crops.
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March 6, 2004
Moon Phase
Full Moon in Virgo, 23:14 Universal Time.
Holi: This Hindu festival, timed to the full moon in March, is part
religious observance and part high-spirited celebration of the imminent spring equinox.
Known as the Festival of Colour, Holi is celebrated in India with parades, folk songs,
dances and a general sense of abandon. The festivities begin on
this night with bonfires commemorating an enthusiastic and faithful devotee of Lord
Vishnu who was brought, unscathed, through a raging fire and other attempts by his
demon-father to destroy him. Huge piles of wood are gathered and lit. Offerings of
coconut and other foods are made to the fire and later distributed amongst everyone.
Magellan Day: The population of Guam celebrates the day in 1521
when the island in the Pacific was discovered by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
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March 7, 2004
Holi: Festivities begun with last night’s full Moon continue today
in this joyful spring festival of India. Today, a day known as Rangpanchami, the wild
fun includes chasing each other around, throwing brightly colored powder and water over
one another. Huge numbers of sweets are made, distributed and devoured during Holi. Also,
a very cool drink called thandai (literally, “cold”) is made in huge quantities
and glasses drunk off like there’s no tomorrow. Sometimes, a bit of bhang (extracted from
opium) is mixed with the thandai and all sorts of funny things happen when people
drink it off. A recipe for thandai, without the bhang, is available in
the
June 2003 issue of Metamorphosis.
Purim: Enthusiastic revelry and charity for the poor go hand-in-hand
during this Jewish celebration of the deliverance of the Jewish minority from genocide
in ancient Persia. Esther, the secretly Jewish Queen of Persia, is celebrated for her
successful plan to secure her husband’s cooperation in saving her people and to do away with
his evil advisor, who planned the massacre. Beginning this year at sundown on the 6th, the
holiday continues through the 8th.
Burbank Day: California communities use this day to promote ecological
and environmental causes. It is the birthday of Luther Burbank, a plant breeder who developed
the Shasta Daisy and hundreds of other varieties of plants while living in Santa Rosa,
California. His work helped people farm more productively and drew attention to naturalist
techniques. Burbank lived from 1849-1926.
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March 8, 2004
Happy Birthday to
RJ! |
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Mercury at 21 degrees Pisces sextile Mars in Taurus
Healthy debate rules the day as communicative Mercury sextiles combative Mars. You’ll
want to talk about your opinions today and you’ll feel passionate about others
hearing your views. But this energy isn’t a license for argumentative showdowns.
Instead, remember all those old-fashioned debating society rules and make your
case, listen for the merit in the position of others, and practice a little
give and take.
Mercury at 22 degrees Pisces square Pluto in Sagittarius
What was I saying about healthy debate? The trouble with Pluto is
his undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder. When Pluto puts a thought in
your head there’s no shaking it. Consequently, when drawn into a debate,
there’s every possibility that it will rapidly degenerate from lively
tête-à-têtes, to a passionate, win-at-all-costs, showdown. Chances are, you’re
better off alone today, where this energy can be used introspectively and the
only feelings you’ll run rough-shod over are your own.
Purim: The joyous Jewish holiday, on the 14th and 15th days of the
Hebrew month of Adar, continues today.
International Women’s Day: A protest held by garment workers in
New York City in 1857 is commemorated by this holiday, which was adopted by the
United States in 1910 in honor of working women. The holiday has since been adopted
by some other countries. In the United States, the observance has grown into National
Women’s History Month, proclaimed by Congress for the month of March in 1987 and every
year since then. The month calls attention to the National Women’s History Project,
a group that organizes events and creates curriculum to teach about historical
contributions made by women, whose achievements have frequently been overlooked in
traditional history textbooks.
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March 9, 2004
Venus at 3 degrees Taurus sextile Uranus in Pisces
Flirty and fun, this aspect between social Venus and
unconventional Uranus will have you chomping at the bit to break free from the
restraints of your daily grind and looking for encounters that are off the wall
or colour your life with eccentric people. You will be drawn towards activities
and places that normally may seem odd or even taboo. It’s a fun time for a
spring fling, but not a likely opportunity to build a long-lasting romance.
