ANNOUNCEMENT
February (and actually all of 2024) is about shaking things up as a way to bring needed change and transformation into our lives. I don’t know about all of you, but this certainly has been true in my life.
Due to several unexpected events, I have made the difficult decision to take a break from writing Moon Updates.
To soften the transition, I have included below information about both (a) the New Moon in Aquarius (Friday, February 9), and (b) some important guidance regarding the Virgo Full Moon on (Saturday, February 24).
Until these Updates resume, may we all find ways to surf the (sometimes unexpected) waves of (often chaotic and disruptive) energy. I also encourage everyone to continue to create safe harbors through grounding, to seek support from like-minded others, and to remain open to receiving guidance from the Divine.
Many blessings, Anne
NEW MOON IN AQUARIUS
In the Pacific Time Zone, the New Moon will occur at 2:58 p.m. on Friday, February 9. This New Moon finds the Moon and Sun conjunct (0°) at 20°40’ of Aquarius. To further clarify how this New Moon will impact you on a personal level, locate 20°40’ of Aquarius in your birth/natal chart. The issues associated with that house are going to be most influenced by this New Moon’s presence. (NOTE: Click here to learn how to find the transiting Moon in your chart.)
New Moons always provide us with an opportunity for a new emotional start in the areas associated with the sign. This time, we are focused on Aquarius:
- The higher expression of this sign includes being independent, innovative, humanistic, social, tolerant, and intuitive.
- The lower expression can lead to being rebellious, stubborn, and feeling responsible for everyone and everything.
This Aquarius New Moon has Uranus closely squaring (90°) the Sun and Moon. Uranus is the ruler of Aquarius, and this intensifies its impact on the New Moon. There is the potential for unique innovation; however, unexpected events may be the catalyst for these insights and the resultant changes. The energy could feel rather unstable and unpredictable around the time of the New Moon. For some, this can feel exciting; for others, it can be challenging, unsettling, and disruptive. Uranus’s goal is to shake things up so we start to look at things differently and possibly move in a new direction that brings added freedom into our lives.
Right before the New Moon (Sunday, February 4) Mercury joined the Sun and Moon in progressive, iconoclastic Aquarius (where it will remain there until February 22). We are definitely being encouraged to think outside the box. What might have recently seemed the obvious choice may not look as appealing now. Don’t limit yourself to “tried and true” approaches. Instead, Aquarius and Uranus tell us to use your intuitive hunches, especially if they come from unusual sources. What appears to be illogical might lead down a path that is unexpectedly successful, enjoyable, and possibly even lucrative. But for now, we should try not to predict the outcome.
At the time of the New Moon, Jupiter is in a sextile (60°) to Saturn. This sweet aspect is reminding us that even if we choose to go outside our comfort zone, we need to take any actions that are aligned with our values or common sense. It also tells us that expansion and a fortuitous outcome (Jupiter) will likely take time to develop, may involve changing one or more structures in our lives, and could benefit from tapping into wisdom we have gained from our past (Saturn). Jupiter is located in grounded Taurus, so whatever we create will need to be logical, practical. It should also be fairly simple, clear, and straightforward. Taurus does not like anything that is complicated.
Saturn also tells us that hard work may be involved, but it should eventually result in something that is more stable than what we’ve recently been experiencing. Given the ringed planet is currently located in Pisces, we need to make sure we don’t take on too much. Slow and steady progress will offer us the best chance of success, and Taurus also doesn’t like being rushed. When combined, the Jupiter-Saturn aspect is telling us to work hard but to use a degree of restraint.
Several indicators tell us that it’s important right now to avoid codependency and to set healthy boundaries based on self-compassion. For example, Venus, which is located in responsible Capricorn, is squaring (90°) Chiron, but Chiron is conjunct (0°) the North Node and is, therefore, in an opposition to the South Node. Within our relationships, we may need to explore how sacrificing our personal values may have damaged our self-esteem and undermined the success of our relationships. (NOTE: The Venus-Chiron-Node aspects could also involve exploring how our choices have negatively impacted our creative endeavors and/or finances.)
Mercury is conjunct (0°) Pluto, which could mean that secrets or hidden truths will be revealed, especially during conversations or communication of any kind. Whatever comes to our awareness may cause us to feel vulnerable (due to Chiron’s square of Venus described above). But the insights we gain are very likely going to align us with the lessons we are here to learn in order to heal and to fulfill our life purpose (Nodes).
With the Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Pluto all traveling through socially aware Aquarius, whatever direction we decide to go will best focus on providing a responsible service of some kind. However, to make our final decisions, we may be required to have a “come to Jesus meeting” with ourselves (as my grandmother used to say). It may be time to ask ourselves if we are truly sharing our authentic gifts with the world or are we dimming our light in order to become who we think others or society want, need, or expect us to be. The answer may result in a change in priorities that could actually be long overdue.
