The main astrological events of January centered around a pile-up of planets in Capricorn: a sign that tends to make things serious, practical and sometime laborious.
Capricorn is a moveable earth sign signified by graveyards as well as industrial zones. It is the place where matter of all kinds goes to die and be thoroughly reshaped—a task which requires a fair amount of heavy lifting and resolve, and (sitting opposite the emotive sign Cancer) can create some callousness as a result.
Capricorn can create a type of stress through work requirements (in various areas of life) that can push us into just wanting to ‘get through’ and in the process sacrifice some of the softer aspects of life which creates a gradual numbing effect. There will be an opportunity when Venus transits Pisces in March to fully reconnect with emotions, desire and the more creative side of ourselves. In the meantime, this coming month’s transits to Aquarius have the potential to push us further into our heads and out of our physical experience, so this is a tendency to check in February. It also suggests that the collective atmosphere and events become more complicated and intrude into our daily thinking more than we might like.
Aquarius can be a very dry, cerebral sign and may cause us to overthink, as four planets collect in that sign by mid-month, and five by the end. Along with this, there will be a solar eclipse on February 17th which will be particularly impactful for anyone with significant planets or their ascendant in Aquarius. The impact of the eclipse on the collective suggests an increase in activism and plenty of conflict surrounding that. Aquarius is the sign of revolution and groups. Some of what we’ve been seeing recently can actually be tied to this upcoming eclipse, since eclipses often generate outcomes before they actually occur.
This eclipse occurs in Dhaniṣṭā nakṣatra, which is an ambitious constellation associated with wealth, ambition, and rhythm.
There will be a lunar eclipse two weeks later on March 3rd, very early in the morning. The lunar eclipse following the solar suggest spiritual benefit but material loss—particularly for the people who are directly impacted by natal chart placements or in places where the eclipse is directly visible.
The nakṣatra of the lunar eclipse will Pūrvaphālgunī—a star interested in love, pleasure and connection.
A brief case study to shine light on the impact of eclipses:
Alex Honnold is a world-famous climber whose fame recently skyrocketed when he free soloed a 101 story skyscraper in Taipei live on Netflix. His natal Moon’s nakṣatra is Pūrvaphalguni (in his 3rd house of recreation and the arms/hands) meaning that this eclipse cycle is meaningful for him. This particular eclipse benefits him due to the solar eclipse occuring first, and the degrees of the eclipse will be after his natal Moon’s position, which means the effects arise before the eclipse date. Although the overall tone of this eclipse cycle is spiritual, rather than material benefit, he did receive compensation for his feat, but reported that the amount was ‘embarrassingly small amount,’ and he did it mostly for the enjoyment and challenge. In his case, his Moon is on what is called the Arudha Lagna or image point in the chart, which can bring visibility and fame. When other factors align, eclipses can bring life changing opportunities such as this.
Case studies aside, if your natal Moon’s nakṣatra coincides with either the solar or lunar eclipse nakṣatra, then remedial measures are generally recommended for personal protection, as these are intense influences.
The mantra for the nakṣatra of solar eclipse: Auṁ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya
The mantra for the nakṣatra of lunar eclipse: Auṁ bhagāya mamaḥ
Best practices for eclipse cycles are to:
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avoid starting any important new endeavor within the 10 days before and after the solar eclipse and 3 days before and after the lunar eclipse
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events begun AFTER an eclipse cycle has ended tend to succeed, those begun right before tend to fail
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avoid any confrontation on or around the days of the eclipses themselves
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during a solar eclipse: fast, meditatate, pray, be silent—try to avoid going outside during the actual eclipse and do not look at it
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if you have an existing mantra you can use it during the eclipse, otherwise the above mantras can be chanted during the heart of each eclipse for maximum benefit
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during a lunar eclipse: it is okay to engage in safe and productive social activity, particularly that with a clear purpose; take care with your emotions and do not put yourself in situations that feel particularly vulnerable
With all of this in mind, here is the rundown for specific dates for the month ahead: