This Week in Astrology: February 12 to 18, 2023

This Week in Astrology: February 12th to 18th, 2023

 

February 12-18, 2023

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On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and by aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends

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The LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Monday, February 13th, 2023, at 11:01 AM EST. 

On Monday, the Last Quarter Moon is exact when the Sun in Aquarius forms a square with the Moon in Scorpio.

The Last Quarter Moon phase points to some sort of crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of the recent Full Moon, we disperse our knowledge and come to a point when we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon, when something new is born once again.

This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes a descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. We might consider what our recent revelations mean to us, and what we might do as a result.

It’s better to review and sort than to push something new. Until the New Moon, we might take inventory, tie up loose ends, and let go if necessary.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 24 degrees and 40 minutes of Scorpio square the Sun at the same degree of Aquarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 23 to 27 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Aquarius until the 18th, when it enters Pisces; Mercury is in Aquarius; Venus is in Pisces; Mars is in Gemini.

The Sun is in Aquarius from January 20-February 18. During this cycle, we are motivated by our hunger for knowledge, experience, and originality. Innovation is more important to us than convention. We become more aware of what is outdated in our lives, and strive to find new perspectives and new ways to do things. The class distinctions, structure, and order that Capricorn finds appealing now seem to be too rigid. The freedom of the individual becomes far more significant to us. We strive to free ourselves from some of the restrictions, inhibitions, and limitations that now feel constraining rather than safe.

We recognize those things that are obsolete or outdated, and we’re ready to change the world with new ideas and methods. We might often let our heads rule over our hearts during this cycle, preferring an objective, impersonal, and rational approach to life.

The Sun is in Pisces from February 18-March 20. With the Sun in Pisces, we are guided by altruistic feelings. We are less motivated to do than we are to feel, imagine, and dream. A “what will be, will be” attitude reigns, and we are guided by a sense of universal correlations. Pisces rules empathy, selfless love, devotion, and wisdom. Its shadow side can include self-pity, a feeling of being victimized by life, passivity, and elusiveness.

While we may not always verbalize our feelings and impressions during this cycle, they’re strong and motivating. We prefer to believe and trust, giving things/people the benefit of the doubt until they prove us wrong. We might often tune out problems or conflicts rather than tackle them head on, hoping they will iron themselves out. Prosperity flows when we’re connecting with our heart, being kind, and helping others. The need to withdraw or retreat to restore our energy is strong from time to time.

Mercury is in Aquarius from February 11-March 2. When Mercury is in Aquarius, we are hungry for knowledge and open to new and original ideas. We begin to think outside of the box, and our thinking becomes more progressive and objective. Our communication and thought patterns are spontaneous, somewhat fragmented, reasonable, objective, and liberal. This is a time when inventive thinking is at a peak.

We’re reasonable, finding it easier to separate intellect and emotion when assessing a situation. Although progressive-minded and receptive to new studies and information, we are not quick to sway from our ideas and beliefs. During this cycle, we take more interest in thinking that’s daring or original. As we envision a better future, we can come up with truly interesting ideas and concepts.

Venus is in Pisces from January 26-February 20. Venus in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach, as there is a longing for something that is difficult to define and hard to satisfy. Borders and boundaries blur under Venus in Pisces. The shadow side of this position is allowing ourselves to be deceived because we want to believe, as well as evasiveness. We should watch for falling in love with an idealized image of something or someone. It’s also important to watch for avoidant or indirect behavior.

Venus is exalted in Pisces and does well in the sign. It’s devoted, compassionate, exceptionally giving, and capable of sacrifice. We might refer heavily on our intuition with our finances and love life during this cycle. We gravitate to–and appreciate–unusual, tossed aside, poetic, artistic objects, situations, and people. We seek activities that move, inspire, or touch us.

Money may slip through our fingers, or we could ignore or overlook some of the practical elements of our lives now. However, finances improve if we connect with our otherworldly talents, imagination, desire to heal and serve, or sense of mission.

This transit is not particularly strong for resolve or determination, but it’s good for adaptability and increased understanding or acceptance.

Mars is in Gemini from August 20, 2022-March 25, 2023. [This is much longer than usual due to a Mars retrograde cycle from October 30, 2022-January 12, 2023.]

In Gemini, Mars is versatile and flexible but not especially determined or focused. We should watch for becoming so scattered that we’re ineffective. However, it’s an excellent period for diversifying our interests and understanding the power of our communications.