It is only human nature to sometimes feel apprehensive about making major adjustments. However, these changes are likely to be easier than we think. Without interpreting each one, at the time of the New Moon, there are sweet sextiles (60°) between 9 out of the 10 planets. And not to be left out, the 10th planet is Uranus and it is actually in a supportive trine (120°) to Venus. This means that all 10 planets in our solar system are providing us with energetic support to do what is being asked of us at this time. If we combine that support with the fact that all 10 planets are currently moving direct, it would appear to me that we have a set up to begin some positive forward progress around the time of the Aquarius New Moon.
The week after the New Moon is a very astrologically dynamic and powerful time:
- On Monday, February 12, Mars joins the Aquarius party. It will remain in the sign of the water bearer until March 22. When Mars is in Aquarius, the energy will be very dynamic and powerful, but it can also be a bit erratic and unpredictable. If we are working with others toward a common goal, we will feel comfortable working together as a team and will be less concerned with personal recognition. Problems may be solved using unconventional methods and/or a detached, intellectual approach. However, if we feel our freedom, uniqueness, or independence is being blocked in some way, having Mars in Aquarius could bring out our rebellious side.
- The next day (Tuesday, February 13) is important. Mars (energy) will be in an exact conjunction (0°) with Pluto (power). This will likely create a huge surge in energy. If we can successfully harness it, we will be able to focus on our goals, take decisive action, and get a lot done. In fact, we may totally transform or even eliminate something in our lives in order to allow us to move forward on our spiritual path. However (and this is a big however), our energy can be so powerful that we could overdo it and become exhausted. Moderation is important. Additionally, within our relationships, this Mars-Pluto meeting can result in power struggles because we want to go after whatever we want. Anyone attempting to block our forward momentum could be met with powerful resistance.
- Then on Friday, February 16, Venus will enter Aquarius, where it will remain until March 11. We may feel drawn toward unconventional relationships or different forms of creative activities. The love that we feel toward others may be more detached than usual. We also may find ourselves concerned that everyone is able to express themselves freely and that all parties are treated fairly.
- Venus then meets up with Pluto the next day (Saturday, February 17). As with the Mars-Pluto conjunction described above, this one could have a powerful impact. This time, Pluto is asking us to explore where we may have been giving away our power to another person in order to keep the peace. It may be a time when we face “reality” about something or someone in our life. What we once desired may have lost its luster. Although this could involve any aspect of our lives (e.g., a person, thing, financial investment), it may lead to increased honesty within our relationships.
- The very next day (Sunday, February 18), the Sun will move out of Aquarius and into compassionate Pisces. Additionally, in the coming days, several other planets will move into the land of the fishes. After so much mental energy focused in the air sign of Aquarius, the move into the watery world of Pisces can feel like we are radically shifting our focus from our heads into our hearts. Our minds take a back seat and our emotional world takes center stage. We move away from what “is” and find that it’s easier to dream and imagine what “might be.” We feel more altruistic and empathic. However, we do need to be careful because the lower expression of Piscean energy could include slipping back into codependency, feeling victimized, or even using something to escape perceived or actual pain (e.g., addictions of any kind).
Overall, this Aquarius New Moon could lead to taking radical steps in a new direction. Due to the powerful presence of Uranus, breakthroughs are very possible! There is support for tapping into what we’ve learned in the past in order to make sure these expansive changes are done in a practical way that leads to the creation of more stable foundations. As is always true with any lunar event that strongly involves Uranus, we can choose to make necessary changes, or we can resist and have changes forced upon us. It’s our choice! No matter which way we choose to go through this process, we should be ready to make necessary adjustments or course corrections if unexpected events occur. It will likely help if we can remember that we aren’t a victim. The goal of Uranus is to assist us in our soul’s evolution and healing. Therefore, be as flexible and open-minded as possible, and it could be time to take a leap of faith and see where it takes us.
FULL MOON IN VIRGO
In the Pacific Time Zone, the Moon will be full at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 24. With this Full Moon, the Sun in Pisces will be in opposition (180°) to the Moon in Virgo. To further clarify how this Full Moon will impact you on a personal level, locate 5°23’ of Pisces and 5°23’ of Virgo in your birth/natal chart. The issues associated with those two houses are going to be most impacted by this Full Moon’s presence. (NOTE: Click here to learn how to find the transiting Moon in your chart.)
Full Moons provide us with the opportunity to check in and evaluate how we are balancing two areas of our lives. This time, we are looking at Pisces and Virgo:
- Pisces: The higher expression of Pisces includes being compassionate, emotional, spiritual, and intuitive. The lower expression could mean being dependent, secretive, unpredictable, passive, a victim, a martyr, or having a tendency to abuse substances or anything that helps us avoid painful feelings.
- Virgo: The best qualities of Virgo include being analytical, practical, efficient, precise, detail oriented, and health conscious. The lower expression can involve being perfectionistic, picky, or overly critical (of self or others).