Feast of St. Frances of Rome: St. Frances of Rome, or Francesca
Romana, is patron saint of motorists and widows. Many Italians have their cars blessed
on this day.
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March 10, 2004
Forty Martyrs’ Day: Eastern Orthodox Christians commemorate
the sacrifice of 40 Christians serving in the Roman Army who were martyred in
Armenia in 320 for refusing to make sacrifices to the Roman gods. Special foods,
such as 40-layer cake, are prepared and shared.
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March 11, 2004
Venus at 6 degrees Taurus sextile Saturn in Cancer
This aspect is possibly the easiest of the Venus/Saturn combinations, which
often carry heavy overtones of karmic debts and atonement. Instead of feeling
pushed or pulled into a cycle of conflict and resolution, the sextile tones
down the taxing energy and allows the real truth of the relationship to shine
through. In love relationships this transit can allow an objective look at the
give-and-take needed to make any partnership work. Venus is fair and Saturn
honours responsibility, and brought together in this way they can help you to
heal and build bridges of understanding.
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March 12, 2004
Mercury enters Aries
The impetuous and vigorous energy of Aries expresses itself through Mercury
much more directly, and with a clearer focus, than the Piscean energy did when Mercury
was in Pisces. Today heralds the beginning of a much more active phase of
communication, marked by quick decisions and competitive energy. Remember that
healthy competition grants learning and expansion opportunities to both parties
and does not need to degenerate into the win-at-all-costs mentality that can be
Arian energy expressed at its worst.
Sun at 22 degrees Pisces square Pluto in Sagittarius
Powerful forces are at work today as the Sun, the tangible symbol of life force
in our solar systems, runs afoul of Pluto, god of the underworld. Look closely
at difficulties that come into your life today, as they will be representative
of deep-seated habits and personality traits desperately in need of change.
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March 13, 2004
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Moon Phase
Last-quarter Moon in Sagittarius, 21:01 Universal Time.
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March 14, 2004
Commonwealth Day: The second Sunday in March is a holiday
in Great Britain in honor of the Commonwealth. It is the modern version of a
celebration previously known as Empire Day.
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March 15, 2004
Mercury at 6 degrees Aries square Saturn in Cancer
Ugh! A gloomy transit, and on a Monday to boot. This square can be
a real test in positive thinking, as the inclination is to see the dark side in
everything, to notice flaws in yourself and the people around you. The good
news is that it’s a short-lived experience, and if you can manage to not offend
everyone you know with long-winded diatribes about their defects, you can
actually benefit from some of the critical thinking that you will have today. Look
at yourself, not others, and if you see a big flaw don’t let it get you down. Consider
it a chance for growth.
Anna Parenna Festival: Anna, whose first name is the female form
of the Latin word for “year” and whose last name is akin to “perennial,” was an
ancient Roman goddess who ruled the circle of the year. In mid-March, Romans rang
out the old year with toasts to old lady Anna. The new year began with the month
ruled by young, impetuous Mars. The date roughly coincides with the vernal equinox
and the beginning of the astrological cycle with the month of Aries, ruled by Mars.
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March 16, 2004
Have a great day!
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March 17, 2004
Venus at 12 degrees Taurus trine retrograde Jupiter in Virgo
Highlight this day, folks; it’s very likely to be one to remember. When
party-girl Venus hooks up with Jupiter, aka Dr. Feelgood, great things can
happen. There’s a buoyancy and a general feeling of optimism and good will in
the air. No matter what other challenges you are facing at the moment, today
will be a respite and a chance to renew your energy and faith. Good luck comes
in business and with money today too.
St. Patrick’s Day: People far from Ireland celebrate their own Irish
heritage, or adopt it for a day, in tribute to Ireland’s patron saint. Many American cities
hold large parades and feature Irish music and dancing. People wear green clothes and drink
green beer in rowdy celebrations
to remember the Emerald Isle, and Chicago even dyes a river green for the day. Irish in the
homeland, of course, also celebrate in grand style in tribute to the bishop who brought Christianity
to Ireland in the early days of the faith and ended the slave trade that had long flourished in
that land. Legend says he cast the snakes out of Ireland and it’s true today that the place has
no native serpents. “Beannacht na feile Phadraig oribh!” May the blessings of St. Patrick be with you!
