February 2018 Forecasts

Full Moon in Cancer Jan. 31
​Total Lunar Eclipse
There is a total lunar eclipse in Cancer, and the lunar sign Ashlesha, on January 31. This lunar sign is represented by a serpent. The Moon joins the north node of the Moon, Rahu, which is also represented by a serpent.

Serpents instill fear, but give us a sense that all we want is beyond these fears. We are intrigued as much as we are frightened by them. 

Likewise, we equally fear and want what Rahu represents. So we cannot help but be drawn in by our desires, even when they seem to point to things we would ordinarily run away from.

If we avoid these, we create all kinds of fears, phobias, obsessions and compulsions in the process.

Be mindful of an emotional urgency which could just as easily muddle things as we enter February, opening up an 'eclipse window' with the partial solar eclipse occurring on February 15. 
​

---

Mars in Scorpio until March 7
Mars continues to transit through Scorpio, creating a powerful surge of energy which can come to the surface at times, in order to release a build-up of stress. This can play out in many ways; some helpful and some that are unnecessarily destructive. 

Finding our strength and courage to move beyond our fears is the task at hand, finding cohorts in our endeavor and skills we develop to overcome our shortcomings. 

The signs Aquarius, Taurus and Gemini are feeling Mars' full force as it transits Scorpio, which can bring out Mars destructive side, creating problems in these areas of life if we are not conscious of the possible fallout. Thankfully, Saturn and Jupiter's aspects help out.

This is especially important in February as more is brought to light due to the eclipses. A lot of information may slip past our awareness or seem too confusing to decipher.

We have a better feel for what is right thanks to Mars in Scorpio. 
​

Sun, Venus and Mercury Conjunct the South Node & Neptune
The Sun, Venus and Mercury all cross over the south node, Ketu in January and February, clearing out many things from our lives, leaving us feeling disillusioned, but freed from our illusions, all the same.

Venus first conjuncts Ketu on January 29, followed by the Sun on February 2, and then Mercury on February 9.

Once we have identified the course we cannot take, we must discard as many distractions as possible, so we can reach the target we were always meant to aim for.

They subsequently conjunct Neptune in Aquarius: Venus on February 21, Mercury on February 25, and the Sun by March 4. 

This plays out in confusing ways, as Saturn's influence continues to pull things up by the root. February has the potential of becoming an unnerving, and yet exciting month. But as exciting as the twists and turns are, we are unclear as to our new path once it shows up at our doorstep. 

We each have a responsibility not to throw the ‘baby with the bath water’. Insights are available after the total lunar eclipse in Cancer on January 31, but the waters take time to recede to show a new path. 
​
We must make sure we are removing that which is no longer serving the greater good, while being kind to others as we cut things from our lives. Things may also be prised from our grasp if we are not conscious of the need to relinquish something at this point in time.
​

Venus in Aquarius Feb. 6 – March 2
Venus is the first to make the shift into Aquarius in February, followed by the Sun and Mercury later in the month. Venus moves over the eclipse degree as it enters the sign, bringing more sex scandals with it.

Venus returns to our evening skies as the bright ‘evening star’ by mid-month, bringing more comfort into our lives. This is welcome news, as Venus has a big role to play in how well we can manage the breaking up of old ways in 2018.

Venus represents the nicer things in life, which makes the unbearable more bearable. Sensual pleasures are important when life becomes challenging. Many recall the simple pleasures in life becoming even more important during times of stress. A simple pleasure such as a good meal, fond company and comforts of any kind can do wonders to assuage emotional upset.

Venus in Aquarius is more suited to a love for our fellow-man, and, as we experience Valentine’s Day during this transit, we can break down barriers with a simple gesture and a single word: love. 
​

Sun in Aquarius Feb. 12 – March 13
The Sun joins Venus in Aquarius by February 12, moving into Saturn’s full 3rd house aspect. Aquarius is the most unusual sign of the zodiac. One reason is that it is ruled by Saturn, representing structure and form, but also the north node, Rahu, representing a break away from established forms. This is why those with Aquarius prominent struggle so. 

Aquarius represents a need to know the rules of the game, so we can break them!

The Sun is not comfortable in Aquarius, just as leaders are not happy being taken out of their places of power, to walk among the people whose lives are shaped by the decisions they make from their advantageous position.

We must all take our highest wishes and bring them into context in relation to humanity's needs. In other words, we may have our own desires, but we must fit these around what is needed by the group. 
​

Mercury in Aquarius Feb. 15 – March 3
Mercury joins the Sun in Aquarius from February 15, and for the latter half of the month. Mercury zips through the sign like lightening, bringing excitement and uncertainty at equal turns. And as those with Aquarius prominent are all too aware, there is no excitement without uncertainty.

How well we manage the practicalities of life, as well as our mental health, during new and exciting developments, will show how well we move into the future. Aquarius says, ‘Out with the old’, as the natural 11th house of the zodiac, which is all about our future direction.

There are many more new and unusual avenues opening up for us in February. 

We can only move on from where we are at, of course, and Saturn’s strong influence will ensure we are paying attention to what is in February, not just what we want to make happen. 
​

New Moon in Aquarius
Partial Solar Eclipse Feb. 15
The new Moon in Aquarius is also a partial solar eclipse, with the south node in the adjacent sign, Capricorn. The Sun passes the south node on February 2, bringing to light what was previously hidden during this eclipse window, creating a fresh, raw start to the month, which we feel intensely when the Moon joins it by the middle of February, exchanging signs with Rahu in Cancer. 

Because the new Moon phase is experienced on Valentine’s Day, and this is also Maha Shivaratri in the Hindu calendar, there is something this day has to communicate to us, as we make a fresh start, but only if we are open to hearing it. We may not want, or be able, to hear what has to be communicated, but Saturn’s influence will not allow much to slip our notice.

As I wrote in my yearly forecasts, ‘Aquarius represents humanity, and humanitarian issues are lined up during these transits and this solar eclipse. Mercury transits this eclipse degree the day after the eclipse itself, so there is something important to communicate about these insights’.

Whatever you have going on in the sign Aquarius will feel the intensity, as Mars, Jupiter and Saturn look on while the eclipsed Sun reveals to us a secret.
​
​

---

OM TAT SAT