kmartin60
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Posted Tue Feb 09, 2021 7:31 pm...
The Week Ahead
Monday, February 8th through Sunday, February 14th
Astrological Highlights for the week: New Moon in Aquarius on Thursday with the blessing of Venus and Jupiter also joined in Aquarius; Chinese New Year on Friday.
So far 2021 has been a year with interesting, to say the least, New and Full Moon configurations. The New Moon at 23 Aquarius on Thursday will not disappoint. At least, it won't let us down in terms of being an extraordinary cosmic arrangement. Whether or not it fulfills our fantasies and visualizations of what's possible is another matter.
The New Moon in Aquarius embodies the Aquarian story of dancing between the need to belong and the desire to rebel. We are inspired, hopeful, and in love with our ideas of the perfect society and our visualization of an ideal world. But we're caught in a dilemma. We want to be seen as genius for our progressive ideas and don't quite get why others can be so stodgy. Don't they get our brilliance? Is revolution and rebellion the only way?
The Aquarian New Moon can also be touched with the not so attractive quality of entitlement. Every individual is valuable and special, but maybe not quite as special as me! All those rules apply to other people. We may be slow to learn humility, but if we persevere with applying the Aquarian values of tolerance, individual equality, and universal altruism, we might just find we can indulge in our eccentric and unconventional ways while also letting others do the same without our judgment or condemnation.
When the Sun and Moon get together mid-day on Thursday (11:06 am Pacific Time) they are the leaders of the squad a whole string of six planets conspiring together in forward thinking and progressive Aquarius. Mercury the messenger is in the lineup at 16 degrees making positive connections to both the North Node of the Moon (Gemini) and South Node in Sagittarius.
Retrograding Mercury (until February 20th) reminds us to carefully review our ideas and strategies; to listen; foster healthy curiosity; take a positive approach to others and their ideas; and to embrace a diversity of views and opinions (North Node in Gemini). Meanwhile Mercury's alignment with the South Node encourages us to re-think self-righteousness and pre-judging people and situations on the sole basis of previous experience. No need to disregard proven wisdom, but don't let the past be your ONLY guide to the future. You will be ill-equipped if you do. Update your beliefs and strategies with evolving information and experience.
Venus the planet of values is blissfully connected to expansive and optimistic Jupiter at 12 Aquarius on Thursday. This aspect alone flavors this New Moon with the spirit of being lucky, excited, enthusiastic, and extremely optimistic. We have hope! Venus and Jupiter are traditionally considered the Benefics in Greek, the "Do-gooders", bestowing benefit, abundance, helpful guidance, and blessings. Nobody in their right minds turns away this gift. Balancing out the optimism with necessary discipline and perseverance is Saturn at 6 degrees of Aquarius bringing up the rear.
A New Moon in friendly, humanitarian, and futuristic Aquarius surrounded by four other planets, what could go wrong? (Ok, I can hear Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio groaning!) Let's consider the bigger picture. As we have been discussing for many weeks, planets in Aquarius are in conflicting squares with the planets in fellow Fixed sign Taurus namely Mars and Uranus. Yesterday and early this morning the Moon squared these two, and the other planets are all taking their turns making adjustments as they move in and out of these challenging connections. These squares considerably impact whether or not the inspirational intentions of Aquarius can take root and fully develop.
Another interesting thing to note; as soon as the Sun and Moon come together, the Moon immediately moves into a void of course pattern, making no other planetary connections before changing signs late tonight. I believe the jury is still out on this one. Is it really fair or accurate to think all the positives of the New Moon fall on infertile ground because of the VOC? Call me an optimist but I think not. Life is complicated and high hopes and inspirational slogans don't make significant changes. Carefully calculated and implemental action steps often do lead to profound and lasting change.
Maybe one of the biggest mistakes we can make is looking for quick solutions and perfect answers in a world that is filled with varying shades of gray. We also falter when we decide what the form of manifestation should look, feel, hear, taste, and smell like. Have you not ever been surprised and delighted when you didn't get your way and something better comes along? This is a time for optimism, patience, perseverance, open-mindedness and a willingness to continually revise our ideals and plans based on new information.
