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SKYWATCH FOR FEBRUARY 2008
Dates
and times are all Eastern time zone
As February begins, Mercury has just turned retrograde and Mars has just turned direct, so there is a bit of a feel of moving forwards (Mars direct) while looking back (Mercury retrograde). Mars, which has been retrograde since November, is moving now through the last degrees of Gemini on its way back to Cancer where in March it will make the third and final opposition to Pluto which is now in Capricorn. Mercury is retrograding back to a conjunction to Neptune that will be exact on the 2nd. The recent failure of the underseas (Neptune) cable that provided internet communications (Mercury) to Asia can be seen as illustrative of Mercury traveling retrograde in conjunction to Neptune. Things can be more confusing, and we may be more eager to embrace illusion (Neptune) as we are forced to go back (Mercury) and re-do some things that have been left unfinished. On the other hand, Neptune inspires our creativity and this is a fantastic time to complete unfinished music or art projects. Our creativity is high, and Mercury Retrograde facilitates the process of going back to perfect what is not yet complete. The effect of the Mercury/Neptune conjunction will last throughout the first week of February and impact the New Moon eclipse as well. The conjunction of Venus to Jupiter on February 1st will bring a lovely couple of days of harmony and generosity of spirit as the two "benefics" meet. This will soften any difficulty that may arise under the Mercury/Neptune confusion, and is likely to enhance the creative impulses of Neptune as well. Both Venus and Jupiter add grace to whatever planetary dynamic they find, and they are both pleasure-driven so stock up on chocolates and bubble bath! The New Moon on February 6 is also an annular (not total) eclipse of the Sun as the Sun and Moon conjunct at 17 degrees Aquarius. The New Moon is part of a stellium (grouping) of Aquarian planets which includes Chiron, Mercury and Neptune as well as the Sun and Moon. Aquarius is associated with invention, technology, originality, and humanitarian goals but can also be emotionally detached and quirky. Venus also makes a sextile (harmonious aspect) to Uranus (ruler of Aquarius) during the New Moon which accelerates the radical revolutionary energy of the time. This is a good time to gather people together (Venus/Uranus) to share ideas (Aquarius). Eclipses occur when the Sun and Moon conjunct the lunar nodes, but in this event the nodes are rather far which in my view will lessen the effect of the eclipse. Some of us are more sensitive to lunar events than others. Individuals with planets in Cancer, or who have prominent Moons or lots of water in their chart will be more effected by the eclipse than others. New Moons are typically the perfect time to begin new projects because the conscious (Sun) and the instinctive (Moon) are in alignment. However, this is an eclipse period and while I have not found this to be the dangerous time that some astrologers warn of, the combination of the eclipse and Mercury Retrograde does not necessarily bode well for new ventures right now. In Aquarius we are working with the realm of ideas, so perhaps this time will be better spent creating new ideas and new visions. On the 7th, Mercury retrogrades back to a conjunction with Chiron where it seeks messages (Mercury) of healing (Chiron). For a few days we may be more sensitive and touchy, particularly if we are undergoing a transit of Chiron to our natal chart. On the other hand, we may develop a new understanding (Mercury) of the underlying issues that cause us pain (Chiron). Mercury begins to slow down around the 14th as it prepares to change direction and move forward once again on the 18th. When a planet's motion slows down its influence becomes stronger, and until the end of February we may find ourselves still under the retrograde effect. Communication is more precarious, it is more difficult to make ourselves understood during this slowdown even though Mercury has turned direct. Venus enters Aquarius on February 17, and fairness becomes more of an issue in our dealing with others. When the Sun enters Pisces on February 19, there is an increased sensitivity and sweetness that seeks a deeper and more spiritual experience in life. Also around this time we begin to experience the approaching sextile (harmonious aspect) of Jupiter (abundance and possibility) to Uranus (innovation and change). Although this aspect won't perfect until early March, we will begin to see its effects now with a growing excitement and sense of inspiration. The Full Moon late on February 20 is an eclipse of the Moon as the Earth blocks the light of the Sun. The Full Moon is conjunct Saturn and trine Pluto, which begins to bring in the energy of the upcoming Saturn/Pluto trine. Saturn gives us challenges and a sense of restriction, but when in a harmonious aspect to Pluto (which will be exact in April) it provides us with the discipline and focus that we need to be able to strengthen our will and manifest our own power (Pluto). This will be a powerful Full Moon with strong energy. Mercury will conjunct Venus on February 26 which is the perfect time for conferences or making plans for situations where people will communicate with each other. For the few days before and after the 26th it's easier for individuals to understand each other and make their views known in a way that will be easily received. Around this time we also begin to feel the effects of the approaching opposition between Mars and Pluto. Although these two planets have faced off twice before in this cycle, they were in different signs with Mars in Gemini and Pluto in Sagittarius, and the energy of that battle was more fiery and aggressive. The Cancer/Capricorn opposition is cooler and has more to do with balancing the emotional (Cancer) with the practical (Capricorn). All in all, February appears to be a month of smooth and flowing energy. Take advantage of the power of the eclipses, and have a great month! |
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Venus conjunct Jupiter