March is a month of change, reflection, and taking things slow. We enter Retrograde Season now, and things can feel a little heavy at times. Right as we enter March, Venus goes retrograde in Aries. Venus only goes retrograde every 18 months or so, so this is one of the more significant astrological transits of the year. Venus will be retrograde in Aries from March 1 to March 27, and then in Pisces from March 27 to April 12.
While Venus is retrograde in Aries, love and relationship matters need some navigating. There can be a lack of direction when it comes to love this month, and this is overall occurring to put you in a better position within your relationships and relight the spark in you.
This month also begins Eclipse Season, and the first one of the year will be a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on March 14. This Eclipse is a full circle moment and will be a time of clearing the air, getting organized, making space, and finding the gifts within the changes you are moving through right now. Lunar Eclipses are a time to allow things to settle in rather than make any drastic moves, and being in Virgo, a lot of this has to do with the healing needed to get things back in order. This Eclipse opposes the Sun currently in Pisces, and there is beauty in the culmination.
March 2025 Astrology: Retrograde Season, Eclipses & Major Shifts
Mercury goes retrograde in Aries from March 15 to March 29 and then will be retrograde in Pisces from March 29 to April 7. This is the first Mercury retrograde of the year, and in Aries, brings a dynamic and passionate energy. This is not the best month to take any unnecessary risks, and playing it safe may turn out to be for the best right now. Mercury retrograde in Aries can cause clashes, power struggles, and a need for greater independence and freedom.
Don’t rush what you are trying to communicate or get across right now, and know that patience will lead you to better places than mental overexertion will.
Aries Season begins on March 20, and this is going to help pick up the pace and create more opportunities after the setbacks that may have prevailed this month. On March 29, the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Aries happens, creating a breakthrough from what you have been initiating and taking action on since April 2023. This is a powerful Eclipse and is bringing forth the manifestations from all the work you have done. Before the month ends, Neptune enters Aries, where this dreamy planet will remain until 2039.
Neptune in Aries drives us to pursue our creative and spiritual pursuits and gives us the boost of energy needed to see our dreams and inspirations through. Overall, through the changes and detours happening in March, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and a new journey awaiting you.
Read for your Sun and Rising Sign below to see what March has in store for you.
What Does March 2025 Have in Store for Your Zodiac Sign?
ARIES
AriesKyra Jay for xoNecoleMarch is one of the most if not the most important months for you, Aries. All eyes are on you, and most of the energy of March is in your sign. This begins with Venus going retrograde in Aries on March 1 until March 27. While Venus is retrograde in your sign, you are learning how to love yourself radically, and what that may mean for your relationships moving forward. Mercury also goes retrograde in your sign this month and will be guiding you toward inner clarity. Be careful with miscommunications in March, and focus on communicating your vision with strength.
Aries Season officially begins on March 20, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. You are ready for a new beginning and are embarking on it now. On March 29, there is a New Moon Solar Eclipse in your sign, and you are ready to embrace the beauty in your life and will be moving through a lot of fortunate changes during this time. Neptune then enters your sign on March 30 and will be in Aries until 2039, and you are moving into a creative, inspiring, and magical time.
TAURUS
TaurusKyra Jay for xoNecoleTake things one day at a time this month, Taurus. Your ruling planet Venus is retrograde for the entire month, and you need some time to process things right now. The focus is on your healing, your truth, and your patience, and emotionally you are moving through a time of growth. With Mercury also retrograde and in your 12th house of closure, the past may be coming up for you a lot this month but remember that this is for your healing and not for you to repeat old patterns or mistakes.
On March 14, a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse will be held in fellow earth sign, Virgo, and this is an opportunity for closure and to grow closer to your heart. You are letting go of how you thought things would be, and owning what you are creating in your life now. Overall, this month is about not letting yourself overthink things that are still coming to fruition for you, and being patient with it all. Venus will be retrograde until April 12; use this time to get to know yourself better.
GEMINI
GeminiKyra Jay for xoNecoleEverything's coming together for you this month, Gemini. You are looking at the full picture and accomplishing what you have set out to do this year. With Venus and Mercury both retrograde in an area of your life having to do with friendships, community, aspirations, and social life; this isn’t the best time for meeting new people, but it is a time for understanding the social dynamics in your life better, and for creating greater harmony and connection here.