The world is in flux! According to R.L. Wing writing in the I Ching, "If you can harmonize your aims and desires to the needs and flow of the cosmos, significant deeds will become possibleClarity, forethought, and great devotion are now required to achieve your purpose." Aim high and don't get discouraged.
Until next week, let go and wear loose clothes.
MONDAY
February 8
Moon in Capricorn
Those who like to plan ahead are in high gear this morning as Mercury backs into a second meeting with the Sun. This is the halfway mark in the thinking planet's retrograde cycle. We want to take control of a situation and very likely have a plan we are willing to push forward. There is just one catch Mercury is in a review process. This can be a day of illumination and a day when the light of the Sun pierces through our carefully designed strategy and logic. It's challenging to appreciate new information if we are strongly attached to our opinions and way of doing things. This really is a blessing even if disguised. We have the opportunity to look at something from a different angle and deepen our understanding.
I often find myself saying "Let's not get ahead of ourselves." I want to make a plan even before I have all the information (Mercury in Aries! LOL). Mercury retrograde, and a day like today reminds us to keep those plans flexible so they can be adjusted and revised as new facts or understanding come to light.
The Moon in pragmatic Capricorn challenges us to be realistic with our ideas and plans. This may be the emotional Moon we are talking about, but nevertheless the voice of Saturn-ruled Capricorn rings through. This is the time for practical wisdom, not flights of fancy. Don't argue for your limitations; use your imagination to design a plan to move beyond them. When retrograding Mercury pokes holes in your strategy go back to the drawing board and design a better one.
This evening we are energized when the Moon aligns with Mars in grounded Taurus. The end of the day may be quickly approaching, but there is still plenty of time to take action. Don't let the day slip by without accomplishing at least one item on your to do list. It doesn't have to be anything big. Maybe it's returning e-mails or initiating a contact, checking out information on a class or topic that interests you, or clutter clearing a single bookshelf or drawer. Little efforts and steps can accumulate towards big rewards.
As the Moon eases into a dreamy connection with Neptune we can indulge in a movie or an early bedtime with a good book.
Daily Muse: Don't get too comfortable with who you are at any given time - you may miss the opportunity to become who you want to be. (Jon Bon Jovi Moon in Capricorn with four planets and the South Node of the Moon in Aquarius)
TUESDAY
February 9
Moon in Capricorn/Aquarius
The Moon goes Void of Course 9:22am enters Aquarius at 5:20pm
The mood is serious today with a Moon in sober Capricorn connecting with no-nonsense Pluto. It's hard to find humor or the lighter side of a situation. The tone remains stern throughout the day as the Moon moves void of course after meeting Pluto this morning, connecting with no other planets throughout the day.
The guiding light perhaps comes from Saturn in hopeful Aquarius connecting with Chiron in Aries. Although Chiron reminds us of our fears of being undeserving and inadequate, Saturn has a strategy for dissembling the logic of these assumptions. It's important we turn away from self-denial and judgment and seek to embrace our divine design. We can gently affirm our strengths and weaknesses without defense or excuse.
In his book "David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants", Malcolm Gladwell suggests we rethink the idea of advantages and disadvantages by pointing to the disproportionate number of world leaders and high achievers who lost parents at an early age or were diagnosed with a learning disability such as dyslexia. He suggests the effort required overcoming societal or personal issues can be turned into the strengths and qualities that facilitate success. Victim or Victor our choice.
This evening the Moon makes it official the party is in Aquarius! Heads up; this is the domineering energy of the cosmos with Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn all gathered in this progressive sign. Even though Aquarius is headstrong, this Moon at the end of the lunar cycle (New Moon on Thursday) is more easy going than other Aquarian Moons and can easily join the chorus of "don't sweat the small stuff."