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March 18, 2004
Sun at 28 degrees Pisces sextile Mars in Taurus
A great, hardworking transit, well timed to come in on the heels of yesterday’s
somewhat riotous and hedonistic energy. Big dreams and optimistic plans
conceived under the Venus/Jupiter trine are given a shove towards fruition
today as the Sun and Mars combine to provide a rush of vital energy and the
self-confidence to carry out any plan.
Sheelah’s Day: On the day after St. Patrick’s Day, some of the
Irish “drown the shamrock” worn the day before in a glass of whiskey, as a toast
to Sheelah. Although her identity has been lost in time, Sheelah is said to have
been a relative of St. Patrick.
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March 19, 2004
Venus at 14 degrees Taurus square Neptune in Aquarius
A hiccough in a series of otherwise great transits. There’s good news and bad
news today. The good news is that this combination of energy is so ethereal it’s
not likely to herald any seriously negative events here on the physical plane. The
bad news is that Neptune’s dreamlike qualities often imbue Venus with unfounded
fantasies regarding love and affection — specifically other people’s affections
towards her. If you are in the market to begin a new romance, today’s a great
day for looking, but better wait till tomorrow before you sample the wares.
Feast of St. Joseph: A Catholic holy day in honor of Joseph, husband of Mary,
the mother of Jesus.
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March 20, 2004
Happy Birthday to Rachel G! |
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Vernal Equinox, 6:49 Universal Time.
Moon Phase
New Moon in Aries, 22:41 Universal Time.
Sun enters Aries
Today the Sun begins a new circuit of the heavens as it enters
Aries, the symbolic infant of the zodiac. This is an action-filled time of new
beginnings, with spring breathing new life into the frozen north, and people
increasing their activity levels with the lengthening days.The fiery, enthusiastic,
seemingly tireless energy of the Ram propels us forward on a new cycle of
adventure and learning.
Mercury at 14 degrees Aries sextile Neptune in Aquarius
Emerging from yesterday’s dreamlike state, today’s aspect is a
continuation of the intuitive Neptunian energy, but with a clearer focus. This
combination of quick-witted Mercury and sensitive Neptune offers an especially
insightful kind of day. You’ll anticipate the thoughts and wishes of others
with tremendous acuity. There’s a fanciful and imaginative energy in the air
today, and your ability to perceive the beauty in and around you is magnified
wonderfully.
First Day of Spring: The 2004 vernal equinox occurs at 6:49 Universal Time
on March 20, and spring officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere.
Ostara: Nature religions welcome spring and the Goddess as a young maiden.
Higan: A week of Japanese Buddhist services, centered on the day of the
equinox, honors the spirits who have crossed from the world of suffering to the world of
enlightenment. Higan is repeated at the autumnal equinox.
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March 21, 2004
Mars enters Gemini
Mars, the giver of energy and the bringer of war, arrives for a
turn in intelligent and loquacious Gemini. Expect a few heated conversations
this month, as a slightly combative energy colours communications and
interactions with people in your daily life. This combination should bring an
abundance of mental energy too, so when you’re not debating whether the sky is
blue, you can be working very productively on projects of your own, especially those
involving writing or the transmission of new ideas.
Naw Ruz: “New Day” is the Zoroastrian, Baha’i and Iranian New Year, which
is timed by the vernal equinox. Since ancient times it has been the great national
holiday of Iran, the only holiday there that is celebrated by more than one religious group.
