Mars and Saturn are known as the two “malefics” in traditional astrology. This is partly because they are the planets most likely to cause us trouble. Both are currently in retrograde, or seeming to travel backwards. Mars changes to forward motion once more in early March whilst Saturn turns again at the end of May. This is a period when we have to stop trying to make “stuff happen” and review what has already occurred. If we try to push ahead with our projects, deals or enterprises, chances are we will have to return to the planning stage soon anyway. Saturn represents business generally, rules, plans, strategy, structure, “the system” and authority. This is our chance to press pause and take stock. Rethink your plans and renegotiate your contracts or commitments now. Rewrite rules and amend regulations. Repair structures etc. Mars as the planet of action, retrograde, means we can examine our past actions and reconsider the consequences. This gives us the benefit of hindsight whilst we can still do something about it. Personal energy is at a low point and our focus is inwards. If we don’t like the mess we find ourselves in or the restrictions that “bad” decisions have placed on us then these few weeks are our time to work out a new strategy so we can do it differently when Mars and Saturn start to move forward again.
Saturn and Mars act as a backdrop to this month whilst the highlights occur at the two major Moon phases. The Sun conjuncts Neptune at the New Moon on 14 February. This might add a romantic glow to St Valentines day. Neptune can blurr the edges of our perception for good or bad. Joined with the Sun which is our vitality and essence or identity we can become disorientated, confused or just a bit woolly. The New Moon is the start of a new cycle and a good time to set a new course but it might not bode well for clear forward direction. Yet Neptune can also blurr distinctions in a beneficial way, dissolving boundaries that set us apart form others. A great deal of compassion or empathy can be experienced now. Placed in altruistic Aquarius we could see people moved to various humanitarian acts of kindness. We can afford to be fairly optimistic with the great benefic Jupiter, now very happy in its own sign, Pisces. The Sun moves to join Jupiter at the Full Moon phase on 28 February. Expansive Jupiter conjoined with the brilliance of the Sun at a time which is a natural climax in the Sun-Moon cycle could mark a major moment. Expect it to be big and bold. Jupiter is intrepid in its determination to move into new territory and will sometimes be carried forward on a wave of righteous belief in its cause. The energy will be vibrant and expectations grand. It’s certainly a good moment to manifest some of your highest ideals.