February 2017 Astrology Forecast

As I begin writing, I can hear the helicopters overhead and the echoing cries of around 5000 protesters outside the town hall just up the road from where I live. People here and across the UK are showing their displeasure at the current political developments in the US. With Venus entering fiery Aries on the 3rd February, we’re going to be more direct about what we like and what we don’t like.

Venus in Aries lets her heart lead her. When she’s attracted to something, or someone, you won’t see her feet for dust as she hot foots it after her prize. There’s courage to go after what tingles our senses and sparks our interest. The upside is that we might catch what we’re chasing so ardently. The down side is that we can run out of steam if things don’t develop straight away. Venus in Aries gets bored quickly. Using this energy at its best means practising fierce self love and knowing that putting yourself first for a change isn’t selfish.

After three weeks of all the planets in direct motion, Jupiter is the first to station retrograde on the 6th February. Jupiter in Libra has been asking us to make improvements in our relationships and further develop fairness and equality to increase peace and harmony. Now Jupiter’s retrograde motions puts a hold on outer growth to focus on equal inner growth. It may have felt as though things were developing nicely in the area of life indicated by where Jupiter is travelling in your chart so the retrograde station can feel like a let down, a slow down or a reversal of fortune. However, Jupiter says that this part of the process is important too, to check whether you’re moving in the right direction and to ensure you’re not trying to run before you can walk. Jupiter will be retrograde now until the beginning of June so there’s plenty of time to reassess.

Mercury’s entry into Aquarius on the 7th February, cools the atmosphere. Minds become clearer under this dispassionate sign. It’s not that Aquarius doesn’t care, in fact, it’s a very friendly and sociable sign – but Aquarius does have a knack of detaching emotionally in order to remain objective. Communication now is taken up a notch as there’s a drive to discuss viewpoints and investigate alternative perspectives.

The Full Moon on the 11th February is the first of the eclipses in Leo and may give us a clue to the mission of the North Node’s passage here which will begin in May. This eclipse is in a grand trine with Saturn and Uranus. It could feel like an unexpected début, the realisation of a creative opportunity. But the eclipse also forms the base with Jupiter to a yod that points to Chiron. We have to look at what is painful and needs healing before we take advantage of the easier aspects. The dark side of this eclipse could shadow issues connected to who follows (Aquarius) the leader (Leo).

Jupiter perfects its quincunx to Chiron on the 14th February. Wounds around faith, religious pain, beliefs that hurt – all this and more comes sharply into focus. The quincunx irritates until adjustments are made. Whilst we are soul healing (Chiron in Pisces), we also have to find a way to understand each other (Jupiter in Libra). Losing faith in each other now could only amplify our pain.

The Sun enters Pisces on the 18th February where we’re much more sensitive to everything that is rippling in the ether. Psychic intuition is heightened, dreams become more vivid, compassion grows. But it’s also sometimes harder to detach yourself from what is happening and feeling overwhelmed or defeated can be the response to too much stimuli. Make time for silence, quiet pastimes, sleep, meditation and prayer. Be well rested because Mars is going to kick the challenging t-square into action towards the end of the month.

Mars squares Pluto on the 22nd February. Issues over control, governments, power and manipulation are heated by Mars and each show of force is met with an even stronger response. Fury can be a natural reaction but may not get us to where we want to be. Mercury’s entry into Pisces on the 25th February softens communications somewhat and encourages compassionate dialogue but it could also mean it’s harder to think logically in a stressful atmosphere.

The last eclipse in Pisces for this cycle occurs on the 26th February and there’s a powerful wave of emotion rippling out from this South Node eclipse. The eclipse is also conjunct Neptune so issues connected to ideals, dreams, mirages and magic bubble up from the depths. The words ‘poetic justice’ cross my mind as I note Mars closely conjunct Uranus and opposing Jupiter in judicial Libra in the eclipse chart. Amidst grief, release or spiritual transcendence, Mars is triggering a great awakening. Given the strong Pisces symbolism, it makes me think of the whale rising up from the depths to swallow Jonah. Still, there is a sweetness too in this powerful eclipse – the promise of forgiveness, the power of unity.

February 2017 Astrology Forecast Major Aspects

Painting – ‘Musashi On The Back Of A Whale’ by Utagawa Kuniyoshi