February 2021 Forecast

​Venus in Capricorn Jan 27 - Feb 20
Venus in Capricorn, conjuncts Pluto, Saturn and Jupiter. Venus is conjunct Pluto as soon as it enters the sign, on Jan 28. It then joins Saturn on Feb 6, and Jupiter on Feb 11. 

Venus in Capricorn, although in a friendly environment, is restricted in what's it's able to do. And what does Venus like to do? Enjoy life!

One of the upsides to being restricted in our enjoyments is that we do not overindulge. This is one of the more helpful expressions of Venus combined with Saturn, but perhaps this is a little too restrictive for most of our tastes.

The other, more positive, expression of Venus and Saturn includes being responsible and committed in our relationships; doing the right thing, regardless of what we feel like doing, while Pluto's inclusion adds subconscious drives and power struggles we may be less aware of. 

Venus represents money, too, so we may see some restrictions come into play there. Jupiter's inclusion only adds to the restriction. Heck, all of the planets are restricted in February, let's face it, so we have to make peace with being bound in some way. 

Venus and Jupiter combinations are usually more enjoyable; sometimes, a little too enjoyable! That's obviously not the case in this instance, as Jupiter et al continue to feel Saturn's presence stronger than anything. 

If we take Rahu's aspect from Taurus, in Rohini now, this points to further indulgences which are sought from a deeper, and darker, place; perhaps a need to hoard or overindulge to attempt to squelch any sense of lack. 

These transits highlight the extreme differences between what is really happening in people's lives (Capricorn) and what the stock markets are doing (Rahu in Taurus), for example. The bubble of Rahu will surely burst at some point, but not until it has inflated and distorted the situation out of all recognition. The recent Games Stop market debacle is a good example of this. Rahu is not real. While you personally may be able to evolve the impulse, Rahu's shadow aspect is multiplied billions of times over around the world, bringing out its darker side.  

Venus in Capricorn may be a wake up call in more ways than one; in terms of the economy, and in our ability to simply enjoy life, and the effect these sobering and restrictive transits are having on morale. 
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Mercury Retrograde Jan 30 - Feb 21
Having Mercury retrograde is not unusual. It happens at least three times a year. But now, with all that is going in Capricorn, having Mercury backtrack into the sign is problematic - at least, for the short term. It adds a need to slow down and review our lives while we're in restricted. It adds a pressure to the mind while we are being more reflective in general. 

Mercury retrograde in Capricorn is all about reviewing the systems that have been put in place thus far. We must now review these and make adjustments. If we try to push ahead with new plans, we meet with further obstruction. The best solution is to go with the flow, to review this area of our life in a controlled and deliberate manner. 

Mercury meets with the Sun on Feb 8, the inferior conjunction of Mercury and the halfway point in the retrograde cycle. At this point, it may become apparent what may transpire as a result of our deliberations, within personal or global considerations, but don't expect to be able to move on any of these until Mercury has begun to move forward again. Even then, it will take until mid-March before Mercury is clearing new territory. And even then, all planets in Capricorn will have to make it to Aries to get out of Saturn's more intense, and restrictive, gaze. This won't occur until mid-April, when the Sun and Mercury move into Aries. And even then (phew!), they are in a square to Saturn, which continues to keep an eye on proceedings, continuing the theme of personal freedoms versus global concerns. This is the theme of the year and is not going anywhere anytime soon. 

If you haven't made your peace with this for 2021, I suggest that is a priority before moving forward with anything. Those who are more willing to put up with restrictions, whether by travel or trade, will fair better, I imagine. 

Here in Ireland, we've already been told we will be in a total lockdown until the beginning of March. With Mercury and all the other planets in Capricorn, pretty much every aspect of life is under the rule of thumb of Saturn, which basically means more and more restrictions. 

Adding a Mercury retrograde to these restrictions is frustrating, as all the planets in Capricorn continue to 'square' Mars and Uranus in Aries. But it also offers an opportunity; to focus on what's important. 

This may, however, feel like a pressure-cooker environment which can explode from time to time in February, especially taking Mars in Aries conjunct Uranus into account. Be mindful of your interactions with others, as is always the case during a Mercury retrograde. And if you are able to travel, leave plenty of time for delays and setbacks. 

And if you've got some long term plans simmering, make sure you keep an open mind throughout and your sense of humour close by. 
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New Moon in Capricorn (Dhaniṣṭhā) Feb 11
The new Moon occurs at the very last degree of sidereal Capricorn, and marks an ending as much as a new beginning in February. Beginnings are just that, of course; endings of something else. It all depends on how you look at it. 

