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.

Sagittarius

How assertive will your partner become now that Mars is moving forward, albeit
quite slowly, after 11 weeks retrograde? Especially when it comes to determining
how your Valentine's Day celebration will play out. Mr. Macho is particularly
powerful on that day, so if you harbor desires of your own, make them known far
enough in advance to affect your companion's choices. Also make sure that
between now and then, because Mercury is retrograde, nobody involved, e.g., the
florist, the salesperson, mistakes what you want.

Capricorn

The solar eclipse in your Aquarius house of assets and acquisitions could keep
you focused almost exclusively on money matters. Therefore, despite having romantic
Venus in your sign, Valentine's Day might not be that big a deal this year.
Because you'll be especially inventive during the next two weeks, you'll
find a way to express your love without spending big bucks. And since Mercury
will still be retrograde, it shouldn't be difficult to come up with something
from your past that will gladden your lover's heart.

Aquarius

If, sometime over the next two weeks, you want to hide out by yourself, it may
be hard to find the time. While the sun is in Aquarius, you could feel that a
psychic spotlight is tracking your every move, especially after the new moon/solar
eclipse on the 6th. Although it comes out of retrograde on the 18th, Mercury doesn't
leave Aquarius until March 14. Plus — and this can significantly boost the
popularity of the well-loved Water Bearer — magnetic Venus enters your sign
on the 17th and won't exit until March 12.

Pisces

While retrograde Mercury merges with your Neptune ruler, it'll be easier
to understand what you have in mind. Since Fish tend to be more visual than verbal,
this often isn't the case. However, while the two planets are in close quarters,
why not use the Messenger to recite your poems or post your music video online?
The Aquarius sun adds its creative power to your plans on the 10th, when it conjuncts
imaginative Neptune. Beautiful and compelling as your vision may be, remember
to share it with your audience.

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