The Astrology Blog 22 February 2016
What’s happening this week?
All times in GMT
As usual start by noting that if you have natal planets or angles at or close to any of the signs and degrees featuring this week then unfolding events will be especially significant for you. Here are the usual links for checking the position of your own planets and angles:
http://www.alwaysastrology.com/birth-chart-calculator.html
You can also try this calculator, which lists all your planets and angles rather than bringing up the visual of the horoscope, so for non astrologers it’s easier to use.
http://astro.cafeastrology.com/cgi-bin/astro/natal
Firstly just a reminder that Venus is now on her way through Aquarius, sign of groups, friendships and technology. Last week I wrote –
If you’ve ever wanted to try internet dating the conditions are perfect (but please practice the usual safety measures, such as arranging first dates somewhere safe and letting friends or family know where you’ll be). Otherwise Venus’ change of sign is ideal for meeting new people through groups and clubs, or for letting a friendship blossom first. Make having things in common a top priority.
As above, so below, this article jumped out at me this weekend, how we find love in this digital age, and the stats are extraordinary. Not only is internet dating no longer stigmatized, it is by a mile now the most common way that people find partners, especially for same sex relationships:
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35535424
Venus will be a key player next week so we’ll be returning to her then. For now this week kicks off with the Full Moon –
Monday Full Moon at 3 degrees of Virgo (18.21)
Full Moons have several jobs – to illuminate, to bring a matter full circle and to sensitize, and these themes will be especially applicable to you if you have planets/angles at or close to 3 degrees of Virgo. If you have an unfolding drama going on then focus on self preservation and pay close attention to anything that comes to light throughout the course of today and tomorrow. “Lunacy” corresponds with this monthly event and, as I’m always saying, police stations and A&E departments know to expect extra work on Full Moon nights. This is not stated in any alarmist way, but as a reminder to be vigilant and not to take risks.
Otherwise at a universal level this Full Moon is like a highlighter pen for all Virgo issues, primarily health, work and routine. Anything that needs care, effort, attention to detail or an analytical approach will be a top concern. If you’re looking for work now’s the time to roll up your shirt sleeves and get motoring, or if you have health issues now’s the time to make that appointment or find a specialist.
Jupiter is currently on his long retrograde journey through Virgo, so the monthly Moon – Jupiter conjunction will be extra stunning this week. If you’re lucky enough to have clear skies you’ll see Jupiter blazing away next to the Full Moon tonight, and even closer tomorrow night as the conjunction nears its moment of exactitude –
Wednesday Moon conjunct Jupiter at 20 degrees of Virgo (02.45)
Jupiter isn’t at full power in astrological terms – Virgo being one of his signs of detriment, and also being in reverse – but nevertheless he is still the Greater Benefic of the heavens and is associated with good fortune, and all things that make our world more joyful. Anything or anyone playing a role that coincides with this conjunction (ie in this case especially Tuesday evening as it’s applying) will be beneficial in some way.
This includes your own moves and decisions as Virgo is one of Mercury’s signs, and this planet is the key player for the second half of the week –
• Thursday Mercury sextile Saturn (08.07)
• Friday Mercury sextile Uranus (23.03)
The sextile is a harmonious aspect that happens when planets are exactly two signs apart. The Mercury – Saturn happens at 15 Aquarius/15 Sagittarius and the Mercury – Uranus happens at 18 Aquarius/18 Aries. Note how fast Mercury is moving now and therefore note the things happening quickly in your own life. Decisive actions get a huge tick, especially where you’ve been procrastinating up until now, but also look out for a natural turn of events that will sort out a situation simply because its time has come. Saturn is good for closure or for putting things in order, Uranus by good aspect is associated with brilliance or the unexpected that works in your favour.
Note that slow moving Saturn and Uranus themselves are both in fire signs but they don’t actually make an exact alliance until the end of the year – Christmas Day in fact, when they both reach 20 degrees of their respective signs. The reason that this will take so long to happen is that Saturn will turn retrograde at the end of next month and won’t turn direct again (at 9 degrees of Sag, my and Sue’s Sun!) until 13th August, so there’ll be a long period of backtracking followed by another of catch up. This is therefore acting as a backdrop for this year, with a major turning point in the summer. Themes of reorganizing life and working on longer term projects, and matters that will take time, certainly fit for Sue and me.
The week finishes with the annual Sun – Neptune union –
Sunday Sun conjunct Neptune at 9 degrees of Pisces (15.49)
Neptune is incredibly slow moving (his orbit around the zodiac takes 176 years) so the Sun catches up with him only once a year. This aspect will therefore be especially significant for you if you have planets or angles at or very close to 9 degrees of Pisces or the opposite sign of Virgo, or in the other mutable signs of Sag and Gemini, therefore receiving this aspect by square.
Neptune is Poseidon, god of the sea, and rules the boundless watery realms of our emotional and spiritual worlds. It’s a great aspect if you’re falling in love – fusion and the urge to merge – or if you’re embarking upon any creative project. Also listen very closely to your inner voice and value your instincts. This is a chance to make a dream come true and it’s a good time to remember that many wondrous things start with the power of the imagination.
As with all the outer planets, however, there’s always a flip side! Look out for plumbing or water related problems, and be extra careful with any kind of medication. Neptune rules drugs, and also alcohol. Neptune can signal times when we feel swamped by our emotions – the whole gamut from love to grief – so look out for anyone who’s drowning their sorrows or be mindful if you’re drowning your own, such as making sure that you’re in a safe place and with those who’ll look after you.
Neptune is also associated with sleep I’ve found, and the older I get – and the older those around me get – the more important this seems to become! I always remember reading an interview with Johnny Depp as he was approaching the age of 50, who commented that sleep was becoming the major topic of conversation with family and friends (as opposed to sex, partying, adventures etc!), everyone comparing how many hours they got last night and how wonderful it was to wake up after that precious deep and healing sleep! Regardless of your age it’s surely true for everyone that a great night’s sleep sets you up to deal with anything, and especially the things that seem overwhelming or impossible when you’re tired. Out of interest I had a quick look at his chart –
http://www.astrotheme.com/astrology/Johnny_Depp
Depp has an exact Moon – Neptune sextile with his Moon at 13 Capricorn in the 6th (health, work, crafts) and Neptune at 13 Scorpio in the 4th. If you’re interested in researching celeb charts you’ll find that Neptune often figures strongly in the charts of actors – that creative talent, the power of the imagination and the ability to morph into someone else. Neptune is also compassion. Following the recovery of his beloved daughter from a life threatening kidney infection in 2007 in Great Ormond St Hospital Depp donated £1 million to the hospital but, even better, he visited the hospital personally, dressed in his Jack Sparrow outfit, and spent four hours reading stories to the children.
Wishing you sweet dreams,
With love from Greece until next week,
Joanna