Daily Muse: How you feel about your abilitiesyour academic "self-concept"in the context of your classroom shapes your willingness to tackle challenges and finish difficult tasks. It's a crucial element in your motivation and confidence." (Malcolm Gladwell Saturn in Aquarius)
WENSDAY
February 10
Moon in Aquarius
mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimgssl.constantco
Under the influence of six planets in prophetic Aquarius, including Mercury and the Moon we may think we can see into the future; and we can. But keep in mind what we think we understand is one of many possible outcomes. Retrograding Mercury isn't "feeling the love" as it bumps into a square with Mars in Taurus. A hookup between Mercury and Saturn strengthens our resolve that we know what we are doing; but a Mercurial square to Uranus again throws doubt on the viability of our ideas. If you are feeling like a voice in the wilderness and that others just don't understand what you are saying, this is to be expected.
Mercury's challenging aspects this morning encourage us to double check our facts and assumptions but also discourage us from pushing forward when we hit a stumbling block. It's better to get more information then trip over an avoidable hazard. There is a very high probability we are failing to fully understand where we are denying reality and not being practical. With clear observation and objectivity we may see how we can change our interpretations, redistribute resources, or change priorities to still achieve a desired goal. When plan A fails or is in doubt, go to plan C or even D.
Taking time to reassess, as described above, will pay off this afternoon and evening as the Moon in optimistic Aquarius joins Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury. Despite previous setbacks we can clearly visualize how to accomplish a goal by expanding our view of what's possible, drilling down on what's most important, and strategizing with new insight. In the case of a negotiation compromise. Be willing to give up a lesser priority in favor of getting a prized goal. Consider carefully before you ditch an idea or plan just because at first it seems ambitious or challenging. Persevere with flexibility and a win is very likely. Aquarian energy is a master of emotional detachment. Don't take things personally that aren't. A rejection of an idea or plan is not a rejection of you.
Late tonight when the Moon comes face-to-face with Mercury, brainstorming is encouraged. Be willing to turn some things around in your head and consider "What if?"
Daily Muse: You are so afraid of losing your moral sense that you are not willing to take it through anything more dangerous than a mud-puddle. (Gertrude Stein Sun, Mercury, Venus and Saturn in Aquarius)
THURSDAY
February 11
New Moon in 23 Aquarius 11:06am
The Moon goes Void of Course 11:06am enters Pisces at 11:23pm
The day begins on a very auspicious note with Venus, the planet of love and relating, joining Jupiter, the planet of expansion and hope. Both are at 12 Aquarius. Check your natal charts. You might be initiating a very fortunate and lucky cycle! But even if you don't see a connection to your chart, we all can take advantage and soak up the feel-good vibes. It's a wonderful partnership occurring in tandem with the New Moon in Aquarius at 11:06 am (Pacific Time) this morning. Relationships are blessed as are many other areas of our lives.
The New Moon is a dynamic mixture of hope and expectation amidst the usual challenges. The New Moon in Aquarius embodies the Aquarian story of dancing between the need to belong and the desire to rebel. We are inspired, hopeful, and in love with our ideas of the perfect society and our visualization of the ideal world. But how do we accomplish it? Do we work within the system or try to create change through rebellion and revolution?
We also are a bit under the influence of feeling entitled. Every individual is valuable and special, but maybe not quite as special as me! All those rules apply to other people. We may be slow to learn humility, but if we persevere with applying the Aquarian values of tolerance, individual equality, and universal altruism, we might just find we can indulge in our eccentric and unconventional ways while also letting others do the same without our judgment or condemnation.
Following the dynamic fireworks of the New Moon, the Moon slips into a void of course pattern for the rest of the day and evening (until it changes signs at 11:23 pm Pacific Time). This may feel anti-climactic but don't lose hope. The vision of change inspired by six planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn) all in the progressive and futuristic sign of Aquarius needs our dedication, perseverance, and patience. VOC Moons are perfect times for gathering information and strategizing. Effective action tomorrow and beyond relies on careful planning today. Aim high and don't get discouraged.
