Moonsign
and More
by Jenny Yates

February 10 to 17, 2012

What sign is the moon in?  What signs do the planets occupy?  
What is the current lunar cycle about?  

For the aspects currently affecting everyone, click here.  

And for a daily overview, click here.   

Venus is in Gemini

In Gemini, Venus is devoted to
intellectual pleasures.  This can mean
anything from crossword puzzles to
lectures on Medieval candle magic.   

It's especially good for scintillating
conversation.  Everyone is wittier and
more interesting, and everyone is
quicker to respond to your ripostes.
(And they're ready to repost
everything you write, too.)  

And yes, it's a good time for puns.  
Try to control yourself.    

Venus will be in Gemini until July 4.   

Venus entered Gemini
in NYC: Thurs, June 9, 10:23 am
in Vancouver: Thurs, June 9, 7:23 am
in London: Thurs, June 9, 3:23 pm
in Berlin:  Thurs, June 9, 4:23 pm
in Sydney: Fri, June 10, 2:23 am

What does the moon sign tell you?

See:
Moon Signs and Lunar Transits


The Moon
 

moves into Virgo
in NYC:  Weds, Feb 8, 12:32 pm
in Vancouver:  Weds, Feb 8, 9:32 am
in London: Weds, Feb 8, 5:32 pm
in Berlin: Weds, Feb 8, 6:32 pm
in Sydney: Thurs, Feb 9, 4.32 am

moves into Libra
in NYC: Fri, Feb 10, 2:54 pm   
in Vancouver: Fri, Feb 10, 11:54 am   
in London:  Fri, Feb 10, 7:54 pm   
in Berlin:  Fri, Feb 10, 8:54 pm   
in Sydney: Sat, Feb 11, 6:54 am   

moves into Scorpio
in NYC: Sun, Feb 12, 5:01 pm   
in Vancouver:  Sun, Feb 12, 2:01 pm   
in London: Sun, Feb 12, 10:01 pm   
in Berlin: Sun, Feb 12, 11:01 pm   
in Sydney: Mon, Feb 13, 9:01 am


moves into Sagittarius
in NYC:  Tues, Feb 14, 7:56 pm
in Vancouver: Tues, Feb 14, 4:56 pm
in London: Weds, Feb 15, 12:56 am
in Berlin:  Weds, Feb 15, 1:56 am
in Sydney: Weds, Feb 15, 11:56 am

moves into Capricorn
in NYC: Fri, Feb 17, 12:03 am    
in Vancouver:  Thurs, Feb 16, 9:03 pm    
in London: Fri, Feb 17, 5:03 am      
in Berlin: Fri, Feb 17, 6:03 am    
in Sydney: Fri, Feb 17, 4:03 pm    

moves into Aquarius
in NYC:  Sun, Feb 19, 5:28 am    
in Vancouver:  Sun, Feb 19, 2:28 am    
in London: Sun, Feb 19, 10:28 am    
in Berlin: Sun, Feb 19, 11:28 am    
in Sydney: Sun, Feb 19, 9:28 pm    

   

Pluto is in Capricorn


Pluto has to do with the slowest, most relentless and
most inexorable trends.  In spite of being demoted
from planet status, it's still very influential when it
comes to social transformation.  

As soon as Pluto entered this pragmatic, restrained
ascetic sign, the economy took a very different
shape.  Everyone switched from spending and
speculating to worrying and saving.  The emphasis is
on what works, not necessarily what feels good in the
moment.  

This is a long-term conservative influence, but the
word "conservative" can mean a lot of different
things.  It could mean conserving the land, and
becoming better stewards of the earth.  It could mean
conserving the wisdom of our elders.  It could mean
looking to the people who have spent their lives
developing practical skills and asking, "Okay, how do
we do this?"

Pluto has been in Capricorn since November 2008
and will be here until March 2023.  

Uranus is in Aries


This is the revolutionary planet in the revolutionary sign, so
you know some stuff is going to happen while it's here -
mainly, during the next seven years.

This is about liberation.  It's about freedom.   It's about
looking at the fixed structures that rule our lives, figuring
out which ones limit us, and dismantling them.  

