Celestial Forecast
Reflections on the astrological transits of the week of February 20th
This week’s astrological forecast is special for me personally, and there’s some significant shifts for the collective as well. I sat down to write these reflections this morning, and I was feeling uplifted and energized because of how seismic the transits are for me, more on that in a moment. Then something unexpected happened, and it dredged up all these old wounds of feeling unseen, unheard, and devalued. Immediately I broke down in tears. It is Pisces season after all. It’s so jarring to go from excited to dejected in two seconds flat. Yet I feel like I shouldn’t be so surprised because the planets are literally telling me to buckle up for a roller coaster ride.
After allowing myself to feel the rejection fully, I journaled and received a couple encouraging messages from the universe. My partner reminded me again that rejection is simply redirection, and I remembered what an astrologer friend told me recently, Saturn doesn’t withhold, they delay.
So, as I approach my exact Saturn and Venus returns, on the same day no less, I’m reminded to stand firm in knowing who I am and the value I bring to this world even in the face of rejection. I am a Leo rising with a 10th house Sun, and my natal chart demands I stand in my authenticity and power and allow myself to shine. I say this not in a self-aggrandizing way, but as a reminder to all the past versions of me who felt unlovable, insecure, and misunderstood.
I also say this as a reminder to you. It is ok to stand in our power and to embrace our shine, whatever that looks like for you. For me this simply means accepting and integrating all versions of myself – the light and the shadows of which there are many – and showing up as my full self in all aspects of life – publicly and privately. My simultaneous Saturn and Venus returns are serving as cosmic lessons to stop hiding the complexity of who I am and to open up and share more of myself with the world. Thank you for being here with me on this journey, and I hope that you too can find some radical acceptance today.
As I’ve alluded this week is big. I experience my exact Saturn and Venus returns on the same day. This is a once in a lifetime transit, so it feels extra potent. Our Saturn returns occur every 27-29 years so we may experience one, two, or three based upon current life expectancy. With Saturn slowly meandering through 28° of Aquarius, my natal placement, from February 18th – 26th these eight days of intensification feel like the last 0.2 miles of a marathon.
I can claim the label of marathoner as I once ran the Chicago Marathon back in 2017 which feels like a lifetime ago. I am no longer a runner and have zero interest in putting my body through that again, but I am drawing upon that experience today. Saturn returns are marathons. They bring in massive changes and karmic events, but these shifts unfold over the course of two to three years, a marathon pace in the astrological sense. So here I am 26 miles down, 0.2 miles to go with Venus in Aries cheering me on urging me to sprint to the finish line. Once I finally finish the marathon of Saturn in Aquarius, I look forward to processing, reflecting, and sharing the shifts I’ve experienced and the lessons I’ve learned.
With all of that said, let’s get into the dreamy, fiery magic that is the celestial forecast for the week of February 20th.
New Moon 1° Pisces February 20th 1:04 AM CST
The planets have been at play while many of us were in the dream realm. Pisces season began Saturday evening, and less than 48 hours later we are graced with a luscious New Moon. Pisces season is a hopeful celebratory time because it marks a significant ending and completion. In the northern hemisphere, we are in the final stretch of winter. Daylight lengthens as the Sun’s rays thaw the ground creating the fertile conditions necessary for new life to emerge. The New Moon today is a journey inward. What are you hopeful about? What are your dreams for the future? What excites you for spring to come? If you’ve been experiencing stagnation, rejection, or pain know you are not alone. If you are in need of a pick me up, like I am today, tap into the hopefulness that is Pisces and remember when we move through the darkness of winter, life always emerges on the other side. Â
Venus in Aries February 20th 1:56 AM CST
While Pisces is dreamy, ethereal, and deeply feeling, Aries is fiery, bold, and courageous. As the baby of the Zodiac, Aries takes on the archetype of the Fool in tarot. As cardinal fire ruled by Mars, Aries is instinctual and craves experience and adventure. Venus goddess of love and beauty in a Martian sign transforms into a warrior goddess. Collectively we may feel a renewed sense of self-confidence to go after what we want. This is a perfect accompaniment to the Pisces New Moon which emphasizes our capacity to dream and imagine. Venus in Aries emboldens our hearts and ignites us with the energy and drive to make our dreams reality.
Mercury 15° Aquarius square Uranus 15° Taurus February 21st 4:10 PM CST
Squares highlight two conflicting yet interdependent needs. Mercury in Aquarius is how we view our place in the world and our belief system. Uranus in Taurus is about needs for physical security and moving through discomfort in service of growth. Aquarius and Taurus are both fixed signs and less willing to compromise with one another. How has our belief system shifted over time, and what perspectives have we gained? Do our current behaviors and actions align with our new perspectives, or are there major shifts we need to make to live in alignment with our values?
Moon in Aries February 21st 11:14 PM CST
A fiery activation of the emotional body and nervous system. Emotions may be extra heated and intense, especially with the Sun in Pisces, and if you’re feeling restless or overstimulated find ways to move your body or decompress in ways that feel good to you. Â
Mercury 16° Aquarius trine Mars 16° Gemini February 22nd 1:58 PM CST
Mercury in Aquarius is a widening of perspective and seeing things in a new way. If we are experiencing mental blocks, a friendly boost from Mars in Gemini cuts through helping us gain clarity and deeper insight.
Moon in Taurus February 24th 2:29 AM CST
The Moon is exalted again! Taurus provides the Moon with an overwhelming sense of security and comfort. Taurus is all about pleasing the five senses, so seek comfort through cooking a delicious meal, getting cozy in your comfiest lounge wear, or taking a soothing bath. Don’t forget the candles for ambiance.
Moon in Gemini February 26th 9:48 AM CST
Grab your journal or call up a loved one to process your feels. Find comfort in intellectual stimulation and good conversation.