While the challenging themes of Capricorn are not going anywhere any time soon, this new Moon at least offers us some sense of staring again, as soon as we can drop the weight of the past, of course. 

Keep in mind that Mercury is retrograde at this time, as Venus and Jupiter join with it while Saturn keeps a strict eye on proceedings. Any new beginnings now must be tempered by Saturn, which means, yes, you guessed it, more restrictions! Whether it's more obvious restrictions, as in lockdowns, or more subtle inner restrictions, as in doubts and fears, there is a need to address these for the new lunar month, and work hard on something you want to achieve. 

Dhaniṣṭhā, the lunar mansion the new Moon is placed within, means ‘wealthy’, representing wealth in all aspects – not just monetary. It is ruled by the elemental demigods; the polestar, sky, wind, water, earth, pre-dawn, fire, and the Moon; all representing nature and the cosmos. This represents the truest expression of wealth when one is abundant in all aspects of life. When monetary wealth and the economy is so challenged, we must look to other forms of wealth and give thanks for them.

Dhaniṣṭhā is symbolized by a drum and flute, reflecting a link to music and sound, and the rhythm of life. ​Sometimes, with the new Moon, we need to still ourselves, to find a pause in the ongoing rhythm of life, which is itself a part of the rhythm. 

This new Moon places all the visible planets in just two zodiac signs, Aries and Capricorn, on one side of the lunar nodes. This is not an easy configuration for the coming month, as it is said to create a Yuga Yoga, a combination which creates a strong dual aspect, a contrasted situation; between the need for freedom of movement (Aries) and the needs of the many (Capricorn). More protests are likely to be the result. 

I feel like a parrot with this particular configuration, but there it is - and with us for so long now that I forget what life was like without it!
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Sun in Aquarius Feb 12 - Mar 13
The good news is that the Sun is out of a restrictive conjunction with Saturn as it leaves Capricorn, and aspects its own sign Leo. This is good news for Leo's, anyway, or for the area of our birth chart which houses Leo. The Sun represents our vitality and confidence, which have been under pressure of late, so any sense of lifting the energy is welcomed. 

The bad news is that there is still some time before the Sun gets out of the Saturn's domain and gaze. This doesn't occur until mid-April, once it moves into Aries. However, it's ingress into Aquarius offers some innovations and hope moving forward, as if shining a light for our guide, Jupiter, to make its way out of the murk. 

​This may present itself in some innovations or innovative thinking, which gives us a way out of the mess we're in. 

The Sun in Aquarius is also when we have Valentine's Day, and is all about opening our hearts to the many, not just a few. This is the contrast between Leo and Aquarius. 

Mercury conjuncts Jupiter on Feb 14, just after Mercury joins Venus, on Feb 13, moving retrograde. A week later, by Feb 21, Mercury will station direct, close to Saturn. Mercury, Venus and Jupiter are more pleasant transits overall, although again: Capricorn: restrictions, you get the idea! But Aquarius offers something other than what is; it points to what is possible, if only we could open our minds. 

Aquarius is very much the rule breaker of the zodiac. But it is also very familiar with the rules. This has its up sides and down sides, of course, as and when a new idea or innovation creates a solution, versus a rule breaker causing more problems than we already had. 

How we each approach this will depend on our individual approach, of course, but the more we can familiarize ourselves with the rules, the more we can break or at least bend them to our advantage - and to the advantage of everyone. 
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Venus in Aquarius Feb 20 - Mar 16
While Venus leaves the solemn gathering in Capricorn, it is still in the reigns of Saturn, just as the other planets, but at least Saturn's reigns are loosening a bit. And while Venus moves out of Rahu's aspect, Rahu's influence is still apparent due to its co-rulership of Aquarius. 

Here is where boundaries are tested, in our relations, either international or interpersonal. Rahu knows no boundaries, which tests our sensibilities and the appropriateness of our responses. And while this can create some interesting dynamics, in our relationships and in terms of resources, this will likely push the envelope a little too far, too soon. 

This is due to the continued influence of Rahu in Taurus and its aspect to Capricorn and Pluto, Saturn and Jupiter contained within. 

Remember that Saturn is still running the show, even if Rahu seems to have the upper hand at times. This means having to pay closer attention to what is, rather than what we fear to be the case. 

Stay grounded in reality and the fear will not overtake you. Stay focused on the heart by placing your hand there and sense into what you are feeling, whatever that is. 

