Rockie Horoscope

Feb. 1-7, 2008
The happy marriage of lucky Venus and even more fortunate Jupiter on February 1 probably won't be celebrated with their customary glee during the current economic climate. Both planets tend to be spendthrifts, and when they join forces, you might not be able to deny yourself anything you crave -- from sweets to slots. Maybe their meeting in Capricorn will add a conservative note to the festivities, but since retrograde Mercury and delusional Neptune are conjunct the next day, I don't think so. The socially and politically astute Aquarius moon on Super Tuesday doesn't take effect until 11 a.m. PST/2 p.m. EST. If you can swing it, cast your vote late in the day, but before you begin celebrating Mardi Gras. The new moon/solar eclipse Wednesday night could screw with many things, especially since the tech-inclined Aquarius sun merges with retrograde Mercury that morning. Fingers crossed.

Aries

I assume Rams made plans far enough in advance to not be thrown off course when your Mars ruler shifted out of retrograde last week. If you can keep to your schedule, you'll be in a much better position to benefit from the fortunate collaboration of Venus and Jupiter in your Capricorn career zone. Maybe the well-meaning people these planets represent will ask a bit more of you, but once the extra effort is made, there'll be kudos from your peers as well as your boss. One of them might even become an integral part of your Valentine's Day celebration.

Taurus

You could be exposed to someone or something at the solar eclipse on the 6th that dramatically affects your prognosis for the future, but in a good way. A favorable connection from progressive Uranus to your Venus ruler that day can personalize the message the cosmos is sending. The Bull's challenge is to separate the wheat from the chaff, the true interpretation from the false. Since impressionable Neptune is especially active at that time, this won't be as easy as it seems. You wanna be a believer, not a deceiver.

Gemini

Like your Taurus neighbor, the Twins are being influenced by another potent planetary aspect the same day the Aquarius new moon/solar eclipse is putting on its show. And while you won't be able to see it, you'll feel the effects of your Mercury ruler's merger with the sun, especially if the conjunction brings up something from the past that is relevant today. Remember, Mercury is running in reverse until the 18th. Also note that Mercury hangs with drinking, drugging Neptune for Mardi Gras, the Chinese New Year and beyond.

Cancer

Too bad you won't enjoy the sight of the annular solar eclipse; still, the Moon Child could feel a surge of power while Luna makes Sol disappear. Since these phenomena often mark turning points, keep an eye on how the candidates who have sun-ruled Leo prominent in their charts (Obama, Keyes, Ron Paul, and even Clinton, a solar Scorpio) fare on Super Tuesday. No Cancers or Aquarians are in the running. Valentine's Day may be a karmic experience for a softhearted Crab; better adopt a hard-shell, hard-ass attitude instead.

Leo

Read for Cancer so you'll be properly prepared for the loss of ego gratification you may experience during the first solar eclipse of the year. The second takes place on August 1, when your sun ruler is in your own sign. Valentine's Day could become more of a social event than a romantic occasion; if you want it to be private, keep your plans to yourself. No boasting about how special or how lavish it'll be. Remember, while Mercury is retrograde in your Aquarius house of partners, it'll be hard to read what's going on in his or her head.

Virgo

The workaholic Virgin should be aware that the solar eclipse on the 6th takes place in your Aquarius house of successful work and health practices, the area that'll need your attention for more than a week or two. Since your Mercury ruler is running in reverse in that sign, it would be wise to double-check the data you're receiving on the job, also info about medicine, supplements and food. I don't want to make you more paranoid than you already are, but while restrictive Saturn is in Virgo, you need to be careful and consistent.

Libra

One of the advantages of being born a lovable Libra is that Valentine's Day always activates your Aquarius house of romance and recreation. Whether you're in the mood to take a risk this year depends on how Mercury retrograde in that zone is affecting you. Any canceled flights, defective merchandise or missed messages yet? If you don't feel confident about pulling off a romantic getaway, arrange a luxurious celebration at your place, where your Venus ruler, nestled in the arms of traditional Capricorn, can help you feel secure.

Scorpio

Unlike your Libra neighbors, Scorpio's domestic situation at the moment is neither secure nor conducive to candlelit dinners at home. Mercury retrograde can disrupt the best-laid plans made via the mice on your desks and the men in your life. You'd be better off following loving Venus to a neighborhood venue where the goddess can work her charms without worrying that something will go amiss. Know that on Valentine's Day itself, your passionate Mars co-ruler perfects a rewarding trine with the life-giving sun.