Horoscopes

Astrology Aspects by Tina Propp

ZODIAC TRUTHS: Three people you should never hate: Aries, Libra, Pisces. They are the best. Three people never to violate: Taurus, Cancer, Capricorn. They are honest and true. Three people never to let go: Virgo, Sagittarius, Scorpio. They can keep secrets and see your tears. Three people you should never lose: Leo, Gemini, Aquarius. They are real friends.

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING FEBRUARY 1 -- FEBRUARY 4: The big news comes (Friday) when Neptune finally exits Aquarius and enters its home sign of Pisces. Last year, Neptune dipped its toes into Pisces for about five months before it retreated back to Aquarius. This time the change is for real. Since planets are most powerful in their own signs, it is expected that Neptune's influence will be very strong over the next fourteen years. Besides fostering new discoveries in the healing and creative arts and in spirituality, the dark side of Neptune in Pisces extends to substance abuse, denial, and illusion. Potential dangers during the next fourteen years of this passage can include the rise of charlatans posing as saviors. There may also be dissolution of traditional boundaries that were once considered absolute. Some other examples could include the legalization of marijuana and the entry of alternative medicine into the mainstream of healthcare. Although it may take years to make itself felt, Neptune's passage into Pisces is a sign of a significant shift that will open new doors to higher consciousness.

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING FEBRUARY 5 -- FEBRUARY 11: The highlights of this week are the Leo Full Moon, a change of course for Saturn and a sign change for Venus. The Full Moon falls on (Tuesday), when the Leo Moon rises at sunset and shines through the night. Because the Full Moon is the brightest phase of the lunar cycle, it is a time of heightened awareness and completions. The Full Moon is not a time to build up, but to finish what you started and to reap what you have sown. This exciting and intense phase is the best time of the month to finish a project or to bring anything to its natural conclusion, such as selling a business or celebrating an important anniversary. Because Leo is an inflexible type of sign, this month the endings you like best are the ones when somebody else is doing the work. The Leo Full Moon is one of the four power Moons of the year, and your ability to lead should be used wisely. One downside of the Full Moon phase is that when the light shines on what is dark (or unconscious), there can also be a corresponding rise in personal fears, anxieties, and emotions. Since the blood flows at its highest monthly levels, the Full Moon is not considered the best time for surgeries. (Tuesday) is also the day that Saturn turns retrograde for the next four months. This turnabout will extend Saturn's tour of Libra into October and give everyone (especially Aries and Libra folks) extra time to resolve unfinished personal or professional partnership issues. The next day, Venus shifts into Aries; it's a move that takes relationships to a different, although not necessarily better, level. Because Aries energy is all about "me," this is an uncomfortable placement for you-oriented Venus. The next six weeks could be filled with battles over your needs versus your partner's needs. As if that's not enough in the love department, there's also a chance of fireworks on (Thursday) when Venus merges with Uranus. Both love and money take on an unpredictable quality under the spell of Uranus. This combination has been known to cause both love at first sight and a major breakup for no apparent reason. Although its influence is short-lived, any actions you take could have long-term consequences.

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING FEBRUARY 12 -- FEBRUARY 18: For the next three months, Mercury follows a complicated trajectory as it moves from Pisces to Aries and back to Pisces, spending six (instead of the usual three) weeks in each sign. It starts on (Tuesday) when Mercury swaps Aquarius's intellectual communication style for the emotionally based approach of confusing Pisces. During the next three weeks, this new style of self-expression will up your emotional IQ and communications will rely more on your intuition and instinctive knowledge than on actual facts. The downside of Mercury in Pisces is that it could also cause your imagination to run wild. This influence is doubled because the first planet Mercury encounters is Neptune, the ruler of Pisces. It's time to come back down to earth on (Friday) when the Moon in Capricorn merges with Pluto in Capricorn. This is a tricky combo that can cause problems if you find yourself in a situation where you are not in control. The week ends on a high note as the Sun makes its last aspect -- a harmonious trine with Saturn -- before it leaves Aquarius. Because both planets are in air signs, this paves the way for you to realize your visions about equality and brotherly love.

