February 2010 Monthly Forecast

January was very long. February will fly by, partly because we're due for a thaw here in New England (had a small one in January, but I can tell there's more to come). Also because my favorite real-life theater begins mid-month: the winter Olympics! I love the summer Olympics also, but those of us who grow up in cold-weather states have a special fondness for sports in which you can kill yourself and die of hypothermia.
I will probably post comments at the Symboline blog because the Olympian gods are very severe in their judgment. They do NOT like hubris in any form, so woe betide the arrogant athlete who doesn't strike a harmonious note of humility and confidence.
Actually, the planets are arrayed against humility and confidence during the first two weeks of the month, thanks to Venus in Aquarius getting crossways with Mars retrogarding in Leo. Those of you in the Scorpio or Taurus realm will find all kinds of accidental awkwardness in love, work and friendly relations. A certain sang-froid must go along with unexpected embarrassment.
With the new moon coming on Valentine's Day, those of you in troubled relationships may want to cut the cord before 2/14. However, that new moon will also bring zing to new and emerging relationships, especially among air signs or folks with a healthy helping of self-consciousness (neuroses?).
Also, a reminder. It appears I have a book coming out in March. The Astrological Elements is published by Llewellyn Worldwide and I should have copies at the webpage which I'm happy to autograph. Will also be doing some traveling to promote and will be speaking on astrology at the Peabody Library on March 29. Let me know if you would like me to speak to your group (sally@moonsigns.net)

And if you're looking for me in other spheres:
Symboline is in 1-D, on the radio with Hank Stolz, WCRN 830 AM Mondays at 11. Weekly forecast improvised for your pleasure.
Symboline is in 2-D in the pages of the Phoenix.
Symboline is in 3-D at Roots Natural Foods in Leominster by appointment (978-534-7668). Yours in the cause of a more orderly universe,

-Symboline Dai

Read "Moon Signs", the Phoenix's day-by-day horoscope to see when the moon is in your sun sign. Also "Letters to Symboline", my forum for responding to readers' letters.

About these forecasts:

I note that the days when the moon is in your sun sign as both difficult AND smooth. But the rule of thumb is that you should view the days the moon is in your sun sign as commencing a new 28 day cycle. Chances are, you'll be unexpectedly emotional - either looking for a grievance, or seeing a situation more dramatically than circumstances warrant. The days when the moon is in the same sign as your sun is when you feel everything, truly, madly, deeply.

ARIES (March 21 or 22 to April 20 or 21).
Aries is a cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars. Represented by the Ram, Aries love to start (but usually not finish), make great leaders (as long as there are followers), and can be incredibly generous. Famously confident Aries include Marlon Brando, Harry Houdini, and Nikita Kruschev.
Another good month for Aries, thanks to Mars in Leo, which will mute the ill effects of Saturn in Libra. Saturn will mostly affect those born around the equinox, making it more difficult to achieve goals or be consistent about your efforts. The half-built project could be a theme this month. And as much as they drive you crazy, water sign folks are the ones who can actually get you through a difficult time.
Around the time of the full moon (February 26), you need to look at health/work issues. Are you as high function as you want to be? Getting accurate and useful advice as to improving your health will be an easy call then. Venus moves into Pisces around Valentine's day, so those aforementioned water signs (who make you crazy and inspired) could be willing to meet you halfway...
Difficult Days: 6, 7
Smoother Sailing: 21, 22.

TAURUS (April 21 or 22 to May 21 or 22).
Taurus is a fixed earth sign, practical and, for the most part, steady. Ruled by Venus, Taureans like comfort and aesthetic beauty. Famous Taureans include: Fred Astaire, Duke Ellington and Salvador Dali. Despite this stellar line-up, they're team players, and lead only if they absolutely have to. Represented by the bull, Taureans are slow to anger, but once riled make formidable foes.
In February, difficult days come in the4 first half of the month when Venus and Mars get into a difficult angle, and basically pinch you in the middle. Relationships that were smooth and easy get awkward and slightly tense. Taurus likes to be able to depend on routine and predictability but that's not the case this month. Those born on or around April 21-26 could find you're being perceived as combative. So if this month you find that dissatisfaction is a recurrent theme, you're in tune with the planets. After Valentine's Day, some aspects of life (ease of friendship and friendmaking ability) improve, but the Mars situation means you're being given impossible choices. Look for help from water sign friends.
Difficult Days: 4-6
Smoother Sailing: 19-21

