Astrologers have been discussing March 2020 astrology for a very, very, long time. You see, Saturn, also known as the Lord of Karma, meeting with Pluto, who represents death and rebirth, in Capricorn, the sign of government and business, creates a heavy-hitting combination that suggests a massive shake to our systems. Then add Jupiter, the most giant planet in the solar system to the mix, who makes everything way more prominent, and this combination becomes even more inflamed.

While Saturn has been in Capricorn since the end of 2017, and Pluto since 2008, it’s just been in recent months that they started to travel in super-close proximity. Jupiter, who moves much quicker, entered Capricorn on December 2, 2019, and caught up speedily. Now, with the three planets all within seven degrees of one another and Mars, a catalytic planet which represents action, also in the mix, we no longer need to question what will happen in March 2020 astrology.

Mars, who initially entered into Capricorn on February 16, starts the week at 20 degrees of Capricorn and ends at 24 degrees of Capricorn—conjoined to Pluto and Jupiter. This means you can expect the week ahead to bring heightened a focus on this stellium in Capricorn. And, using news about COVID-19 as evidence, we can expect this cosmic shakedown to continue. Yes, this is a scary-feeling time, and yes, it’s going to be okay.

With social distancing and wide-scale closures at play, it’s paramount to take care of your mental and physical health right now. Social distancing isn’t social isolation, so be sure to stay connected via technology. And at-home workouts are a great option to explore. If you haven’t done your homework yet to find your favorites, take some time to set yourself up for success in that way. Nurturing yourself and tending to your spirituality via avenues like meditation, journaling, and prayer can help to maintain your quality of mental well-being as well.

Why we all need to do our “Saturn work” this week

This week, Saturn continues to move through the anorectic degree of Capricorn—the last degree. When a planet finishes a sign, it’s often when its most potent lesson emerges. Saturn has traveled at 29 degrees of Capricorn since March 9 and will continue to he enters Aquarius on March 22. Now more than ever, we are forced to do our Saturn work. Saturn limits our options so we can dig in and heed his call. As we grapple with the public-health crisis, this is a critical moment to do our Saturn work. This means taking care of ourselves with courage, stepping into our maturity, and facing reality as it is while cultivating our higher selves in the process.

As we grapple with the public-health crisis, it’s critical to do Saturn work: taking care of ourselves with courage, stepping into our maturity, and facing reality as it is while cultivating our higher selves.

Resilience is our capacity to face challenges and come back stronger. Resilience requires cultivating strength and determination, knowing that on the other side of this crisis is a post-traumatic growth cycle for the world. Saturn leaves us no choice right now but to lean into and cultivate our resilience.

Use the astrological new year as an opportunity to reset

Meanwhile, on March 19, the sun exits Pisces and enters into Aries. At this moment, not only do we have the spring equinox but also the astrological new year. Aries, after all, kicks off the zodiac calendar, and the sign is ruled by Mars, who plays a massive role in the week ahead.

We are officially entering into a season that relates to the purification of anger. The positive side here is that feelings of angst can lead to fantastic breakthrough when adequately applied. Consider it all the more reason to get yourself set up with your at-home workouts: The sun in Aries pushes you to want to move.

That said, early spring, a time with little fresh food available, remains an opportunity for our bodies to purify. If we were to eat seasonally, our caloric intake this time of year would be at its lowest. Think about it: The reserves from winter have been consumed and a new cycle of food has yet to sprout, making this time of year a moment to cleanse, detox, and prepare for what’s to come.

But hopefully we are all prepared with shelves full of dry food, snacks, and reserves available for potential time at home in the weeks ahead. If you find yourself emotionally eating during this time of high tension, have compassion for yourself, and know consuming this way isn’t necessarily a bad thing. That said, set a firm intention too, to honor your body and prioritize intuitive eating. Consider ramping up your meditation or mindfulness practice, tune into your breath, and recite some positive affirmations to stay connected with your body and its needs.

Ultimately, one of the best things you can do right now with this seasonal transition and the astrological new year is to develop your vision for the year ahead. Redirect your focus from anxiety and worry and put it on your vision for the future. Grab your old magazines, scissors, and glue, and get crafty with a collage or vision board for where you see yourself going from here. While March 2020 astrology is one of the most poignant moments of these cycles for the year, we will get through this together.

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women’s health—to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success.