posted February 18, 2006 12:42 PM            

Sensitive, artistic energy abounds this astrological month as the Sun joins Mercury in Pisces. Good thing, too, because when Mercury turns retrograde later in the month, you'll want to put that newfound Piscean creativity toward innovative means of communication (should the standard routes fail you!). Promises will abound as Mercury sextiles Venus not once, but twice. And for those practical souls out there, a lunar eclipse in Virgo will balance the water-sign dreaminess with a healthy dose of order and professional house-cleaning. Read on for the full scoop on your next few weeks:

February 18: Sun into Pisces
You'll need just a touch of emotional reflection to go along with all the frenzied activity coming up over the next few weeks -- something to create a nice, healthy balance, especially when it comes to relationships. Well, just in the nick of time, help has arrived via the Sun's annual trek through Pisces, the most sensitive, other-oriented sign in the heavens. This doesn't mean you'll be too preoccupied to get anything done -- but you'll be perfectly happy to take just a second or two to think about your loved one's feelings before you charge off into the sunset. See? A good combination.

February 23: Mercury sextile Venus
If ever a day was perfect for promises -- promises that will not just be made, but definitely kept -- this is it. Chatty, thoughtful Mercury is in intuitive Pisces, giving us all the ability to know exactly what to say and when to say it. That doesn't mean we'll be saying whatever we know someone wants to hear -- not to manipulate them, at least -- only that we'll be able to soothe, comfort and let our loved ones know how dear they are to us. This is a delicate task, and it will be much appreciated. Furthermore, with Venus in Capricorn, the sign that most loves making pledges, you've got a day that's perfect for proposals -- of all kinds. If you've been thinking along those lines anyway, what's the holdup? Visit the jewelry store, pick up that little velvet box you've had your eye on and make reservations for two at your favorite restaurant. It may not be Valentine's Day, but it's close enough ...

February 26: Moon conjunct Neptune
While this event is short, it's also awfully sweet. The Moon, ruler of our emotions, meets up with dreamy Neptune today, and the result is a calm, peaceful day. Try to put your day-to-day stressors and concerns aside for a while to enjoy the openness that this heavenly rendezvous fosters. Of course, that means that you're both more sensitive to the feelings of others and more vulnerable yourself. But if you use that energy wisely, you'll enjoy the opportunity (at least for a little while!) to sit back and contemplate both the forest and the trees.

February 27: New Moon in Pisces
It's time to forget anything even remotely resembling facts, figures and the objective advice of a well-meaning friend. Instead, don't think at all. Feel. New Moons are famous for opening the door to new impressions -- and this one is all about an emotional issue. Pisces is a sign with a grand imagination, too, so prepare to plant a seed or two in the realms of art, beauty or metaphysical pursuits. It's your monthly chance for a fresh beginning, and with the water-loving Fish on the job, the boundaries between thought and emotion might just dissolve for the time being.

This new Moon will most affect Pisceans born February 26-March 2, Geminis born May 29-June 2, Virgos born August 31-Sept 4 and Sagittarians born November 30-Dec 4.

February 28: Mercury square Pluto, Mars sextile Saturn, Mercury sextile Venus
That feeling of deja vu that's been following you around all day? It's not your imagination. For the second time in less that a week, lovely Venus and conversational Mercury have gotten together in a stimulating sextile, the astrological aspect that never fails to get things done -- and quickly. This first happened last Thursday, when the issue of promises, pledges and permanence came up, in most pleasant fashion. It's on the agenda again today, so expect to be rehashing some of the delightful issues you started work on last week. This time out, however, you'll have the added input of Mars in chatty Gemini adding a touch or urgency -- and maybe impatience -- to the idea of getting the show on the road. Also at play is Mercury's energetic square with Pluto, which never fails to add intensity to any chat, even if it's only about the weather. Expect the astrological team on duty to inspire you to set dates -- perhaps a bit sooner than your family members might have expected, but oh well ... After all, whose life is this, anyway?

