Mars in Leo is still retrograde - please refer to previous editions of The Planets and You in the archives section on the web site for more detailed information on this planetary movement, and to the movement of Saturn above.

The Sun in Aquarius conjuncts Neptune on 14 February. In The Tradition the outer planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are viewed in the same light as Fixed Stars (these are planets that move only roughly 1 degree every 72 years.) They have no rulerships as they cannot be seen by the naked eye and therefore have no “power” to rule. The Sun and the Moon are difficult to define as their primary rulerships in man are abstract – the Sun rules the soul, essence or life force and he rules the ego. On a more practical level he rules the metal gold, in man primarily the heart and the brain, and all food specifically those that are yellow, orange or gold in colour and shaped like the Sun, such as citrus and sun flowers. Neptune imparts an air of delusion or illusion, so matters ruled by the Sun may be shrouded in confusion when this conjunction occurs. The Sun moves into Pisces on 18 February and will conjunct Jupiter on 28 February. We have addressed this effect on Jupiter above, and because Jupiter rules the Sun while in Pisces, matters pertaining to the Sun will be magnified (Jupiter) over this period. This is also an ideal time to approach anyone for favours who wears the crown - they should be expansive and inclined towards generosity.

Venus the lesser benefic (the little good guy) is combust while she and the Sun are in Aquarius until she moves into Pisces on 11 February. This does not bode well for Venusian matters as this combustion is viewed very differently to that of Jupiter. Venus does not rule Aquarius and therefore the Sun has complete power over her by combustion - she is burned and harmed, and her areas of rulership cannot see or be seen. This is not the right time to make decisions with regards to matters of the heart as these concerns are not being viewed in the objective light they should. This is compounded by her conjunction to Neptune on 8 February while she is combust, so hidden facts pertaining to these matters and the illusions surrounding them are exacerbated. On 17 February, while in Pisces where Venus is exalted, she will conjunct Jupiter. This is an excellent time to declare your undying love and to bombard your loved one with romantic gestures – use Valentine's Day on the 14th to your advantage!

Mercury moves from Capricorn into Aquarius on 10 February which increases the Saturnine effects as Aquarius is more “Saturn” than Capricorn. Mercury will conjunct the north node on 3 February. The lunar nodes are the orbital nodes of the Moon, that is, the points where the orbit of the Moon crosses the ecliptic. The ascending node is where the Moon crosses to the north of the ecliptic; the descending node is where she crosses to the south. The north node is likened to Jupiter and bodes well for matters Mercurial – expansion, beneficence and opportunities within the communications, transport and IT industries. He opposes Mars on 13 February which adds a malefic strain and may herald confrontation or aggression in communication and sudden changes his areas of rulership – do note that he is the natural ruler of currency. He conjuncts Neptune on 27 February, so the “fogginess” which beset Venus and the Sun will now manifest here - a time to have your wits about you as he is the executive suite of the central nervous system.

New Moon occurs on 14 February and Full Moon on 28 February. The New Moon heralds new beginnings so if you intend tapping into the Venusian energy at this time, it is a lovely opportunity for new relationships and even friendships to form.