**Special Event** Join me on Valentine’s Day at the HR MacMillian Planetarium!
AstroLink February 2014
February begins on the heels of a super new moon in Aquarius, Venus freshly out of a six week retrograde cycle, Mercury freshly into Pisces, and Jupiter/Pluto hitting a major “game-on”. Add it all up together and there’s plenty of high energy fuelling the Super Bowl Sunday on Feb 2 and the final preparations for the Sochi Olympics, starting Feb 7.
Jan 31 to Feb 11, Mercury in Pisces puts more potential and opportunity on brew. To some extent, the influence can create a more fluid go, but it also makes for greater vulnerability. Jupiter/Pluto keeps the threat of terrorism regarding Sochi as a real possibility, but it also suggests vigorous security efforts. We can expect that Putin and the Russian authorities will go over and above to keep it full lock-it-down mode. Mercury turns retrograde on Feb 6 and backs into Aquarius on Feb 12. Aquarius is an archetype of the unexpected, and that’s what terrorism is about. Experts are suggesting that Sochi might not be the target, but that a neighbouring local maybe. When Mercury is retrograde in Aquarius, expect the unexpected!
Perhaps Sochi will get off to a mild start, but you can expect the excitement to pick up, especially over Valentine’s Day weekend, and over the few days preceding or following. Feb 14 delivers a full moon in Leo, the sign archetype that is associated with gold. We should see some terrific wins over these couple of days, perhaps even some new record settings during the full moon weekend and the days that follow, but of course all the Olympians and their supporters deserve gold just for putting so much into it
Mercury retrograde in Aquarius trines Mars in Libra mid month, roughly from Feb 12 to 18. It is sure to be an enlivened time for social trends, social opportunity, and political activism. As is typical of the retrograde, re-meets, repeats, or re-visitations are likely. Mars well aligned with the full moon on Valentine’s Day raises confidence levels and stokes the bonfire for lovers and performers, for a special event or strike-it-rich weekend. In addition to exciting winning streaks, watch for big news and announcements. Synchronicity is well lit; it can be a time of outstanding or exceptional firsts. Feb 15, Mercury conjoins the sun and brings the retrograde cycle its peak. Pisces month begins on Feb 18 with Mercury/Saturn in a threshold crossing, over the crunch, or shift gears aspect.
Mercury ends retrograde on the Pisces new moon, Feb 28. Jupiter is well aligned on this date, suggesting the month finishes with the numbers up, the opportunity mobilized, more than the usual on the launch-pad, and plenty more in flight too.
Feb 14: Full Moon in Leo, 3: 53 pm (26:13 Leo)
Feb 28: New Moon in Pisces, 11: 59 pm (10:39 Pisces)
Feb 3: Ceres into Scorpio, 9:21 am
Feb 4: Sedna stations direct, 10:39 pm
Feb 6: Mercury in Pisces stations retrograde, 1:43 pm (3:18 Pisces)
Feb 12: Mercury retrograde backs into Aquarius
Feb 18: Sun enters Pisces, 10:00 am
Feb 28: Ceres stations retrograde, 0:41 am (1:52 Scorpio)
Feb 28: Mercury ends retrograde: 6:00 am
** Please note, all times listed are PST, please check your local listing.
Dates to watch: Feb 3, 6, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 24, 25, 28
ARIES (March 21- April 19)
Now that Venus retrograde has ended, you’ll find that plans and projects move along and that you are on the way to gaining better control – over yourself, your money, and your circumstances too. Through the start of March, Venus in Capricorn benefits your professional profile and reputation. Stay organized and keep the goal in mind. You stand to make great gains. Added upfront effort will increase the both the short term and the eventual pay-off.
The start of Mercury retrograde can see you ease up or let go a bit more. Still, keep track of your stuff and guard your health. Mercury retrograde in Pisces is ideal for creative development, spiritual questing, a vacation, getaway, or hide-out. On another note, the transit can make you wonder if you’ve missed the boat on something important. Once Mercury backs into Aquarius, which it does on Feb 12, you get better clued in. As of mid month, you should find the action picks up and/or that you are plugged in once again. As is typically of the retrograde, expect to re-meet folks you haven’t connected with for awhile. Social, creative, or romantic, Feb 13 to 16 can a happening time. Feb 18 can add another layer or see another wall or block tumble. Feb 24/25 can be another breakthrough or mobilizing time. The new moon on Feb 28 can stir up something big and/or reveal more than you were previously aware of.