Daily Muse: I have no special talents. I am only passionately curiousIt is not that I'm so smart. But I stay with the questions much longerThe world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking." (Albert Einstein Jupiter in Aquarius)
FRIDAY
February 12
Moon in Pisces
Year of the OX
The dreamy Pisces Moon makes it hard to leave our imaginations for the real world; and perhaps we really won't. After all, who is to say what's real and what's not? We feel particularly creative when the Moon connects with Uranus mid-day. Throughout the day, retrograding Mercury is heading towards a rendezvous with Venus which is exact late tonight. Thinking and talking about what we love and value feels inspiring. Creative hobbies take flight today, and we can add the magic of imagination into any activity and conversation.
Today is the Chinese New Year the year of the Metal Ox. I've studied Chinese Astrology but am far from an expert so take everything I say with a grain of salt. If you are interested check it out for yourself. What I do know is this; the Chinese system uses a combination of 12 Animals and 5 elements (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal) for a total of 60 possible combinations that rotate sequentially. The year of the Ox shows up every 12 years, but the Year of the Metal Ox comes around only once every 60 years. Ox is considered to be dependable, patient, determined, conservative, faithful, and devoted to home and family. They also are considered independent thinkers, hard workers, responsible and generally honest and positive. The Metal element favors colors in the silver, gray, gold, bronze and white palettes.
Here is some homework or at least something to ponder. The last Chinese Year of the Metal Ox was February 15, 1961 through February 4, 1962. It could be interesting to consider people and events of this time period. You know what else happened that year? Jupiter and Saturn were conjunct in Capricorn on the 18th of February. In 2021 Jupiter and Saturn are both hanging out in Aquarius after having joined forces on the Winter Solstice (December 21 2020).
If you are so inclined eat Chinese food today and think about how to embrace the industriousness of the Ox for success and abundance this year.
Daily Muse: The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don't wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.
(Barack Obama Metal Ox born in August of 1961)
SATURDAY
February 13
Moon in Pisces
Moon Goes Void of Course at 11:28pm
We are lovers not fighters today with the Moon in dreamy, compassionate, and highly imaginative Pisces. Creativity is favored under this influence especially with the Moon energized by Mars and joining Pisces' ruling planet Neptune. It really is difficult to get angry or stay mad today with this abundance of spiritually leaning Pisces energy diffusing like a healing essential oil through the cosmos.
This might be the time to consciously put aside hurts and offenses, regrets and judgments. It's easier to imagine a gentler and kinder world if we choose to do so. Late tonight the Moon connects with Pluto in Capricorn. If a memory is painful or pulling us away from our highest good, Pluto is adamant, release it now. Victimization is just taking up space in our heads and hearts that could be better used.
Daily Muse: Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. (Martin Luther King Jr. Moon in Pisces; Mercury in Aquarius)
SUNDAY
February 14
Moon in Pisces/Aries
Valentine's Day
Void of Course Moon enters Aries at 7:24am
Happy Valentine's Day! Under the cover of night, the Moon slipped out of sensitive Pisces and into daring and spontaneous Aries. If there is one lesson to be learned about love and partnership from Aries it is that you have to love yourself and honor your own needs and desires if you ever expect to have a loving relationship with someone else! Being self-centered in the good way is an Arian gift. When we take responsibility for our needs and desires, we are not likely to project them on to someone else or expect a friend or lover to make us feel happy, safe, and secure. That's our job!
Mercury meets up with Jupiter in Aquarius today expanding our minds and inspiring new ideas and progressive conversations. Mercury is still retrograde through Friday the 19th so explore and have fun, but also be open to changing your mind. We might also hear echoes of the Venus Jupiter conjunction (last Thursday) especially with the Moon aligning with committed Saturn later tonight. When you think about love, romance, friendship, and alliances consider your values and how best to commit yourself without making promises you can't keep or overextending yourself or your resources.
In making plans to celebrate Valentine's Day keep in mind Aries craves adventure!