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING FEBRUARY 19 -- FEBRUARY 25: This week's headliner is Neptune, the ocean god that rules over endings, dreams, and all things that are "out of this world." On (Sunday), the Sun leaves Aquarius and moves into the sensitive depths of Neptune-ruled Pisces. Because Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac and marks the end of the astrological year, the next month is an ideal time to go inward and connect with the non-material side of life. These can include service to those in need, creative projects, or prayer and meditation. The first meet-up for the newly minted Pisces Sun is a merger with Neptune. This can be a time of confusion, because these two planets have very different natures. The Sun is active, hot, and fiery, whereas Neptune is passive, cool, and emotional. This same influence triples on (Tuesday) when the Pisces New Moon rises and sets with the Sun. Since every New Moon marks the emotional low tide in the lunar cycle, this is a time of peace and tranquility. This month's Pisces New Moon is also joined to Neptune, which suggests that the theme of this month is "dreamtime." In Australian Aboriginal mythology, dreamtime is one of the two parallel streams of life, which is believed to be part of a spiritual cycle that is more real than reality. This New Moon offers a unique opportunity to get in touch with your personal dreamtime. Each New Moon is the best time of the lunar cycle to plant the "seeds" of something new, such as conceiving a baby or opening a business. Because the blood flow is decreased at the New Moon, it is also considered an optimum time for surgery. The New Moon is a good time to build up not to break down, to start but not to finish, to buy but not to sell, to sow but not to reap. There is an abrupt shift from this gentle energy on (Friday), when the Aries Moon joins Uranus to create an explosive force field that can be used either positively or negatively. The positive side of this Moon-Uranus merger is that this three-day period is a great time to quit a bad habit, leave an unproductive relationship, or point your focus in a new direction.

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING FEBRUARY 26 -- FEBRUARY 29: Slow and steady wins the prize on (Sunday), when the impatient Aries Moon sits opposite the security-minded Saturn for the next few days. If you can control your impulse to charge in and expect to get things done, you are on your way to success.

GENERAL OVERVIEW FOR FEBRUARY: This is a leap year. According to superstition, such a year allows a girl to propose to her sweetheart with no sense of embarrassment and with every chance of acceptance. It will be interesting to see what happens in matters of romance, as Saturn is in Libra urging us to be sensible instead of spontaneous. To complicate things even more, people and situations may not be as they seem, as the Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Neptune all visit Pisces in February.

On (February 3), Neptune, the planet of mystery and illusion, returns to this sign, its home sign, where it will remain until (2025). Neptune, which is at the peak of its power in Pisces, has a mixed reputation, both positive and negative. Neptune transits can bring magic, mystery, romance, inspiration, or imagination into your life. They can also bring losses, sorrows, confusion, deception, or delusion. Some Neptune transits can dissolve the boundaries that have been separating you from other people. During this long transit, will you become more charming, psychic, elusive, confused, creative or idealistic? Watch to see how you respond to Neptune's subtle but powerful influence.

On (February 7), Saturn turns retrograde in Libra, continuing in that direction until (June 24). Saturn retrogrades are often times of failed national or global leadership, when authority figures seem weak or spineless, or repeatedly return to matters that should have been resolved. If this happens, don't let the actions of other people depress you. You can use this time to review your goals, ambitions, and achievements. This is a poor time to open a new business, launch a campaign, or switch to a different profession or life path.



Since (January 23), Mars has been traveling retrograde in Virgo. The planet continues in that direction until (April 14). Of all the planets that go retrograde, Mars may be the most difficult to work with, because the planet's nature is to move forward, and fast! While Mars is in Virgo, work and service to others are emphasized. You may become aware of flaws, shortcomings, or special health needs, and feel frustrated because people or things are not perfect. If this happens, don't criticize or turn your anger inward. Instead, take an honest look at how you handle challenges, anger, and new beginnings. Figure out what you need to do to improve yourself or your life. Then, when Mars resumes direct motion, you can make changes.

ATTENTION GEMINI: Escape from your routine in the first two weeks of this month while the Sun and Mercury are in Aquarius. Go to plays, concerts, museums, and workshops. On February 3, a new phase of your public or professional life begins as Neptune enters Pisces, your solar 10th house. This transit is important for anyone whose work involves the public, art, liquids, cosmetics, drugs, or any unusual specialty. People may see you as glamorous or mysterious. This transit can bring success or chaos, depending upon your reputation and how you deal with people who have authority over you.

While Mars is retrograde in Virgo, you may be busy trying to resolve problems at home. Visitors, relatives, or people who share your home may be difficult. Fires, mishaps, and break-ins can occur, so be careful at home.