TAURUS (April 20 -May 20)
The end of Venus retrograde and Mercury’s recent advance into Pisces can make life go easier on you. As of Feb 3 when Ceres advances into Scorpio, you should find that your actions, activities, and exchanges take you into richer/deeper, more impactful territory. As of Feb 6 when Mercury begins retrograde, you’ll find resistance diminishes, emotionalism increases, and/or that you don’t hold back much. An indulgent mood can get the better of you. Watch your spending and your vices.
Feb 12 to 28, Mercury backs through Aquarius. Positively, the influence finds you energized, and moving along a faster track. Of course, the retrograde can also open a door you thought was already closed, and/or see you revisit unfinished business. Thought it was a done deal? You could be in for surprise. A contract, agreement, or debt may need to be revisited or revised.
Feb 14 to 20 can be especially eventful, perhaps even opportune. You could gain a second chance, another interview, or added advantage. Watch for someone to surprise you or to give you an extra break. On the other hand, someone could take advantage of you. Trust or security issues can arise. Stay alert.
You are making your way through a big process and there are several stages or layers to get through. Even though Mercury is retrograde for most of the month, as you wind your way along, you should feel that you are making good progress.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21)
The start of Mercury retrograde could prompt you to slack off or ditch out on the rules a little more than you usually do. Perhaps you feel you don’t have to sweat it so much, but while Mercury is retrograde, it is important to put added safeguards in place and to keep well covered on the details. Don’t rely on an assumption or expectation. Do you homework – double check plans, arrangements, payments, agreements, etc. It can be folly to be overly casual, especially about the important stuff.
Travel, a holiday, or time-off can hit it just right. Mercury’s backtrack into Aquarius on Feb 12 is an ideal transit for a fresh diversion or a break from the routine. Your social life, creativity, and writing can also gain a boost through month’s end. Feb 14 – 16 can be especially eventful and/or delightful.
Due to a facilitating alignment with Mars, Mercury retrograde may not be too much of a trouble maker this time around. In fact, it can give you the opportunity to reconnect, revisit, revise, and to make better strides with someone or something. You never know where a quick hello, look see, or simple conversation can lead. Don’t discount a thing.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
The start of the month can dish up fresh potentials, prospects, or added challenges. Big wheels can set into motion. Even though there’s big living to do, Mercury in Pisces makes the going a little easier on you.
Mercury’s backtrack through Aquarius, starting Feb 12 can see you revisit a matter to do with relationship, finances, or health. There could be consequences to deal with, or a need to clarify or iron something out. To the plus, the retrograde cycle can provides an opportunity to make an important addition or improvement, to pick it up where you left off, to repeat something and/or to build upon a previous success.
Put extra attention to establishing or grooming relationships that can help you to get a leg up. Someone in a key position can hold all the cards. You may not be able to jump through any hoops, but you’ll get what you deserve, so put the effort into meeting the requirements.
Through the beginning of March, Venus shows you what real and viable; what you can expect or gain from others on a personal or professional note. To the positive, a significant relationship can be cemented, or an important contract can be signed or renegotiated. Of course, Mercury travels retrograde from Feb 6 to 28, so if you can, wait to end of the month to finalize the contract or to make an important move. If you can’t wait, Feb 14 to 16 offers a great window.
Overall, you should find that relationships, inner harmony and the balancing act are on the upswing, especially so around Valentine’s Day and the full moon weekend and again at the end of the month. Feb 28 brings the end of Mercury retrograde and a wonderfully opportune new moon in Pisces.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
Have you been on a build up but haven’t quite gotten to it yet? Now that Venus has finished retrograde, you should find you make better progress regarding work, studies, personal and improvement projects. Time is precious and it is moving on. To the beginning of March, ambition and better organization will deliver a pay-off. Stay on top of what you need to. Venus can help you to make better use of your money too.
Mercury has just advanced into Pisces but it won’t stay there long. Due to its retrograde tour which starts on Feb 6, Mercury will revisit Aquarius starting Feb 12. You could be pulled back into another round regarding a relationship or financial matter. Positively, Mercury retrograde can provide you with a second interview or second chance. The more you go along, the more you’ll know. Never say never. You could change your mind about something or someone.
Mercury is well aligned with Mars in the middle of the month. Feb 12 through the following week provides great social and financial opportunity. It can be a cinch to get a positive dialogue or good spark lit. It’s also a good time for writing or sideline projects, sales and marketing campaigns, educational pursuits, for advancing legal talks, and for exploring fresh options. On a cautionary note, when Mercury is retrograde, you can get swept up in the potentials of the moment. Not everything that is presented will come to fruition, but know it is all part of a process of getting you to where you need to/want to be.
