Monthly Forecast for February 2012
(If you don’t know any astrology, just leave that part out and read about the day... you’ll get the idea)
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February has an interesting energetic charge. The inner planets, signifying our personal lives, are the most active, but the outer planets - our collective concerns - are subtly shifting the background. We are both building towards and taking a break from the high activity that will characterize the spring of 2012.
The mood is Piscean and Neptunian - subtle energies that are powerful but sometimes difficult to recognize and work with: it is more a matter of surfing the waves than controlling the tide; more a matter of experience than overt action.
Venus, planet of love and relationship, is very active this month. She begins the month with a passionate opposition to Mars (who is retrograde in Virgo) on the 1st. This is a you-and-me aspect, although whether the planet of love and the planet of passion are partners or opponents depends on your individual circumstances.
The big news of the month is likely to slip under the astrological radar: Neptune enters Pisces on the 3rd, returning after an absence of about 130 years. It is big doings, and you may want to catch up on it with my Video Astroblog. Spirituality will come to the forefront over the next 14 years - but we may be surprised what we consider spiritual.
The 7th is a busy day in the skies. Saturn stations to retrograde at the very last degree of Libra, calling our attention to relationships and partnerships of all kinds. The serious Saturnian feeling can create a subtle anxiety around these areas. It is as though through all that is going on we are being asked to consider what really matters in our relationships.
The full moon is also on the 7th. In the sign of Leo, this is usually the party moon of the year, but with Saturn manning the brakes, don’t be surprised if the party is a bit of a washout (or you get stuck in traffic on the way there). Saturn stations are famous for colds and other minor illnesses going around, so you might want to boost your immune system, or you could be sniffling your way through the party.
On the 8th, Venus enters Aries. The Goddess might choose to put on her running shoes, or she may just decide to be a bit more direct. Venus in Aries is a fun, sexy energy - the feminine in an outgoing, assertive mode. With Mars retrograde in the sign of the virgin, it should be an interesting dynamic!
The first order of business for Venus is her yearly meeting with Uranus. New relationships, or a new approach to an existing one, are favored. The status quo is likely to seem dull, so try something new.
Mercury is active on the 13th and 14th. His trine to Saturn suggests a good, serious talk about partnership. As he enters Pisces, he meets up with Neptune. The days around this meeting might be a little foggy - good for meditation and dreaming but less helpful for practical matters. We may get important messages about Neptune’s time in Pisces, so listen carefully.
A Venus-Pluto square on the 15th will cast its shadow across Valentine’s Day. Sure, this could passionate, but power struggles and jealousy could also be part of the picture. At any rate, this Valentine’s Day could be more leather than lace. Read that little candy heart carefully before popping it in your mouth.
A Mercury-Jupiter sextile on the 16th should be very productive for communication.
The sun enters Pisces on the 19th, further bringing our focus (or lack of focus) to Neptunian issues. Sol meets up with the God of the Seas later the same day, more of the opening ceremonies of Neptune-in-Pisces. Get the vibe - this is more about feeling your way through than understanding - although don’t throw your critical mind away, a sailboat needs a good keel.
The sun in Pisces, meeting Neptune.... and the new moon. The Pisces new moon is on the 21st, and once again, this is an inward-looking energy (as all new moons are). To sum it all up in appropriately vague terms, the time from the 19th through the 22nd is about going inward, connecting to whatever it is you connect to via dreams, meditation, or at least a little time alone. Set your spiritual intentions around this time - it is profound beginning to one of the most important eras in our personal and collective lives.
Mercury opposes Mars on the 23rd. A bit of irritability may creep in, like when we are awakened from a dream. Express yourself, but be considerate.
The 25th and the 28th have constructive solar aspects to Jupiter and Pluto as the moon waxes. This is an active time, but we should be able to keep perspective. The first quarter moon on the 29th (this is a leap-year) is in the sign of Gemini. Communication is key in February - being able to articulate your feelings and your vision is part of the challenge. This first quarter moon may be more about opening up and sharing with others.
