The astrology of February 2024!

 

Time certainly flies, and can you believe we are actually in the 2^nd month of 2024 already? Happy Valentine’s Day!

This month, the Sun, Mars, Venus and Mercury are already in Aquarius or will be. That’s a lot of Aquarian energy so let’s talk about what this is all about.

-The Sun in Aquarius, like all other Aquarius planets rules the 11^th house of the collective and where ever the Sun goes the spotlight shines.  Sun/Aquarius is more social than the last sign it transited through which was Capricorn. Now is the time to relax a little, think outside the box and enjoy your friends and acquaintances more. The Sun remains in Aquarius until the 18^th when it enters Pisces.

-The Sun enters Pisces February 19th and is a radical change from Aquarius. Aquarius is a rational Air sign and Pisces is an emotional Water sign. Pisces is the final sign in the zodiac that rules the 12^th house or the part of the chart that represents endings, places of seclusion and the unconscious mind. This part of the zodiac is considered the realm of the unknown that also relates to things like secrets, dreams and magic.  At times this house can represent secret enemies or clandestine affairs or relationships that remain secret and hidden. It represents the place where anxieties and fears are formed as well as where they can be overcome, changed or transformed into something far more positive and productive. Pisces is the most ethereal sign of the zodiac.

Pisces planetary rulers are Jupiter and Neptune. Jupiter is the planet of gain and expansion and Neptune rules the oceans, intuition, psychics, dreams, drugs or alcohol, spirituality, and lies or deception along with self-deception. Neptune can represent beautiful dreams and inspiration or it can cause you to sink to the lowest of emotional depths. This is represented by the Pisces image which depicts two fish swimming in opposite directions.  

When the Sun enters Pisces expect to feel things more deeply and we tend to be much more emotional with the Sun in this sign until March 20^th. Lastly, Pisces is the final sign of winter or the mutable sign when weather begins to change. Next stop; spring and new beginnings with Aries!

-Mercury enters Aquarius February 5^th-23^rd. Aquarius is known for its quirky, wild and weird side as well as its intellectual, inventive and eccentric nature. The planetary rulers of Aquarius are Saturn and Uranus.

Uranus rules new, cutting edge types of concepts and with Mercury in this sign you may be able to expand your ideas and approaches and come up with more original ways of focusing on projects at work. In this way you may be able to benefit from Mercury’s transit through this most intellectual and logical of signs. Go bold this month as Uranus is known for producing cutting edge types of technology and innovations. If you can tap into this energy, you could have flashes of intuition that could lead to new ways of looking at things and new approaches to your work. Uranus-Aquarius is associated with concepts that may seem off the grid but later resulting in innovations that become the future norm. Don’t be afraid to try out your ideas within your group or team, as Mercury-Aquarius works well if not best within groups and the collective.

-Mercury changes signs twice in February and enters Pisces February 23^rd-March 10^th. While Mercury is in Pisces we can expect communication to become flakier, and miscommunication to be a common theme. Rather than being focused on facts, we may be swayed more by the mood and tone of thinking and conversations. We tend to operate more on intuition, and spend time reflecting on the past.  Our instincts often drive thinking and communication, dreams and fantasies can become more vivid and remain on our minds.

Pisces is a mutable water sign. While all water signs are sensitive and emotional, a mutable sign is changeable, so our thoughts and feelings will be constantly shifting and changing over the next 20 days just like the ocean which Pisces/Neptune has dominion over.

Pisces also rules religion and faith, and some will find this a more spiritual time, and focus on their inner life more than material. With Mercury in this sign we may be much more inclined to take a ‘leap of faith’ in some direction we have not previously tried. Many time we think about the bigger questions in life such as ‘what is my true purpose,’ ‘what is God,’ or ‘does life go on after death?’ None of these questions are trivial and topics like these will likely come up more frequently.

Compassion can be given and received during Mercury in Pisces. We are more attuned to others and their pain or problems at this time than we normally are.