March 1: Sun conjunct Uranus
The Sun is in sensitive, intuitive Pisces at the moment, asking us all to be compassionate, thoughtful and especially kind to everyone we encounter -- whether an old, dear friend or just someone we've spotted by the side of the road who needs help changing a tire. And speaking of running into someone who needs help, those situations -- the entirely unexpected kinds that test your humanity -- will be the name of the game now, thanks to Uranus, the king of surprises and last-minute change. Of course, you'll be amply rewarded in the form of at least one fun, interesting person you'd never have crossed paths with otherwise. You may even end up with a new friend. If it stresses you out when things don't go as planned, however, it might be time to break out the chamomile tea. In fact, carry a thermos.

March 2: Mercury Stationary Retrograde
Mercury has always been known as the messenger of the gods, meaning that he's in charge of our communication with each other -- and with our environment. Today, however, he's about to start a three-week vacation, otherwise known as Mercury retrograde. Three times a year, the messenger quite literally turns his back on us. And without his guidance, keeping track of meetings, appointments, directions and the care and maintenance of communication- and transportation-related devices ... well, it becomes a bit more 'challenging,' shall we say. Basically, it's time to troubleshoot. Double-check your list before you leave the house, and never, ever expect to make it where you're going at the time and/or via the path you'd expected. It's okay. These three weeks never fail to give each of us a pack of interesting stories.

March 5: Venus into Aquarius
After just about two months of strolling in most dignified fashion through responsible, respectable Capricorn, lovely lady Venus is in the mood for a change -- and what a change it will be! Today, she'll take off for startling Aquarius, the sign that most loves to shock and amaze the masses -- in any way possible. Since Venus is in charge of love, relationships, money and possessions, several scenarios are possible. First off, we'll all be tempted to bring someone home we know our families will hate on sight, simply because they're totally unlike our typical suitors. Spending money on something we had to ask the salesperson to identify could be on that list too, along with the urge to toss out every piece of conservative clothing in our closets. Think of it as being possessed -- and try not to do anything permanent to your hair. This, too, shall pass.

March 9: Sun trine Jupiter
When the Sun and Jupiter get together, the two mightiest powers in the heavens are joining forces -- which means it's prime time to tackle your list. You know the list we're talking about, don't you? The one you've been hiding under the pile because you hate the thought of starting it? Well, it has to be done at some point, so dig it out. You'll be amazed by how easily you can accomplish things now -- and you won't have to handle it alone. Mighty Jupiter, ruler of influential people, is currently in persuasive Scorpio, a sign that simply won't be sidetracked once it's on a mission. Ask for help -- and if you're asked, give it graciously.

March 11: Mars square Uranus, Sun conjunct Mercury
When the Sun and talkative Mercury get together, we all tend to be a bit on the chatty side ... and those who are already prone to talking up a storm can turn into verbal hurricanes. That's just one facet of today's astrological menu -- because the topics that arise are what should really make this a day to remember! Red-hot Mars will square off with startling Uranus, an event that never fails to raise tempers. Even the most docile among us may feel the backs of our necks getting hot. In other words, a conversation that starts out as a bit of kidding around between friends -- say, about whose team or political party is 'the best' -- could easily turn volatile. Now that you know, avoid anyone who unfailingly pushes your buttons.

March 14: Lunar Eclipse (Full Moon) in Virgo
Eclipses are amazing things. In addition to the changes we can observe in the Sun and Moon, these events tend to affect us in startling, unseen ways. Today's eclipse is due to energize Virgo, the sign famous for creating order and cleanliness -- and for never failing to offer help. Virgo is also in charge of work issues, so if you wake up today and find yourself facing a challenging situation in that department, your first instruction is this: no panicking. When something leaves during an eclipse, it's because it's no longer useful to you. Let it go, whatever it is, and remember: If things stayed the same, we'd never have room for growth. It's time to stretch, and to reach for something new. Make room.

This full Moon will most affect Pisceans born March 13-17, Geminis born June 14-18, Virgos born September 16-20 and Sagittarians born December 15-19.

March 18: Mercury square Mars
Last Saturday was a bit on the volatile side -- remember? Everyone was cranky, unpredictable and more likely to start an argument than to consider anyone else's side. Maybe even you were a little testier than usual. Now that you've been reminded of how easy it is to let little things get out of hand -- and how unproductive it is to allow that to happen -- you'll be especially careful. Right? Well good, because today's agenda calls for the astrological equivalent of an argument: a square between communicative Mercury and Mars, the universe's most famous hothead. Don't let anyone irritate you unnecessarily. If you feel a dispute coming on, distance yourself, just for now.