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Thursday, February 23, 2012 | |
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Aquarius is a masculine air sign, even though the Water bearer would suggest a water sign. Traditionally ruled by Saturn, today this sign is considered to be ruled by Uranus. This is a human sign, represented by a man pouring water from a vase. One of the most outstanding characteristics of a Water bearer is his love for humanity and devotion to causes. He or she pours out his energies raising funds and awareness, marching in protest demonstrations, speaking against injustice.
Pisces is a feminine water sign, the twelfth and last sign in the zodiac. In ancient tradition this sign was ruled by Jupiter, but is now considered to be ruled by Neptune. It is represented by two fish opposing each other, a double-bodied sign. As a way of illustrating this two-sided sign, these people tend to feel sorry for themselves yet are capable of generous acts of sacrifice and service to others. They have escapist tendencies. But once they get out of themselves, they are generous, kind and sympathetic to their loved ones. They are sensitive and fall in love at the drop of a hat. |
This month we take an in-depth look at Mars, which currently is spending several weeks retrograding in Virgo. Mars takes about two years to go through the zodiac. When he is direct he moves quickly staying about five or six weeks in a sign. When he slows down and goes retrograde he can stay in one sign for six months. Mars has already been in Virgo since November 2011 and will stick around until July 2012. Virgos may have noticed increased physical activity, motivation, temper tantrums, arguments, accidents or fevers. The retrograde tends to lower Mars energy levels and slows down the progress of things in general but usually for a constructive purpose.
Mars rules Aries and traditionally he was the sole ruler of Scorpio. Nowadays Mars and Pluto are considered co-rulers of Scorpio. If Scorpio or Aries is the Sun sign or ruler of the Ascendant then Mars' position can indicate strong specific characteristics. Example: I know a man with Scorpio rising and the Moon in Aries, so he has strong Mars personality traits for starters. He is proud, vain and likes to be in charge. He can do the work of three people. In contrast, his Mars is in Cancer, which is a weak placement (fall). He shows classic Cancer traits. He is home loving, gentle and moody. He enjoys the beach. He is a good cook. His family comes first.
Mars is exalted in Capricorn, which means the energy is best expressed in that sign. Anyone with that placement is patient, hard working and determined. They have amazing endurance and the ability to bounce back from anything.
Mars really acts up in the fire signs, Aries, Leo or Sagittarius. People with Mars in one of these signs lose their tempers easily, break up with lovers or spouses, fight, chase women, fall in love at first sight or spend too much money. In Scorpio, Mars can make a person cruel and manipulative. In ancient times, Mars was the god of war, and men going into battle would invoke him to assure victory in the battlefield. Today the planet Mars continues to define aggressive and belligerent behavior, as well as other more constructive attributes.
Mars serves as a timer. When Mars crosses an important point or planet in the chart it can signify an event just as a Full or New Moon can. I've had it happen to me many times. Last fall I got a job just as Mars crossed over my Ascendant/Descendant axis, which is a sensitive point in the chart. So Mars isn't always the bringer of bad news. Mars can get you out of a rut. Combined with Venus, Mars brings romance. Combined with Jupiter, Mars brings opportunities, good health and successful childbirth. The Mars energy is necessary for life to go on. The idea is to put the Mars energy to good use!
Continue reading for the February forecast and by the way, Happy Chinese New Year of the Water Dragon! Gung hay fat choy!
