The Sun illuminates mass consciousness in February through the sign of Aquarius, the fixed air sign closely associated with genius and fanaticism, mental breakthroughs, progress in group/collaborative efforts, and awakenings to new or previously ignored information and input of all stripes and colors. We attune more to the positive aspects of our differences as individuals and the immense power generated when we join forces toward common goals. Aquarius rules extremes in realm of ideas right along with the capacity for brilliance, as well as all the various methods of working with energy.

On the 18th the Sun enters all-encompassing Pisces for a dive into the deep, mutable waters of compassion and chaos for the next four weeks. In Pisces the interconnections are felt rather than intellectualized. Both signs of the last two winter months encourage us to experience the vast, complex and exquisite relationships among beings of all species and planetary origins. Through the lenses of Aquarius and Pisces the universe reveals itself as an eternal dance of energy moving into and out of various forms and frequencies of manifestations. We can take part in the panorama of cosmic interactions as playfully and compassionately as possible, with increasing awareness of the beings with whom we co-create the Dance. The music of the spheres during this February and March rings with especially magnificent tones, supporting ever more kaleidoscopic shapeshifting for all who care to tune into the stellar and planetary harmonies. In other words: The time for great changes is upon us and we have all the resources we could possibly need to make them.

Both Mercury and Venus backtrack during this period, February and March respectively, presenting the opportunities for thorough review of which skills and systems of information we want to devote our precious time to, and our progression, or lack thereof, in partnerships, creative expression, and financial matters. Mercury asks that we open our perceptions to include the dynamics of the whole system within which we function and to skillfully contribute through our own unique perspective. Venus supports passionate dedication to our cause(s), creative projects and personal connections, but will require us to re-visit actions we've just taken, or are about to take in these areas.

February 3rd marks Mercury's pivot at the 1st degree of Pisces, and in a close square to Jupiter in Gemini as it turns. This association may encourage more misunderstood communications or "glitches in the wiring"of electronic systems for three weeks. Best to cultivate as much clarity in thought, speech, and written word as possible, and be open to alternative ways to work should the technology monster/friends that increasingly rule our lives decide to rebel. Also be aware that Mercury's retro phase through the 25th, turning direct at 15 degrees Aquarius, is a problematic time to initiate new projects.

The Full Moon on the 7th at 20 degrees Leo echoes the dynamics of the August 11, 1999 Solar Eclipse, as another fixed grand cross brings matters to a fairly extreme head, with Moon, Sun, Uranus, Mercury, Mars and Saturn the participating players. You may want to refer back to that eclipse to understand all the elements at work in this lunation's fixed focus. Have you progressed in the ways you intended to since the Summer of '99? This brings new opportunity for important resolutions and requires great focus. Mars and Saturn in near direct opposition can cause tremendous frustration as the planet that charges ahead comes face to face with the planet that puts on the brakes. Whatever's stopping you from moving forward right now needs full attention without projecting anger or giving away power. And this is a good time to remind ourselves that the kind of power that really counts lies in our ability to be authentic with ourselves and to act from this authenticity rather than trying to coerce others into doing things our way. Bottom line for this Moon÷be willing to go through a major shift around this time instead of continuing on with a long-standing struggle.

The 23rd brings the Pisces New Moon at 5 degrees, with Sun and Moon square Mars and Jupiter, while opposing each other. Another lunation that encourages extremes if we're not vigilant in working on inner balance, these aspects can create a tendency to scatter our energies. The areas represented by Pisces are in the foreground, with the possibility of renewal for the coming annual cycle. The realms of imagination, refined creative expressions, ungrounded fantasies, spiritual yearnings and the ability to merge are emphasized. Pisces can lead us down a path of self-delusion, addictive habits, or loss of ourselves if we forget to make conscious choices. The New Moon in this sign is an excellent time for self-realization and commitment to being more mindful of choices we make every day. Retro Mercury joins Uranus for heightened, revelatory perceptions and probably a new phase of awareness about our ongoing energy and technology problems. The truth may be hard to get to here without great commitment. Venus trine Pluto and square the Moon's Nodes indicates intense desires, profound creative impulses and big financial moves, all ready to shift. The courage to act from the heart fuels us now if we can get past the restlessness, illusions and deceptions.

The first three weeks of March continues the Sun's travels through soft and watery Pisces, enabling us to release in areas where we've become too rigid and to refine our sense of who, what and where we are. Pisces teaches us not to just tolerate, but to truly allow each being their own truth and each event its own place in the larger scheme. The 8th Venus pivots to retrograde motion, passionately re-visiting from 18 to 1 degree of Aries along the way, moving direct again on April 19th. Taurus and Libra people, and others who have extensive Venus influences, will be especially affected, but all of us will experience this review of relationships (whether to back off or jump in more), financial matters, and creativity. Actions in these areas that we may have impulsively initiated get the benefit of time to rethink and exercise restraint, or risk being hoisted on our own prittard.

On the heels of Venus' station comes Full Moon on the 8th at 20 degrees Virgo, in a potent square with Pluto, Pallas, and, within 8 degrees, Mars. Mercury and Uranus are joined in a high strung square with Saturn still, putting pressure on our sifting through the merits of old and new paradigms, value systems, and finding the new bottom line. Established habits must yield to all this pressure, as Sun and Moon illuminate where we need to put our energies now, and Pluto-Pallas-Mars both expose problem areas and compel some to act with wisdom and courage, while others are positioned to attack. A Full Moon Peace meditation will be particularly effective now.

Spring Equinox arrives at 5:31 A.M. on the 20th, one of the four sacred gateways of the year, as the Sun enters cardinal fire sign Aries, and day equals night. The ingress chart for this Spring shows Moon and Neptune merging in mystical bliss in Aquarius, trining Jupiter in Gemini, foretelling a season of promise. Optimism reigns, with positive visions of the future in an atmosphere where both the courage to act and the use of wise restraint prevail. Divine Grace is with us, but we must open up to allow it in.

Aries New Moon on the 24th at 5 degrees has Sun and Moon joined by Vesta and widely conjuncting Venus-Juno, who in turn trine Pluto-Pallas-Mars. All this firey intensity brings out the warrior archetype in both positive and negative ways. The presence of the asteroids Pallas, Juno and Vesta mitigate the highly belligerent energy field by adding wisdom, strategizing (Pallas) and mediating abilities (Juno). Vesta's role is guardian of the inner sanctum, protecting us from anger and self-serving desires.