Cosmic Sway
A bright crescent Moon, approaching a dazzling conjunction with Mars, illuminates the night sky as we welcome Imbolc, a festival of light. Look for the Mars and Moon in the west a couple of hours after sunset and consider their combined symbolism: emotional ferocity and the determination to protect what is ours, and the desire to let intuition guide us toward getting what we want for ourselves.
Within a few days of Imbolc, on February 3, Venus leaves gentle, empathetic Pisces to join Mars in feisty, independent, yet strangely romantic Aries. Imbolc is also a fertility feast, and while Aries is not traditionally considered a fertile sign, it is excellent for encouraging the sort of unions that make conception possible! Venus’s retrograde period, however (March 4–April 15), is a less than ideal time for initiating lasting romantic relationships or business partnerships, so look before you leap.
The lunations of this Imbolc season bring two eclipses: the February 10 Full Moon (lunar eclipse in Leo) and the February 26 New Moon (solar eclipse in Pisces). Eclipses occur twice each year when the Sun and usually the Moon are close to the Lunar Nodes, points where the Moon’s orbital path meets the Sun’s. Eclipses tell us where you need to make a change, which usually involves letting go, leaving your safety zone, and embracing an uncertain but potentially rewarding course of action.
Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Leo—February 10, 2017
Lunar eclipses have an impact on relationships of all kinds, but this one is likely to bring particular changes in the realm of romantic relationships. Venus and Mars are in a conjunction in the sign of Aries, symbolizing sexual chemistry and excitement. But they are also approaching a square aspect to Pluto, which favors deeper unions based on true, deep understanding, rather than those entered impulsively and based only on desire. This lunar eclipse also sets the stage for Venus turning retrograde a few weeks from now; read more about that later in this article.
However, if you’re trying to accomplish just about anything that is daring, bold, and visionary, you could hardly hope for better celestial conditions to push it out into the world. The eclipse occurs near the Moon’s North Node, which suggests a change for the good in the direction of your fondest dreams. You need only find the courage to follow. Look to previous years when eclipses fell near this same degree of Leo, including 1989/90 and 2008/09. What were you pursuing then? This may be the time when you bring those matters to fruition and a satisfying conclusion.
Pisces New Moon/Solar Eclipse—February 26, 2017
This eclipse occurs at the Moon’s South Node, so it’s a “letting go” eclipse. In particular, it’s time to let go of any feelings of persecution or victimization. Anything difficult that’s happened to you has served its purpose, which is to make you more empathetic, compassionate, and emotionally available to others. If instead you have become bitter or mired in helplessness and self-pity, this eclipse will give you another chance to shift the way you view your life and your troubles.
So many opportunities are available now, with an exciting, ongoing configuration of Jupiter (opportunity), Uranus (thrilling changes), and Pluto (the ability to remake our lives). It would be a shame to waste it by clinging to what was or will never be, instead of opening your arms wide to embrace a brighter future.
Recent years when eclipses fell near this point include 1988/89, 1997/98, 2007, and 2016. Are you holding on to things that happened then? And can you find the strength and faith to let some of them go?
Venus Retrograde—March 4–April 15, 2017
When Venus is retrograde, it’s difficult to get a clear picture of what is happening in our relationships and what we should be doing to improve our financial condition. These are important times to review why past relationships failed so that current ones can be made stronger. Venus’s retrogrades are considered poor times to begin new relationships, but they are excellent for connecting with important people from the past. They are also poor times to make large purchases; usually, there is something you are unaware of that will make you regret the purchase over time.
Venus is retrograde in the same sign about every eight years. Venus is in Aries (and very late Pisces) during this retrograde period. It was most recently retrograde in this sign in March of 2009, 2001, 1993, and 1985. What do you remember most about these periods of your life? These years might hold the key to personal connections and pleasures that will be revisited during this Venus retrograde period.
Aries—Venus retrograde in your Sun sign invites you to find pleasure in individual pursuits, activities you enjoy on your own, and anything that helps you feel more attractive and appealing to others.
Taurus—This is a period when spending time alone, resting and retreating from the world as much as possible, will connect you with a deep sense of value and pleasure.
Gemini—Friends from the past may appear, particularly those with whom you shared a love of art or music. Find enjoyment in socializing and collaboration.
Cancer—Reconnect with mentors from the past, learn more about your parents and family history, and review ways to beautify your home and workplace.
Leo—This is a time when you are preparing to take a great leap of faith into a new adventure. You may consider returning to school, traveling, or even moving to somewhere very new.
Virgo—This is a very practical sign, but this is a retrograde period designed to put you in touch with your mystical side. Reconnect with the unseen.
Libra—This retrograde period is crucial for your closest relationships. How is the past holding you back in this area of your life, or how could it help you move forward?
Scorpio—How can you find more pleasure in your work and in your daily life? Reflect about what you truly value and enjoy in your work, and evaluate whether you need to make a change.
Sagittarius—This is a very likely time to reconnect with soulmates from the past, such as those friends and lovers who taught you how to open your heart. It can also be a rich time to complete unfinished creative projects.
Capricorn—Not a good time to initiate serious renovation or redecorating, but an excellent time to collect ideas about what you’d like to do with your home in the future. Reconnect with your family, or dig into your family history.
Aquarius—This retrograde is good for repairing relationships with siblings or neighbors, finishing writing projects, and reviewing important household paperwork.
Pisces—This retrograde is connected to your property and possessions. You may need to spend some money on necessary repairs during this period, but it will repay itself over time. Review how you’re spending and investing your money.
Full Moon in Virgo—March 12, 2017
When the Full Moon is in Virgo, the Sun is in Pisces. It’s a gentle time of year, as we emerge drowsily from winter’s sleep. But Jupiter, Pisces’s traditional ruling planet, is locked in an opposition aspect with Uranus, a wake-up call, so no one is sleeping very deeply. The Full Moon in Virgo shines a light of vigorous and thoughtful usefulness—particularly as it’s in square aspect to Saturn. Faith and empathy are not enough, says Virgo: they must also be accompanied by good works. Add Mars in Taurus, a sign very friendly to Virgo, and an out-of-sign trine to Saturn, and there is work to do and energy with which to do it.