Daily Muse: Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. (Lao Tzu)
Monday, February 8th through Sunday, February 14th
Astrological Highlights for the week: New Moon in Aquarius on Thursday with the blessing of Venus and Jupiter also joined in Aquarius; Chinese New Year on Friday.
So far 2021 has been a year with interesting, to say the least, New and Full Moon configurations. The New Moon at 23 Aquarius on Thursday will not disappoint. At least, it won't let us down in terms of being an extraordinary cosmic arrangement. Whether or not it fulfills our fantasies and visualizations of what's possible is another matter.
The New Moon in Aquarius embodies the Aquarian story of dancing between the need to belong and the desire to rebel. We are inspired, hopeful, and in love with our ideas of the perfect society and our visualization of an ideal world. But we're caught in a dilemma. We want to be seen as genius for our progressive ideas and don't quite get why others can be so stodgy. Don't they get our brilliance? Is revolution and rebellion the only way?
The Aquarian New Moon can also be touched with the not so attractive quality of entitlement. Every individual is valuable and special, but maybe not quite as special as me! All those rules apply to other people. We may be slow to learn humility, but if we persevere with applying the Aquarian values of tolerance, individual equality, and universal altruism, we might just find we can indulge in our eccentric and unconventional ways while also letting others do the same without our judgment or condemnation.
When the Sun and Moon get together mid-day on Thursday (11:06 am Pacific Time) they are the leaders of the squad a whole string of six planets conspiring together in forward thinking and progressive Aquarius. Mercury the messenger is in the lineup at 16 degrees making positive connections to both the North Node of the Moon (Gemini) and South Node in Sagittarius.
Retrograding Mercury (until February 20th) reminds us to carefully review our ideas and strategies; to listen; foster healthy curiosity; take a positive approach to others and their ideas; and to embrace a diversity of views and opinions (North Node in Gemini). Meanwhile Mercury's alignment with the South Node encourages us to re-think self-righteousness and pre-judging people and situations on the sole basis of previous experience. No need to disregard proven wisdom, but don't let the past be your ONLY guide to the future. You will be ill-equipped if you do. Update your beliefs and strategies with evolving information and experience.
Venus the planet of values is blissfully connected to expansive and optimistic Jupiter at 12 Aquarius on Thursday. This aspect alone flavors this New Moon with the spirit of being lucky, excited, enthusiastic, and extremely optimistic. We have hope! Venus and Jupiter are traditionally considered the Benefics in Greek, the "Do-gooders", bestowing benefit, abundance, helpful guidance, and blessings. Nobody in their right minds turns away this gift. Balancing out the optimism with necessary discipline and perseverance is Saturn at 6 degrees of Aquarius bringing up the rear.
A New Moon in friendly, humanitarian, and futuristic Aquarius surrounded by four other planets, what could go wrong? (Ok, I can hear Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio groaning!) Let's consider the bigger picture. As we have been discussing for many weeks, planets in Aquarius are in conflicting squares with the planets in fellow Fixed sign Taurus namely Mars and Uranus. Yesterday and early this morning the Moon squared these two, and the other planets are all taking their turns making adjustments as they move in and out of these challenging connections. These squares considerably impact whether or not the inspirational intentions of Aquarius can take root and fully develop.
Another interesting thing to note; as soon as the Sun and Moon come together, the Moon immediately moves into a void of course pattern, making no other planetary connections before changing signs late tonight. I believe the jury is still out on this one. Is it really fair or accurate to think all the positives of the New Moon fall on infertile ground because of the VOC? Call me an optimist but I think not. Life is complicated and high hopes and inspirational slogans don't make significant changes. Carefully calculated and implemental action steps often do lead to profound and lasting change.
Maybe one of the biggest mistakes we can make is looking for quick solutions and perfect answers in a world that is filled with varying shades of gray. We also falter when we decide what the form of manifestation should look, feel, hear, taste, and smell like. Have you not ever been surprised and delighted when you didn't get your way and something better comes along? This is a time for optimism, patience, perseverance, open-mindedness and a willingness to continually revise our ideals and plans based on new information.
