February 2023 Forecast

Mercury joins Pluto by Feb 10, and is the last planet to have to deal with the 'underworld' of Pluto for a while. Venus joins Neptune by Valentine’s Day. This could be a dreamy combination, especially once Venus moves into Pisces on Feb 15. Venus in Pisces is one of the sweet spots of the year. This year, it is with Jupiter, so it might be too much of a good thing, brought about by feeling stuck in some way. Planets in Pisces are flanked by Saturn and Rahu in Aquarius and Aries. 

The Sun meets with Saturn at this time, which means Saturn is now in combustion. They do so in Aquarius, the sign of innovation. Whatever new plan we would love to put in place at this point, there is a lot we cannot see clearly as yet. This is an 'identity crisis' combination, which could show us indulging other things to compensate for feeling less confident in ourselves. 

Neptune re-enters Pisces on Feb 18, moving back into a sign it’s very much at home in. Neptune re-joining Jupiter in Pisces may show yet more water-related issues, especially for those in areas where the actual weather, apart from the astrological weather, plays a big part. Neptune and Jupiter, and now also Venus, can show a lot of idealism but a lack of clarity. Neptune in Pisces can be both good and bad, as everything in Pisces can be. This may confuse the hell out of us, as conflicting reports and feelings occur simultaneously. 

Neptune departure from Aquarius is the end of an illusion, a fantasy, as Saturn replaces Neptune in the sign. Those rose-tinted glasses are now truly off. But by seeing the situation as it truly is - in the area you experience Aquarius - you are more likely to do something about it. 

February may be like the beginning of an abstract painting, before the image takes shape. It's a swirl of colours, of potentials, that are still unclear. But at least the elements are beginning to work together, as opposed to recent configurations, where everything felt disjointed and contrasted. This is due to Saturn's entry into Aquarius, in a sextile and friendlier relationship to Uranus and Rahu in Aries, making it easier to implement the necessary changes. 
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Full Moon in Cancer (Āśleṣā​) Feb 5
The culmination point of the Full Moon in Cancer is a time to find balance between what we must do and what we would like to. It's a time to look at how our attachments, our likes and dislikes, play a role in getting anything done - or not!

Āśleṣā means ‘embrace’ and ‘clinging’, reflecting skills in mental and emotional manipulation - for good or ill. It is ruled by the Sarpas, the serpent deities, while its symbol is a coiled snake. Snakes represents hidden, occult knowledge and spiritual awakening, as well as poisons, which shows an interest in treating illness. This sign creates immense spiritual and healing powers. ​

When the Moon transits Āśleṣā, it's a good day for secret knowledge, removing poisons and treating disease, of the body and mind.

​An aspect from Jupiter helps to discern what is a healthy attachment and what is not. 
 



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Mercury in Capricorn Feb 7 - 27
Mercury moves past the point it began to retrograde at the end of 2023 and we can do the same. This means, planning ahead and getting on with business. 

Mercury in Capricorn is a sober and detached view of proceedings. Mercury is a more detached part of our being, anyway. It represents the intellect, which does better by not involving the emotions. Understanding emotional instincts is helpful, of course, but making decisions when we are 'too emotional' is not always advised. 

Mercury meets with Pluto on Feb 10, asking us to be even more objective and detached about our shadow, the things that block us from getting to where we need to be. But, at the same time, it tells us something important about how we can get there - by revealing the blocks. 

Thankfully, we are not dealing with Mercury's retrograde, or Mars and Rahu's more forcefully aspects to Mercury, which pushed us around in January. In February, we can be cool and collected about we are planning and doing. 

We no longer have to make something happen that is unrealistic. We can begin where we're at. 
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Sun in Aquarius Feb 12 - Mar 13
The Sun's ingress into Aquarius by mid-February brings us into new territory in a way we haven't seen in a few years, since the Sun entered Capricorn at the beginning of 2020. We can now progress in ways we could not since then. 