Communication with bosses, parents, and executives is particularly important while Mercury visits Pisces, February 13 -- March 1. Be polite, professional, and clear about your goals and accomplishments, especially when dealing with powerful people such as judges and other authorities. Remember to allow change to inspire you to broaden your horizons.

REMINDER: Even though higher-ups may have been feeling generous last month, you may begin to suspect their motives now. If so, just keep your feelings to yourself, as you are likely to be in a frame of mind that prevents you from seeing things as clearly as you think you do. After February 13, a little friendly chat with your superiors can be helpful in settling your mind, but listen more than you talk. If you handle things right, the benefits to you will should begin showing up after February 19.

IN CONCLUSION: Bouncy, bouncy, bouncy ... it's going to be hard to stay grounded this month! This will bother you because your deepest desire will be to get off the merry-go-round and disappear for a while so you can rest. HEADS UP: February 15 and 16 may present you with some major or minor challenges.

NEW MOON IN PISCES ON FEBRUARY 21: A highly intuitive few days. You may have enlightening or bizarre dreams that force you to look at the deeper meaning of life. You may encounter whiny, anxious people or perhaps some very creative, giving ones. Many want to "escape" the harsh realities of the world. Watch out for drinking too much when there is a Pisces Moon. People want to be more helpful during this time. See a romantic movie or prepare a candlelit dinner and get lost in a daydream!

ATTENTION GEMINI: If it seems to you that professional opportunities are coming your way more than usual, you just may be right. The New Moon in your solar 10th house is bound to bring many people into your life who have great connections, and also bring invitations to events where you can meet others who are in the same line of work as you are. Update your resume early in the month, and practice interview techniques as well, since you will be interviewed more than you have been in a while.

HEALTH INSIGHTS FOR GEMINI: This is a good time to get a thorough checkup in order to get ahead of conditions that may make themselves evident (i.e., become symptomatic) in the future, but which are lurking below the surface at present. Right now, though, you are probably just fine. Your only worries may be keeping the flu and cold bugs at bay. Wash hands regularly.

YOUR TRAVEL AND VACATION FORECAST FOR 2012: There's a lot of astrological action influencing your sign this year, Gemini. January through mid-April may not be favorable in general, and you should avoid potentially stressful travel situations. Venus enters Gemini in early April, and Jupiter joins her in mid-June, making that period rich in social interactions, best in familiar places. For the rest of the year, you may experience restlessness and a boost in risk tolerance, which could lead to interesting vacation experiences. Travel in July, preferably to familiar places, could be good on a social level, but you will need to take the initiative. Be careful traveling in October and early November, as conflicts may arise.

YOUR PERSONAL PLANETARY MESSAGE: The vibrations of Jupiter will open the door to educational opportunities that may not have been previously available to you. Suddenly these subjects that you have always wanted to study may be more accessible in the form of courses, online or locally. Either way, take advantage of new opportunities to learn and perhaps even to teach what you learn. Traveling abroad my be on the horizon this year, so you may want to learn a new language as well.

HERE'S HOW THE FOLLOWING WEEK PLAYS OUT FOR GEMINI: The Full Moon highlights a sector of your chart concerned with your local community and how you move about and communicate within it. This culminates six months of growth in this area, giving you reason to celebrate your neighbors and your neighborhood. But your planet Mercury is joining with the Sun in a sector focused on your relationship with foreign people and cultures. You can now learn how local and global intersect.

FEBRUARY 1: As February begins we are not thinking clearly and our intuition is not likely to be helpful. Get in touch with "real time." Moon enters Mutable Gemini early this afternoon. Ideas are useful at this time of day. Emotional troubles color the evening hours, so cultivate calm and aim at positive goals.

FEBRUARY 2: Thursday we feel rather isolated and unfriendly as the day begins, but later this morning conversations are informative. Late today the weather is pleasant.

FEBRUARY 3: Conflict is likely Friday morning, so avoid quarrels. Neptune is strong in Pisces.

FEBRUARY 4: Early Saturday Moon-Saturn lends a calm atmosphere that sets the tone for the day's beginning. Moon in Cardinal Cancer gives us emotional poise. Neptune encourages insights. Avoid taking chances this morning, as accidents are possible. Be careful later.

FEBRUARY 5: Sunday begins with confused thinking, just as Wednesday did. Be patient Sunday morning; weather is unpleasant and we feel cut off from friends. Later we are more active, taking a leading role in events. Don't rely on ideas or clear thinking today.