The world is in flux! According to R.L. Wing writing in the I Ching, "If you can harmonize your aims and desires to the needs and flow of the cosmos, significant deeds will become possibleClarity, forethought, and great devotion are now required to achieve your purpose." Aim high and don't get discouraged.
Until next week, let go and wear loose clothes.
MONDAY
February 8
Moon in Capricorn
Those who like to plan ahead are in high gear this morning as Mercury backs into a second meeting with the Sun. This is the halfway mark in the thinking planet's retrograde cycle. We want to take control of a situation and very likely have a plan we are willing to push forward. There is just one catch Mercury is in a review process. This can be a day of illumination and a day when the light of the Sun pierces through our carefully designed strategy and logic. It's challenging to appreciate new information if we are strongly attached to our opinions and way of doing things. This really is a blessing even if disguised. We have the opportunity to look at something from a different angle and deepen our understanding.
I often find myself saying "Let's not get ahead of ourselves." I want to make a plan even before I have all the information (Mercury in Aries! LOL). Mercury retrograde, and a day like today reminds us to keep those plans flexible so they can be adjusted and revised as new facts or understanding come to light.
The Moon in pragmatic Capricorn challenges us to be realistic with our ideas and plans. This may be the emotional Moon we are talking about, but nevertheless the voice of Saturn-ruled Capricorn rings through. This is the time for practical wisdom, not flights of fancy. Don't argue for your limitations; use your imagination to design a plan to move beyond them. When retrograding Mercury pokes holes in your strategy go back to the drawing board and design a better one.
This evening we are energized when the Moon aligns with Mars in grounded Taurus. The end of the day may be quickly approaching, but there is still plenty of time to take action. Don't let the day slip by without accomplishing at least one item on your to do list. It doesn't have to be anything big. Maybe it's returning e-mails or initiating a contact, checking out information on a class or topic that interests you, or clutter clearing a single bookshelf or drawer. Little efforts and steps can accumulate towards big rewards.
As the Moon eases into a dreamy connection with Neptune we can indulge in a movie or an early bedtime with a good book.
Daily Muse: Don't get too comfortable with who you are at any given time - you may miss the opportunity to become who you want to be. (Jon Bon Jovi Moon in Capricorn with four planets and the South Node of the Moon in Aquarius)
TUESDAY
February 9
Moon in Capricorn/Aquarius
The Moon goes Void of Course 9:22am enters Aquarius at 5:20pm
The mood is serious today with a Moon in sober Capricorn connecting with no-nonsense Pluto. It's hard to find humor or the lighter side of a situation. The tone remains stern throughout the day as the Moon moves void of course after meeting Pluto this morning, connecting with no other planets throughout the day.
The guiding light perhaps comes from Saturn in hopeful Aquarius connecting with Chiron in Aries. Although Chiron reminds us of our fears of being undeserving and inadequate, Saturn has a strategy for dissembling the logic of these assumptions. It's important we turn away from self-denial and judgment and seek to embrace our divine design. We can gently affirm our strengths and weaknesses without defense or excuse.
In his book "David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants", Malcolm Gladwell suggests we rethink the idea of advantages and disadvantages by pointing to the disproportionate number of world leaders and high achievers who lost parents at an early age or were diagnosed with a learning disability such as dyslexia. He suggests the effort required overcoming societal or personal issues can be turned into the strengths and qualities that facilitate success. Victim or Victor our choice.
This evening the Moon makes it official the party is in Aquarius! Heads up; this is the domineering energy of the cosmos with Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn all gathered in this progressive sign. Even though Aquarius is headstrong, this Moon at the end of the lunar cycle (New Moon on Thursday) is more easy going than other Aquarian Moons and can easily join the chorus of "don't sweat the small stuff."
