February opened with a Full Moon and Imbolc, the halfway point between winter and spring. It brought cold snow that shimmered under the moon and covered much of the east coast.

Next week, the annular solar eclipse with its ring of fire appears on Tuesday, February 17 along with the New Moon. The eclipse is in Aquarius, the sign of the New Age that rules collective action, innovation, and humanitarianism. Depicted as a star woman or man pouring water from a jar, Aquarius often presents new, forward-thinking ideas and thoughts, which pertain to the future.

On the day of the eclipse, Saturn (limitation, karma) moves into Aries and joins Neptune in Aries (illusion, mysticism, dreams) in a tight conjunction, which becomes exact on February 20. (Conjunctions occur when planets are close together in the same sign and degree.) Aries is a fire sign, which amplifies feelings and emotions.

Saturn asks for discipline, realism, and focus on the material world. Neptune likes to flow and float while inspiring beauty, dreams, and artistic endeavors. In one sense, the energies of the two planets are somewhat contradictory, but on another level, it’s impossible to create dreams without discipline and persistence. This is the mastery from the perceived conflict; both energies are needed to create personal dreams in the physical world. In short, dreams are created through disciplined work.

In the outer world, it may represent changes in the global order, which currently seems focused on the negative aspects of capitalism and actions of world leaders. We can hope and focus on a better future. (It’s well known that this aspect has changed the balance of power in various countries in the past. The aspect appeared during the beginning of the War between the States, and it ended the Cold War.)

When influential planets are changing signs, it can create a space of transition in life. Neptune in Pisces urges us to float and dream without plans or discipline, and Neptune in Aries conjunct Saturn asks for greater discipline and strength to put plans on a more active plan. It’s possible to experience both energies in a single day—floating and resting for part of the day and/or overdoing for the remainder of the day. Neither state of being works perfectly. As always, it’s about finding a balance between the 2 sides of the self.

Neptune rules illusion and inspiration. It’s definitely a time of seeing through illusions, stories, and news, which is reported as “real”.  Illusions are often dissolved as Neptune changes signs. The truth becomes obvious, and we discover what is true, which is important on path to higher consciousness. The old structures are slowly collapsing, and the true answers are within ourselves–our dreams, imagination, and inner knowing.

Saturn rules the past, and it’s a time to rebuild our selves by using fragments of the past, reviving old dreams, and creating an image of the new self. Saturn likes stillness and reflection, and the sign of Aries prefers motion. It tends to become impatient when time is needed for change and alteration in the pattern of life.  This position asks for humility and understanding of how help can come from the universe and other people. It can lead to compassion and greater understanding of the self and life, particularly when we realize the biggest shifts come from changing ourselves.

In addition to the eclipse, the Chinese New Year begins on February 17 with the Year of the Fire Horse. As a former equestrian, I know riding or jumping a horse can feel like flying, but riding without direction or intent in mind can lead to undesirable events. For this reason, we look between the horse’s ears, and the horse moves to the motion of our eyes, head, or hands. Take time to establish a direction and focus in life before moving into the fiery path of Year of the Horse. What do you really want, and how do you want to get there?

Mercury (communications, electronics) will move retrograde on February 26 with the usual ensuing confusion and mix-ups, giving time to review desirable changes and to complete older projects. All Mercury retrogrades are in water in 2026.

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. If you would like to seek additional spiritual change and insight into your life, please contact me for information about an intuitive session.