February Forecast

Venus Direct in Sagittarius Jan. 31st - Feb. 26th

Venus changes direction in the heavens on January 31st and prepares to move forward again in February. The insights into values and relationships can now be put to good use, as we move forward with more definite ideals.  Though we may not be completely clear in these and other Venusian concerns (including money, agreements, art and creativity) until March 4th, when it leaves its shadow phase. 

Venus moves forward opposite to Jupiter in Gemini, which continues to move retrograde until March 6th.  We are asked to balanced our more carnal desires and need for gratification, with finding meaning and depth in our interests and interactions.   

Venus spends most of February in Sagittarius and this balance, along with the need to distance ourselves from our desires, continues into the month.  Saturn's gaze makes sure we remain somewhat sober in this regard. 

Mars's impact on Venus continues as it moves into its sign Libra on the 4th and we would do well to remember others feelings as we forge ahead with the insights gained in our relationships. 

While this turnabout occurs we may experience a turnabout in how we feel about a certain person or a certain situation.  Use the first week of the month, before Mercury begins to move retrograde on February 6th, to express how you truly feel.  After this date misunderstandings make effective communication tricky. 

When Venus moves into the more practical and sombre sign Capricorn by February 26th, we can find a way to direct our passions towards our long term goals, as we take all that we have found to be of value and meaningful into our lives together.

Mars in Libra Feb. 4th - Mar. 25th
(Retrograde Mar. 1st - May 20th)

Mars slowly marches into an already precarious balancing act in Libra on the 4th and upsets any remaining harmony.  This transit does not bode well for the world at large.  Having three of the most malefic planets in one sign creates a volatile situation.  Libra represents our ability to harmonize our concerns with others.  Mars has a selfish impulse.  Together with greed and fear (Rahu and Saturn) stoking the fire, we are set for some turbulent times.  

With the aggressive Mars slowly advancing on the erratic Rahu in Libra, we can expect some disruption to events and in our natural world from February.  This influence intensifies in March when both Mars and Saturn begin to move retrograde in Libra.  This slow back and forth transit of Mars alongside a slow and retrograde Saturn and Rahu is a challenging transit.

One thing Mars represents is sports.  The Russian Olympic games will more than likely experience disruptions from the outset or, at the very least,  experience a continued threat of these throughout the games, leading to a tense environment.  We can also see the influence on the sign Libra and equality issues becoming a more heated topic from February.  This may be in relation to gay rights or freedom for the enslaved.  Many Middle Eastern countries continue to experience the upheaval as a result of a fight for freedom.

Health concerns which lead to debates as to whether the world is responding responsibly will be a major issue during Mars's transit to Libra and its subsequent return to Virgo.  These health concerns return with more intensity once Mars returns to Virgo by the end of March.

More on Mars retrograde in Libra and Virgo in next month's forecast. 

Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius  & Capricorn Feb. 6th - Feb. 28th

Mercury's retrograde period does not help matters in February, as communications are put to the test with other, more tense, transits occurring at the same time.  With so much influence from air signs and the fiery Mars getting so close to the exaggerated wind of Rahu (north node), we will likely see many a misunderstanding and the resulting tension in our everyday lives. 

While Mercury is transiting Saturn's signs Aquarius and Capricorn, we must be prepared to review our lives in relation to our our outer objectives and our inner resources.  Mercury represents something specific for each of us, as do the signs Capricorn and Aquarius.  However, in general terms we can see Mercury's retrograde period as a time to review and retreat in order for us to move forward with new insights gained. 

As Mercury comes together with the Sun on February 15th we experience a 'new Mercury' and an insight into how we can move forward.  This is not necessarily a time to actually make the move, as the continued retrograde motion of Mercury asks us to continue our review until the end of the month. 

Look to the  same time last year to see where you were reviewing your life in order to reacquaint yourself with Mercury retrograde in Aquarius in particular,until it moves into Capricorn on February 18th - backtracking in this sign until February 18th. 