There's a fast, reckless rhythm about Uranus in Aries;  it's
not always the wisest approach.  The energy comes from
an the present.  

It's pretty exciting.  But it's definitely not a calm influence.  
Everyone will need to stop and take some deep breaths
once in a while.

Uranus will be here until May 2018.

Uranus entered Aries
in NYC:  Fri, Mar 11, 2011, 7:49 pm
in Vancouver: Fri, Mar 11, 2011, 4:49 pm
in London:  Sat, Mar 12,2011, 12:49 am
in Berlin:  Sat, Mar 12, 2011, 1:49 am
in Sydney:  Sat, Mar 12, 2011, 11:49 am

Jupiter is in Taurus

This is a stabilizing influence, and it's good for creating
things that last, especially physical things.  This could
mean anything from building a house to planting an
orchard.  

It's also good for dealing with money - for saving and
investing, and for living more sensibly and realistically.
There's an emphasis on things that have proved their
worth.  This includes both concrete tools and objects,
and larger philosophical concepts.  

The urge to gamble is overtaken by a preference for
safety and security.   All risky propositions are subject to
a close scrutiny.  Does it really work?  Will it be
advantageous in the long term?  Is it worth the bother?  
These are the questions of Jupiter in Taurus.  

Jupiter will be in Taurus for more than a year -  until
June 11, 2012.  

Jupiter entered Taurus
in NYC:  Sat, June 4, 9:56 am
in Vancouver: Sat, June 4, 6:56 am
in London: Sat, June 4, 2:56 pm
in Berlin:  Sat, June 4, 3:56 pm
in Sydney: Sun, June 5, 1:56 am

Saturn is in Libra


Libra is the sign of justice and balance.  This is a
time of heightened ideals, although there’s a danger
of applying them too rigidly.  People may be strongly
invested in their own conception of right and wrong.  
Justice, equality and fairness can all become fighting
words – and so, ironically, can peace.  

But this is a time of cardinal energy, when there is
more potential for change.  The best use of this
energy lies in taking seriously our mutual desire for
a more balanced and egalitarian world.  Learning
compromise and cooperation, we create that world.

Saturn entered Libra in July 2011 and will be here
until October 2012.

The sun is in Aquarius

This is a more rational, intellectual period, but it’s also very
idealistic.  When the sun is in Aquarius, you are more
interested in the future.  You think more about the way the
world should be, in terms of social arrangements, political
stances, scientific possibilities.  You aren’t afraid of change.

The Aquarius sun is very good for working with other people
who have a similar vision.  People are less selfish, more
likely to see things in terms of the collective.  We all talk
more openly about things that are usually hidden, and so it’s
a good time to solve problems. Every problem can be
reasoned out, openly discussed, and we can all work
together towards something better.

There’s a strong interest in the truth, and this is a good time
for teachers, students, and investigative journalists.  
Everyone wants to accumulate knowledge for its own sake,
but people also want to use knowledge to make positive
changes in the world.    

The sun will be here until February 19.

The sun entered Aquarius
in NYC:  Fri, Jan 20, 11:10 am
in Vancouver:  Fri, Jan 20, 8:10 am
in London:  Fri, Jan 20, 4:10 pm
in Berlin:  Fri, Jan 20, 5:10 pm
in Sydney: Sat, Jan 20, 3:10 am

Mars is in Virgo

Mars usually only spends about two months in a sign,
but it is going to hunker down in Virgo and stay a
while (since it will go retrograde in this sign).  This is
an earthy, practical place for the planet of action, and
it will help us get ourselves organized, and get some
things done.  

The focus is on what works, and on a systematic
approach to fixing, mending or healing anything that
doesn’t work.  It’s a good time to focus on your health,
to improve your diet, hygiene or other daily health
practices.  It’s also good for looking at the systems
you use in your job, and figuring out new ones that
function better.  You’re interested in attaining a
higher level of efficiency, while Mars is in Virgo.  

Virgo is a detail-oriented sign, and so conflicts can
erupt over very small differences. People can get
very annoyed when other people have different
methods, approaches and criteria, and they get even
more annoyed when other people make mistakes.  
The urge for perfection is stronger during Mars’
passage through Virgo, and it’s something we all
have to fight against.  

