February brings a quieter forecast with Mercury retrograde, beginning on February 16. In the past, retrogrades tended to indicate a period of rest, but it’s very important that we stay on track. When we can’t actively pursue our desires, we can meditate on them or continue working on them in a quiet way. In other words, persist!
(There’s tremendous pressure from the planets for change, growth, and a new way of being. It’s accomplished through action motivated by the inner self–as opposed to running around and trying to do everything. When we feel the “push”, we can recognize it as a planetary push, detach, and reconnect with the inner self, which is how we create spiritual change in the inner and outer world.)
The Full Snow Moon appears on February 9. It’s a super moon, meaning it’s closer than usual to the earth and will feel more intense. Sun is in Aquarius, the humanitarian sign of the New Age. Moon is placed in Leo, a fire sign ruling the heart, which ignites passion and desire for love, romance, and drama. Moon trines Mars (action) in Sagittarius, urging direct action and assertiveness. It encourages optimism and hope.
Mercury (communication, mind) is in Pisces, the sign of the last age. In this position, it encourages reflection and union with mysticism. The planet conjuncts Neptune, which can connect us to the unseen world and convey information, particularly relating to spiritual mysteries. Mercury trines North Node (the spiritual path or endeavor) in Cancer, encouraging insights about empathy and emotional understanding.
Venus (love, partnership) moved in Aries, creating a bolder, fiery tone with relationships and feminine issues. Venus squares Mars, continuing the friction between male/female energies. Venus conjuncts (close to) Chiron, the wounded healer, and we may heal ourselves by opening to love, redefining our feelings/beliefs about love, and taking affirmative steps in a romantic direction.
Mars (assertion, male energy) in Sagittarius boosts our desire to move ahead on our quest. Fire signs bring creativity, energy, and motion. Mars (action) trines Uranus, emphasizing bold action, but it squares Neptune, meaning our vision is not always clear. We may feel the push to move forward but lack clarity with our sense of direction. (If the opportunity appears to act – as visualized – take advantage of it. Ask advice on other issues.)
Jupiter (expansion, good fortune) in Capricorn conjuncts Pluto, the planet ruling the underworld, transmutation, and power. It opens the opportunity to use natural abilities and talents to create achievement. Pluto rules all types of power, and it’s wise to focus on endeavors that benefit the self – and the all. Personal pursuits for power can bring our “undoing”. (This aspect may well apply to current political and global trends.)
Saturn, planet of limitation and karma, squares (tension) Uranus (quantum field, erratic change). Saturn likes slow motion, and Uranus loves rapid change. There’s a combination of very different energies with pressure to change our lives while remaining loyal to responsibilities and creations from the past. It’s about expanding while working with the structure of our current lives. It can feel frustrating and confining, but the object is about finding balance—learning to grow in one’s present circumstances. Saturn and Pluto are conjunct in the relatively rare aspect that can bring awakening of higher consciousness and the power to build a more benevolent world.
Uranus (quantum field, sudden change) squares Pluto (underworld, transformation), dredging up hidden truths from the dark rivers of the subconscious while bringing old patterns of repetition to the surface. It’s wonderful when we can see it and make constructive change; it’s painful when we feel it but can’t grasp the underlying truth.)
Tips:
- Several aspects in the chart exert influences that can give the feeling of a “push” and the sensation of life moving faster than usual. Slow down and review when the feeling occurs. Align with the inner self and think about what’s truly important to personal growth and the pursuit of dreams. Let go of the rest.
- It’s important to take action when pursuing goals. A slower period of reflection begins on February 16 with Mercury retrograde. Currently, Mars encourages action, but our vision can be clouded by the Mars/Neptune square.
- Mercury in Pisces combines emotions and thoughts with a spiritual focus.
- We’re in a period of intense change that involves higher and lower consciousness as indicated by Jupiter conjunct Pluto and Saturn conjunct Pluto. It continues throughout the year.
- Venus (love, relationships) is very active in its placement in Aries. It asks for assertiveness with love and creative reflection.
- Jupiter increases the force of our natural talents and pushes us forward through its conjunction (close to) Pluto (transformation, power, subconscious). It’s best to keep the good of “all” in mind when forming goals.
- Saturn (time, limitation) and Uranus (sudden change, quantum field) are square, creating a conflict between responsibilities to our present life and the urge to force change.
- The Full Moon will feel intense. Plan accordingly.
Sabian Symbols, from Lynda Hill’s work
Sun is on 21 Aquarius, “A Woman Disappointed and Disillusioned, Courageously Facing a Seemingly Empty Life”. The image depicts a hopeless review of a meaningless life; however, lives often change when we look at them with courage and a willingness to alter our beliefs. When we focus on the good with gratitude, overcome old perceptions, and approach possibilities, life improves.
Moon sits on 21 Leo, “Intoxicated Chickens Dizzily Flap Their Wings” symbolizes overreaching and forgetting to work with the limitations in our current life. In metaphysics, whatever doesn’t work is a lesson in rewriting our desires and goals—as well as approaching life in a different way with a new, more practical perspective.
Mercury is placed on 9 Pisces, “The Race Begins: Intent on Outdistancing His Rivals, a Jockey Spurs His Horse to Great Speed.” It can certainly feel like a race with the current pressure from the outer planets; however, racing to our goals is not a good answer. Reaching goals on a spiritual level involves consistent change, practice, and discipline. Feel the desire but do the work.
Venus is on 2 Aries, “A Comedian Entertaining a Group of Friends”. Part of love is bringing humor and lightness to life. Fun actually lifts our vibrations. Bringing lighter vibrations can help others and create a communal feeling of unity, particularly with those we love.
Mars sits on 26 Sagittarius, “A Flag-Bearer in Battle”. The symbol refers to acting on conviction, representing a cause, and/or promoting truth. Currently, the symbol may ask if we’re ready to move ahead on inner convictions and create a new life.
Jupiter is on 16 Capricorn, “School Grounds Filled with Boys and Girls in Gymnasium Suits”. Interaction, movement, and physical vitality are implied by the symbol. It implies instruction, fun, and awareness of energy between the two sexes.
Julia Griffin, intuitive healer and owner of One True Self, began her work fifteen years ago under the tutelage of real wolves. Following their direction, Julia sees and reads energy, including animals, plants and people. She works with people in session to find their resonance with the soul, clearing patterns and alignment with their inner path.