This Month's Forecast
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(Born between March 21 - April 19)
When Venus arrives on February 8 and joins Uranus excitement, creativity and originality are favored. Apparently it offers something for everyone in the zodiac! Put on a red dress and go out. Aries will be looking for trouble. Surprise romantic encounters and adventures are in store. If married, it could spice things up. Some marriages might end unexpectedly. You could be very impulsive. Look before you leap. Brief wild affairs and elopements are possible. This is perfectly timed to fall just before Valentine's Day. |
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(Born between April 20 - May 19)
The Sun and Mercury are going through your career house. This is a good time for meetings, job interviews and making a favorable impression. Because of Jupiter and Pluto inner transformation continues to swirl below the surface. Keep in mind that Pluto in your travel house may bring you a chance to travel sometime in the next few years and you will see the world differently. Your basic spiritual beliefs may also change. |
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(Born between May 20 - June 20)
Mars in Virgo puts an emphasis on activities at home. You may feel like knocking down a wall or building furniture or something. It may be a long-term project. Be patient and plan carefully. There may also be a disagreement within the family but it should blow over quickly. Saturn goes retrograde in your house of leisure time, romance and children, which may bring minor delays, obligations or concerns of some kind. |
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(Born between June 21 - July 22)
Venus in Aries joins the Uranus Pluto square, which could be exciting for you rather than difficult. Some of you will be more socially outgoing than usual. Get out of the house. Take a risk and try something completely different. Your career and public life are favored. Fashion and the arts appeal to you now. Women may be helpful to you. You may have a job offer or a career change that could be the break you've been waiting for! |
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(Born between July 23 - August 21)
The Venus Uranus conjunction will bring fun and adventure this month. Travel, exploration and learning a new sport or hobby are favored. The Aquarian Sun and Mercury focus some attention on your marriage most likely in a positive way. You may have an unexpected chance to take a trip. Go for it. You might even have a whirlwind shipboard romance. Having a good time and a change of scene are just the ticket. |
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(Born between August 22 - September 22)
I've written extensively about Mars (retrograde in Virgo) above. Hopefully you have been keeping your temper in check and found a good project to work on. You may feel less energetic than usual. So take it easy, get plenty of rest and guard your heath. If you've been overdoing it you'll be prone to colds or fevers. This may be a good time for a check up or a visit with a nutritionist. Start (slowly at first!) a new fitness program. |
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(Born between September 23 - October 22)
Saturn begins a five month retrograde this month and you're thinking, what, again? But it won't be too much of a drag for most Librans. If you were born in the early fifties you might be more inclined to spiritual interests and reflection during this time. The Venus Uranus conjunction on February 8 favors romance and marriage. Just think about going out, having fun and making new friends. You could have a great Valentine's Day. |
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(Born between October 23 - November 21)
The Sun lights up your home and family life this month. Redecorate the living room. Spend more time with your children and get in touch with relatives. At the Full Moon you can close on a property or finish up a renovation. The Jupiter Pluto trine is favorable for real estate sales. If you are planning to move this is a perfect time to do it. Gentle Neptune moving into Pisces favors romance and creativity for the next few years. |
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(Born between November 22 - December 21)
If single, your love life will perk up considerably this month. Activities with children, sports, romance and all kinds of social events are favored. Have a Super Bowl party and buy raffle tickets. You will be invited out a lot. Read about Aries. Valentine's Day could be special. Venus and Uranus together bring fireworks of one kind or another. You may meet an exciting lover who will come and go in the wink of an eye. |
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(Born between December 22 - January 20)
The Venus Uranus conjunction favors your home life. You might fall in love with the girl or boy next door. Have a Valentine's Day get-together at your house. Serious Capricorn may suddenly be in the mood for fun and mischief. Take your spouse out for dinner. You may be impulsive or extravagant. Go ahead and live a little! This is the time for rekindling the fires or upsetting the apple cart depending on your situation. |
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(Born between January 21 - February 19)
Naturally when the Sun is in your sign everyone loves you. Now is the time to pamper your self. Get a massage and ask for favors or loans. People are much more supportive of you in general. Call your friends and go out to lunch. Mercury is exalted in Aquarius and he arrives here on Valentine's Day. Your instincts are sharp so if you get a gut feeling about something go with it. Communication and negotiation are favored now. |
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(Born between February 20 - March 20)
Neptune has moved in at last for an extended stay. Those of you born around February 19-22 will feel it in the next several months. This favors the arts such as poetry, film, dance and music. You will feel inspired. Intuition and psychic ability are increased. You will also be in a daydream half the time and wonder why. Some will be susceptible to alcohol and drugs so try to keep both feet on the ground. Otherwise enjoy the ride! |
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For more of Valerie's interesting articles about astrology please click here.
Astrological forecasts are for contemplative and entertainment purposes.
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 | Sunrise & Sunset
Sunrise at the beginning of the month: 7:10am
Sunset at the beginning of the month: 5:18pm
Sunrise at the end of the month: 6:35am
Sunset at the end of the month: 5:51pm
|  | Moon Phases
Full Moon: Februry 7
New Moon: Febrary 21
Moonrise & Set
Moonrise at the beginning of the month: 11:46am
Moonset at the beginning of the month: 1:54am
Moonrise at the end of the month: 10:25am
Moonset at the end of the month: 12:37am |
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Names for this month's full moon
Big Winter Moon, Hunger Moon, Ice Moon, Storm Moon, Quickening Moon, Wild Moon
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Coastal Skylights
January 3-4 - Quadrantid Meteors - Though a waxing gibbonous moon could make viewing as challenge look to the northeast just after sunset for these short speedy shooters.
January 5 - Earth at perihelion - Earth's orbit is at its closest to the sun (147,098,074km).
January 15-16 - Delta Cancrid Meteors - Start looking around 9pm till midnight and directly overhead, in the constellation of Cancer.
January 18 - Coma Berenicid Meteors - This meteor shower rises about 10 p.m. and is directly overhead at just before dawn when the last quarter moon may hamper viewing.
January 31 - Asteroid 433 Eros makes a visit near Earth, 16 million miles away, but shouldbe visible with a telescope
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