On March 14, there is a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Virgo, and you are ready to let go of foundations that haven’t been serving you. You are no longer building things that don’t sustain and you are thinking a lot about the long-term of your life and creating plans in this way. Overall, March is about seeing things with new eyes, and trusting that you have done everything you needed to do to be where you want to be.
CANCER
CancerKyra Jay for xoNecoleMarch is a month of progress, Cancer. You are moving at full speed ahead and going after the things you have wanted for yourself. Life is happening for you right now, and you are excited about the opportunities that present themselves this month. Remember to keep two feet planted and ground yourself in the present moment, but know that things are really picking up for you in March.
A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse is happening in your 3rd house of communication mid-month, and this is helping you let go of any miscommunications that have been flowing in your world. You are looking at things a lot differently this month and this new perspective is helping you let go of a version of yourself you don’t resonate with anymore. Before the month ends, Venus retrograde enters Pisces, and this impacts your sense of adventure. Be careful with unnecessary risks over the next few weeks, and try to look at the bigger picture right now.
LEO
LeoKyra Jay for xoNecoleMarch is a month of letting things come to fruition and moving through life knowing that they will, Leo. While we are in the midst of Retrograde Season, there is a lot for you to process right now, especially regarding your plans for the future, your perspective, mind, and belief systems. You are asking yourself all the important questions this month, but it’s important to give yourself grace and compassion within this process.
The more you focus on nurturing your world instead of forcing things to unfold, the better this month. The Sun is in your 8th house of rebirth for most of March, and there are a lot of changes happening in your life right now. Own how these things play out for you. At the end of the month, there is a New Moon Solar Eclipse happening in your 2nd house of abundance, and your intentions are manifesting in your life. You are leaving the month seeing the gifts of your patience and walking with your head held high.
VIRGO
VirgoKyra Jay for xoNecoleIn March you are taking some time for yourself, Virgo. You have been through a lot as of late, and you need some space to process everything that has occurred. You are walking away from the things that no longer resonate, and are leading with your heart and with self-love right now. Your ruling planet Mercury goes retrograde this month from March 14 through April 7, and this is a good time to get clear on health matters and to see where things can use some reworking or replanning. Taking care of yourself can look many different ways this month, just make sure you are doing so.
On March 14, the first Eclipse of the year happens, and this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse will be in your sign, Virgo. You are moving through massive changes this month, and the key here is in letting go. Don’t hold onto things too tightly when they are falling away from your life, and trust that where you are going right now is better than where you have been. Overall, this month is about empowering yourself toward change.
LIBRA
LibraKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis is a month of collaboration, dedication, and effort, Libra. You are taking care of your priorities and crossing off the to-do list this month, and a lot is going on for you. With the Sun in your 6th house of health, work, and daily routines, this is a time for seeing the results of your efforts and for feeling more energetic and alive in the workplace and within the actions you are taking right now. However, with Venus and Mercury both retrograde and in your opposite sign this month, love is on the back burner as you figure out what your heart needs.
On March 29, one of the most important New Moons of the year for you occurs and this is the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Aries. This New Moon is when you finally get some closure and some answers you have been looking for in love over the past few years, and when you feel more in tune with your partnerships. Things are changing for you as the month ends, and they are moving in a better direction for you and your heart.
SCORPIO
ScorpioKyra Jay for xoNecoleMarch is about doing what is best for you and your health, rather than entertaining negative patterning or people, Scorpio. The gift this month is in letting go and not allowing yourself to get overly attached to things that haven’t been serving you. With Venus retrograde in your 6th house of health and daily routine this month, it’s important to take matters here a little more seriously and to put your peace and well-being first.
The first Lunar Eclipse of the year happens on March 14, and this highlights your friendships, hopes and dreams, and sense of community. The people you associate with or surround yourself with are changing for you right now, and this begins a journey of letting go that will be with you until 2027. You are recognizing what is authentic to you and your dreams, and what has been holding you back from obtaining that. Overall, you are moving through the month asking yourself the important questions and making the necessary moves to protect your peace.
SAGITTARIUS
SagittariusKyra Jay for xoNecolePerspective is everything this month, and it’s important to go at your own pace, Sagittarius. Everything is coming into full focus for you and this is changing the way you look at some of the experiences you have been through. Mercury and Venus are both retrograde in your 5th house of romance, happiness, and self-expression, and you may be feeling like you need to relight the spark in your life. Look for the experiences that make you feel grounded, authentic, safe, and joyful, and spend more time there.