GEMINI (May 21 or 22 to June 21 or 22).
Gemini is a mutable air sign ruled by Mercury. Represented by the Twins (or Janus, the two-faced figure), appealing Geminis with at least two well-defined personalities are Elizabeth Hurley (forgiving girlfriend/dedicated movie producer), John F. Kennedy (humanitarian/party animal), and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (gruff regal paterfamilias/sensitive environmentalist). Gemini charms everyone with nonstop talk and fanciful ideas.
Are you having authority problems? They'll surface this month, especially after the Valentine's Day new moon. You'll be silver-tongued, but others will be tin-eared, so gauge your audience carefully if you need to make a good impression (Gemini is always applying for a job somewhere...). Venus in Aquarius (through Valentine's Day), is excellent for your social aspirations. During the first half of the month, have meetings then, spend money then, meet new people then, and take charge of projects with others. However, those born before February 9 will find the second half of the month problematic and that Nothing is what you think it is. Signs to watch out for include Taurus, Leo and Scorpio. They're looking for trouble, and you're an easy target.A year with slam dunks and the occasional dunking, 2010 provides opportunities for you to build on experiences or lessons that began last fall. If you're not the teacher - you should be. Your expertise will be highly valued, particularly in late January and February, June and August. In fact, August and September are excellent months to "connect the dots" with companions or people you know in different realms. In their lives, Gemini invariably have layers of folks they know in different contexts and though it is often a mistake (!) to combine, there are times when you'll have the "magic touch" as a host. This year, those times are in the fall. However, Jupiter in Pisces for the first half of this year means your impulse (however unconscious) to shoot yourself in the foot is alive and well. This month, those of you born on the Taurus cusp are at risk for that behavior.
Difficult Days: 11, 12
Smoother Sailing: 25, 26

CANCER (June 22 or 23 to July 22 or 23).
Cancer is a cardinal water sign ruled by the moon. Represented by the crab, Cancers can be home-loving, deeply domestic, fiercely loyal and self-protective and prone to stomach upsets when life doesn't go their way. Cancers feel everything very deeply, but won't necessarily tell you about this. Well, they will, but on their time. They prefer to move sideways -- frequently. Henry David Thoreau was a Cancer, and a quirky version of the breed -- he turned Walden into a home, but what a home...Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks and Harrison Ford are also Cancers. So was the Princess of Wales and the current Duchess of Cornwall. "Well-defended" is what we find in many crabbies.
In February, the positive effects of Jupiter in Pisces may emerge, particularly for those of you born in June. New opportunities or fresh and interesitng new folks can hove into your world, stir up the tide and leave you thinking "Gee, I could make some improvements here!" Venus follows Jupiter around Valentine's Day, so your romantic side gets plenty of exercise. Nostalgia could be (for once) a pleasant and emotionally healthy diversion, as could maniacal domestic arts.You're one of those signs who thinks you're VERY lazy when you've done something crazy like canned two crates of jam, but you don't think you're lazy when you spend two days on the couch. Call it "recharging."
Difficult Days: 13-15
Smoother sailing: 1, 27, 28

LEO (July 23 or 24 to August 23 or 24).
Leo is a fixed fire sign ruled by the sun. Represented by the lion, Leos are happy being the center of attention and don't feel fully alive without an admiring audience to applaud their activities. The ready smile (but not laugh) is theirs -- this is the sign of kings, or those who would be. Famous Leos who enjoy their command include Bill Clinton, Princess Margaret, and Napoleon.
Mars continuing retrograding in your sun sign so those of you born in July can revisit decisions made in late fall (specifically October). Even though it's the half-way mark of your year, which is traditionally a "lull" time, that Mars will keep you on the go. Are you overdue for some kind of change relating to job status or your relationship. You'll be more than normally querulous this month. Fortunately, it is a time to get credit for stuff you did all the work on. So you can do that "This was my deal" attention-claim and no one will object. Be cautious around Taurus, Scorpio and Aquarius. They're struggling (and Aquarius usually checks out before too much effort is expended). Fellow fire signs will be helpful, but they may see you as competition.
Difficult Days: 12, 13
Smoother Sailing: 26, 27