Sun in Aquarius Feb. 12th - Mar. 13th

The Sun enters Saturn's air sign Aquarius on the 12th, placing even more emphasis on the air signs. The Sun's transit is weakened as a result of being in Saturn's sign (Saturn represents our weaknesses) and this is accentuated by Saturn's position at the very end of the sign Libra during this transit.

Saturn moves all the way to 29 degrees of Libra by the end of February and it s threat to world order and the establishment when other transits are taken into account.  Those who have fought for freedom do not fair any better due to Saturn's weakness.  We can see the inevitable result of a collapse of any systems which have been in place for so long, and the chaos that ensues. 

The Sun's entry into Aquarius highlights our need to look out for others less fortunate.  Any concerns you express can be utilized by this transit in whatever form this takes. 

Rahu in Chitra
Feb.13th - Dec. 8th 2014 (True Nodes)
Mar. 9th - Nov. 15th 2014 (Mean Nodes)

Rahu (the north node) leaves its own lunar sign, Swati, on February 13th (the mean nodal position does not move until March 9th).  Rahu then enters Mars's lunar sign known as Chitra.  This lunar sign is represented by a dazzling jewel and has the ability to be sharp and orderly just like Mars.  Rahu is chaotic.  With Mars slowing its pace in preparation to move backwards, we need to remain flexible, as our plans are subject to change.

Chitra connects the signs Virgo and Libra, two signs which have an inordinate amount of attention this year, with Rahu and Mars coming into exact conjunction on the cusp of these two signs in the middle of July.  We also have the solar eclipse on October 23th/24th placed at the degree which Rahu is currently transiting (6 degrees of Libra) and this points to sweeping changes which are occurring in our lives at this time and throughout the year.

Look to see if you have any planets, your Sun (birth-date around October 23) or your Moon, between 23 degrees of Virgo and 6 degrees of Libra according to the sidereal zodiac.  If so, then this year brings some major changes.

Rahu's transit to Mars's lunar sign is explosive, due to Mars's presence in the sign, as it slowly advances on Rahu from the other direction.  As they come closer together over the month of February, especially once Rahu moves into the sign after the 13th, we are likely to see many explosive events worldwide.  This is confirmed by other transits at this time and guarantees a tense environment at the very least. 

Rahu exaggerates whatever it influences.  It would benefit us all to cool down Mars which has a tendency to overheat when placed with Rahu, and to keep things in perspective during these few months.  With so much influence from the air signs and a gathering of the three most malefic planets in Libra; representing greed, fear and anger - we could all do with a release from their grasp by staying in the present moment and by focusing on daily routines. 

Full Moon in Leo Feb. 14th

Valentine's Day sees the full Moon at 2 degrees of Leo.  This is a passionate and dramatic full Moon on Venus's day, Friday.  Leo is a warm and generous sign.  However, the Sun is looking on from a more detached placed in Aquarius.  This should balance the full energy of a Leo full Moon.  The full Moon in Leo brings a warmth and vitality in relations and connections. 

The full Moon phase occurs in the lunar sign called Magha, which is represented by a throne and proudly sits in the flamboyant sign Leo.  Wear your heart on your sleeve for Valentine's Day.  However, be prepared to roll your sleeve back down in order to protect yourself in the days which follow. 

Be aware of a possible fallout subsequent to this full Moon, as the Moon then wanes into the signs Libra and Scorpio by the 19th.  The days between the 19th and 24th are ones to watch carefully this month as the mind and emotions get caught up in the tense transits that have been mentioned. 

Venus in Capricorn Feb. 26th - Mar. 31st

Venus enters Saturn's sign as Saturn comes to the very end of Venus' sign Libra.  This places Saturn in a weaker position and exchanges its weaker energy with Venus.  At the same time we have Mars influence both Saturn and Venus by transiting through Libra.  This does not bode well for our relations in February and March in general.

Be mindful of how you interact with those around you.  These are challenging transits and need our discernment.  Luckily Jupiter is on hand to bring us just that, as it looks to Libra from Gemini.  This brings some balance to the intensity of the air signs at this time in our lives. 

Venus in Capricorn promotes a more sober approach to life's pleasures, but we must plan some frivolity if we are to deal with the harshness of the other, more intense transits. 

OM TAT SAT