Juno goes retrograde in your sign from March 19 until April 15, and you are doing a lot of reassessing when it comes to your relationships right now. Ask yourself what a soulmate or a soul connection looks like for you at this time in your life. How can you authentically show up in your relationships or experiences right now, to attract these types of authentic connections? Before the month ends there is a Solar Eclipse in Aries, creating a breakthrough for you in love and a chance for a new beginning.
CAPRICORN
CapricornKyra Jay for xoNecoleMarch is a fun month for you, Capricorn. Celebrations are in store and you are really leaning upon the people who make you happy. With the Sun in your 3rd house of communication for most of the month, you are having a lot of good conversations, meeting new people, and enjoying the life you have created for yourself. Even with the retrogrades happening this month you are overcoming as you always do, and having more fun than usual at the same time.
A Lunar Eclipse in Virgo happens on March 14, and this is wrapping up an adventure you have been on and fueling your quest for knowledge. You are mentally seeing things with a new perspective right now, and this is an inspiring and hopeful one. On March 27, Venus goes retrograde, and you are leaving the month needing more downtime from your social calendar and will be taking the time to relax your mind and create some space. Remember that you are loved, Capricorn.
AQUARIUS
AquariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleMarch is a new beginning for you and your financial world, Aquarius. You are taking on new opportunities, and developing professionally, and some Aquariuses may begin a new career venture this month as well. All the intentions you have been setting and the efforts you have made are showing fruition for you now, and with the Sun in your 2nd house of income for most of the month, you are feeling a sense of abundance in your life that is lighting up your world. There is a lot to look forward to, and you deserve these wins.
With Mercury and Venus both retrograde in your 3rd house of communication this month, however, be careful with acting on impulse or creating confusion in communication matters by not leading with transparency. Before the month ends there is a New Moon Solar Eclipse, and this will be a breakthrough for you in clearing up any chaos and creating more order and understanding in your life and interactions. Overall, March is your month of opening new doors and owning the abundance you are finding yourself in.
PISCES
PiscesKyra Jay for xoNecoleMarch moves fast for you, Pisces. You have a lot going on, but you are appreciating this pickup in pace. Your guidance for the month is to focus on your new beginnings, the present moment, and the good that is unfolding for you. This is Pisces Season and you deserve to enjoy where life is and everything you have become in the process. The light is shining on you, and there is a lot of support moving you forward in March. The Lunar Eclipse happening on March 14 is in your sister sign, Virgo, and the clarity you have been needing in love is blooming for you mid-month.
Venus and Mercury are both retrograde this month, and they move into your sign to finish their retrograde transit. Venus will be retrograde in Pisces from March 27 to April 12 and Mercury from March 29 to April 7. Leaving the month, you could feel a bit off and like you don’t know where you want to go from here. Know that these challenges are arising for you to get clearer on who you are and the things you want for yourself, and in mid-April, you are going to have an inner clarity and confidence bloom that will be worth the confusion.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Kyra Jay for xoNecole
RELATED
These days, it's for a completely different purpose, though. Now that I am in the hopefully latter stages of perimenopause (I’m not sure because my mother had a full hysterectomy at 29, her mother died at 53 and I don’t deal with my paternal grandmother because…chile… ) — although I have always had relatively easy cycles and I could definitely set my watch to them, about two years ago, my periods started to show up whenever they felt like it and it was damn near a crime scene once they did.
It was driving me crazy, and so, my nurse practitioner recommended that I take progestin-only pills to shorten, if not completely stop, my cycle: “After a year or so, we can wean off and see if you are entering into menopause on your own.” (Whew, perimenopause, chile.)
Although the first five months of being on this particular pill made me wonder if it was worth it to take this approach, I actually re-upped for another 12-month cycle because the extra progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone) has benefitted me in other areas as well because I am sleeping more soundly and my weight is more stabilized (by the way, when these things are “off,” they are signs of low progesterone levels). However, I did ask my nurse practitioner if, once I do decide to wean off of the pill, would there be any issues.
Her response is what inspired me to write this article because, until she said “post-birth control syndrome” to me, I had no idea there was such a thing. Anyway, if you give me a sec, I’ll explain to you what it is and why you should care if hormone-related birth control is currently a part of your life.
Yes, Post-Birth Control Syndrome Is a Very Real Thing
GiphyOkay, so it’s important to always remember that the way that birth control works is it “manipulates” your hormones so that you can significantly reduce your chances of conceiving. This means that taking them could result in some side effects including nausea; weight gain; headaches; irregular periods and/or spotting; increased stress; depression; blurry vision; breast tenderness, and/or a lowered libido.