The downside of this transit is that we may find that we are more forgetful, experience brain fog, or show up late at work or meetings as we are not so focused on details at this time. It is important to pay attention to communication because we can mishear something we thought was said or others may misspeak. We could be tempted to believe the unbelievable at some point, so before reaching any important decision make sure you get the facts straight.

-Venus leaves conservative Capricorn (I wrote about last month) for Aquarius February 16^th- March 11^th. While Venus was in Capricorn the energies was focused on practical responsibilities concerning love, work and money, and Capricorn is not a light hearted sign. Venus in Aquarius is unpredictable if not changeable as Aquarius is ruled by both Saturn and Uranus, the planet of unexpected change. Aquarius is a fixed Air sign so energy moves more slowly and can be resistant to change. Air signs bring a logical and detached approach to matters and operate from this basis rather than an emotional one. Aquarius is steadfast in terms of protecting individuality and does not change to follow trends, fads or the latest rage unless it is convinced this presents a better opportunity for all.

Freedom is all important to Venus Aquarius. You may not want to be confined or feel too tied down and may be more open to unusual friendships and hanging out with people who are different from your usual social circle. You will be interested in ideas outside the box, forming your own opinions, and more interested in making new friendships with unusual people.

-Mars enters Aquarius February 16^th-March 22^nd. Mars joins Venus in the sign of the water-bearer.  Mars is called the ‘God of War’ in astrology. This is because Mars rules our anger and how we take action, sex, our energy levels and men.

While Mars in Capricorn was focused on practical responsibilities and work, Aquarius energy is far different.  Mars in Capricorn is considered ‘exalted,’ which means its energy can be harnessed and focused in a slow steady approach toward a goal, even if it means playing the long game because Capricorn has plenty of patience and commitment to get there.

Mars in Aquarius action is more unpredictable if not changeable as Aquarius is ruled by both Saturn and Uranus, the planet of unexpected change. During Mars cycle in Aquarius we can expect unexpected change sometimes that seems out of the blue.

Aquarius is a fixed Air sign. With fixed signs energy moves more slowly and can be resistant to change. Air signs bring a logical and detached approach to matters and operate from this basis rather than an emotional one. Aquarius is steadfast in terms of protecting individuality in the face of change. This sign does not change to follow trends, fads or the latest rage unless it is convinced this presents a better opportunity for all.

Aquarius is considered the sign representing humanity and the collective. Aquarius concerns are typically global or their interest lies in terms of the larger betterment of all as opposed to certain people or groups. Many politicians are born with the Sun in Aquarius including Abraham Lincoln.

Mars-Aquarius does not like to be out of sync with others, especially those in his or her own groups. When a kindred spirit is found this sign can be the most social of all. If ideas clash too often Aquarius may seek out other groups they feel a greater connection to.

-Venus and Mars together in Aquarius does not occur every year or often. This year the two planets of love will dance together from February 16-March 11^th.

When Mars and Venus are in the same sign this increases the opportunities for some of the signs to meet someone new. In this case, those most likely to meet a new love are Aquarius and Libra, or those with Aquarius or Libra ascendants.

You could be affected by this in a positive way if you are an Air or fire sign, Libra and Aquarius in particular, or those who have significant planets in this sign.

-February’s New Moon falls at 20 degrees of Aquarius on February 9^th and this is considered a Supermoon. Supermoons are connected with significant weather or earth related events such as earthquakes or tsunamis. A Supermoon appears much closer to the Earth. I have studied Supermoons over the years and from my personal observations the energy seems stronger, and larger events seem to occur especially connected with natural disasters. Aquarius-Uranus has been associated with significant water related weather conditions, so I would not be surprised if we don’t see events like this on or close to this New Moon.