Coinciding with a full moon in playful, romantic, social, and showy Leo, Valentine’s day/weekend can prove to be something special. Feb 12 to 16 can light a great spark. Indulge and enjoy, but also remember that Mercury is in retrograde, so don’t go to extremes, and don’t drink and drive.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Venus is back on track and for the most part, so are you. Organization, good time management, ambition – keep these tools upfront and center. Previous efforts will now begin to show a better pay-off. Venus helps you to become more seasoned, polished, professional, and wizened. You have more behind you/ more experience to back you up now. You’ll continue to gain from Venus in Capricorn through the start of March.
Feb 6 to 28, Mercury retrograde can see you backtrack over a relationship or work issue, but remember that Venus loans you added backbone and support. In fact, although you could get pulled back into something, you are like to find your perspective has expanded. You can entertain a new solution or approach that wasn’t possible even just a short time ago.
Mercury retrograde and Mars in Libra open the lines of communication in the second and third weeks of the month. Feb 12 onward is a good time to revisit the conversation/topic or to renegotiate terms and deals.
Feb 15, 16 are great for reconnecting or for doing your own thing. Feb 18 can see you work a little harder to figure it out or to get back into a full swing, but for the most part
you should find the rest of the month keeps it moving fairly well. Mercury ends retrograde on the Pisces new moon of Feb 28. It’s a great weekend for entertainment, socializing, romance or a getaway.
LIBRA (SEPT 22-OCT 22)
The start of Feb can see you forging ahead and covering productive ground thanks to the end of Venus retrograde. Stay goal oriented. Through the beginning of March, Venus helps you to sort out your priorities and needs, and to set better boundaries in place.
Mercury’s short dip into Pisces can make the work, the struggle, or the uncertainty somewhat easier to handle. Once Mercury turns retrograde (Feb 6), make sure to put extra attention to details, to follow-up or through. Also put added attention to health, safety, and the good for you stuff.
Mercury’s backtrack into Aquarius can liven up your social life. As is typical of the cycle, you are likely to interface with folks you haven’t seen for awhile. A past love or crush could reappear, whether in person or through the wanderings of your mind.
Mercury and Mars in Libra are in a good dialogue from Feb 12 to 18, so know synchronicity is on your side. It’s a good time to reconnect, revisit, or re-negotiate. It’s also a good time to put yourself or your personal interests first, to enjoy on your own or to explore something creative. Upgrade your resume, website, social profile, etc.
SCORPIO (Oct 23~Nov 22)
February begins with Venus just out of retrograde and Mercury just into Pisces. Together they bring a sense that a pressure ceiling has lifted, that there is more possibility and potential in sight than there was just yesterday. While the daily grind can be a little easier to take, don’t waste your productive/creative window. Get cooking on those projects and ambitions, and aim to get yourself as far as you can. As of Feb 6, Mercury in Pisces does an about face. On Feb 12, Mercury dips back into Aquarius. The retrograde cycle could see you sidetracked by people, events, or unexpected extras.
To the plus, Feb 9 onward can be ideal for a get away or for booking extra time off. Mercury retrograde in trine to Mars in Libra can keep you creatively energized, especially in the second half of the month. This combination also suggests you have something lucrative or juicy cooking in the background. It could be an advantage, a hidden ace, a creative project or great idea, or the goods could show up in a supporter, benefactor, ally, fan, or lover. Keep that special project or new development under wraps as best you can for now. By the last week of the month and into mid March, you’ll know how to play it and/or how it will play out.
The new moon on February 28 is very fortunate for you. Launch it, spread your wings, travel, teach, go exploring, seek your fame, try your luck, etc.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 ~ Dec 21)
January has taken you through an important – and perhaps sobering – financial, relationship, and personal reassessment period. With Venus in Capricorn now moving forward again, you’ll find you can get a better handle on your priorities. You should find that have something more substantial to work with.
Mercury’s recent entrance into Pisces can make you more hopeful. Too, it can dissipate some of your sense of urgency, and/or see you let go or coast along with greater ease. It can be encouraging to see how easily things shape up or come together. Too, your emotional sensitivity and compassion is likely to up a couple of notches. Peace, quiet and privacy could be quite appealing, but watch for Mercury retrograde (starting Feb 6) and it’s backtrack into Aquarius on Feb 12 to keep you busier. It can be a socially, intellectually, and physically active time. Feb 12 to 16, there’s excitement to be had. Right place, right time, these dates are great for connecting, sharing, or sports.
