Astral meanders February 2016

February 2016

Thought for the month: Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same. ~Francesca Reigler

In General: This Month begins with a Last Quarter Moon on the 1st Feb making the powerful Scorpio Moon at odds with the liberty loving Aquarius Sun. Emotionally it will express itself by increasing our desire for depth, truth and soul connections but unfortunately outside circumstances are not particularly conducive to this. Mars sextiles Pluto on the 3rd February however, helping us to bring about change. In general this is a hard working aspect which thankfully will give 2016 the kick start that January with its Mercury retrograde did not. With a sextile from the Moon to Uranus, we will be open to new outlooks and encouraged into group activity. With the Full Moon in Virgo, on February 22, we are being asked to forego our immediate pre-programmed escape mechanisms in order to really redefine our relationship to our physical bodies. Do we need more rest, healthier nutrients, more exercise or more water? If you have a birthday this week, then prepare for a year of deep connections and health reform. On the world scene, it’s a time of extremes, compassion and hard lines.

Aries

In work locations, do not believe everything you hear this month, take a wait and see, approach and do not consent to gossip. On February 8th, a new moon occurs in Aquarius, and you will meet new acquaintances, expand your social web, spend time with friends, join a new group, or come up with an idea that is innovative and that you’re excited about.

Taurus

This February you will address imbalances in your life by skillfully communicating with others and sharing your feelings and grievances. The new moon on the 8th will bring innovative opportunities for success, and new energy and confidence that inspires you to create new career and life goals for yourself.

Gemini

Diligent groundwork with some bold decision making are this month’s themes for Gemini.  You won’t be afraid to stick your neck out, but do be prepared to answer for it and defend your actions. You may not always be in the right place at the right time in February, but do not let that frustrate you, just be aware that plans will require flexibility.

Cancer

Mercury enters Aquarius in February, and you can focus on issues that are serious and require your thorough attention. You will be good at research right now, and you can dig deeply to get to the core of things. You have a slightly obsessive approach which is both helpful and not helpful! You have no patience for shallowness, and can’t abide people who seem false.

Leo

You should focus on improving the intimate connections you have with the people in your life, this month. You feel more contented and confident when you feel a strong connection to other people right now. This can be a good time to deal with other people’s money or to do work that profits you and another. You will come across as more charismatic or appealing.

Virgo

You can get a lot of work done during the second half of February and will feel more productive and efficient. You can get organized, make lists, and impress others with your work skills. Diligent work pays off with the full moon in your sign on the 22nd, and you attract rewards and personal success.

Libra

You are more romantic and loving this month as Mercury and Venus enter your love sector for the second half of the month. If single, your charming nature, and the new moon will transport great energy into your life especially for meeting lots of new potential interests. If in a relationship, you are bound to reawaken the passion this month, and make it fun again.

Scorpio

Scorpios, have the opportunity in February to reach a new level of intimacy, both physical and spiritual in their relationships.  Investment in stocks, shares, art and so on can be a wise move this month. As long as you use caution alongside your gut feel, you will undoubtedly make a good decision.

Sagittarius

You may surprise some folk this month with your unique way of attacking problems and getting things done. However, your ingenuity and distinctive approach is just what is needed. This is a good time to focus on your support system and work on consolidating it, as well as reinforcing your internal foundation. You may come across as more thoughtful and nurturing.

Capricorn

You focus on getting things back on track that may’ve been thrown off in January, and you work to put the pieces back together. You will be able to deal with financial matters during the second half of February, and work on getting more security and stability into your finances. You will make good decisions and gather advice that’s helpful.

Aquarius

You’ve been holding yourself back, waiting for the right moment to fully express yourself, and with Mercury and Venus entering your sign, and a new moon in your sign on the 8th, February is the time to start moving on this. Be confident and brave, and move forward boldly. Be enthusiastic about what you’re doing, and it will take you far.

Pisces

Pisces, you are now working hard to fully understand yourself. It is very important to prioritize, organize and then get stuck in; make sure you know what your objectives are as seeing progress is very important to you right now, but you cannot measure growth against something vague, so set yourself goals and objectives.

Astral Peeks: visible planets

The time is now! Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn can be seen simultaneously before dawn beginning around January 20, 2016. And they’ll remain visible before dawn from about January 20 to February 20, 2016.

The last time that all five visible planets appeared in the same sky together was from about December 15, 2004, to January 15, 2005.

By bright or visible planet, we mean any planet in our own solar system that’s easily viewed without an optical aid and that has been watched by our ancestors since time immemorial.

In their outward order from the sun, the five bright planets are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. These planets are easily seen in our sky because their disks reflect sunlight, and these relatively nearby worlds tend to shine with a steadier light than the distant, twinkling stars.

Meditation moments: Lughnasadh Southern Hemisphere…

On February 2nd the Celtic festival of Lughnasadh is recognized in the southern hemisphere. At Lughnasadh, the Wheel of the Year begins to change from growing time to harvest time. The subtle changes of the waning sun that happened at Summer Solstice become more evident as the balance of day and night seem to shift more dramatically. The slight seasonal variations in weather, and the declining arc of the sun, are other pointers of this shift. This is the time of the first harvests. At this celebration we give thanks to the Earth for its bounty and beauty.  In times past, celebrations typically centered on the assurance of a plentiful harvest season and the celebration of the beginning of the harvest cycle.

Lughnasadh is a time of individual reflection and harvest, of our actions and deeds, events and experiences, our gains and losses. It’s a chance for us to get rid of blocks and fix what’s wrong before the cycle of the year ends and winter is upon us.

A great meditation for this celebration is purely and simply conscious eating…being mindful of and grateful for the food you share. Most of all, as you feast and give thanks for your bountiful table; I encourage you to consider what promise and commitment you might give to the sacred land itself that makes possible your abundance?