There is the issue of the Sun's conjunction with Saturn by Feb 16 (combustion), of course. This means Saturn is not visible, its outer significations being obscured by the Sun. When we cannot see Saturn, we cannot see the form take shape as easily. We must look within to find that stability.  

We may feel unsure about ourselves as the Sun conjoins Saturn, despite the momentum of all the planets moving forward. We may feel unsure as to how to implement it. We may lack a sense of stability as new systems slowly take shape. You will feel this in the area of Aquarius by house position in your chart. 

Every time the Sun and Saturn meet there is conflict in the world around us, reflected in a fight between leaders and the population. We feel this struggle within ourselves, a fight between our light and dark, our confidence and doubts.  

You may feel this as a sense of conflict between how you know you need to progress, but lack the confidence to do so. Thankfully, this combustion is a temporary expression of Saturn in Aquarius, which is going to move things along whatever we feel about it, anyway. It's just likely to be easier to do so once the Sun enters Pisces and leaves Saturn in Aquarius to get on with building anew. 

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Venus in Pisces Feb 15 - Mar 12
Okay, finally, a nicer transit to write about! This is one of the sweet spots in the year. Venus in Pisces is usually a time to enjoy life, whatever is showing up in our experience. This year, Venus is conjoined by both Neptune (from Feb 18) and Jupiter (exact Mar 2), leading to the potential for many enjoyable experiences - many too many!

There is a major caveat with this, however. Venus in Pisces is flanked either side by Saturn and Rahu, making it feel like we are stuck. In a way, we are all stuck as Venus, Neptune, and Jupiter transit between Saturn and Rahu. It's not clear how to move forward as yet, but we cannot go back to the way things were either. 

This is where one of the most important aspects of Venus in Pisces comes to the rescue; that is, the ability to be happy with whatever is going on, wherever you find yourself. If you're going to be stuck, well, why not enjoy it!

The other downside as mentioned is that Venus, Jupiter and Neptune combined can be too much of a good thing. This could also lead to more inflationary trends globally, as well as floods. Yet this may be where the containment of Saturn and Rahu is of help.

Personally, we must be mindful of tripping out for some relief, especially if that adds to a problem. Those making decisions about the economy beware!

There's a lot we can do with this combination, as long as we are mindful of not overdoing it. And if you are not clear about what you are doing, you can take a step back and get clear before venturing into anything more at this point. And you can enjoy the process. 

Another caveat is that although Venus in Pisces is happy for no reason, Jupiter in Pisces is looking for something more meaningful than just pleasure-seeking. Nothing wrong with pleasure (says someone with Venus rising!), as long as we are doing something more meaningful as well.

One way Venus and Jupiter could express itself is through gatherings that allow us feel more connected to others. This is such a crucial part of life but we may forgo it for other concerns. Now is the time to find more of this connection. This may bring about some intensely enjoyable experiences that allow us to move beyond our everyday worries. 

The downside of this is economic and in the ongoing war. Venus-Jupiter-Neptune could show inflationary cycles and even the use of chemical warfare, so don't fool yourself into thinking it is all good.

Another example of this is Japan is about to release 1.25 million tons of treated wastewater contaminated by the wrecked Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean. This is certainly one of the less advantageous indications of planets gathering in Pisces. Again, let's trust that the Saturn-Rahu configuration also shows proper containment. 

Japan are set to release it on Apr 5, just as Jupiter finishes up its transit in Pisces. The last time Jupiter was in Pisces was when the disaster occurred, of course. Water issues are likely to play a big role throughout 2023 and beyond, because of this and other transits, including Neptune's long transit in Pisces. 


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Neptune re-enters Pisces Feb 18
Neptune returns to Pisces after a brief dip in last year, transiting here until 2036/37. This is a big deal. It's likely to reflected in some extreme idealism, born out of chaos, as Neptune is joined by Saturn and then Rahu in the next few years.