Virgo is an earth sign, which means it is grounded and practical. If we can tap into the Virgo Moon’s highest potential, it can include focusing on service, paying attention to details, and being humble. It’s a great placement for creating comprehensive systems for ourselves and others.
However, this Virgo Moon has its proverbial work cut out for it because the Pisces Sun is not alone. Mercury and Saturn are both conjunct (0°) the Sun, and all 3 are in oppositions (180°) to the Virgo Moon. Additionally, Neptune is in Pisces, which means there are 4 planets in Pisces and only the Moon in Virgo.
NOTE: Two days before the Full Moon (Thursday, February 22), Mercury moves into Pisces, where it will remain until March 9. During this 19-day timeframe, our thinking and communication will be influenced by our imagination and intuitive abilities. Creative endeavors are favored, but it may be hard to be mentally disciplined because we would prefer to let our minds wander and drift rather than focus.
Now, back to the Virgo Full Moon. In addition to all of the Piscean energy, we also still have a lot of Aquarian energy swirling around us . . . and I do mean swirling! Venus, Mars, and Pluto are all conjunct (0°) in the sign of the water bearer. As we discussed above regarding the New Moon in Aquarius, this air sign has a tendency to bring with it a lot of high voltage, unpredictable energy. Those who are sensitive to energy may feel a bit jittery. Additionally, the ruler of Aquarius is Uranus, which means there could continue to be a few surprises in store for us and our lives could still feel like they are in a state of flux.
Another issue that we discussed above with the Aquarius New Moon continues to be emphasized now. At the time of the Virgo Full Moon, the conjunction (0°) between Venus and Mars in independent Aquarius is very tight. It is reminding us to not get “lost” in the watery world of Pisces and forget to stay aligned with our personal and unique values. If we have a tendency toward being codependent, this Venus-Mars alignment will likely find a way to “kick our butt.”
So here’s my take on all of this: Virgo wants order and control, and Aquarius and Pisces will be doing everything it can to undermine that goal. This is why it will be an uphill battle for the Virgo Moon. We may feel confused and not sure which end is up.
Luckily, astrology provides us with a “heads up” about this potential. Knowledge is power! Because we have been forewarned, we can watch for signs that we might be falling into one of the most common lower expressions of the Moon in Virgo; namely, in an effort to regain a feeling of control, we may begin to overanalyze EVERYTHING! Unfortunately, that’s probably not going to be very effective because the energy isn’t yet stable enough to be accurately assessed. When overanalyzing doesn’t work, this could lead to the Virgo Moon’s tendency to worry because we don’t know how to get things back on track toward our preferred state of Virgonian perfection. Additionally, there is a risk that we could become hyper-critical of ourselves or others. This often happens when our imagined “ideal” isn’t unfolding the way we want it to. If we can find someone to blame, this provides us with a false sense of control.
Overall, this Virgo Full Moon will require us to consciously make choices in how we navigate some pretty tricky energy. Here are some recommendations:
- Tap into the higher expression of the Piscean energy. It can help us to be flexible, to avoid being judgmental (of self or others), and to simply observe what is happening rather than reacting.
- Additionally, the Piscean world can also remind us to tap into our intuition and spiritual connection in order to trust that everything will eventually work itself out. The energy will eventually settle down and everything will unfold in Divine Order and in Divine Time. It always does!
- It may also help to remember that Virgo is an earth sign. Therefore, we will likely find it beneficial to engage in grounding activities, such as going for a walk in nature, breathing, engaging in mindfulness exercises, gardening, being with animals, meditating, or organizing something. By doing something “earth-y,” we can help empower the Virgo Moon’s valiant efforts to provide a counterbalance to abundant Piscean water and Aquarian air energy at the time of the Full Moon.
- An added benefit: Grounding activities can be especially helpful if we are feeling jittery and need to calm down an overstimulated nervous system due to the influence of Aquarius/Uranus.
- Virgo is also very health conscious, so we also should be sure to take care of our bodies through proper diet, moderate exercise, and getting adequate rest.
- And finally, we have been given a special gift: If we can tap into its energy, there is a wonderful trine (120°) between the Moon and Jupiter. This has the potential to increase our hope, faith, and optimism in the future.
WRITTEN BY
- Anne Reith, Ph.D.©
THIS NEW MOON
New Moon at 20°40’ of Aquarius
- Friday, February 9, 2024, 2:58 p.m. PST
- Friday, February 9, 2024, 5:58 p.m. EST
- Friday, February 9, 2024, 10:58 p.m. GMT
Full Moon at 5°23’ of Virgo
- Saturday, February 24, 2024, 4:30 a.m. PST
- Saturday, February 24, 2024, 7:30 a.m. EST
- Saturday, February 24, 2024, 12:30 p.m. GMT
IMPACT OF ANY MOON EVENT
- All New Moons and Full Moons influence us for the 3 days before, the day of, and 3 days after the actual event.
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By Anne Reith, Ph.D.