That said, even though birth control pills are basically 99 percent effective (when taken correctly and consistently), if the side effects that you are experiencing are making you close to miserable, you should absolutely share that with your healthcare provider because…what’s the sense in preventing pregnancy when you don’t even feel up to having sex because you don’t feel good or your sex drive is shot? More times than not, your provider can find you another pill brand or option that will help you to feel more like yourself.
With that out of the way, think about it — if going on the pill can produce side effects, why would going off of it…not? And this is where post-birth control syndrome comes in.
For the most part, it’s what can happen to your body once you decide to come off of birth control. Typically, the symptoms will last anywhere between 4-6 months and, although the symptoms seem to present themselves most intensely as it relates to going off of the pill, any hormone-related birth control (like IUDs, injections, patches, the ring or implants) could produce similar outcomes.
Outcomes like what?
- Irregular cycles
- Breakouts
- Excessive gas and/or bloating
- Weight gain
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Fertility issues
- Migraines and/or headaches
- Shifts in your libido
- Sleeplessness/restlessness
- Hair loss
Whoa, right? And if a part of you is wondering, “Okay, if this is indeed the case, why have I not heard of this syndrome before?” It’s because it’s not a term that conventional method uses nearly as much as alternative medicine does. Still, it makes all of the sense in the world that if your body has to adjust to an uptick in hormonal intake, it would also need to adjust to removing those extra doses of hormones from your system as well. COMMON. DAMN. SENSE.
Anyway, if you were thinking about taking a break from birth control and taking all of this in has you feeling a bit…let’s go with the word “trepidatious” about doing so, I totally get it. There are some things that you can do to make experiencing post-birth control syndrome either a non-issue or a far more bearable one, though.
7 Home Remedies That Can Make Coping with Post-Birth Control Syndrome Easier
Giphy1. Take a multivitamin.Something that’s fascinating about what going off of birth control can do is it sometimes has the ability to lower your nutrition levels as it relates to certain vitamins and minerals; this is especially the case when it comes to vitamins B, C, E and minerals like magnesium, selenium and zinc. So, if you don’t currently take a multivitamin, now would be the time to start (along with consuming foods that are particularly high in those nutrients as well).
2. Up your vitamin D intake. Speaking of nutrient levels, a vitamin level that commonly drops after going off of birth control isvitamin D. This is hella critical to keep in mind as a Black woman since many of us tend to be naturally deficient in the vitamin as-is and vitamin D is important when it comes to fighting off diseases, regulating weight and keeping your moods stabilized (for starters). So, make sure that your multivitamin has vitamin D in it. Also make sure to consume vitamin D-enriched foods like fatty fish, eggs, mushrooms, yogurt and fortified orange juice.
3. Drink herbal teas. Since going off of birth control will cause your hormones to be all over the place for a season, consider drinking some herbal teas that will help to stabilize them. Black cohosh contains phytoestrogen properties, Chasteberry can help to level out your prolactin levels and green tea can help your hormones out by helping to balance out your insulin (which can sometimes directly affect them).
4. Keep some ibuprofen nearby. The headaches and migraines? Until those subside, you and ibuprofen are probably going to become really good friends; although I will add that ginger tea and inhaling essential oils like chamomile and lavender can help to ease migraine-related symptoms too.
5. Do some meditating. Waiting for your hormones to get back on track can be stressful as all get out. That said, something that can get your cortisol (stress hormone) levels to chill out is to meditate. If meditation is new for you, check out “7 Meditation Hacks (For People Who Can't Seem To Do It).”
6. Get massages. As if you needed an excuse to get a massage, right (check out “12 Different Massage Types. How To Know Which Is Right For You.”)? However, there is some evidence to back the fact that regular massages (somewhere around once a month) can help to lower your stress, boost your dopamine, increase blood flow and drain your lymphatic system so that you will have more energy.
7. Sleep/rest more. There is plenty of scientific research out here which says that sleep deprivation can throw your hormones out of whack — and since your hormones are already trying to stabilize themselves, you definitely need to get 6-8 hours of sleep and not feel the least bit guilty about taking naps sometimes too.
____
Post-birth control syndrome may not be the most pleasant thing about getting off of birth control yet it is manageable. So, now that you know all about it, you can feel more confident about taking a birth control break (or getting off altogether) — without the surprises that can come with doing it. Give thanks.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Unsplash