posted January 21, 2006 12:23 AM            

The astrological month begins on a note of open-minded enthusiasm as both the Sun and Mercury leap into Aquarius. (And when those two meet on the 26th? Just make sure that enthusiasm -- squared -- doesn't get the better of you!) Start going after any romantic needs you've been ignoring when Venus ends her retrograde journey on February 3. And by Valentine's Day, sit back and enjoy some delightful socializing -- with friends and lovers alike -- courtesy of Venus and Jupiter's sextile. Read on for more details on this unconventional, but decidedly romantic, month!

January 20: Sun into Aquarius
The Sun is off for erratic, quirky Aquarius, the most rebellious sign in the heavens. For the next month, even those of us who are ordinarily controlled can expect to raise a few eyebrows -- and to secretly get quite a kick out of it too. Act on your impulses (the legal ones), don't be alarmed if you're feeling nostalgic and restless all at once, and jot down each and every unusual thought that crosses your mind. This is the stuff that megasuccessful inventions are made of. Basically, your motto for the month is 'just do it' -- and be sure to enjoy it!

January 22: Mercury into Aquarius
Those impulses you've been feeling ever since the Sun entered Aquarius on Friday? Expect them to become even more insistent now. Mercury, the planet in charge of communication, will set off for the same sign, leaving us all much more open-minded than usual. Needless to say, if you already think of yourself as unconventional, don't be surprised at what you're able to rationalize -- and talk others into believing. Planets in Aquarius have never been especially good at controlling their impulses, however. So if you're already prone to coloring outside the lines, better hire a chaperone (for you) and a bodyguard (for anyone who foolishly decides to publicly disagree with you).

January 26: Sun conjunct Mercury
Anything and everything you're feeling will come tumbling from your lips right now. The good news is that this freewheeling verbal roll you're on is perfectly understandable -- it's due to the conjunction of the Sun and talkative Mercury. They'll connect today in startling Aquarius, the sign that most loves saying and doing the very last thing anyone would ever expect. The bad news -- and it's really not bad at all -- is that if you push the envelope a bit further than usual, tomorrow's astrological agenda could include some guilt. Your assignment for the day, then, is this: Weigh your options. What's more important: to be true to your cause and have to deal with the fallout tomorrow -- or to keep quiet and live with it a lot longer?

January 27: Mercury opposite Saturn, Sun opposite Saturn, Venus sextile Jupiter
As expected, we may all be on a self-induced guilt trip at the moment -- but it won't last long. Thoughtful Mercury is opposite serious, conservative Saturn, the stuff that lectures and finger-shakings from authority figures are made of. Still, there's a lovely safety net in place: Gentle, all-forgiving Venus is in a harmonious relationship with powerful, benevolent Jupiter at the moment -- and if these two aren't the astrological recipe for forgiveness of all kinds, nothing is. Don't beat yourself up too hard. The heavens certainly won't -- not for long, anyway.

January 29: New Moon in Aquarius
Once a year, the Sun (which represents our 'outer' behavior) and Moon (which represents our 'inner' behavior) get together in startling Aquarius. With both of the heavens' lights in the sign that's most famous for its love of breaking rules and pushing limits, it's easy to see how this could well be one of those days when even the most conservative souls won't hesitate to act immediately on whatever they feel strongly about. Today could even mark the beginning of your involvement in a group that's a bit on the radical side. Regardless, enjoy your new peers. You're about to learn something new and wonderful about yourself -- and others.

This new Moon will most affect Aquarians born January 28-February 1, Taureans born April 28-May 2, Leos born July 31-August 4 and Scorpios born October 31-November 4.

February 1: Mercury conjunct Neptune
There are two ways to find your way to the future. Fortunately, or unfortunately, you've got to put them both into operation at the same time to make your dreams come true. First off, you need to visualize what you want -- to see it happening as if you're actually watching it on television. Next, you have to be absolutely, completely sure that you can make that dream a reality. Mercury is in charge of thoughts, and Neptune holds jurisdiction over dreams -- so they're the pair you need to bring about your grand plans. While they're always accessible, they're holding hands at the moment, meaning their influence is just unbeatable. Use it. To the max. It's time.