Chandraman Ugadi: Hindu Lunar New Year celebration in Andhra Pradesh
in India. This New Year’s observance, determined by the New Moon, is also celebrated in
Maharashtra, India, as Gudi Padwa.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: The
United Nations General Assembly first proclaimed this annual observance in 1966. The
assembly asked all countries to remember the victims of racial prejudice worldwide
and work to eliminate bias wherever it was found. The day is the anniversary of a
1960 massacre in Sharpeville, South Africa, where 69 black people involved in a
nonviolent protest against the country’s racial apartheid policies were killed
by police gunfire.
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March 22, 2004
Happy Birthday to AriesJason! |
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March 23, 2004
Pakistan Republic Day: A national holiday commemorating
the 1956 establishment of Pakistan as an Islamic republic within the British
Commonwealth.
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March 24, 2004
Mercury at 22 degrees Aries trine retrograde Pluto in Saggitarius
This month has seen a deluge of Mercurial aspects and energy, and the best has
been saved for last. This trine combines the best of Mercury’s mental sharpness
with the profound insight of Pluto, the planet that rules some of life’s
greatest mysteries. Mercury’s been working your brain out all month, and today’s
the day you will reap the rewards. You have the ability today to unlock deep
revelations about your own truth and the state of your inner life.
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March 25, 2004
Feast of the Annunciation: Christian holy day celebrating the angel Gabriel’s
announcement to the Blessed Virgin Mary of her upcoming motherhood, the birth of Jesus, and of her
acceptance of the plan.
Greece Independence Day: After 400 years of Turkish occupation, Greece declared
its independence on this day in 1821, sparking a war that lasted until 1829, when the Turkish sultan
recognized Greek freedom. The country celebrates with church services and parades.
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March 26, 2004
Sun at 6 degrees Aries square Saturn in Cancer
As the month begins to ebb out, so does your energy. The Sun squaring Saturn
signifies a low point in physical energy and a depressing sense that the difficulties
in your life are overwhelming. For one day you may feel as if the waters are
closing in over your head, but remember, this transit is short-lived and any
sense of foreboding or fear for the future is likely to be unfounded and won’t
persist beyond today.
Khordad Sal: For those Zoroastrians following the Fasli version of the
calendar, this is the birthday celebration for the Prophet Zarathustra. The Parsees of India
celebrate Khordad Sal August 26 instead.
Bangladesh Independence Day: The country declared independence from Pakistan
on this day in 1971 and won the war by the end of the year with the help of India.
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March 27, 2004
Have a great day!
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March 28, 2004
Moon Phase
First-quarter Moon in Cancer, 23:48 Universal Time.
Mars at 4 degrees Gemini square Uranus in Pisces
Explosive Mars butts his head up against Uranus, the rebel, and sparks fly! If
your life has been coasting along on autopilot then today’s transit is likely
to hit you hard and shake up the status quo. While events today may be
unsettling, disturbing or just plain old bizarre, there is a method to the
madness. As humans enrolled in this Earth School it is our goal to grow and
change. This transit will challenge complacency and ask you to evolve into a
new phase of learning. Rise to the occasion and the rewards are yours for the
taking.
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March 29, 2004
Borrowed Days: According to Scottish legend and an old poem,
March borrowed its last three days from April, filling the first of those borrowed
days with wind and rain, the second with snow and sleet, and the third with a hard
freeze. The days are observed as a last hurrah for wintry weather, in hopes of a
fair April.
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March 30, 2004
Ram Navami: The day celebrates the birthday of Lord Rama,
who was the seventh of 10 reincarnations of the god Vishnu. Hindu temples fill
with people chanting the name of Rama on this holiday, their prayers focused on
gaining freedom from the reincarnational cycle of birth and death. The faithful
also recite stories from the Ramayana, an epic poem with Rama as its hero.
Borrowed Days: The borrowed days continue, from March 29-31.
According to legend, today should be filled with snow and sleet.
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March 31, 2004
Borrowed Days: This is the last of the borrowed days, which
began March 29. According to Scottish legend, there should be a hard freeze today.
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Astrology by Terri Smallwood
Holidays compiled by Maria Barron, Anindita Basu and Sucheta Shetty
Birthday graphics by Maria Barron for Metamorphosis
For an astrological look at the month as a whole,
please see March Star Watch in this issue. | 