Don’t give yourself, or anybody else, a hard time
because of the impossibility of attaining perfection.  
We’re all just doing the best we can here, and
learning more about how to live this life every day.  
So ease up a bit.

Mars will be here until July 3, 2012.  

Mars entered Virgo
in NYC:  Thurs, Nov 10, 11:15 pm  
in Vancouver:  Thurs, Nov 10, 8:15 pm  
in London:  Fri, Nov 11, 4:15 am  
in Berlin:  Fri, Nov 11, 5:15 am  
in Sydney: Fri, Nov 11, 3:15 pm  

The Current Lunar Cycle
(2 Aquarius)

This lunar cycle is very idealistic, with the sun and
moon in Aquarius, sextile the innovative planet
Uranus.  It’s a time to learn new things, to get
together with people and come up with new ideas,
and to make the world a better place.

At the same time, it’s a somewhat extravagant period,
with the sun and moon also squaring Jupiter in
Taurus.  Experimenting can sometimes be costly!  
The desire to break the rules, and to develop new
and more progressive rules, is very strong.  In the
long run, you’ll value all the wisdom you accumulate,
but for the moment, there is some danger of getting
out of balance.

Luckily, there are still some earthy influences during
this lunar cycle, and the Mercury/Mars trine helps a
lot, when it comes to keeping you on track.  There are
some things you can do, necessary things that keep
you grounded, and so it can be a productive period.  

This lunar cycle lasts until the next new moon on
February 21. Its climactic moment is the full moon
on February 7.  

The new moon occurred
in NYC: Mon, Jan 23, 2:39 am  
in Vancouver:  Sun, Jan 22, 11:39 pm
in London: Mon, Jan 23, 7:39 am
in Berlin:  Mon, Jan 23, 8:39 am
in Sydney: Mon, Jan 23, 6:39 pm

Mars is Retrograde
(23 Virgo)

Mars’ retrograde motion slows things down a bit.  
There’s a tendency to go over the same territory
that you’ve already covered, to check things out, to
make sure everything’s perfect.  This isn’t
necessarily a bad thing.  You can take care of some
of the details you’ve overlooked.   

Moving through the earth sign Virgo, Mars brings
out your tendency to be a little more critical and nit-
picking, however, and this can cause friction.  Make
sure that you aren’t just noticing the little things that
are wrong, but also paying attention to all the things
you appreciate.  Take some time to encourage
yourself and others, because perfection takes a lot
of work, and the process itself needs to be
supported.  

Mars will be retrograde until April 14.

Mars went retrograde
in NYC: Mon, Jan 23, 7:53 pm   
in Vancouver:  Mon, Jan 23, 4:53 pm   
in London:  Tues, Jan 24, 12:53 am   
in Berlin: Tues, Jan 24, 1:53 am   
in Sydney: Tues, Jan 24, 11:53 am   

Neptune is in Pisces

Neptune was briefly in its home sign last spring,
but now it’s back to stay, at least for the next
thirteen years.  This could be a time of beautiful
spiritual flowering, a time when large numbers of
people open up their hearts and connect with
each other. The idealism of Neptune becomes
deeply intuitive, emotional and sympathetic when
this planet goes through Pisces.

The matter of faith is likely to be paramount as
Neptune goes through this sign.  Who and what
do we trust?  People will have a stronger need to
believe in something (or someone), and this can
mean that some folks will be preyed upon by
unscrupulous con men. A gullible populace can
also do a really bad job of picking leaders, so it
will be important to talk as clearly and fully as
possible about all the issues of the day. Open
communication is important and protective during
this period.      

Neptune is the planet of the strange, so things
may take odd turns.  Everyone will be a little more
susceptible to illusions, confusion, fascinations,
and poetic deliriums.  New drugs could make an
appearance – both medicinal and recreational -  
and new healing techniques be developed.  
Creativity is enhanced by Neptune in this sign,
especially when it comes to rhythmic forms like
music and poetry, and to the arts of illusion such
as theatre and film. We could see the flowering of
some amazing new art-forms.  

