Warm Hugs Only is a Ukrainian fashion brand that started in 2019. Warm Hugs Only is founded by Olia and Svi (you can read more about them here). They make knitwear from cotton and wool. Their craftsmanship is awesome. Last summer I bought a Warm Hugs Only sweater, and I’m still very very happy with it. (I make a sport out of buying from small, fair and sustainable brands instead of big billionaire brands.) It came in a cotton bag with my initials embroidered on it, which was such a lovely surprise. At the moment, these two women are not able to do their work. Obviously… Since their country needs to defend itself against Putin and his loyal followers. I find myself feeling quite useless these days, not feeling like I can contribute much to the people of Ukraine. I do believe that prayers work, in the most mystic sense (I don’t identify as a religious person; but praying is intention setting, intention is energy and focus, and it will go somewhere). And to speak in religious language, this is a war of David and Goliath; and I need to believe that David can win. Anyways, back to Warm Hugs Only… In my last article I shared a link to donate to the Red Cross. Here I share a link to donate to Warm Hugs Only. Support these two ladies in helping their country. The money goes to Ukraine! So it’s actually not a donation to Warm Hugs Only, but it is to help Warm Hugs Only to help Ukraine. These lovely ladies promise to offer discounts to everyone who donated when they can go back to producing their beautiful knitwear. But honestly, you shouldn’t donate to get a discount on a later day. Donate because it feels like it is a good thing to do (and if you can miss the money). If you really must get something in return for donating, donate for good karma, not for discounts. Currently Olia and Svi have no knitwear available in their shop, because of the current situation in Ukraine, but if you’re curious about the clothing that they usually make and that they hopefully can continue to make in future and more peaceful times, check out their instagram.
Songs that match the current astrology
Love, love is a verb
Love is a doing word
Listen to the song Teardrop by Massive Attack on YouTube.
Cosmic joke… Originally I wanted to share the song Why Don’t You by Cleo Sol with this article. Because I felt that it resonated so much with Venus x Mars. At the last minute I changed my mind, because I felt like Teardrop by Massive Attack is more inspirational on a global level, given the current circumstances in the Ukraine (though this song is also inspirational on a individual level). Anyways… today my dear astrology collegue and friend in Berlin shared the song Why Don’t You by Cleo Sol on instagram, mentioning it so perfectly captures the Venus x Mars vibes. Great minds think alike! (I blame it on our shared Taurus placements and that we both have the ruler of Taurus (Venus) in Pisces.) So, thanks to my friend Gwen (check out her instagram), you get two songs in this article. Listen to Cleo Sol on Youtube.
Venus and March enter Aquarius on March 6th
Venus and Mars have been hanging out together for a while now. Venus spent a few months in Capricorn, much more time than she usually spends in a sign. Venus enters Aquarius on March 6th, together with Mars. Venus in a Saturn ruled sign (Capricorn and Aquarius are the two Saturn ruled signs) knows that love requires work. Love requires effort.
“Love is a verb. Love is a doing word.”
There may be such an experience as ‘falling in love’. But is that experience of infatuation real love, actual love? It certainly can be. But it not always is. For Venus in a Saturn ruled sign, love is a choice and love is a commitment. Love means showing up. Love is work. Love is not infatuation. Saturn and his signs are not about infatuation at all. Saturn is all about reality. For infatuation, being high on love, we’ll need to look at Venus in Jupiter ruled signs (Pisces and Sagittarius). Venus in the past few months, and in the upcoming time (until April 5th), isn’t in a place where she can lose herself. She’s still in a sign that’s all about boundaries and reality.
Venus didn’t have the easiest time in Capricorn. At first she went through a retrograde period. When she finally was direct again, Mars caught up with her. Mars is dignified in Capricorn, exalted. Mars in Capricorn is stronger than Venus in Capricorn. Even more so, Mars was moving faster than Venus throughout February. In other words, Mars got his way and Venus didn’t. Aggression, domination, violence and war… Mars had the upper hand over love, peace, harmony and justice. We have seen it… As above so below.
Mars isn’t exalted in Aquarius. Venus and Mars are equals in Aquarius. But Venus isn’t too happy in Aquarius also, in the upcoming weeks. Much of the time she’s enclosed between Mars and Saturn. Bringing about love and peace remains a challenge for her. Capricorn is a cardinal sign. It initiates. It brings change. Aquarius is a fixed sign, it holds things in place: “the situation as it is right now, that’s how we will keep it for a while”. I hope Venus in Pisces, April 5th – May 2nd, will bring some more love into the world. Venus in these Saturn ruled signs is strategic though, maybe she has a plan. But Mars in these Saturn ruled signs is strategic too…
The last time that Mars was at zero degrees Aquarius, is when the world went into lockdown. At that moment he was conjunct Saturn… It’s interesting that Mars returns to the same point in the zodiac, two years later, while the current affairs are completely different yet equally stressful.
Venus conjunct Mars means different things for the world and for us individually.