Daily Muse: How you feel about your abilitiesyour academic "self-concept"in the context of your classroom shapes your willingness to tackle challenges and finish difficult tasks. It's a crucial element in your motivation and confidence." (Malcolm Gladwell Saturn in Aquarius)
WENSDAY
February 10
Moon in Aquarius
mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimgssl.constantco
Under the influence of six planets in prophetic Aquarius, including Mercury and the Moon we may think we can see into the future; and we can. But keep in mind what we think we understand is one of many possible outcomes. Retrograding Mercury isn't "feeling the love" as it bumps into a square with Mars in Taurus. A hookup between Mercury and Saturn strengthens our resolve that we know what we are doing; but a Mercurial square to Uranus again throws doubt on the viability of our ideas. If you are feeling like a voice in the wilderness and that others just don't understand what you are saying, this is to be expected.
Mercury's challenging aspects this morning encourage us to double check our facts and assumptions but also discourage us from pushing forward when we hit a stumbling block. It's better to get more information then trip over an avoidable hazard. There is a very high probability we are failing to fully understand where we are denying reality and not being practical. With clear observation and objectivity we may see how we can change our interpretations, redistribute resources, or change priorities to still achieve a desired goal. When plan A fails or is in doubt, go to plan C or even D.
Taking time to reassess, as described above, will pay off this afternoon and evening as the Moon in optimistic Aquarius joins Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury. Despite previous setbacks we can clearly visualize how to accomplish a goal by expanding our view of what's possible, drilling down on what's most important, and strategizing with new insight. In the case of a negotiation compromise. Be willing to give up a lesser priority in favor of getting a prized goal. Consider carefully before you ditch an idea or plan just because at first it seems ambitious or challenging. Persevere with flexibility and a win is very likely. Aquarian energy is a master of emotional detachment. Don't take things personally that aren't. A rejection of an idea or plan is not a rejection of you.
Late tonight when the Moon comes face-to-face with Mercury, brainstorming is encouraged. Be willing to turn some things around in your head and consider "What if?"
Daily Muse: You are so afraid of losing your moral sense that you are not willing to take it through anything more dangerous than a mud-puddle. (Gertrude Stein Sun, Mercury, Venus and Saturn in Aquarius)
THURSDAY
February 11
New Moon in 23 Aquarius 11:06am
The Moon goes Void of Course 11:06am enters Pisces at 11:23pm
The day begins on a very auspicious note with Venus, the planet of love and relating, joining Jupiter, the planet of expansion and hope. Both are at 12 Aquarius. Check your natal charts. You might be initiating a very fortunate and lucky cycle! But even if you don't see a connection to your chart, we all can take advantage and soak up the feel-good vibes. It's a wonderful partnership occurring in tandem with the New Moon in Aquarius at 11:06 am (Pacific Time) this morning. Relationships are blessed as are many other areas of our lives.
The New Moon is a dynamic mixture of hope and expectation amidst the usual challenges. The New Moon in Aquarius embodies the Aquarian story of dancing between the need to belong and the desire to rebel. We are inspired, hopeful, and in love with our ideas of the perfect society and our visualization of the ideal world. But how do we accomplish it? Do we work within the system or try to create change through rebellion and revolution?
We also are a bit under the influence of feeling entitled. Every individual is valuable and special, but maybe not quite as special as me! All those rules apply to other people. We may be slow to learn humility, but if we persevere with applying the Aquarian values of tolerance, individual equality, and universal altruism, we might just find we can indulge in our eccentric and unconventional ways while also letting others do the same without our judgment or condemnation.
Following the dynamic fireworks of the New Moon, the Moon slips into a void of course pattern for the rest of the day and evening (until it changes signs at 11:23 pm Pacific Time). This may feel anti-climactic but don't lose hope. The vision of change inspired by six planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn) all in the progressive and futuristic sign of Aquarius needs our dedication, perseverance, and patience. VOC Moons are perfect times for gathering information and strategizing. Effective action tomorrow and beyond relies on careful planning today. Aim high and don't get discouraged.