Religious institutions get new life from Neptune’s
passage through Pisces, but only if they offer a
true connection with the wisdom of the inner self.  
It’s not a time for dogma, but for breaking down all
artificial divisions and merging with the infinite.  

Neptune will be here until March 2025.  

Neptune entered Pisces
in NYC:  Fri, Feb 3, 2012, 2:03 pm
in Vancouver: Fri, Feb 3, 2012, 11:03 am
in London:  Fri, Feb 3,2012, 7:03 pm
in Berlin: Fri, Feb 3, 2012, 8:03 pm
in Sydney: Sat, Feb 4, 2012, 6:03 am

Venus is in Aries

In Aries, Venus becomes more passionate and
headstrong.  Your impulses could carry you to some
very pleasurable places, or they could get you into
major trouble.  One danger is that you could try too
hard to impress the object of your affections.  For
example, you could dash in and rescue the someone
from a burning building, and later on find out it was just
that some burning toast set off the smoke alarm.  

Aries is a very independent sign, and this can be
problematic for relationships at times.  If your partner is
at all clingy, you might feel a bit claustrophobic.  
However, the shoe might be on the other foot, and your
lover could suddenly decide to give up a day job and
become an Amazon jungle field guide, which means
you wouldn’t see much of her/him.  On the other hand,
you both might branch out in new directions at the
same time, looking for more interesting friends and
activities, and maybe you could even do it together.     

This is a good time for artists, because it gives strong
inspirations, and a burning desire to express them.  
You want to share the things that are true for you,
whatever media you use.  It’s especially good for public
performances.  You’re more likely to break with
tradition, to do things that are reckless, wild and avant-
garde.    

Venus will be here until March 5.    

Venus entered Aries
in NYC:  Weds, Feb 8, 1:01 am
in Vancouver:  Tues, Feb 7, 10:01 pm
in London:  Weds, Feb 8, 6:01 am
in Berlin:  Weds, Feb 8, 7:01 am
in Sydney: Weds, Feb 8, 5:01 pm

Mercury is in Aquarius

Mercury is rational, logical, scientific, experimental,
and opinionated in Aquarius.  This is a great time to
use your mental powers.  You are very interested in
learning more, in finding out the truth about
everything.  It’s an expansive, exciting time, when it
comes to thought and communication.  

This is a great time for friendship, for classes, for
meetings and reunions.  When you get together with
like-minded people, the sparks fly.  Brainstorming
can be incredibly productive.  

Mercury will be here until February 14.  

Mercury entered Aquarius
in NYC:  Fri, Jan 27, 1:11 pm      
in Vancouver:  Fri, Jan 27, 10:11 am      
in London:  Fri, Jan 27, 6:11 pm      
in Berlin: Fri, Jan 27, 7:11 pm      
in Sydney: Sat, Jan 28, 5:11 am      

Mercury enters Pisces

This is a gentle, intuitive place for the planet of the
mind.  You flow easily from one thought to another,
from thoughts to fantasies, from creative ideas to
otherworldly notions.  There’s great fertility in all this
mental movement, but at times you can be so
distracted by your own imagination that you don’t get
anything done.   

Communication can be wonderful while Mercury is in
Pisces, and you can share some really deep thoughts
– with friends and relatives, and occasionally even
with people you bump into on the Subway.  At the
same time, there’s some tendency to misunderstand
people, and to project your own hopes and wishes
onto them more easily.  You may feel wonderful
because of something someone said, and then later
find that they meant something quite different.  

Don’t try to be too linear under this influence, as it
may just frustrate you.  If you trust your intuition, you
can easily figure out the answers to problems.  But if
you’re trying to keep everything completely orderly
and organized, you might be fighting a losing battle.  

Mercury will be here until March 1.

Mercury enters Pisces
in NYC: Mon, Feb 13, 8:38 pm   
in Vancouver:  Mon, Feb 13, 5:38 pm   
in London:  Tues, Feb 14, 1:38 am   
in Berlin:  Tues, Feb 14, 2:38 am   
in Sydney: Tues, Feb 14, 12:38 pm