Next Week in Astrology

Full Moon on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012, at 4:54 PM EST.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Moon is full, when the Aquarius Sun opposes the Moon in Leo. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time--a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

The Leo-Aquarius polarity deals with the balance between all that is personal (Leo) and all that is impersonal (Aquarius). The energy of the Leo Moon is creative self-expression and the boost to the individual ego that we receive through pleasure and romance, while the Aquarius Sun rules the group, more impersonal friendships, and objectivity. This Full Moon urges us to strike a balance between romance and friendship, and between expressing ourselves in personal and impersonal ways.

The Leo Moon is proud and intensely individual--not content with simply being just one of the team. The Aquarius Sun, while individualistic as well, values independence and the "team". The Full Moon illuminates this conflict.

With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic "illumination" occurs in our own lives. However, these new feelings and revelations are emotional ones, as there is a sense of emotions bursting forth into our consciousness. It's time to express ourselves, and to let things out of our systems. Over the next two weeks, we will discover what this means for us. For now, we can't sit on our feelings. We need to express them. Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is not particularly rational as yet.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 18 degrees and 32 minutes of Leo and Aquarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 13 to 23 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

The Sun is in Aquarius; Mercury is in Aquarius; Venus is in Pisces until February 8th, when it enters Aries; Mars is in Virgo.

The Sun is in Aquarius from January 20-February 18. During this cycle, we are motivated by our hunger for knowledge, experience, and originality. Innovation is more important to us than convention. We become more aware of what is outdated in our lives, and strive to find new perspectives and new ways to do things. The class distinctions, structure, and order that Capricorn finds appealing now seem to be too rigid. The freedom of the individual becomes far more significant to us. We strive to free ourselves from some of the restrictions, inhibitions, and limitations that now feel constraining rather than safe.

Mercury is in Aquarius from January 27-February 13. When Mercury is in Aquarius, we are hungry for knowledge and open to new and original ideas. We begin to think outside of the box, and our thinking becomes more progressive and objective. Our communication and thought patterns are spontaneous, somewhat fragmented, and liberal. This is a time when inventive thinking is at a peak.

Venus is in Pisces from January 14-February 8. Pisces never sees the world in black-and-white terms. Rather, Pisces sees all the colors of the rainbow. With the goddess of love in Pisces, our love is all-embracing, we are able to forgive and understand, we are seducible and seductive, and we show compassion to our partners. Venus in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach nevertheless, as there is a longing for something that is hard to define and hard to satisfy. Borders and boundaries blur under Venus in Pisces. The shadow side of this position is allowing ourselves to be victimized or deluded, as well as evasiveness.

Venus is in Aries from February 8-March 5. In Aries, love is spontaneous and direct. The chase is very exciting to us under this fiery influence. We are bold, fresh, and a little impatient when it comes to matters of the heart. We don't look back with Aries energy. We are not interested in saying sorry or dwelling on the past. It's a brand new day! It's time to make things work right now. Aries is known for a love of the chase and the conquest, but Aries love can be longstanding as long as it remains relatively fresh. Aries is blunt--there's no sugar-coating with Aries. This can sting, but rarely is Aries energy mean or petty. Saying it like it is is important to Aries. Desires are strong and expressed spontaneously, enthusiastically, and directly. Aries prefers to seduce rather than be seduced, to chase rather than be chased.

Mars in Virgo November 10-July 3rd, 2012. In Virgo, Mars is somewhat of a workhorse. We have a passion for details, as well as a need to do the right thing at just the right time under this influence. The satisfaction of a job well done is one of your greatest incentives now. We are more precise and concerned about performance.

Jupiter entered Taurus on June 4th. Read about Jupiter's transit through Taurus here.

Uranus entered Aries on March 11th. The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong with Uranus in Aries.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Pisces from January 14-February 8. Like Aquarius, Pisces love is universal. However, Pisces draws no bounds in love. With Venus in Pisces, we have compassion (and perhaps attraction) for those who are left out, overlooked, or victimized. We are self-sacrificing, and we have a hard time setting up borders. The walls go down, we have a hard time saying no (especially if our compassion is engaged), but we are also prone to avoiding all that makes us feel uncomfortable. Wishful thinking is one expression of Venus in Pisces. We can too easily believe what we want to believe. People can be hard to pin down, and love is hard to define under this influence. Pisces never sees the world in black-and-white terms. Rather, Pisces sees all the colors of the rainbow. With the goddess of love in Pisces, our love is all-embracing, we are able to forgive and understand, we are seducible and seductive, and we show compassion to our partners. Venus in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach nevertheless, as there is a longing for something that is hard to define and hard to satisfy. Borders and boundaries blur under Venus in Pisces. The shadow side of this position is allowing ourselves to be victimized or deluded, as well as evasiveness.

