Analyzing the U.S. Aries Ingress Chart

And how you can use the Aries Ingress chart of your home nation to

understand the astrological layout of the next 12 months.*

*To my Lovely Canadian 🍁❤️🤍 subscribers—this chart is the same for Canada, as Ottawa resides in the same time zone. While the political landscape may differ, you can still reference all the same placements within the context of Canada's year ahead.

WELL, what else am I supposed to do in between eclipses, with Mercury and Venus moving backward in the zodiac, but dissect a Pluto-flavored ingress chart? 

Two modern outer planets change signs marking periods of historical significance (looking at you, Uranus in Gemini) so I felt compelled to explore what jumps out most in this chart that precedes those planetary transits.

What is the Aries Ingress Chart and How Has It Been Used Throughout Time?

The Aries Ingress Chart marks the exact moment the Sun enters Aries, signaling the start of the Astrological New Year and the Persian New Year. Since ancient times, it has been used to forecast the themes, topics, and events that will shape the year ahead. Studying this chart through the lens of Mundane Astrology helps us understand the broader patterns influencing individual nations and the world as a whole.

Here is a brief summary, courtesy of Skyscript, on Mundane Astrology and the significance of the Aries Ingress:

“Mundane astrology, the study of heavenly cycles upon groups and nations, is the most ancient branch of astrology. The affairs of a nation can be judged from the horoscope set up at the time of its official inauguration, the birth chart of its leader, and various phenomena such as eclipses, lunations, great conjunctions (Saturn + Jupiter), stations, comets, and ingresses. Among these, ingresses have a traditional reputation as the most important mundane event—the Sun’s ingress into the sign of Aries.”

MOST STRIKING ASTROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS:

Pluto in the First House - Power, Provocation and Penetration

The first house is always where my eye goes when looking at any chart, as it represents the individual (or, in this case, the nation), physical appearance, and character traits. Traditionally, the first house is described as the helm of the ship where all actions are initiated from. From a mundane standpoint, it describes both the state and face of the nation and the agency it has to enact its decree.   

Let’s see if there are any planetary bodies present to determine who is at the command post and how their influence defines the most central house in a chart.

So here we have Pluto…

One of my favorite astrologers, Austin Coppock, points out that the sign Pluto is transiting often describe what scares the zeitgeist most.  It's the consensus boogey-man where much theoretical fear is derived.  Saturn in traditional astrology has also always been associated with fear but speaks to empirical fears proven to cause harm if not heeded- such as a fear of heights, drowning. fires, assailants, and other evident dangers.

Pluto in the first in a nation’s chart could be interpreted in various ways depending on the astrological lens which you choose to perceive Pluto.

The keyword used most often to describe Pluto’s effect is transformative but I think that adjective can often lead us astray. This descriptor often conjures up warm fuzzy projections of a metaphorical butterfly emerging from a cocoon - voilà, transformation.

The process of transformation involves something being destroyed in order for something new to emerge. The caterpillar and butterfly do not co-exist in the same space - the butterfly replaces the caterpillar. So I always like to preface Pluto’s effect of transforming into a warning: If you go through some shit, you’re going to re-emerge transformed, but that does not always mean unscathed, but rather an evolution predicated on growing pains.

Power and the spectrum of who wields it and who it subjugates is another key Pluto trait in the first house that can bring this topic to the front of the debate floor. Pluto in the first of a nation’s ingress chart could highlight the disparity between those in power and those without it. In Aquarius, my glib ire identifies it as - tech bros are at the helm.

Lastly, Pluto represents that which is suppressed and revealed. Pluto as the mythic representative of the underworld, is the keeper of what is buried and what is permitted to rise to the surface- so secrets, undisclosed dynamics, and all things surreptitious. I expect aspects made to Pluto via lunar conjunctions, Mars oppositions, and other planetary formations and transits to play out like peek-a-boo - where secrets emerge, while other truths conceal, and we play witness to max- "what the hell is going on?"