Daily Muse: I have no special talents. I am only passionately curiousIt is not that I'm so smart. But I stay with the questions much longerThe world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking." (Albert Einstein Jupiter in Aquarius)
FRIDAY
February 12
Moon in Pisces
Year of the OX
The dreamy Pisces Moon makes it hard to leave our imaginations for the real world; and perhaps we really won't. After all, who is to say what's real and what's not? We feel particularly creative when the Moon connects with Uranus mid-day. Throughout the day, retrograding Mercury is heading towards a rendezvous with Venus which is exact late tonight. Thinking and talking about what we love and value feels inspiring. Creative hobbies take flight today, and we can add the magic of imagination into any activity and conversation.
Today is the Chinese New Year the year of the Metal Ox. I've studied Chinese Astrology but am far from an expert so take everything I say with a grain of salt. If you are interested check it out for yourself. What I do know is this; the Chinese system uses a combination of 12 Animals and 5 elements (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal) for a total of 60 possible combinations that rotate sequentially. The year of the Ox shows up every 12 years, but the Year of the Metal Ox comes around only once every 60 years. Ox is considered to be dependable, patient, determined, conservative, faithful, and devoted to home and family. They also are considered independent thinkers, hard workers, responsible and generally honest and positive. The Metal element favors colors in the silver, gray, gold, bronze and white palettes.
Here is some homework or at least something to ponder. The last Chinese Year of the Metal Ox was February 15, 1961 through February 4, 1962. It could be interesting to consider people and events of this time period. You know what else happened that year? Jupiter and Saturn were conjunct in Capricorn on the 18th of February. In 2021 Jupiter and Saturn are both hanging out in Aquarius after having joined forces on the Winter Solstice (December 21 2020).
If you are so inclined eat Chinese food today and think about how to embrace the industriousness of the Ox for success and abundance this year.
Daily Muse: The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don't wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.
(Barack Obama Metal Ox born in August of 1961)
SATURDAY
February 13
Moon in Pisces
Moon Goes Void of Course at 11:28pm
We are lovers not fighters today with the Moon in dreamy, compassionate, and highly imaginative Pisces. Creativity is favored under this influence especially with the Moon energized by Mars and joining Pisces' ruling planet Neptune. It really is difficult to get angry or stay mad today with this abundance of spiritually leaning Pisces energy diffusing like a healing essential oil through the cosmos.
This might be the time to consciously put aside hurts and offenses, regrets and judgments. It's easier to imagine a gentler and kinder world if we choose to do so. Late tonight the Moon connects with Pluto in Capricorn. If a memory is painful or pulling us away from our highest good, Pluto is adamant, release it now. Victimization is just taking up space in our heads and hearts that could be better used.
Daily Muse: Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. (Martin Luther King Jr. Moon in Pisces; Mercury in Aquarius)
SUNDAY
February 14
Moon in Pisces/Aries
Valentine's Day
Void of Course Moon enters Aries at 7:24am
Happy Valentine's Day! Under the cover of night, the Moon slipped out of sensitive Pisces and into daring and spontaneous Aries. If there is one lesson to be learned about love and partnership from Aries it is that you have to love yourself and honor your own needs and desires if you ever expect to have a loving relationship with someone else! Being self-centered in the good way is an Arian gift. When we take responsibility for our needs and desires, we are not likely to project them on to someone else or expect a friend or lover to make us feel happy, safe, and secure. That's our job!
Mercury meets up with Jupiter in Aquarius today expanding our minds and inspiring new ideas and progressive conversations. Mercury is still retrograde through Friday the 19th so explore and have fun, but also be open to changing your mind. We might also hear echoes of the Venus Jupiter conjunction (last Thursday) especially with the Moon aligning with committed Saturn later tonight. When you think about love, romance, friendship, and alliances consider your values and how best to commit yourself without making promises you can't keep or overextending yourself or your resources.
In making plans to celebrate Valentine's Day keep in mind Aries craves adventure!
Daily Muse: Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. (Lao Tzu)