Boundaries

             With Mars now retracing its steps in Libra and the Sun, Neptune
              and Chiron in Pisces it is a good time to think about boundaries.

   Libra is the sign of relationship and emphasises sharing, justice and fairness. Trying to balance these qualities can be a struggle and Libra therefore often appears contrary as it attempts to diplomatically negotiate a level of equality without upsetting anyone in the process!
   Mars on the other hand represents the warrior in us all. It is not interested in relationship and sharing but wishes to forge ahead regardless, following its own will and physical energy. Mars as you can imagine is not very comfortable in Libra. None of the airy fairy (Libra is an air sign which is ruled by Venus) for Mars (ruler of Aries and Scorpio). Battle lines need to be drawn and new adventures embarked upon if Mars is to feel happy.
   Mars is however now in a retrograde phase, retracing its progress through Libra which began on 8th December 2013. It is spending an inordinate amount of time in Libra giving us all the chance to really connect and work with this somewhat contradictory energy. When a planet is in retrograde motion the energy that it represents is turned inwards and becomes self reflexive rather than proactive. For Mars this represents a double whammy of a restraint to say the least! Occuring in Libra it can easily lead to passive-aggressive bahaviours. The more positive side however is that we have the opportunity to evaluate the 'fairness' of our relationships and dwell upon just how much time, attention and indeed energy we are putting into each and everyone of them. Are we giving too much and receiving nothing in return? Are we taking and not sharing fairly? One way or another during the next 12 weeks up until 19th May we will come across situations that offer us the opportunity to rebalance relationships (Libra) and reconsider just how worthwhile or productive our physical energetic input is (Mars).
   I also mentioned the Sun (until 21st March), Neptune and Chiron are in Pisces. As the last sign in the zodiac, Pisces represents dissolution. It is here that boundaries literally dissolve and disappear as all becomes one in the great ocean of consciousness. If the two signs (Libra and Pisces) and their present respective planetary inhabitants are to work well together during this period, then the theme of developing boundaries is essential to keep in mind. Everyone should maintain their personal boundaries and regularly review them. As a Pisces myself I know only too well how easy it can be to give everything, lose all sense of self and end up being a doormat. This is not healthy for any partnership whether personal or business.
    Just to add to the mix, Venus and Mars are facing off at the moment (until 7th March) in a relationship called a 'square' which creates challenges - even more reason to use the vital energy of Mars to reconsider how to move forward in a more equitable and loving way!
   On a different level altogether, relating to the mundane world of 'real life' my own personal reminder to take care of boundaries has been very physical in that my garden fence had to be replaced following the storms. It always amuses me when something manifests as a symbol of transpersonal and therapeutic work that needs attention!