Objectively, I think this singular placement can speak volumes about the uncertainty and lack of transparency around who is in charge and the direction we are being steered, as well as a churning public reacting to it all. 

Considering the characteristics of the sign that rules the first house

Aquarius, a traditionally Saturn-ruled sign, is about expanding societal boundaries through innovation, implementing new ideas, rules & regulations, policies, and technology. Unlike its opposite sign, Leo, Aquarius is NOT a kingmaker. Unconcerned with singular leadership, it recognizes the larger framework necessary to carry out its aspirations and ideals, which shape a nation’s foundation.

There is an emphasis on collective contributions—the good of the many outweighing the good of the one. Questions arise: Does technology support humankind or replace it? Can the rising rage of many contend against the consolidated power of a few?

MORE OBSERVATIONS:

A retrograde Venus and Mercury- a change of heart and mind. 

The most striking observation of Venus and Mercury is their closely aligned, dual retrograde backwards trajectory towards the Sun (representative of a nation's leader). A simultaneous retrograde of Venus and Mercury suggest this nation is reassessing who we align with (Venus) and our strategies going forward (Mercury)- it's a flip the script type of moment. 

Venus in Aries: Adventures in Mad Max land. 

Venus retrograde in her sign of detriment doesn’t scream “lounging in a luxury villa” but rather—“let’s make art out of this nearly incinerated 1998 Toyota Tercel.” In a night chart like this, Venus is the most benefic planet, but she faces challenges—being in a retrograde phase (uncertainty of direction) and placed in her sign of detriment (lack of resources and familiarity), directly opposite her home in Libra.

The 3rd house rules our town, neighborhood, and short-distance travel, and it’s also the communication house (including social media and the websites we frequent). This retrograde period could have us rethinking and reimagining how we engage with the spaces closest to us. We may find ourselves seeking out new forms of enjoyment within our local communities. How we date, interact with neighbors, and engage with our immediate environment could all be reassessed during this time.

Mercury in Aries has forgotten its keys... in Pisces


With Mercury also retrograde in Aries and in the 3rd house, how we exchange information, navigate our surroundings, express our thoughts, and approach primary education could all come under review. 

Aries is concerned with getting from point A to point B as fast as possible, so there could be a shift in how we move through our immediate environment, with local travel and daily commutes being reconsidered—maybe opting for different routes, driverless ride-shares (fingers crossed for flying cars), rediscovering forgotten spots, or even rethinking how we connect with those around us. Mercury retrograde in the martial Mars-ruled sign of Aries (approaching the sun) makes me think that our military strategies may also be nearing an about face.

*See the section on the sun and the moon to learn how being so close to the Sun in this chart affects Venus & Mercury’s autonomy and functionality. 

Neptune, North Node, and Saturn in the Money & Resource House

With the North Node and Neptune so close by degree in the 2nd house of finances, there could be a fixation—or even blindness (North Node)—when it comes to controlling one particular aspect of the economy. Neptune paints a prettily packaged picture of how these assertions will generate the best long-term outcome, whether or not that vision holds up in reality.

Saturn and Neptune merging closer together also signals uncertainty in financial structures and difficulty in identifying pitfalls, making it harder for national leadership to set clear economic objectives without inherent risk.

In a night chart, Saturn as the out of sect malefic takes on a more challenging role, further emphasizing issues in the management—or mismanagement—of national resources.

Mars in the Sixth House- Dedication to the Grind and Getting a Grip on Our Gripes with the Medical System

The sixth house deals with themes like health & wellness, illness, the work force, daily responsibilities/tasks/problem-solving, and small animals. But since we’re talking about Mars, conflict may arise in these areas—whether through labor disputes, systemic inefficiencies, or increased pressure on healthcare infrastructure. Mars, the
planet of assertion and war, in the sixth suggests a shit-ton of combative energy surrounding issues within the medical system, employee relations, and managing circulating illnesses. Mars in the sign of Cancer is in its fall or depression, where the planet’s warrior attributes don’t lend well to nurturing and taking care of people’s needs, making efforts to address these issues feel emotionally charged or misdirected. 