This is the beginning of the end of so many structures in our lives we took for granted for so long. Of course, the collapse of certain structures means anything is possible. This s where the idealism comes in. But we must be on guard with the downside of Pisces in that anything being possible often means nothing is achieved.

Neptune in Pisces may reflect the installation of virtual worlds many disappear into, and concrete worlds and areas of the world that actually disappear under water.

The kinds of technological innovations that take place in this period are likely to create so many possibilities, and complexities, that we won't know what or who to believe. Deep fakes? If only that were all we had to think about! Yes, things are about to get very confusing indeed. 

But herein lies an opportunity. We can tune into what is real beyond the perplexing events and revelations in the world around us. We can tap into something that is beyond all that. Things we never thought possible suddenly are. Things we never even dreamt up in our imagination become common place. You get the picture. Or do you? You see, Neptune in Pisces is vague on details. And herein lies one of the most troublesome indications of the sign when Neptune gets involved; that is, delusion. 

As long as we are not copping out to cope, we can tune in to help us deal with what we need to. When we see things happen that we never dreamt of, we can imagine something better and focus our attention on it. More importantly, when we see things happen we never dreamt possible, we then believe anything is possible. 

By the time Neptune completes its transit in Pisces by 2037, after initially moving into Aries in 2036, the world will no longer be the same. While any 14-year period moves the story forward, the next 14 years will likely do so in ways we cannot imagine right now.

When we take other transit into account, including Saturn's and Rahu's conjunctions with Neptune in 2025-26, followed by Saturn's conjunction with Uranus in Taurus and Gemini by the end of the decade, we're likely to see many revolutions, wars, and many more things collapse, upending the current world order; all of which would make our heads spin if we try to incorporate it now. And while things may take a leap ahead in the coming years, we will cope. One day at a time. We will integrate the changes. It will eventually trickle down in our day-to-day lives in Virgo, where we can assimilate it all. 

The end of order brings an opportunity for a new one. We can dare to dream. Yet we must be mindful of those who would use the collapse for their own advantage, thus, creating a nightmare. We can take advantage of the collapse without isolating ourselves from others in an attempt to connect through new technologies. We can dream up a new world where we use it for our betterment. 

As all the world changes beyond recognition, we must use Neptune's transit in Pisces as a way to tune in, not cope out. 'Spiritual bypassing' is likely to take on a whole new level for those who cannot cope. We can use any kind of spiritual practices to help others, even if it's just by being more alive and more able to give, instead of adding to the world's problems. 

Once we connect with something beyond this uncertain existence, we can cope with any uncertainties, including an end to the way things were for so long. Things will never be the same again. We must see this as a positive thing. The current order cannot continue, economically, politically, socially; mentally, emotionally, spiritually. 

Personally, look to the sign position of Pisces in your birth chart counting from your rising and Moon signs, to see what areas you are likely to be at least a little idealistic in the coming years. You may not see the picture clearly at first, but see that as a good thing, so you can dream up a better way. There's plenty of time to fill in the details as the pcture comes into focus. 

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New Moon in Aquarius (Śatabhiṣaj) Feb 20
The February New Moon takes place with Saturn in Aquarius, which is preparing to move into Śatabhiṣaj next month, the lunar mansion the New Moon takes place in. 

Śatabhiṣaj means '100 healers' or '100 demons', depending on how you interpret the word. It displays apparently contradictory impulses. There's is always something else to consider. The fact that this star sign contains so many faint stars (100 stars), it can add to confusion and a diffusion of focus. And this is what we may lack for this New Moon and new lunar month. 

Focus is probably the most important asset we have moving into a new age of technological advancement, anyway. And while New Moons are usually felt as being more scattered and unfocused, it reminds of of what we must work on. 

Śatabhiṣaj is ruled by the god of the sea, representing the underworld, the darkness of the hidden realms and secrecy, as well as the cosmic realms and enlightenment. One of its symbols is an empty circle, representing the inclusion of all these apparent opposites. ​

When the Moon transits Śatabhiṣaj, it's a good day for purification therapies, travel, and philosophy. There is likely a sense of something new coming into our awareness in the coming month. We may personally have some realisation. There may be some, or many, new technological advancements, more treatments and drugs, as well as advances in space travel.  