 Aquarius is ruled by both Saturn and Uranus, the planet of unexpected events and change and the moon squares Uranus making it very unpredictable and changeable. Aquarius rules the 11^th house of the collective and is tied into things that can affect us all on some level. Aquarius is associated with electronics, the internet, aircraft, technology, brilliance and innovation as well as explosive circumstances and at times explosions.

The Sun also squares Uranus which can lead to sudden and unexpected change or unanticipated events. W can look for this day or the days surrounding it to be significant on the world stage.

On a personal level we can use this energy for innovation and changes of direction. Uranus is about personal freedom, so in some cases change will be in order in terms of relationships, jobs or anything else that has outlived its purpose. Of course, we will not all experience change this dramatic. The Moon-Uranus energy can be restless, unpredictable, nervous energy or even seem exciting to some.

-February’s Full Moon falls at 5 degrees of Virgo February 24th and Virgo is the sign associated with work and health. Now will be the time to focus or visit the Dr. relating to any health issue that has come up. Virgo is ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication so communicating with others will be important at this time.

This Moon opposes Saturn which can be tiring draining energy. Saturn can cause blocks and delays so if this occurs give the energy a few days to pass and try again.

Mars is still conjunct Venus and sparks can fly on several levels with this aspect.  There can be trouble between the sexes or alternatively it can be an exciting time or you could meet someone new. If this is the case give the relationship time to determine if it goes beyond a physical attraction.

Other transits of significance:

Note: These transits peak on the days mentioned but the energy typically begins before the transit is exact and for a few days after.

February 5^th, Mercury conjuncts Pluto. This is argument and accident prone and it often deals with propaganda and heavy thinking. You may find it hard to let go of certain thoughts today because Pluto is obsessive in nature.

February 13-14 Mars conjuncts Pluto. So sorry, Valentine’s Day may not be great for everyone. Mars-Pluto combinations are associated with anger, obsessive thought and issues that can come up from the depths of the subconscious mind. This will have a greater affect if you have fixed planets-Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius at 0-1 degrees. Expect this and the surrounding days to bring major events on the world stage. Mars/Pluto in Aquarius is associated with explosive incidents, explosions, Aircraft and war or war like situations. This will be the most volatile part of the month.

February 16^th, Mercury squares Uranus. Be careful on the road as this is accident prone. It typically relates to changeability and unexpected communication.

February 17^th Venus conjuncts Pluto. This is prone to money and relationship problems. This is an intense aspect when it comes to relationships and can be prone to strong feelings, jealousy or deep rooted issues that surface in relationships. You could also find yourself dwelling on negative past experiences in relationships.

February 21^st, Venus conjuncts Mars and sparks will fly. This is a double edged sword because on one hand this can indicate issues between the sexes and on the other hand this is a day that could end up being exciting when it comes to relationships, or you could meet someone new. It can also be connected with buying and overspending.

February 24^th, Venus squares Jupiter. This is typically a pleasant day but you may not feel extremely driven. A good transit for relaxing, going out and catching up with friends and loved ones, or any social activity

February 27^th, Mars squares Jupiter. This is generally pleasant and many things can come together. Some things can get blown out of proportion and you shouldn’t underestimate the amount of time and work things will take if you commit to something new.

February 28^th, Mercury and the Sun conjunct Saturn. Expect this to be a tiring if not somewhat negative day. Sun-Saturn aspects are

 

 

 

 

 

A game changer this week! Pluto into Aquarius and the Full Moon

 

The 0 degree of any planet is known as the ‘world point,’ meaning events occur that we are interested in on a global as well as personal basis. When Pluto changes signs we typically see many events, especially on the world stage begin to shift and change; often in sudden and dramatic ways as soon as the planet enters the sign. Pluto enters Aquarius January 20th at 0 degrees.

If you have a fixed planet (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius) in your chart at 0-3 degrees you will be affected to a greater degree than others, depending on what else if anything Pluto is aspecting. This will strongly affect those born April 19-23, July 22-26, October 23-27th and January 20-24. If any of these dates represent your birth date you can expect significant changes throughout the year and possibly over the several days before and after the Sun and Pluto enter Aquarius.