Another attribute of Mars is its ability to sever or cut ties, which, in the sixth house, could indicate growing frustration or uncertainty among insurance holders and the workforce at large.



On the upside, Mars is the in-sect malefic, making it the more constructive of the two
challenging planets—and in its house of joy—meaning the problem-oriented nature of the sixth house will keep the planet of war plenty busy.

Sagittarius Moon in the eleventh house: Is this the ticket to expanding allyship and broadening collective ideals? 

Since I mentioned Mars in Cancer, let’s check in on the Moon, which rules the sixth house in this chart and is placed in the 11th house of allies, groups, and friends. In traditional astrology, the Moon in a mundane chart represents the masses—the nation’s people. Furthermore, it speaks to what nourishes and sustains a nation, both literally and figuratively.

The Moon in Sagittarius has no essential dignity, meaning it lacks resources to do lunar stuff in that sign, but its placement in Sagittarius, a sign known for optimism suggests an urge to uncover some sort of silver-lining. The ruler of this Moon, Jupiter, is in the opposite sign of Gemini, forming a reception with the Moon and offering guidance in navigating Sagittarius themes like spreading one’s beliefs. Perhaps this opposition indicates the give and take of needing to let the zealous youth take turns with our established organizations. 

Complicating the Moon-Jupiter opposition, is the sign-based T-square with Saturn and Neptune. A T-square is an aspect pattern consisting of two planets in opposition (Moon & Jupiter), both squaring a third (Saturn & Neptune). This could highlight tensions between optimism and realism, or between youthful enthusiasm and systemic challenges—especially regarding economic uncertainty and the dissolution of established norms.

An elevated Sun looms over our day to day

The Sun represents a nation’s leader in mundane astrology and sits in the third house alongside Venus and Mercury. In Aries—its sign of exaltation—the Sun is elevated, increasing the visibility and perceived authority of the executive branch. The Sun in this position, could have a direct impact on communities, infrastructure, and communication networks.

Adding fuel to this effect is Mercury and Venus combust under the Sun’s rays which sort of diminishes their autonomy and puts them more under the Sun’s reign. This influence could assert over communication capabilities, messaging, entertainment, artistic ventures, and data resources may be concentrated in leadership’s hands.

Jupiter in the Fifth House

Jupiter in the fifth, forming a trine (most positive aspect, think teammate) with the Ascendant, signals hope, promise, and potential in the next generation (children) and in creative ventures emerging at this time—especially in the digital, wordsmith-loving sign of Gemini. Expect a surge in entertaining tech, literary works, and media innovations, but also… brace yourself for an excess of AI duping, retreads, and copyright infringement.

Jupiter is in its sign of detriment, and as the out-of-sect benefic in a night chart, it doesn’t have full power to avail its full scope of beneficence.

So, what do I do with this?

You are not a nation’s chart, so don’t let this analysis derail the incredible change you’re outputting into this world. If anything, this chart is a reminder that we need everyone to show up and show out to help us navigate a changing landscape. Look for the friction points, the potential pressure valves. I like to use this chart to understand how to assert my agency regarding my aspirations and goals for 2025. Ultimately, I can see where there may be inherent challenges that I can avoid if possible and opportunities that I can take advantage of.

I recommend checking out Astroseek.com to pull up your chart and compare it with the US chart. Here's the info you'll need to insert:

Aries Ingress chart 

March 20, 2025

5:02 AM

Washington D.C. (or Ottawa, Canada)

Draft your own 2025, you've got the pen, the keyboard, and the guts to keep rewriting.

Would you like more information ? Contact me at: david@littlecrabastrology.com

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