New ways to connect are likely to be rolled out which actually disconnect us more. It's kind of like when you buy a new piece of tech and you spend hours figuring out how to use it. Imagine you were given a mind for the first time. "Wow, this thing can do so much!" "Oh wait, where's the off button?!"
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Rahu in Aśvinī Feb 21 - Oct 30
Rahu (mean north node) enters the first lunar mansion Aśvinī by the end of February, triggering a need to start something new - or simply triggering us! Rahu in the previous Bharaṇī was more restrained, but Aśvinī has already bolted before you have time to think about what's happening. Rahu is shocking. 

Aśvinī may be all about new beginnings, but Rahu moves backwards, bringing us back through the steps as an afterthought. But it gets even more complicated. As Rahu transits Aśvinī, Ketu continues to transits Svātī. This means, the lunar nodes are in each other's star signs, mixing them up in all kinds of interesting ways. This adds further complexity to already complex situations around the world, including in wars and pandemics. 

It's confusing because when you look to the future (Rahu), it points you to the past for answers (Ketu). But when you look to the past for answers, it points you to the future!

We get stuck in a loop and cannot fathom how to get out of the conundrum. 'The only way out is in'. The only way out is to recognise the repeating pattern in your own life, to step far enough back to be able to see how this has all played out before. Faces and places may have changed, but it's the same story. 

Rahu in Aśvinī may show people in powerful positions being usurped, bringing out those from the shadows that we're biding their time. There is the shadow part of us that is willing to do anything to get what we want. Projecting our shadow at more obvious expressions will not help us out of our own loop. 

Rahu in Aśvinī challenges how we use energy and how we move on something. As always, Rahu is extreme. It can either block things completely, or be completely reckless. It's likely to represent itself as both while it transits this star sign. But it also brings innovation, in movement and in healthcare, two of the main significations of the sign. It helps us break through our blocks, by allowing us to see them, to shake off the shackles that have been holding us back. 

There is, as always, a caveat. Saturn is aspecting Rahu as it enters Aquarius. The positive spin is an inability to be completely reckless, to jump before considering the long term implications. The negative spin is we do it anyway, despite all the warning signals. Then, we complain about it. 

Jupiter and the Sun's transit through Aśvinī by the end of April are likely to be major triggers for this. But while it may be expressed more obviously in the world around us, it's important to look at it in your own life, to see where our own raw power is being usurped by some unplanned, unforeseen circumstance - and to use that to wake up. 

Globally, we're likely to see many shocking events in the coming months that wake us up. 
We're usually asleep at the wheel in our lives. Rahu comes along to disrupt the natural order of things. It especially does this while it conjoins Jupiter. This will begin as Jupiter enters Aśvinī from Apr 21. The last time they came together was in 2016, the 'year of rebellion'. We are due another rebellion, it seems. 

The fact that this occurs in Aries and Aśvinī is likely to create a lot of volatility, in energy supplies and energy in general, in healthcare, and in travel, around this planet or lifting off from it. We're likely to see many famous folk pass who were pioneers in their field (Aries), and we're likely to see things pass boundaries we never thought possible. This all adds to the potential of this time, but also to the confusion. 

Unfortunately, we're also likely to see an escalation in the war in Ukraine, but hopefully (there's that "unword" again!), Saturn's aspect might keep things limited to the region. Yet we must be aware of the potential for the war to spill out over borders, causing more shock and disturbance. 

2023 is likely to be a year we look back on that shakes things up forever more. We can do that for ourselves more consciously, of course. We can mindfully rebel against the impositions placed upon us, to rally everything we've got to start something new in our lives. 

We have all the ingredients to prepare for another major shake up on our planet and in our lives. 


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I wish you all the very best for the month ahead.

Om Tat Sat