FEBRUARY 6: Monday begins with a romantic Moon-Venus aspect, the day seems very cheerful. Moon-Saturn brings delay a bit later. Moon enters Fixed Leo this morning, encouraging a genial approach to others. Moon-Uranus is innovative, creative. We spend some time alone later tonight.

FEBRUARY 7: Tuesday's Sun-Mercury aspect gives us good opportunities to learn and to share ideas. Late this morning Saturn stations retrograde, slowing the tempo for a time. Friends are unavailable on this Full Moon day. We need to cultivate our thinking without much help today, though there is an upturn in energy later on.

HERE'S HOW THE FOLLOWING WEEK PLAYS OUT FOR GEMINI: Over the past couple of years, you have been working on structuring your personal expression and making it more solid and substantial. Lately you have been exploring how that can serve as the foundation for something bigger. Mercury is now moving from a sector focused on your career and public reputation. This means you are back to structuring again, but in an external rather than internal way.

FEBRUARY 8: Venus enters Cardinal Aries very early Wednesday, giving energy to the planet of cheer and love. We appreciate the more upbeat, beautiful side of life as the morning advances. Later, we're active, working hard at our jobs or home responsibilities. As Moon enters Mutable Virgo at midday, we are careful to study critical details of ongoing events. Rely on conscious, not intuitive thinking this afternoon. Mildly negative influences make the afternoon hours rather difficult for a time. The aspects end today with the positive Moon-Jupiter trine.

FEBRUARY 9: Thursday has a rather confused beginning due to Mercury-Mars -- soon there is a general improvement however. Several Uranus aspects are beneficial. There is one note of caution from Uranus telling us that it's a good idea to avoid haste or unusual risks. There is much happening that interests us later today. The day closes with problems from friends and weather.

FEBRUARY 10: We're alert and active very early Friday. Soon there are some confused ideas that it would be wise to pass up. Also, avoid too much physical activity with Sun-Mars. After midday, calm steady work is favored. Moon enters Cardinal Libra early this afternoon, and we appreciate the artistic side of life, and just solutions to problems. As evening approaches avoid physical danger, haste. Friendship and love are unavailable. Look for luck at another time.

FEBRUARY 11: We are not ready for a very active day when Saturday begins. There are important changes that affect all of us this morning, so study these. Intuition is not helpful at first. Later, as we take care of weekend chores, our moods improve -- be cheerful!

FEBRUARY 12: Sunday begins with mild activity that we find pleasant. The spiritual Moon-Neptune aspect inspires us. It is not a time for material rewards. Moon-Sun aspects describe a pleasant time in regard to weather through midday. The two Moon-Mercury aspects favor communication. Late Sunday afternoon we concentrate well, so it's a good time to study. Moon enters Fixed Scorpio and we are ambitious, active. Insights are useful with Moon-Neptune. Avoid crowded places as the day ends.

FEBRUARY 13: Monday and a new work week begin with disappointing results from an event we hoped for. Our friends are not nearby at this time. Later, a visit to a public scene encourages us. Be sure to listen and learn from others near midday. We are mentally well-balanced. Mercury in Pisces expands horizons.

FEBRUARY 14: Valentine's Day, also a Last Quarter Moon Day, begins with friendliness, expressive feelings. Early evening is calm, pleasant as Moon enters Mutable Sagittarius. We find less encouragement from either Neptune's intuition or Mercury's ideas as day ends.

HERE'S HOW THE FOLLOWING WEEK PLAYS OUT FOR GEMINI: You may have to grease the wheels of commerce a little this week, or you may just be in a charitable mood. You need to give a little to get a little. The New Moon is activating seeds of growth for your career and public reputation over the next six months. Being generous, expansive, and receptive to universal and collective tides and themes may help you make new connections that can benefit you in the future.

FEBRUARY 15: Events appear very interesting to us as Wednesday begins. It's a good idea today not to expect major success but to give emphasis to thoughts for future accomplishment. Jupiter is not very beneficial today. Friendship, love are active late this morning, so be sure to stay in touch with those near you. Later, there is disappointment from personal contacts. Rely on your own conscious thoughts and intuition.

FEBRUARY 16: We're feeling grumpy early Thursday, so it's a good time to postpone major actions. Later this morning we benefit from discussion with important people. Weather is nice as the day closes. Relax and be calm.

