As we begin February, the planets are shifting our focus toward alchemizing love, relationships, and ultimately society. Venus is now moving very slowly, having just stationed direct. She’ll be in tight orb with Mars for the whole month—the two lovers holding hands for an unusually long period of time. By February 16, Venus speeds up. She and Mars bound ahead at the same degree for two whole weeks. Our hearts are awakening, and the lessons that we’ve learned during Venus retrograde are now translating into action. We’ve been reflecting on our values, histories, and desires. Now, we can put our revelations into practice, devoting ourselves to partners, friends, and projects with more intention, inspiration, and awareness.

Soon, Venus and Mars will cross Pluto, planet of shadows and transformation. There’s nowhere to hide. We’re ready to take an honest look at unconscious patterns that have blocked us from proper discernment and self-responsibility. We’re undergoing this painful work so that we can engage in healthier relationships moving forward.

On a bigger scale, the United States experiences its first exact Pluto return on February 22. Two more will arrive in July and December of this year. Karmic reckonings and intensity abound that will morph the country’s structures, politics, and social stratosphere. The next two years will determine the long-term future of the U.S.

A stellium, or group of planets, forms in Capricorn toward the end of February, drawing us into a cauldron of regeneration. We are facing the consequences of anything that’s out of integrity so that we can realign our lives. Applying dignity, patience, and perseverance, we can find ways to reconnect with our hearts and shared humanity. Slow and steady is key as we consider our words, actions, and decisions, taking practical steps toward realizing our dreams.

February Transits

MERCURY STATIONS DIRECT

On February 4, Mercury stations direct at 24° Capricorn. Pluto is close-by, so this is not a gentle transit. We could now connect with our lucidity and decisiveness as we unstick from the murkiness of Mercury retrograde. However, we must be sure that we’re telling the truth—to ourselves and others. Secrets could reveal themselves now. We’re undergoing important, though uncomfortable, transformations of mind, thought, and communication, while becoming much more mature in our interactions with others. This work will reach a climax on February 11, when Mercury forms his third and final exact conjunction with Pluto.

SUN CONJUNCT SATURN

On February 5, the Sun conjoins Saturn at 15° Aquarius. Obstacles could arise that ultimately spark a new beginning.

• What do we want to commit to?

• Where do we need to apply more discipline and take greater responsibility for ourselves and our lives?

• Where do our lives need restructuring?

This is a serious and unpleasant transit, though one that could bring clarity. This isn’t the time to take foolish risks or act out. The karmic consequences will be more severe than usual. After all, Saturn is the strict teacher who applies restrictions and enforces hard lessons for our own benefit and growth.

VENUS-MARS CONJUNCTION

On February 16, Venus joins Mars at 16° Capricorn, both remaining there for two weeks. We’re ready to take a leap around matters of the heart. We may feel creatively more committed and motivated now. In love, we could feel sparks that are passionate yet grounded. We might notice any insights or opportunities that arise now. Something is clicking into place, helping to push our trajectories forward after a long period of introspection and recalibration.

LEO FULL MOON

A Full Moon arrives on February 17 at 27° Leo. This Full Moon is quincunx to Pluto, encouraging us to step into our creative power while releasing whatever is blocking our hearts from our pleasure, joy, and true expression. We’re finding ways to feel special and seen while also aligned with our communities and broader purpose.

SUN ENTERS PISCES

The Sun enters Pisces on February 18, beginning Pisces season. We’re dropping from our Aquarian intellect into our emotions and spiritual intuition. We can relax and remember our connections to oneness and the divine, alleviating any pain of separation that we’ve been experiencing. As the last sign of the zodiac, the following month is all about release so that we can begin anew with the Spring Equinox on March 21.

THE U.S. PLUTO RETURN

The first of the United States’ three Pluto Returns forms on February 22, beginning a year of transformation and reckoning for the United States. The next two exact conjunctions will arrive in July and December of 2022. Secrets from the past could surface, helping us reshape our way forward. Structures, politics, and social norms are ready for a mass overhaul. As we face the truth of our mistakes and witness possible destruction or falling apart, we are clearing the way for collective rebirth.

CAPRICORN STELLIUM

On February 26 and 27, a passionate stellium forms in Capricorn, involving the Moon, Venus, Mars, Vesta, and Pluto. We can prepare for profound change and alchemy as we shed our former selves, transmuting any pain that’s accumulatied over the past couple of years. Truth and integrity are necessary for us step into the next versions of ourselves and of society. 

February Summary

February is marked by serious work and profound transformation, with a strong emphasis on love. Mars and Venus, the relational planets, are together all month—a rare occurrence. We're making commitments and leaping into action, applying the wisdom we gleaned from the recent Venus retrograde. As Venus and Mars trek together along their mythic journey, they soon meet up with Pluto, Lord of the Underworld. We're ready to plunge into our depths and emerge transformed. On February 4, Mercury retrograde also stations next to Pluto. Honesty is key as we step into higher frequencies of love, sexuality, thoughts, and communication. On the broader stage, the United Sates experiences an exact Pluto Return on February 22, catalyzing a cycle of death and rebirth that will continue throughout 2022. Longstanding issues will possibly reach a crisis point, leading to significant structural, constitutional, and societal change. As a stellium forms in Capricorn at the end of February, we will all feel the alchemy and transmutation that mark this month. The outcome will be more positive if we behave with decency and virtue. We’re developing greater self-awareness, discipline, and responsibility as we step out of a period of reflection and make actual adjustments. In doing so, we can feel the relief of growing up as we elevate our lives, communities, and society.

February Aspiration

In the midst of winter storms, may we undergo creative, inspiring shifts, sparked by hard work and self-awareness. May we feel confident in our values as we commit to relationships and projects that bring joy, grounding, and connection to greater purpose.

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