Concentration is the name of the planetary game this week. By
Saturday, Valentine’s Day, five planets — Mercury, Mars, Jupiter,
the Sun, and Neptune — are lined up in the Sign of Aquarius,
suggesting a celestial strength that’s sure to manifest as the
deliberate desire to focus on a particular plan or project. Be prepared
to chew on your favorite subject like a dog chews on a bone. Also
expect many of those compulsive efforts to yield positive results. Most
importantly, the majority of those purposeful missions are likely to be
funded by altruism aimed at community service, which means good works
can be derived from good intentions. While every day is a good day to
make a difference in the world, right now is an especially good time to
be an agent of change.
The star of the week, and the source of probable positive results,
is a Mars/Jupiter conjunction. Jupiter symbolizes the urge for
expansive, harmonious aspirations. Mars represents physical power, and
when they share the same space (they are conjunct until the end of the
month) they enhance our power to concentrate on specific ambitions. And
since concentration is already the signature of the week, this
conjunction amplifies the already existing potential to direct time as
well as energy toward specific goals. Be ambitious, be bold, think big,
and be determined to overcome obstacles.
The only obvious obstruction to this week’s focused mindset is a
Sun/Neptune conjunction, also in Aquarius. The combination of the Sun
and Neptune inclines toward the mystical, and as part of that spiritual
bent, tends to dial up increased sensitivity. Be prepared for you or
those around you to be more than a little susceptible to suggestion. If
you’re feeling good about your prospects, protect that attitude by
turning off your TV or radio off. You don’t need fear-mongers bringing
you down or corrupting your sensibilities.
Last week’s column ended with the suggestion that readers allow love
to steer the stars, a bit of advice that provoked someone to write in
and ask how that was possible: Are we guiding the stars or are the
stars guiding us? I love this question, because it goes to the heart of
our relationship with the sky. Most of us tend to think that the
planets make things happen, and certainly the language used to describe
planetary activity is causal. But to define astrology as only
causal is to deny our role as co-creators of reality. What if the
universe does rearrange itself to accommodate our picture of
reality? Or, as it says in the Emerald Tablet: “That which is
above is from that which is below, and that which is below is from that
which is above, working the miracles of one.”
If we are co-creators (and I’m puttin’ my money on the idea
that we are), then astrology would represent a symbiosis between
heaven and earth — a mysterious relationship, to be sure, but
also a powerful one, that would never allow us to give our power away
to the stars.
If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
ARIES March 21-April 19
While you may not think you could possibly be more social, you’re
about to add pages to your dance card. So rather than resist, embrace
this opportunity for a wide range of interactions.
TAURUS April 20-May 20
It is all work, all the time, and actually that’s just fine, because
included in your increased responsibilities are lots of opportunities
to stretch your existing role and expand your horizons.
GEMINI May 21-June 21
It’s a trust exercise you can’t avoid. So take a deep breath, and
settle into an attitude that will allow you to accept what you can’t
control, as it simultaneously allows you to know when it’s time to
act.
CANCER June 22-July 22
The focus is on financial improvement so don’t let yourself be
swayed by the prevailing negative media message. Be clear about your
priorities, and then let those goals motivate your choices.
LEO July 23-August 22
You’re in a relationship intensive that includes interactions with
all your relations, as well as your partnership with yourself. Treat
others as you would be treated and you’ll transform an old pattern of
feeling invisible.
VIRGO August 23-September 22
Take some time to figure out how you can create a fresh perspective
on your work situation. I’m not promising a miracle, but I am
suggesting there may be previously overlooked opportunities.
LIBRA September 23-October 22
You’re still in a highly sensitive emotional state, susceptible to
all sorts of romantic inclinations. Be charming, but also be direct,
and you won’t mistake an innuendo for an invitation.
SCORPIO October 23-November 21
Powerful forces are stirring your psychic pond and your nervous
system is absorbing the stress. Do whatever it is you do to spend
excess energy in healthy ways, and you’ll feel relief almost
instantly.
SAGITTARIUS November 22-December
21
You won’t run out of things to say and you might even be surprised
to find yourself expanding into a new range of topics for lively
discussion. The only thing to be concerned about is laryngitis.
CAPRICORN December 22-January 19
Several opportunities to improve your finances may present
themselves, but before you get involved in a get-rich-quick scheme, use
your common sense. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it
usually is.
AQUARIUS January 20-February 18
It’s a joy to see you bustin’ out all over — and having so
much fun being you. Embrace this process, even if that means simply
taking delight in the smallest of personal pleasures.
PISCES February 19-March 20
Your imagination is so fertile that your head is starting to
resemble a Chia Pet, with ideas sprouting in every directions. Pay
attention: Many of those inspirations are worthy of your efforts.
