A certain amount of tension is in the air as we move from January into February. You may have noticed it putting people on edge and communications may have been strained. Jupiter is in its own sign of Sagittarius and this fiery combination, here for the year, is happy enough, albeit a little impatient, to get on with projects, developments and generally get stuff done. Mars, currently at its best in its own sign Aries, is giving us the drive to push forward and confront obstacles. An obstacle can also include anyone who isn’t totally in alignment with your own views about how things should be. With all this fiery energy around things could well ignite when Mars finds itself at odds with Pluto through a challenging square aspect, which becomes exact on February 2. The few days beforehand may bring about powerful personal drives, which can become a little obsessive. The urge for dominance and territory may be reflected in world affairs and news stories. A positive side to this intensity is increased effort for personal transformation.
The social planet Venus in adventurous Sagittarius, makes a happy link to freedom seeking Uranus whilst upbeat Jupiter also connects to Mercury, putting a positive emphasis on communications and connections during the same few days. It may be easier to let go of personal issues and embrace the quirky differences we encounter in others despite the potential for friction.
The New Moon in future orientated Aquarius on February 4 is a perfect time to harness the enthusiasm and excitement that these planets provide. The long-term stability and potential for steady progress in the area of finance and relationship is supplied by Venus moving into steadfast Capricorn the day before.
Keeping clear-headed and maintaining objectivity could be a challenge from mid February onwards whilst Mercury travels through the watery sign of Pisces. This is a good placement if imagination, intuition and empathy are required but reality is even less attractive than usual until the planet of the mind moves into Aries during April.
Mid month has another potential flash point as Mars unifies with Uranus on February 13 in the last degree of Aries. This critical position has the reputation for ending or finalising matters. Mars is impulsive and forthright here and Uranus is all out for individual and authentic expression. We could experience a sudden urge to make things happen, to force changes and assert ourselves. World events can reflect the imperative need to finally break free from restraining influences, some radical departures or redevelopments may occur.
The following weeks have a stabilising energy and the theme is still on making good the new beginnings. Mars is in Taurus from February 14, working slowly and surely in this fixed earth sign. The Full Moon on February 19 falls in the first degree of another earth sign, Virgo. This brings whatever we have been developing over the last few weeks into the light for a critical review. As the Moon cycle culminates, the Sun has just moved into Pisces and Mercury unites with Neptune. There is no better time than now for reaching into the realms of the mystical, mysterious and metaphysical for meaning and inspiration to guide us forward. The ability to put those creative impulses to good practical use is supported by both Mercury and Venus making strong connections with stabilising Saturn. There should be a wholesome balance between our thinking and feeling faculties as we move towards the month end.
This month the New Moon is at 16° Aquarius on February 4 at 9.04pm and Full Moon is at 1° Virgo on February 19 at 3.53pm
Aries: Get involved in charity events or social action groups that interest you and you will make headway in many different areas of your life through the people you meet and the information you discover. You may be asked to take responsibility or even a leadership role or to contribute and participate more fully than you have in the past. You will enjoy being part of a team or group effort now. Being part of a community or circle of friends and building your social network is important to you at this time.
Taurus: Over the New Moon don’t mix business with pleasure if you want to avoid trouble. Not everyone will be on your side over the next few weeks so you may want to choose your friends carefully and keep your personal thoughts and opinions to yourself. With your career and reputation very important to you at this time, you can make significant gains regarding your ambitions. Recognition for your efforts and receiving credit for your accomplishments are likely now, but only if you’ve ‘done your homework’. This is an excellent time to ask for a promotion, or to engage the support of those in positions of higher authority.
Gemini: This is a time to lift yourself out of your usual mundane concerns in order to get a larger perspective on your life. Although it may all seem overwhelming for a while remember that as long as you keep plugging away you will make gains. You really can get things up and running if you try. A chance to do things a little differently will make all the difference in the world. Don’t slow down because someone can’t keep up with you. You have to maintain the momentum. A teacher or mentor who appears this New Moon may be particularly important to you later.