Venus is in Aries from February 8-March 5. In Aries, love is spontaneous and direct. The chase is very exciting to us under this fiery influence. We are bold, fresh, and a little impatient when it comes to matters of the heart. We don't look back with Aries energy. We are not interested in saying sorry or dwelling on the past. It's a brand new day! It's time to make things work right now. Aries is known for a love of the chase and the conquest, but Aries love can be longstanding as long as it remains relatively fresh. Aries is blunt--there's no sugar-coating with Aries. This can sting, but rarely is Aries energy mean or petty. Saying it like it is is important to Aries. Desires are strong and expressed spontaneously, enthusiastically, and directly. Aries prefers to seduce rather than be seduced, to chase rather than be chased.

This week: On Tuesday, some awkwardness when it comes to expressing feelings is likely with Venus quincunx Saturn. On Wednesday and Thursday, our tastes for the unusual and our desire for freedom are stimulated.

Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:

Venus in Pisces January 14-February 8. A martyr complex, a love for the underdog, a search for your soul mate: such are the experiences associated with the new cycle you're now just beginning. A yen for soul-stirring romance, a weakness for the weak, and a tendency to idealize people and relationships ... very aesthetic, very other-worldly.
Venus in Aries February 8-March 5. Romance at the drop of a hat is part and parcel of the cycle you have just begun. Winning the hearts of others can be a challenge you're eager to accept - and the thrill of the chase might be most of the fun. Is it the pursuit of happiness - or the happiness of pursuit?
Venus quincunx Saturn February 7. A feeling that we may not be able to express our affections, or that our affections will not be received well, can undermine us in our relationships. Fear of rejection, emotional distancing, and over-sensitivity.
Venus parallel Uranus February 8-9. We embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit. Peculiar, sudden, or avant garde attractions. This is an exciting but unstable energy. Friendship in love relationships becomes more important.
Venus conjunct Uranus February 9. We have a taste for the unusual and the avant garde. We are itching for a change. What makes a person unique is more attractive under this influence. Excitement and newness is valued over permanence in social relationships. Freedom is more important than intimacy just now. We lose our fears of taking risks in love and social situations. Romantic infatuations, gossip, unanticipated opportunities socially or financially. We have a greater need for self-expression, personal freedom, and social excitement. 
Venus square Pluto February 15. Intense passions, but there's a hidden agenda. Jealousy and possessiveness are high, in direct proportion to fear of losing partnership. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies.

The Moon & Timing

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, February 6th, from 7:31 AM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Leo at 8:24 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, February 8th, from 11:43 AM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Virgo at 12:33 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Friday, February 10th, from 12:12 AM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mars), until the Moon enters Libra at 2:55 PM EST.

Void of Course Moon Table for February 2012:

Timing with the Moon - Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives

The Moon is waxing this week until the Full Moon on February 7th -- a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with some exceptions. The Moon is waning this week after the Full Moon on February 7th -- a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). 

A window of opportunity occurs this week from Tuesday, February 7th, at approximately 7 PM EDT, until Wednesday, February 8th, at approximately 11:30 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Leo.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Nov 10th: Mars enters Virgo 11:15 PM
Nov 22nd: Sun enters Sagittarius 11:08 AM
Nov 24th:  Mercury Retrograde 2:20 AM
Nov 26th: Venus enters Capricorn 7:36 AM
Dec 10th:  Uranus Direct 2:05 AM
Dec 13th:  Mercury Direct 8:43 PM
Dec 20th:  Venus enters Aquarius 1:26 PM
Dec 22nd: Sun enters Capricorn 12:30 AM
Dec 25th:  Jupiter Direct 5:08 PM  
Jan  8th:  Mercury enters Capricorn 1:34 AM
Jan 14th: Venus enters Pisces 12:47 AM
Jan 20th: Sun enters Aquarius 11:10 AM
Jan 23rd:  Mars Rx 7:54 PM
Jan 27th:  Mercury enters Aquarius 1:12 PM
Feb  3rd:  Neptune enters Pisces 2:03 PM
Feb  7th:   Sat Rx 9:03 AM
Feb  8th:  Venus enters Aries 1:01 AM
Feb 13th:  Mercury enters Pisces 8:38 PM
Feb 19th:  Sun enters Pisces  1:18 AM
Mar  2nd:  Mercury enters Aries 6:41 AM
Mar  5th:   Venus enters Taurus 5:25 AM
    *** Daylight Saving Time begins ***
Mar 12th:  Mercury Retrograde 3:49 AM
Mar 20th:  Sun enters Aries 1:14 AM
Mar 23rd:  Mercury Retrograde enters Pisces 9:22 AM
Apr  3rd:   Venus enters Gemini 11:18 AM
Apr  4th:   Mercury Direct 6:11 AM
Apr 10th:  Pluto Retrograde 12:24 PM
Apr 13th:  Mars Direct 11:53 PM
Apr 16th:  Mercury enters Aries 6:42 PM
Apr 19th:  Sun enters Taurus 12:12 PM
May  9th:  Mercury enters Taurus 1:14 AM

See also: The Astrology of 2012 - Overview.