If you are a Taurus born on those dates you could experience major career change. Leo can experience major change in marriage or partnerships. Scorpio will experience change in terms of home/family and Aquarius will experience major personal changes and a change of direction in all likelihood.

Before Pluto enters Aquarius it will conjunct the Sun in Capricorn January 19th, and this will be the final Sun/Pluto conjunction in Capricorn of our lifetimes. Expect to see and/or experience power struggles. Capricorn is a sign associated with Saturn, the planet of limitations and karma.

When Pluto enters Aquarius January 20th, it is conjunct the Sun in Aquarius as well. This makes the entrance of this most powerful planet even more significant especially on the world stage. The Sun in mundane astrology rules leaders, rulers of countries and Presidents. Rest assured we will see significant power struggles and clashes around this time and you may have to work to avoid clashes with others.

Since Pluto entered Aquarius for the first time late March-early June of 2023 if you were born on the above dates, you should have an idea of what to expect based on what happened earlier in 2023.

Full Moon in Leo January 25th

January’s full Moon falls at 5 degrees of Leo. This opposes the Sun/Pluto conjunction in Aquarius, while it also squares Jupiter creating a t-square which pulls in the energies of all planets involved. The Moon’s exact opposition to Pluto occurs January 24th at 11:53PM, EST, so we can expect this to be a stressful moment, or number of days.

The combination of Pluto, Jupiter and the Moon can be an explosive mix that could erupt and explode without warning, especially on the world stage, but in our lives as well.

Moon-Pluto transits tend to bring up deep seated issues from the past and can reveal information concerning money, sex or relationships that can seem obsessive in nature.

With Pluto’s recent entrance into Aquarius look for this Moon to concern certain global events that could include bragging, grandstanding, propaganda and toxic politics and unexpected events. This will not be a light time.

This Moon looks significant in the chart of Joe Biden, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskky to name only a few in the news.

The role of Pluto

In astrology, Pluto rules the collective and is very significant in terms of world events and changes, although it is also significant for us on a personal level depending on what it is aspecting in your personal chart.

Pluto destroys and tears down to rebuild. It is supposed to rebuild in a stronger way, although it may not seem like this at the time if you are experiencing a hard Pluto transit in your chart. When a Pluto aspect occurs-positive or negative-it is going to change something, ready or not.

Pluto enters each sign with a bang

When Pluto entered Sagittarius in early 1995, we soon lived through the Oklahoma City bombing just a few months later, along with the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and an end to US President Bill Clinton’s efforts to bring about peace between Israel and the Palestinians. It is ironic this issue has resurfaced at this time again, and hopefully Pluto in Aquarius will bring about a solution. The eyes of the world are on the Middle East and it’s hard to know what Pluto will do. Time will tell.

When Pluto entered Scorpio November 6, 1983 a bomb exploded the next day in the Senate Wing of the Capitol, apparently in retaliation of the US’s invasion of Grenada. 1983-84 also saw the rise of AIDS deaths in the US and around the world. This was a significant cycle and changed sex and relationships among other things with the advent of AIDS.

The sign Aquarius

Aquarius is the sign of the collective and the natural ruler of the 11th house which also rules the collective. On an individual level we may be drawn to certain groups, organizations or philosophies that become important. The downside of this is that we can become too attached to our own ‘groups’ and ideas and fail to acknowledge that others can have good ideas as well, whether in a political or some other sense.

Since Aquarius is co-ruled by Uranus technologies will certainly boom, and we can already see the beginning of this with AI. Personally, I think this represents the future along with many ideas we may not even be able to conceive of at the present. 20 years before the internet boomed few individuals could foresee that it would change the world and society as we know it.