FEBRUARY 17: It's important to time important events today -- don't take chances early. Moon enters Cardinal Capricorn as Friday begins, so we focus on work and on achieving immediate goals. Avoid taking risks early today. Jupiter gives benefits from friends. Encourage your friends late today, and stay cheerful at times of worry.

FEBRUARY 18: Saturday begins with important spiritual insights due to Sun-Neptune. A little later we seek contact with others. Mild exercise helps us begin the day on a positive note. Timing, long-term planning are useful at midday. Social events are favored later.

FEBRUARY 19: Sun enters Pisces as Sunday begins. We're very sympathetic. Moon in Fixed Aquarius broadens knowledge and encourages sharing. Moon-Uranus this morning lends insights into new creative projects. Thoughtful discussion helps us make progress. Later, take time to be by yourself; meditate as the day closes. Save active discussions for another time.

FEBRUARY 20: Monday, President's Day (a federal holiday), we have useful plans for the day very early. There are not likely to be major events that bring us good luck today but the aspects in the morning hours favor friendship, cheerful ideas, hunches. Later, conflict is likely. Avoid this; appreciate a mostly pleasant day.

FEBRUARY 21: Tuesday is a New Moon Day and begins with a calm outlook. Avoid personal conflict early today. Later this morning we learn a lot from the news, and enjoy sharing insights. We accomplish quite a bit at work this morning. At midday Moon enters Mutable Pisces. This is soon emphasized by Moon-Neptune -- pay attention to intuitive insights this afternoon. Friends turn away from us for a time. New Moon in Pisces is very sympathetic. The two Uranus aspects benefit current creative projects. Discussion isn't helpful later. Plan for better times.

HERE'S HOW THE FOLLOWING WEEK PLAYS OUT FOR GEMINI: You are perhaps engaged in some renovation at home, whether literal or metaphorical. You have vast collective forces at work in your public life for the foreseeable future, so it is important to remember not to get swept away from your roots by these tides. Pay attention to your foundations: home, family, and heritage. There are changes happening at home now that require you to bring balance to your public and private lives.

FEBRUARY 22: Energies are blocked by the early Mars-Saturn aspect this Wednesday. Rely on thoughtful insights rather than physical strength or achievements. Much later, take time to relax -- postpone serious creative plans. A friendly approach is best tonight, one that avoids quarrels and conflict at any cost. Self-confidence holds more rewards than conflict.

FEBRUARY 23: Our dedication to current creative ideas surfaces early Thursday. Mercury-Mars distracts us. The tension of this aspect makes us cross and irritable, or even rude. Moon in Cardinal Aries gives us a positive signal to be active, leading the way to new goals. Follow hunches.

FEBRUARY 24: We're not thinking clearly very early Friday, so wait for a while to make plans. Moon-Uranus gives us a chance to improve today's creative activity. Weather is generally mild for the season, and we can focus on our major goals late this morning. Startling events occupy everyone's attention early this afternoon. Later we feel quite a bit more cheerful. Rest early.

FEBRUARY 25: We're ready to tackle Saturday's chores as the day begins. Weather is rather stormy for a time early this morning. Sun-Jupiter gives us a lot of encouragement. The two Mars contacts tell us to slow down as physical accomplishment isn't easy today. Early this afternoon we feel romantic. Conscious thinking rather than intuitive impulse is most useful today. We're rather unfriendly later. The day ends in a positive manner.

FEBRUARY 26: Sunday begins with another unfriendly Venus contact and, later, with Moon-Saturn. Don't expect great times today. Moon enters Fixed Taurus, so rely on your sense of humor and ability to control emotional responses. The aspects are mostly encouraging this afternoon -- make plans for visits and other projects then. Moon-Jupiter benefits us.

FEBRUARY 27: The mild Moon-Sun sextile begins the aspects this Monday. Moon-Pluto is friendly. Stay physically active today to make good progress.

FEBRUARY 28: We prefer to be alone very early Tuesday, and are not in a sharing mood. Sun-Pluto changes this -- it's a time we enjoy making public contacts or visiting public places. Early this afternoon we appreciate sharing ideas. Day ends with some coolness and delay. Moon enters Mutable Gemini tonight, so be friendly.

FEBRUARY 29: On First Quarter Moon Day the very early hours do not hold special insights. Soon, Uranus is useful, telling us to try new things. There are ups and downs this afternoon. We think actively at First Quarter Moon.