Note: Times given ET.

This Week's Calendar

Sun semi-square Uranus. During this transit, we feel the need for action, but if we don't know where we're headed, we might take the wrong turn. Unexpected changes in plans or events can test our patience, and we might feel a bit out of control. However, they could stimulate us to try new approaches and they certainly act to cut boredom. This transit could offer us the drive to do something new, but avoid making hasty major decisions for the time being.

Mercury semi-square Uranus. We can have flashes of insight, but tend to be scatterbrained. Our ideas and communications may not be well-received because they don't seem to others to carry weight. Our minds are not peaceful or harmonious under this influence, and irritable tempers, sarcastic speech, and dogmatism are negative expressions of this energy.

Mercury conjunct Sun. We are especially sharp, communicative, and open at this time, as our wants are aligned with our thoughts. It's a favorable time for solving problems. What we say or write now has impact, for better or for worse!

Venus quincunx Saturn. We are extra sensitive, but it can be difficult to know why. Anxiety may overcome us when we wish to express our affections or social urges, and this hesitation can express itself through inhibitions and emotional distancing.

Mercury quincunx Mars. What we do and what we think or say are different. Instead of listening to what others have to say, we end up interrupting them and making assumptions. This is not a good day to make important decisions, as our thinking simply isn't clear.

Venus conjunct Uranus. We have a taste for the unusual and the avant garde. We are itching for a change. What makes a person unique is more attractive under this influence. Excitement and newness are valued over permanence in social relationships. We lose our fears of taking risks in love and social situations. Romantic infatuations, gossip, unanticipated opportunities socially or financially. We have a greater need for self-expression, personal freedom, and social excitement.

Sun quincunx Mars. A tendency to fly off the handle easily characterizes this transit, due to inner tension between the will and performance. It's hard to find satisfaction or a sense of peace at this time. We may feel decidedly "out of sorts".

Mercury semi-square Pluto. "Suspicious minds" characterize this transit, although if we harness the energy, we can develop strategies to get to the bottom of any matter. Mistrust, investigations. Some level of mental stress and pressure. A troubled mind.

Last Week

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs.

What's In Store By the Stars - Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on our site's main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

February 5
Take the time to catch your breath and center yourself today, as the next few days are likely to be more hectic. Today, the Moon is in Cancer all day, and there can be a strong need to stick with familiar people and circumstances. It's a good time to tend to domestic matters and for appreciating the closeness of family or those who are like family. Both the Sun and Mercury in Aquarius are approaching a semi-square to Uranus, the awakener, exact tomorrow. As well, we are building towards a Full Moon in Leo that will occur on the 7th.

February 6
The

A void of course Moon occurs from 7:31 AM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a square to Saturn), until the Moon enters Leo at 8:24 AM EST.

February 7
 

February 8
 

A void of course Moon occurs from 11:43 AM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Virgo at 12:33 PM EST.

February 9
 

February 10
 

A void of course Moon occurs from 12:12 AM EST, with the Moon's last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Mars), until the Moon enters Libra at 2:55 PM EST.

February 11
 

Daily Trends Calendar

If it's your birthday today, see our feature, If Today is Your Birthday Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year.
 

Moon Signs This Week:
 

When the Moon is in Cancer

The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.

When the Moon is in Leo

The Moon in Leo speaks to our "inner child". It's a warm, generous, whole-heartedly loving position. Pride keeps us from pettiness, but it can also prevent us from opening up and revealing how we are truly feeling. We are on stage, our feelings are grand, and we appreciate some drama in our lives. We are easily threatened by anything that seems to be impersonal. This is a time when we seek attention--when we want to stand out for our special qualities. It's a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well.

The Moon in Leo generally favors the following activities: Creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.

When the Moon is in Virgo

We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In an urge to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice the smaller parts that make up the whole, and instead of letting nagging details bother us, we might work on ironing them out so that we can feel more confident moving ahead. 　

The Moon in Virgo generally favors the following activities: Mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.

When the Moon is in Libra

Creating order is the focus, not necessarily through tidying or organizing as was the case while the Moon was in Virgo, but rather through pleasing interactions with others and aesthetics in our environment. We tend to solve problems through diplomacy, and we are more able to put aside our own emotions in order to achieve the peace we crave. The tendency now is to avoid direct confrontations. Decisions do not come easily. Seeing both sides to any given situation is the main reason for hesitation. Fear of losing others' approval is another.

The Moon in Libra generally favors the following activities: Relationship and partnership issues, activities involving teamwork and cooperation, activities that involve self-examination, activities related to beauty.

When the Moon is in...Transits of the Moon through the Signs.

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