VIRGO (August 24 or 25 to September 23 or 24).
Virgo is a mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury. Represented by the Virgin, many Virgos are classic compulsive perfectionists whose eye for detail may delight an actuary, but annoy the rest of us. Famous Virgos include D.H. Lawrence, Cardinal Richelieu and Goethe.
Late in January, Jupiter entered Pisces, initiating a "six-year low" in some areas of your life. Look back to August, '03 to September '04 and then again to 2007 to see what themes are going to come forward. If life was grand six years ago, look at how you can expand your circle and get a break. The good news is that if you've been in a rut, you're entering a six-week zone which will simplify your life. Dissatisfaction with your health and appearance could give you the oomph to transform your personal habits. But be alert to feelings of dissatisfaction or lassitude starting on Valentine's Day. Those born on or around August 23 to 28 need to be overly cautious around bosses, authority figures and "fragile personalities." It will be WAY too easy to rub someone's fur the wrong way (and then pour gasoline on it and then flick a match. Figuratively that is.)
Difficult Days: 14-16
Smoother Sailing: 1, 28

LIBRA (September 24 or 25 to October 23 or 24).
Libra is a cardinal air sign ruled by Venus and represented by the Scales. Famously disagreeable Libras include Eminem, Johnny Ramone, Rona Barrett, Simon Cowell and John Lennon. Famously agreeable Libras include Sarah Bernhardt, Sigourney Weaver. Libras love harmony, partnership, and are frequently indecisive. But oh, how charming they can be about it. At least that's what they tell us.
Overall, a seamless month for Libra and any frustrations from january are long gone. Think in practical terms this month and from the start of February through Valentine's Day, you can connect large groups of people with one another and crank up your social connections. Libra goes through periods of being around large groups of people and your mind will be in the right place for meeting with others, making "work" connections and dealing with those who bore or intimidate you. The Saturn conjunction in your sign is retrograding so those of you born on or around the equinox have a chance to review, re-view (and possibly) revile decisions made in the fall. Those who will NOT be helpful to you this month are Virgo and Sagittarius (after Valentine's Day), and Taurus and Scorpio. Your chameleon skills are needed.
Difficult Days: 17, 18
Smoother Sailing: 2, 3

SCORPIO (October 24 or 25 to November 22 or 23).
Scorpio is a fixed water sign formerly ruled by Mars, now by Pluto, which astrologers still consider a planet, thank-you-very-much, represented by the Scorpion. Famous Scorpios include Prince Charles, Picasso, and Robert Kennedy. Scorps mystify more people than any other sign, mostly because the themes of sex, death and other people's money rule the 8th house, Scorpio's natural home. Charming but not overly sociable, your typical Scorps are charismatic, occasionally devious with an ethical compass all their own.
In February, difficult days romantically precede Valentine's Day. After that, your "go with the flow" abilities are heightened and you can easily juggle various relationships. But with Mars in Leo (a theme since the fall), those born on or around October 23-28 will be misunderstood and slightly confused this month. If you're looking to make a longshot pay off, it's worth a try but it's the "sure things" that should bring out the natural skepticism in Scorps. Your usual reluctance to make changes is definitely compromised after Valentine's Day when you may find your drive to change your abode or your own view of your own past shifts. Fire signs could be impatient with you, and you'll be impatient with water signs. And so it goes.
Difficult Days: 19-21
Smoother Sailing: 4-6

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 or 24 to December 21 or 22).
Sagittarius (November 23-December 22). Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign ruled by Jupiter. Represented by the centaur (half-man, half-beast), Sadge loves justice, and is keenly interested in philosophizing. Finding them at home is difficult -- they're happiest on a long trip, or 'trip.' Well-traveled Sadges include: Frank Sinatra, William Buckley Jr., Winston Churchill and Joe DiMaggio.
February offers a smooth ride until Valentine's Day at which point Mars moves into Pisces, which makes a difficult angle to your sun. Which means you could strike others as headstrong and peevish when all you're trying to do - gosh darn it - is complete a simple task. But what was it? A certain spaceiness characterizes your month and those born on or around November 23-29 could not get the benefit of the doubt, or a reasonable presumption of innocence this month. Blame Jupiter and stick close to water signs who'll inspire you as well as cover (as needed). With some awkward planetary positions in play for you in February you may think you've got a handle on what's in front of you, but your understanding is temporary. Romantic activities could be lively - but you may find yourself involved with someone who's way more serious than you. Which takes a while for you to figure out. It's not by accident that your sign is ruled by Jupiter, the so-called god with a sense of humor (slinging lightning bolts at the hubristic ones can be merry, however).
Difficult Days: 22, 23
Smoother Sailing: 7, 8