Feb 18, 23 – 25 can be days when you get swept up, overtaxed, or have too much to deal with. Aim to stay on top of the moment, take it one step at a time, and you’ll navigate just fine. Mercury ends retrograde on the new moon Feb 28. This is a smooth and fortunate move along or travel day. You can go further, cover more, gain more than usual.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 ~ Jan 19)
Ready to hit it? Already out the gate? The end of Venus retrograde takes the brakes off whatever has held you back as of late. You’ll gain another month of Venus in Capricorn to the beginning of March, but it will continue to benefit you even after it leaves your sign. The next eighteen months will shape and define the long term next stage of your life, especially regarding your career, material, and relationship status. Yes, it is an appropriate time to stay ambitious, to take your needs, priorities, and goals seriously, to put intention into action and to invest your all.
Mercury’s recent dip into Pisces brings a potential into greater visibility. Over the first week of Feb, it also helps you to let go or unwind more, to ease your way through a transition or an inner dilemma.
Mercury turns retrograde on Feb 6, and revisits Aquarius as of Feb 12. The retrograde will end on Feb 28, but Mercury will continue in Aquarius to March 17. While touring this sign, Mercury will take you through an accelerated discovery process. The cycle will show you what you have to work with, what’s worthy of your time, money or heart, where you need to be more of a risk taker, and what needs to be revamped or ditched altogether. The transit will also make you more resourceful and innovative. It will push you to come up with something new for yourself. This Mercury transit could stimulate a fresh income source, a new relationship, or new relationship set-up.
Feb 12 onward, communication lines can be re-opened. It can be a time to renegotiate finances or relationship responsibilities. Feb 13 to 16 can be auspicious for collaborative projects, contract and financial undertakings, for partnering up, and/or breaking new professional, intimate, or personal relationship ground. The new moon on Feb 28 is also fortunate, even lucky. It’s great for travel, socializing, romance, educational pursuits, publishing, marketing, or scouting missions.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 ~ Feb 18)
Mercury has just left your sign, but due to its retrograde cycle, it will revisit Aquarius from Feb 12 to March 17. It could do even more for you this second time around, thanks to several other planetary influences on a productive and lucrative move-ahead.
The end of January delivered a super new moon in Aquarius. This new moon will continue to spark and spur you through the middle of February. Expect for life to be buzzed up for the next several weeks. The moment delivers best, let synchronicity lead the way. Of course, it is important to pay closer attention to the details, messages, or signals while Mercury is retrograde. Guard your health and safety, and don’t overstrain when you are exercising or at play.
As is typical of Mercury retrograde, you can expect to reconnect with folks. Feb 12 to 18, Mercury and Mars make for great socializing, partnering, and same page accord.
Social or romantic, for the day or the weekend, the Valentine’s Day full moon lights a great spark.
The last week of February keeps the moment to moment going strong. Mercury ends retrograde on the new moon on Feb 27. Ditch the work and enjoy a long weekend if you can. If not, aim for profit, there’s plenty to be had.
PISCES (Feb 19 ~ March 20)
Use the first few days of Feb to seize the moment and you’ll take advantage of a fleeting window of opportunity. Usually I would not recommend waging a race just before Mercury turns retrograde, which it will do on Feb 6. Still, with Venus just out of retrograde and Jupiter/Pluto in action, so there’s extra stellar support to draw from.
Mercury in Pisces energizes you. For the most part, you can motor along with greater ease through the first half of the month. Even so, pay closer attention, safeguard more, and ease up on the throttle, especially so Feb 6 to 8 when Mercury starts retrograde tour.
Feb 12 to 28, Mercury revisits Aquarius. You could find you have less ability to direct the show during this time, so take your clues from the moment and aim to go with the flow even more. Mercury retrograde is ideal for a change of scenery, a vacation, or for taking time out from the everyday grind. It can be an excellent transit for creative musings. You should find yourself well stimulated. Mercury in Aquarius and retrograde is a transit that can give you cabin fever and/or make you restless for change. You may consider a job, option, treatment, or involvement that you might not otherwise entertain. Too, the cycle could bring you to a personal, financial, or relationship moment of truth. No matter how it goes down with another, it is good to get it out in the open and to clear the air. The cycle is a productive one for self discovery, for figuring out what’s best for you and for all. Regarding pleasure, entertainment, romance, or work, Feb 14 to 16 can get something great rev’d up. The end of Mercury retrograde on Feb 28 coincides with an auspicious new moon in Pisces. Luck and opportunity is on your side. It’s a great time for travel, a move, education, marketing, publishing, performing, for speculative ventures, for spreading your wings, or for setting yourself free.