If we try to find answers from others we are likely to be at a loss, as Venus in Aquarius moves too close to the Sun to be visible, moving from its morning star guise to the evening star, in a process of transformation which sees our guiding light dim and disappear. This leaves us to look within for guidance, and feel into what is appropriate. 

Venus will be in exact combustion, the same degree as the Sun, by the end of March, as it moves through its sign of exaltation in Pisces. This is a hugely transformative period in our lives, how we can enjoy them, and in terms of the economic forecast, as we look within to find the connection to our hearts, and to each other, during times of challenge.

Venus in Aquarius is the beginning of that transformation, where we may reach out to others in need, and find that our own hearts are filled with being able to be there for others. 


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Mars in Taurus Feb 21 - Apr 13
Mars makes it out of Aries by the end of February, after having spent a longer-than-usual period in the sign. It's conjunction with Uranus showed the uprisings in recent months, the unrest and need for freedom of movement - all of those protests. This will continue throughout February, until it makes it to Taurus. All of this is in direct conflict with the needs of Capricorn, and the righteous thing to do. 

Once Mars moves into Taurus, although not expressing itself so easily here, there is a sense that we can get on the same page as the restrictions and work with what is. Taurus and Capricorn are predominantly the same element, i.e. earth, and work better together. This may be a case of 'bloom where you are planted', while Mars gets to work at digging the earth, making use of what it has to work with. 

There is a caveat: Mars is conjunct Rahu!

Mars will not come into exact conjunction with Rahu until Mar 29, but we will feel the energy build throughout February and March. At the same time, Rahu blocks Mars' abiltiy to express itself freely. This exaggerates and distorts our energy. Eventually, it explodes!

​I'm wondering if this may mean more seismic activity, because Mars will be crossing over the degree the upcoming June eclipse occurs, 25 degrees of Taurus, by Apr 5. The end of March and beginning of April is a period to watch for more explosive events worldwide, but also in our personal lives and what this sign represents for us individually. It may be reflected in earth-shattering experiences throughout Mars' transit in Taurus. 

Mars and Rahu are not easy bedfellows, just as Mars and Uranus are not. Just like Uranus, Rahu disturbs Mars, not allowing our energy to be expressed freely; instead, creating ups and downs, more extreme than even Uranus in many ways, because of the more hidden motives and shadow aspects. 

This will likely lead to further unease - and fires. 

Many may feel less inclined to march on the streets, or there may be explosive events at places people would ordinarily go to enjoy themselves which prevent that. Mars in Taurus may also show a need to indulge, but may lead to being bull-headed and inflexible. 

The best way to channel this energy is to focus it, to enjoy your passions moderately, within the current restrictions, and to work towards creating something you want, something 'all of you' wants, your conscious and subconscious self. Rahu may bring out desires you may wish were kept hidden, even from yourself, but the best way to deal with Rahu is to do just that: deal with it. Avoiding the issues, trying to sublimate the intensely passionate energy, will only lead to further problems. Likewise, overindulging will cause as many. The trick is to be mindful and navigate a way through both extremes. 
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Full Moon in Leo (Pūrvaphalgunī) Feb 27
The theme of Venus continues into the full Moon in Leo, and the Moon sign Pūrvaphalgunī, the 'fruity one', which is associated with Venus, and Venus itself is in the opposite sign Aquarius.

This Moon sign represents the enjoyments of Leo; the arts, luxury and leisure time. This full Moon means we are due some, of course. It's opposition to Aquarius and the Sun's transit through Śatabhiṣak, the '100 healers', suggests we are going to be very aware of the need to enjoy ourselves, even in the midst of a pandemic, but also of the need to heal so we can enjoy ourselves, balancing the bigger humanitarian crisis with some pleasure. 

Pūrva means 'former' and phalgunī means ‘reddish lady’. This is a pleasure-seeking, creative sign, with a tendency to overindulge. This is in direct conflict with Saturn in Capricorn, and the needs of the many, despite what we may want.

One of Pūrvaphalgunī's symbols is the Śiva Lingam, representing the creative aspect of sexual desires, and the regenerative qualities of sexuality, when redirected inward, as opposed to wasteful pleasure-seeking. 

That may be a good way to express this full Moon; to channel the creative energy, to focus it on achieving something other than mere pleasurable release, although Mars and Rahu's transit through Taurus may have something to say about that! 


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As always, I wish you the very best of the what the month has to offer. ​

OM TAT SAT