ARIES: Your ruler, Mars, opposes Pluto in critical areas of your chart. A showdown between your personal and career needs that pulls you in opposite directions could force a choice. Whatever you decide, there is no room for emotional self indulgence in a professional arena. If family members are in a needy cycle, shut your cell phone and blackberry to insure no interruptions from them at a bad time. If a partner needs TLC, offer to help by sending them to a spa for a day of beauty that clears your head and gets ‘em out of your hair.

TAURUS: The New Moon in your 11th on March 7th has the phrase “House Cleaning” written all over it. The sudden and exciting change in your supporting cast of characters has been along time coming. Not everyone you know will leave your sphere, but the ones that remain will have to get used to a new set of rules. Are you ready to write them? Clearing up a debt and keeping your financial karma clear will help maintain a healthy economic flow in your direction.

GEMINI: The growing pains that you’ve withstood since Saturn’s entrance into Virgo last September have been profound and at times overwhelming, and there’s no end in sight. However, much can be accomplished if you stop looking at the glass as half full, and work with what you’ve got-which is a lot, kiddo! The exciting and revelatory New Moon opens a thrilling new chapter in your professional life. Stop wasting time on those that give you little and grow up. If you blow the blessings of this cycle, there’s no one to blame but you know who.

CANCER: Mars in your sign opposing Pluto in your house of partnership sets up an interesting dynamic: It would be tempting to alienate someone close or to bite the hand that feeds you - but don’t. That very hand is poised to help you win a crucial legal battle and/or help your cause in a financial tug of war. Something that didn’t work out in the last few weeks may return in another and better form. Stop whining and procrastinating and take appropriate action. If you don’t know what that is- ask someone you trust.

LEO: Interdependence is the theme for the week. Venus conjoins Neptune in your 7th house of partnership and by helping a special someone to shine, there’s extra light on you. The New Moon in your 8th house may prompt you to switch financial strategies and institutions abruptly. This may be a terrific change but do not fail to read the fine print. Work at striking a perfect balance between the speculative and the practical aspects of your nature.

VIRGO: The hermetically peaceful part of your existence will have to deal with being put on hold, as several in your sphere are agitated and need your attention. The new Moon conjunct Uranus in your 7th house of partnership and social events will not let you sleep or sit still. So-as the saying goes, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”. Besides, you have no choice. The odd thing is, that through this steady stream of adventure you begin to see yourself in a whole new light.

LIBRA: On this New Moon, you would be well advised to take your health and need for better eating and exercise very seriously, and while you’re at it, straighten out your work environment once and for all. This is a critical new cycle in which you must also re-establish the ground rules regarding your family and your professional needs. This has been an ongoing challenge and the stakes just keep getting higher. In this electronic age, it’s getting harder to control the flow of interruptions but you’ve got to keep trying.

SCOPRIO: Less is more. The old saying about whispering if you want to get someone’s attention was never more apropos: The opposition between your two ruling planets, Mars (out of bounds) and Pluto, in your houses of communication makes your voice louder than usual. Your words are powerful and so is your presence. Don’t be afraid of holding back-it will work in your favor. The new Moon in your 5th house of fun in good aspect to your Sun provides plenty of hooplah in the background to help you stand out with the least bit of effort.

SAGITTARIUS: Spring cleaning comes a few weeks ahead of schedule. If you’re motivated to clean out the closets, move the refrigerator, and raise high the roof beam, you’re right on time. The new Moon conjunct Uranus in your 4th house paves the way for a renovation that inspires or brings news that the home you’ve had your eye on is now within reach. At the very least, clean up and plan a party, It will be just the shot in the arm you and your nearest and dearest need.

CAPRICORN: The opposition between Pluto and Mars clear across your first and seventh house can make you argumentative but why waste your energy when you’re the one with the power? No need to take the bait when so many good things are on the horizon. The New Moon in your third house of transportation and communication could result in 1.A brand new car, 2.A wild and adventurous neighbor moving in next door, and shaking up your world for the better, 3. An opportunity for you to speak to and change the hearts and minds of those in your sphere- or 4. All of the above.

ARIES: Your ruler, Mars, opposes Pluto in critical areas of your chart. A showdown between your personal and career needs that pulls you in opposite directions could force a choice. Whatever you decide, there is no room for emotional self indulgence in a professional arena. If family members are in a needy cycle, shut your cell phone and blackberry to insure no interruptions from them at a bad time. If a partner needs TLC, offer to help by sending them to a spa for a day of beauty that clears your head and gets ‘em out of your hair.

TAURUS: The New Moon in your 11th on March 7th has the phrase “House Cleaning” written all over it. The sudden and exciting change in your supporting cast of characters has been along time coming. Not everyone you know will leave your sphere, but the ones that remain will have to get used to a new set of rules. Are you ready to write them? Clearing up a debt and keeping your financial karma clear will help maintain a healthy economic flow in your direction.

AQUARIUS: Venus conjoins Neptune in your sign on March 6, and your charm can easily exceed the legal limits. Make the most of your ability to attract by being clear about what you’d like to make happen during the month ahead. The New Moon in your 2nd house of income conjunct your co-ruler Uranus says that a surprise is in store and the sky’s the limit. This isn’t about greed: it’s about jump-starting your self worth and having that growth mirrored in your paycheck. An unsettling shake-up may be a blessing in disguise.

PISCES: The New Moon in your sign refreshes and inspires you to no end and this annual opportunity for renewal comes with more energy than it has in years. The opposition between Mars and Pluto sets up an interesting and creative challenge: On the one hand you are encourages and supported in a leap of faith and in upping the ante. On the other hand, you must make sure that what you demand is within ethical and moral reach. Venus joins the party (in Pisces) on March 12, and take the edge off any over-reaching on your part.

The Planets this Week: All Times are Eastern

March 6: Moon in Pisces, Sun Sextiles Jupiter @ 2:04 PM,
Venus Conjunct Neptune @ 7:03 PM
March 7: Mars Opposes Pluto @ 4:05 AM, Pisces New Moon @ 12:14 PM
March 8: Moon in Aries, Sun Conjunct Uranus @ 3:19 PM
March 9: Daylight Savings Time Begins @ 2 AM, Mercury Conjunct Neptune @ 4:53 AM
March 10: Moon in Taurus @ 12:14 PM, March 12: Moon in Gemini @ 1:54 PM,
Venus in Pisces @ 6:51 PM

Copyright, 2008, Shelley L. Ackerman, all rights reserved

Photo by Rich Press

When radio and television producers want the celestial skinny on the stars and politicians they turn to Shelley Ackerman, one of the world's leading astrologers. She is known for being insightful, warm, funny -- and accurate! Shelley has headed the New York affiliate of The American Federation of Astrologers and wrote many columns for Beliefnet.com. Her insights have appeared in The New York Times and she was recently on the cover of The Wall Street Journal. She writes regularly for The New York Post and The Westchester Guardian. As a media astrologer she appears regularly on TV, and has worked with Access Hollywood, Court TV, ABC’s World News Now, ABC Eyewitness News, The CBS Evening News, NBC’s ‘Extra’, and Fox News. Visit Shelley at www.karmicrelief.com