While Aquarius is a sign associated with war, it is also the most Democratic of signs. Democracy will become more important around the globe as ‘the people’ will rise up against authoritarian type rulers and governments during these years. Let us not forget the last time Pluto was in Aquarius the world saw both the American and French revolutions.

 While the true ‘Age of Aquarius’ timeline is somewhat elusive and mysterious, with the entrance of Pluto into Aquarius we will certainly feel this is the “Age of Aquarius,” and will be influenced by Aquarian themes such as;

-unexpected and explosive events

-new discoveries and understandings

-new technologies such as AI, but many more along with medicine

-uprisings around the globe associated with restrictions people no longer accept.

-aircraft/spacecraft and new technologies. Have you noticed how the US government has finally admitted they don’t know what UFO’s are. This is only the beginning and if there is ever a time we will discover more it is in these next 20 years with Pluto in Aquarius.

-stronger friendships with a greater emphasis on friends

-Major changes in robotics and potentially human like robots

- Some of the events that occurred when Pluto was in Aquarius 1777-1798

- Vermont became the first colony to ban slavery (1777) and the Vermont legislature moved to provide full voting rights to African American men.

--The American Revolution was being fought

-France entered the Revolutionary War

-The French Revolution occurred

-US drafts the dollar

-George Washington became first US President

-US Constitution drafted and signed

Pluto in Capricorn

When Pluto entered Capricorn January of 2008, it was followed by the US banking crisis, the harbinger of what was called ‘The Great Recession.” Many lost their life savings and the globe was thrown into financial chaos.

While Pluto in Capricorn has been about big business, patriarchy and plutocrats, Aquarius will be the opposite in the long run. While we have seen the rise of right wing extremism around the world, we will see the rise of the people and the desires of the majority as opposed to being governed by the few or a minority. None of this will happen overnight however, and it is important to remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day and the problems of the world won’t be all solved with this transit of Pluto. We are constantly a work in progress and will remain this way.

Pluto’s last dance in Capricorn

When Pluto makes its final swing through Capricorn at the end of 2024 it remains at 29 degrees. The 29th degree is considered a critical degree, when we feel as though there is only a short time to make corrections.

Capricorn is the sign ruled by Saturn and Saturn is seldom easy. Very little has been easy in the world since Pluto’s entrance into Capricorn although there are always those who will prosper depending on what the planets are aspecting in their or your personal chart. The 29th degree of any planet is considered the anaretic degree which means we feel there is only a short time to accomplish something. This is a critical and dangerous degree in the world as we have recently seen with all of the news.

If you are a Cardinal sign born in the last several degrees of that sign (Cancer, Libra, Aries or Capricorn) you will feel this energy more acutely at the end of this year, just as you have in December of 2023 and most of January 2024.

When Pluto finally re-enters Aquarius for the 3rd time November 20th, 2024 it will remain in this sign for 20 years. While it is not the focus of this newsletter, in 2025 Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will change signs as well, taking humanity to a different place altogether. I will end by saying it appears to be a re-start for humanity in a very positive manner.

‘We are stardust
We are golden
And we've got to get ourselves
Back to the garden’

New Moon; Let's get it done!

 

The New Moon peaked early this morning at 20 degrees of. Capricorn which rules the 10^th house of business and career. Now is the time to get things done that have been hanging over your head. Capricorn is a practical sign that deals with responsibilities.

The energy of a New Moon lasts until the Full Moon which will occur on January 25^th in Leo.

This Moon trines Uranus which can be an opportunity to look at things in a new light or come up with creative change in some form. It also sextiles Neptune which is associated with compassion and creativity. Dreams may be vivid.

It conjuncts Pluto but with a very wide orb which means the energy is not as strong as it could be since it is not conjunct. Moon-Pluto aspects can relate to emotional issues, issues with women or family members. At times new information is revealed.

Moon-Pluto is the final aspect this Moon makes late in the evening before midnight, EDT. It enters Aquarius at 10:01PM, EDT and the energy will change once again.