The 2019 Spring Equinox will be exact at 5:58 pm eastern time on March 20th. It will take place with a Leo rising which is opposite Mercury retrograde in the sign of Aquarius.  At 8:45 pm eastern time the Super Full Moon will be exact with the Moon being in Virgo and the Sun in Pisces.  Not every equinox takes place during a Full Moon and Mercury retrograde.  This equinox matches the unique times in which we live.

Generally both the equinoxes and the solstices will be accompanied by an increase in universal energies which can be felt by some and we can notice people being more nervous or enthusiastic during the few days surrounding the celestial events.  This year’s energy is more pronounced by Mercury retrograde and the Full Moon. Additionally, on March 22nd Mars will move into the sign of Taurus and the eclipse points on the 23rd will move into Gemini/Sagittarius.  All of this activity portends more craziness in the world of politics and media along with individuals feeling confused and nervous.

There is not much we can do about the outer world but we can take steps for our bodies and personal lives. It is important to realize that many of our thoughts are more heightened now than usual and that personal relationships can become stressed. Perhaps it is not the best time to solve our relationship issues as there will be too much fear and confusion due to Mercury being retrograde and the eclipse points changing signs.

In my view the key here is Mercury the ruler of the nervous system as well as the intellectual mind. Mercury is not only retrograde but is also the ruler of Virgo (ruler of the Full Moon) and Gemini (the ruler of Gemini the new placement for Rahu).  Virgo is also the ruler of the health and the opposite sign is Pisces is where the Sun (Full Moon is indicated by the Sun and Moon being in opposite signs) is placed during the Full Moon.  Pisces is a water sign and indicates emotions, ideals, dreams and spiritual/philosophical beliefs.  Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac and for the equinox indicates the end of winter as we move into the warmer weather of spring.  It indicates the time when we begin the shed the old for the new and it can be important to pay attention to the health as indicated by Virgo’s involvement.  It is the interplay of these two signs which makes this time of the year a good time to physically cleanse the body of the old as we get ready for the new.

The attention to health that is normal for the Spring Equinox is important this year because there is more planetary change than usual for the 2019 celestial events.  As we cleanse the body we should focus on the nervous system as well because of the Mercury influence – a strong nervous system keeps us steady and helps with the development of equanimity during this time period.

In addition to supporting the nervous system through foods, herbs and vitamins a few minutes of meditation each day will work to our benefit.  One of the easiest and most efficient ways to calm down an over active nervous system is through deliberate breath work.  These techniques do not have to be difficult or time consuming.

All breathing should be done through the nose slowly and with deliberate intent.  As you inhale pay attention to the stomach moving away from the spine (expanding) and on the exhale pull the stomach towards the spine.  (If you have high blood pressure or issues with the heart do not hold the breath in for more than 1 second.)  Provided you do not have health issues simply sit quietly and inhale for 3 seconds, hold for 3 seconds and exhale for 3 seconds for anywhere from 2 to 11 minutes. This will begin to calm down the nervous system and clear the mind of racing thoughts.  Make sure the spine is straight and that the feet are flat on the floor if you are not sitting in a traditional meditation posture.

Alternative nostril breathing is another technique which works on the nervous system and balances the hemispheres of the brain.  One can also simply close off the right nostril and inhale and exhale through the left nostril for a quick balance of nervous anxiety.

Calming music, warm baths, light meals and moments of quiet are also recommended.  The color green is good for Mercury – walking in nature and having some plants in your home environment can have a subtle effect.  For people who are into stones malachite, jade, peridot or other green stones can be beneficial.

Often just taking care of the nervous system can be the most important step to having a healthy and peaceful life.  Life is always about change and we are witnesses to major changes happening in the outside world right now. That does not mean we have to suffer those changes if we remember what is unchanged within us and work with the body/mind to not allow ourselves to get too caught up in the surrounding chaos.