Cancer: Don’t push your luck now. Joint financial affairs and investments are likely to be an issue at this time, and it is a good time to clarify each person’s expectations and to take care of any legal business, insurance, wills, and so on. On a personal level, there is a desire to intensify the level of intimacy and honesty in your closest relationships and to clear away anything in yourself, which is impeding that deeper union you seek. Any temptation to make abrupt decisions and changes could lead to additional problems that you can do without. Stick to what’s clear and avoid taking on other peoples responsibilities.
Leo: Partnerships, marriage, and one-to-one relationships take your attention now and you are called upon to cooperate and perhaps to relinquish some of your own personal interests for the sake of harmony and mutual benefit. You may end up questioning yourself as well as the motives of the people around you. Get to the bottom of things before it’s too late. Once you have all the facts you will be in a much better position to make a decision. Don’t let anyone pull you in a direction you don’t want to go and do what’s best for you but the emphasis is on ‘we’ rather than ‘me’.
Virgo: Doing your best work and taking pride in it are a focus for you now. You should be able to make some worthwhile career moves or at least secure your current position so that you don’t have to worry about your financial future. This is a good time to examine how you use your time and energy, with an eye to improving your efficiency and productivity. Watch out for health matters as you are concerned with your body now, and you may be inspired to begin a self-improvement program, create better habits, or begin a new diet or fitness plan.
Libra: You are energised and inspired creatively and emotionally coming up to this New Moon time, and you want to bring forth all that’s deep within you. You express yourself more freely, playfully, and spontaneously and are more willing to take chances. You will have Lady Luck in your corner so be sure to look for good deals. Social activities, travel and attending different cultural events will all lead to meeting people who can help further your goals. The dramatic and performing arts, sports and games, or other forms of self-expression and entertainment appeal strongly to you now. You can accomplish much if you set your mind to it.
Scorpio: From the beginning of this month you will have been enjoying the success that you worked hard to achieve. Don’t be too quick to put your energy into new projects as you approach the New Moon, wait until the end of the month. All kinds of creative work are favoured and you might find yourself more closely involved with children at this time. Don’t be surprised if there is some conflict between your personal enjoyment and what others think you should be doing for kicks. Those things that need to be discussed and settled with the family can be dealt with in the next few weeks.
Sagittarius: Take a trip back into your past and you will find the answers you are looking for. Now it’s time to make changes instead of doing a repeat performance. Taking time to talk with neighbours and folks you cross paths with daily may result in more positive and smoother-running relationships generally. You’ll want to fritter away your time on fun and social events over the New Moon, but this may not be at all bad, things have been serious enough for you to want to take a break now. This is a good time to participate in or contribute to any community events in your area
Capricorn: Money, possessions, financial security, and practical matters are a focus for you now. You can make some very interesting professional or financial moves this month. Be ready to put your money on the table in order to get ahead. If you have tended to be generous or extravagant with your resources, you may begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. At the least, it should become clear to you what your next steps should be regarding your finances. Your astute vision will enable you to correctly assess the right investment, job or any other money matter that arise after the New Moon phase.
Aquarius: During this time you can make an impression on others by making a strong statement to the world about who you are. People recognise you and are likely to follow your lead, or at the least they stay out of your way. You are likely to feel more confident and vital now. However, you may be so preoccupied with yourself and your own desires that you unintentionally ignore other people and their needs. Include the ones you love in your plans and things will get progressively better. You should be able to strengthen the bond with someone who has been an influence in your life.
Pisces: You’ll be torn between what you want to do and what you have to do. Retreating from the world for a while and spending some quiet time alone to relax and rejuvenate appeals strongly to you now. You may feel like you are at low ebb and as if nothing is happening or you may simply not want to be ‘where the action is’. Don’t overreact, overdo or over-indulge to compensate for things not going according to your plans. Sometimes it’s best to do what you must, get it out of the way now. You’ll get your turn to please yourself. Competitive ambitions and ego drives are on hold now.