CAPRICORN (Dec. 23-Jan. 20). Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn represented by the goat. Caps are dogged, responsible, occasionally blunt, reliable, long-lived and prone to gloom, although admirably steady. Famous Capricorns include Benjamin Franklin, Joan of Arc, and Richard Nixon.
February sees you easing down the road of let's-not-make-waves and that-wasn't-so-hard-wasn't-it. And arriving at the station of why-I-think-I-will-have-another-drink-thanks! In short, loosening up is your salvation this month and the more air and water signs in your circle the better. Capricorn's literal-mindedness could get a workout from "don't-worry-be-happy" types but over all, the amount of Pisces' energy out there (from mid-month onward: Venus, Jupiter, Uranus) gives you a boost with friendship and artistic issues. This is the time to burrow deep in the past, if you're in therapy. This is also the time to get another perspective on events that may have seemed previously cut and dry.
Difficult Days: 24, 25
Smoother Sailing: 9-11

AQUARIUS (January 21 or 22 to February 18 or 19).
Aquarius is a fixed air sign ruled by Uranus. Represented by the water carrier, Aquarians are dreamy, methodical, and humanitarian to an extreme. Ruled by the planet Uranus, Aquarians surprise us all with the unexpected move, but they're usually ahead of the curve. Need investment advice? Call an Aquarian, and find out where the money goes (usually not to them, but that's ok -- air signs can swing with that). Famous Aquarians include: Lewis Carroll, Norman Rockwell and Franklin Roosevelt.
Yes, Mars is still in Leo, making an awkward angle to your sun sign. Those of you born on or around January 21-January 28 can revise or review decisions made in October. Not a great month for you folks to reach out, but do expect that you'll have to pedal twice as fast to get half as far. Those born on or around February 13-15 (that is a strange birthday anyway) have Neptune dancing on your sun sign so romantic delusion is VERY fun this month. So is full-throttle escapism. So is constant dreaminess ("I'm sorry, were you talking to me?"
The good news is -happy birthday to you! The ancients always believed that one's birthday could and should be a day of very good fortune because the sun was back to the place it was in on your actual birth-day. Buy a lottery ticket, apply for a longshot opportunity, see what happens. Mercury gets into alignment with your sun sign from February 10 and after, facilitating all communication for all of you through the end of the month.
It's your birthday month, and since Aquarius doesn't like to play by the rules, you could be irked if no one remembers, or chastened if too many people do (that's for those of you over 21). Pay attention to your purchases on days when the moon is in an earth sign as your covetous side could be awakened.
Difficult Days: 2, 3, 29 30
Smoother Sailing: 16, 17

PISCES (February 19 or 20 to March 20 or 21).
Pisces is a mutable water sign ruled by Neptune. Represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions, some Pisces, like some Libras thrive in indecision, especially of the emotional-quandary kind. Well-adapted Pisces realize they need plenty of art/music/poetry in their life to stave off the blues. Frequent company helps too. Pisces rules the 12th house (secrets, institutions), and though they'll take the spotlight if you ask them, they're perfectly happy behind the scenes. And if they are in the spotlight, they'll be inimitable and memorable, and slightly strange (Karen Carpenter and Lou Reed are both Pisces).
As much as you may cringe to read this: the world is your oyster!! Everything is GRAND for Pisces! With Jupiter in your sun sign (especially be-Dazzling those born from Equinox through February 28/29) the opportunities are knockin' AND the trailer's a-rockin'. Also, Venus moves into your sun sign as of New Moon Valentine's Day. Guys, seriously, you're in the midst of a 12-year peak performance which lasts until June, and then has a bit of a lag and then finishes up NEXT June. I do NOT want to see/hear whining but I DO want to see/hear action taken/chances taken, risks/launched, and other bold new initiatives.
Think everyone's looking at you? In that way you WANT them to? Read "Moon Signs" for more. Signs that could get in your way or make you feel badly about your choices: Taurus, Scorpio, Leo.
Difficult Days: 1, 28
Smoother Sailing 14-16