February 3: Venus Stationary Direct
Every so often, lovely lady Venus stops in her tracks (sorry, in her high heels), crosses her arms and just says no -- to everything that ordinarily elicits an 'Oh yes, please, may I have another?' Today is one of those days. Venus has been moving retrograde -- backward, that is -- so she's gotten used to living on far less than what she really wants. In fact, she's had to go without for so long, she's more than a little bit angry. At this point, she wouldn't take what's offered if you paid her. Still, that doesn't mean you should continue to suffer without what you want and need just to make a point.

February 5: Mercury square Mars
Arguments? Oh, maybe. Okay, definitely. In fact, no matter what it is that's irritating you, you've decided that you're not going to go one minute more without mentioning it. Remind your adversary that it's nothing personal. You just need to vent, and they just happen to have given you the reason for all that venting. Go ahead. Let 'em have it. How often have you ignored frustration in the past, only to dole that anger out in little bits and pieces to everyone else who crossed your path? Give the direct approach a try this time.

February 6: Sun conjunct Neptune, Sun square Jupiter
A touch of sensitivity will creep into your encounters now, along with a strong dose of concern for the welfare of others. Which isn't to say that you've been entirely unfeeling lately; you've just been thinking of yourself first, which has been entirely appropriate. But today, the Sun and sentimental Neptune will get together to soften the edges on more than one rather 'taut' situation. At the same time, the Sun will also meet up with benevolent Jupiter, who's famous for giving people a second chance, a break they're not brave enough to ask for or a gift they truly deserve. Think Santa Claus meets Fairy Godmother. That's you today. But forego the wand, please. Think of your image.

February 8: Mercury into Pisces
You've spent weeks letting everything that crosses your mind emerge from your lips without a thought -- not so much because you intended to be careless, but because you really didn't feel like you had any control over it. But at some point today, two things will happen: First, you'll regain the ability to engage your brain before your mouth. Next, you'll become particularly concerned about the emotional effect of your words. It's Mercury the Messenger who's the culprit, having slipped into the cosmic phone booth just long enough to leave detached Aquarius behind and slip into something a lot more compassionate: Pisces. This will take some adjustment on your part -- and maybe an apology or two, as well.

February 12: Full Moon in Leo
Today, you'll be feeling like the full Moon itself: dazzling, luminous and positively inspirational! The heavens' night-light is shining in Leo, whose creative, gregarious energy will leave us all a little more confident ... and a lot less resistible. Furthermore, this full Moon brings an important period of ripening concerning your career or what you'd like to do with your life. Better yet? You're also coming into the drive and enthusiasm to make big strides toward those goals. So whether you apply the Lion's kingly magnetism to professional pursuits or amorous endeavors -- just get out there!

This full Moon will most affect Aquarians born February 11-15, Taureans born May 13-18, Leos born August 15-20 and Scorpios born November 15-19.

February 14: Venus sextile Jupiter, Mercury conjunct Uranus, Sun sextile Pluto
Once a year, everyone's fancy turns to thoughts of love -- not simply to romance, although that's definitely the featured item on the menu, but to love of every kind. This is that time, and the heavens are in the mood to help you make it a day to remember. First off, lovely lady Venus, who virtually owns this day, has decided to spend it with her very favorite guy -- generous Jupiter himself, who never did know when to quit, in any department. No matter who you're out to spoil, with these two behind the steering wheel, you'll undoubtedly do a fine job of it. You'll also do a surprising job of it, since cerebral Mercury has teamed up with Uranus, the king of surprises, to make sure your loved ones have absolutely no idea what's coming. Added to the mix is the Sun in startling Aquarius (Uranus's own sign, who's equally skilled at surprises) working together with intense, sensual Pluto. If you're attached, take a pass on the chocolates and the sappy sweet card. Think rose petals that lead from the front door to the candlelit dining-room table, decked out with even more roses, candles and every possible food you know your sweetheart adores. This only happens once a year. Make it ultra-special.

February 17: Mars into Gemini
After weeks of trudging through serious, slow-moving Taurus (the sign that's most famous for taking its own sweet time), red-hot Mars, the planet of action, is about to slip into something far more comfortable: Gemini, the fastest-moving sign in the heavens. This, of course, is quite literally a match made in heaven, perfect for getting anything and everything done in a hurry. Lest you worry that it won't be done properly, however, relax. Gemini is also the heavens' best-known multitasker, so you'll surprise even yourself with how quickly and accurately you can tackle two, three or even four projects at once. Go get 'em!

posted January 30, 2006 11:23 PM            

Moon enters Pisces 5:32pm EST 1/30/06. That's your natal like mine, right??