As Venus conjuncts Mars at zero degrees Aquarius, a new Venus – Mars cycle starts. The next conjunction will take place in February 2024 (also in Aquarius). Thus, this new Venus – Mars cycle lasts about two years. What does this mean for you? Well… this cycle may be all about love and relationships, since Venus and Mars are the planetary archetypes of love and lust. But… it probably has more to do with a passionate start of a new cycle in the part of your chart that contains Aquarius. So, if you’re familiar with your chart, check out what house Aquarius is on in your chart and check the topics related to that house (for example, for a Taurus rising it’s probably about career, while for a Gemini rising it may be about higher education or travel).
If you feel inspired to do something courageous, or something out of love and passion; you might want to go for it and not hold back. This astrology supports bold moves and acting on passion and inspiration. Successes aren’t guaranteed (giving you this disclaimer because I don’t want you to be mad at me after losing all your money after going ‘all in’ in poker). This astrology, though, is not about playing safe. Because, you know, love is never safe. There’s always the risk of heartbreak. But if you don’t take that risk… you’ll never experience the greatness of love. And that is something that Venus and Mars do teach us (in the mythology). They took their risks, and they got in trouble for it, but they also experienced cloud nine because of it. So, risk falling hard and reach for your cloud nine. My advice is to listen to your mind though. Aquarius is an air sign, it’s a sign of the mind. Aquarius is especially adept at recognizing patterns. If you always lose when you go all in with poker, don’t go all in now because you’ll probably lose again and maybe even more than usual. If you’ve seen a certain pattern, don’t start ignoring it now. This astrology is all about bold moves, yes; but that doesn’t mean you want stop thinking. If you ignore reality, Saturn will slap you in the face. This astrology supports bold moves based on love and passion, supported by a healthy dose of critical thinking and strategic planning.
These horoscopes are written for the Venus x Mars conjunction that takes place at zero degrees Aquarius on March 6th 2022 and they are valid throughout the rest of the month too.
The horoscopes are written for you rising sign primarily and Sun sign secondary. If you don’t know your rising sign, follow the instructions on this page to figure it out or book a consultation with me.
The horoscopes are listed from Aries – Pisces.
ARIES SUN & ARIES RISING
Venus and Mars are ready to spice up your social life. Be prepared for passionate encounters in your local pub. If you’re not a party animal, Venus and Mars may bring the heat to other social areas of your life; whether that’s the yoga community you’re part of, the groups of students you teach, or the professional networks that ask for your engagement. If things felt stuck, too heavy or too serious in the social department of your life; you may expect them to get loosened up. Which may be equally exciting as it can be challenging. Keep your boundaries in place if needed, remain conscious of your own needs and desires, but also count to ten when someone pushes your buttons…
TAURUS SUN & TAURUS RISING
Whatever has and hasn’t worked out in your career or public life in the past year, you’re not ready to give up just yet. This month you may find the boost of morale, passion, courage and inspiration to give it another go. In the pursuit of dreams, in the face of challenges, in the struggle to climb the ladder, you may actually end up falling in love with your work (again). Success isn’t a given, promotions aren’t guaranteed, but a new cycle in your career or public life is about to start soon. Be courageous enough to go after the jobs and promotions that you want. Failure isn’t failure if you give something an honest shot. If you’re lucky, the stars may grant your wishes.
GEMINI SUN & GEMINI RISING
Thinking about the future may have brought more anxiety than excitement to you, in the past year. With everything going on in the world, and with our own ‘musts and shoulds’ and the limitations that we create for ourselves, the future sometimes is a scary place. This heaviness may be somewhat lifted soon. A more positive outlook, or at least the necessary dose of courage that you may need in order to make bold steps forward, may arrive soon. If you forget about those musts and shoulds for a bit, if you forget about all the roadblocks that you see, what is the future that your desire? What do you dream about? Maybe you can remove some of the limitations that you see? Maybe you can try to take a bold step into the future anyway? Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s doing something regardless of fear.
CANCER SUN & CANCER RISING
In the past year you may have been on the lookout for new collaborations or you may have been wanting to update some partnership agreements. Whether that may be about a professional, platonic or romantic partnership. Whatever felt stuck in this area of your life, may be up for some movement. Which may be equally challenging and exciting. The Venus – Mars conjunction may signify the meeting of likeminded souls, but it may also highlight which collaborations have been stuck for too long. Be clear on your needs and desires when it comes to collaborating, intimacy and/or sharing your resources. With who do you want to partner up? What do you want to invest? And what are your limits?
LEO SUN & LEO RISING
If you did not know already… the past year or two for sure taught you that relationships are work. Commitment is a serious thing, whether it’s the commitment to a partner in business or a partner in love. This month some friction in your commitments may arise. Struggle and possible breakups will arise in the relationships that are past their due date. Passion and breakthroughs come to the surface in the relationships that are ready for the next level. Love and courage meet up. Be wise enough to discern if you need to let a partnership or someone go or if you need to fight for them. Let go what is not in your service anymore. Fight for what you desire and be courageous in the relationships that deserve another chance or deserve to go to the next level. The stars can’t tell you what to do, so listen to your intuition.
VIRGO SUN & VIRGO RISING
Dear Virgo, you might want to keep an eye on your blood pressure in the upcoming time. Whatever office dramas, conflicts with your boss, project deadlines or other stuff you may encounter at work; be sure it doesn’t take a toll on your health. Keep an eye on your health and/or the health of your loved ones. Go for a run to create some endorphins, do some yoga for a peaceful mind, when things become to stressful. (Don’t overdo it though, you also don’t want to create injuries.) The Venus – Mars conjunction takes place in the part of your chart that has to do with health, work and pets (so one of these topics probably asks for some extra attention).
LIBRA SUN & LIBRA RISING
Stock up on paint and brushes, make sure you’ve condoms and lube. Venus and Mars are ready to bring some excitement to the part of your chart that is all about creativity, fun and pleasure! If the creative and or sexual juices haven’t been flowing much… they may finally start flowing again! With the risk of indulging in the good stuff… In the upcoming weeks it may be challenging to find a balance between the wine / chocolates and the green juices / lettuce. (Living that healthy lifestyle will become easier in April. Don’t give up just yet.) Venus x Mars enhances your thirst for pleasure, fun and creative experiences. Not all your paintings may turn out to become Van Gogh’s, but at least you’ll enjoy the inspiration and creative highs. Not all dates may turn into weddings, but at least you’ll have some hickies to remember the fun you had. Or something like that…
SCORPIO SUN & SCORPIO RISING
You’ve been working on your current home, current family life and/or ancestry and history in the past year. You’ve been strengthening the foundations of your life, renovating where necessary. Rewriting your narratives. This month brings a boost to the processes that have slowed down. That bathroom project will finally get going or those unspoken issues between you and your parents will finally be worked on. You may set the house on fire. Or you may actually fall in love with your house all over again. Whether the heat is created in struggle or in love… a new cycle in your home life / family life is on the way anyway.
SAGITTARIUS SUN & SAGITTARIUS RISING
Venus and Mars are about to bring some passion to the part of your chart that is about communication, short distance travel, and teaching/studying. Which means that you may receive a love letter if you’re fortunate, or an unsolicited dick pic if you’re not. Your car may get pimped, or set on fire. You may start three new studies, or your students may start to riot against you. Alright, these are extreme examples of what March may have in store for you. Either way, be prepared to get busy. You’ll be moving around and about, and you’ll have plenty of people to talk with and situations to deal with. March isn’t the best month to do a meditation retreat. It will be a good month to get your mailbox in order.
CAPRICORN SUN & CAPRICORN RISING
In the past year you’ve been quite focused on your livelihood. Whether you’ve been searching for new sources of income, been gaining realizations about the skills and talents that you have to offer to this world or ‘simply’ been getting your finances in order… It’s all grown-up, serious and sometimes boring stuff, even though necessary. Hopefully you realize that your worth doesn’t equal your net-worth. Hopefully you’ve worked as hard on your sense of self worth as you’ve been working on your income. March may bring you passionate encounters and/or confrontations that will give you the boost to raise your self-worth some more. Get clear on what you have and what you want to offer to others; be clear on what you’re allowed and need to ask in return. Someone is about to learn a lesson in equal give and take, whether it’s you or your counterpart.
AQUARIUS SUN & AQUARIUS RISING
This month may require a fair amount of energy, courage and dedication on your part. Whether it’s at home, at the office or in your love life (that may differ per the Water Bearer); you’re required to step up your game. Even though it’s not easy, you may find that you actually have the energy, passion, desire and dedication to come through. People may be a bit surprised about the charm, courage and presence that you carry. You too, may even get to know a different part of yourself. This is a month of self-empowerment for you. This is a month to state your desires, to go after and work for what you want and to speak your truth. Another cycle of personal growth is about to start. (Last piece of advice though: with Mars and Saturn joining forces in your sign, you may want to count to ten before expressing yourself in case someone pushes your buttons. Self assertiveness is a gift, when it’s combined with self reflection. Just saying…)
PISCES SUN & PISCES RISING
March may come with a lesson or two about your self sabotaging ways… I’m not pointing a finger at just you Pisces, because we all have these self sabotaging ways! We all have these thoughts and behaviors that are not in our best interest. We all stand in our own ways sometimes. So often it’s the mind; when the mind starts to run too much and too fast, anxiety and stress take over. Thus, in the upcoming month you may want to dedicate some time, each day, to practices that calm the mind. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, reading, a walk in the woods, it doesn’t really matter. Do what works for you. When we know our demons, we can fight them (therapy and counseling are helpful for that too). This horoscope may sound a bit heavy; but it’s not meant to scare you. It’s meant to let you know that in case you feel anxious; 1) it’s normal to feel that way sometimes and 2) it will pass, because Mars will not stay in Aquarius forever. It’s also meant to encourage you to mark some ‘me time’ in your calendar.