It’s an excellent time for strategizing and devising useful tactics to achieve our desires and goals. We’re resourceful and clever, and we know how to use words effectively.

Perhaps most notable during this period is our tactical skills. We know how to maneuver things to get our way. We use words to charm and express anger. We’re very talkative, and animatedly so, when passionate and enthusiastic about a topic.

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Jupiter is in Aries.

Jupiter was in Aries from May 10 to October 28, 2022 before it retreated into Pisces. This was part one of two, with the second and final part occurring from December 20, 2022, to May 16, 2023. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Aries.

 

Saturn transits Aquarius from March 21 to July 1, 2020, and from December 17th, 2020, until March 7, 2023. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aquarius.

Uranus is in Taurus.

Uranus transits Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and then from March 6th, 2019, until 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn to free ourselves from certain material constraints. Innovative ways to make ourselves comfortable emerge. We’re less inhibited about expressing sensuality, self-love, body love, and pampering. Above all, we’re challenging what we previously valued during this cycle.

There can be abrupt changes with money, valuables, possessions, and income that lead to a reshuffling of priorities or values. Income might come from non-traditional sources or ventures. In general, we’re bringing progressive ideas to the world of business. New ways of doing business, as well as making, viewing, and handling money, are likely. Our income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Pisces from January 26-February 20. Like Aquarius, Pisces love is universal. However, Pisces draws no bounds in love. With Venus in Pisces, we have compassion (and perhaps attraction) for those who are left out, overlooked, or victimized. We are self-sacrificing, and we have a hard time setting up borders. The walls go down, we have a hard time saying no (especially if our compassion is engaged), but we are also prone to avoiding all that makes us feel uncomfortable.

Wishful thinking is one expression of Venus in Pisces. We can too easily believe what we want to believe. People can be hard to pin down, and love is hard to define under this influence. Pisces never sees the world in black-and-white terms. Rather, Pisces sees all the colors of the rainbow. With the goddess of love in Pisces, our love is all-embracing, we are able to forgive and understand, we are seducible and seductive, and we show compassion to our partners.

Venus in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach nevertheless, as there is a longing for something that is hard to define and hard to satisfy. Borders and boundaries blur under Venus in Pisces. The shadow side of this position is allowing ourselves to be deluded, as well as evasiveness.

This week: On Tuesday and Wednesday, a yearly alignment between Venus and Neptune occurs, and we’re especially sensitive to and aware of beauty and spirituality. We’re seducible and can be seductive. This is a psychically open time, but also a period when we may be seeing what we want to see rather than what is. It can be a highly romantic time, and we can be more understanding and compassionate with one another. This energy is even stronger with these planets also parallel.

On Thursday, we’re optimistic and ready to take a chance or give someone or something the benefit of the doubt. However, we should watch for overextension. It’s best not to overstate or make big promises based only on the good mood of the moment.

On Saturday, we seek a deep love in which we can merge souls and personalities with our lover. We are quite devoted to our partners, and we seek such devotion in return. A Venus-Pluto sextile supports intimacy, understanding, and depth in our connections. This is a strong week for relationships.

Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:

Venus in Pisces A martyr complex, a love for the underdog, a search for your soul mate: such are the experiences associated with the new cycle you’re now just beginning. A yen for soul-stirring romance, a weakness for the weak, and a tendency to idealize people and relationships … very aesthetic, very other-worldly.

Venus contra-parallel Chiron February 8. Others, and especially partners and love interests, have something to teach us. This is a time for identifying vulnerable areas.

Venus conjunct Neptune February 14-15. New and fresh beginnings on romantic levels characterize this transit. Heightened sensitivity to, and awareness of, beauty and spirituality. We are easily influenced, seducible and seductive, and given to strong powers of imagination. We are more attuned to the world of beauty and romance. Gentleness with others is the best way to harness this energy. A “magical” time on a romantic and social level, but it could also be a confusing or illusory influence as well. Psychic openness and compassion.

Venus parallel Neptune February 14-15. Heightened sensitivity to, and awareness of, beauty and spirituality. We are more attuned to the world of beauty and romance. We more naturally embrace compassion. Psychic openness.

Venus contra-parallel Jupiter February 16. We’re optimistic and ready to take a chance or give someone or something the benefit of the doubt. We are able to make the best of a situation now. Watch for overextension. It’s best not to overstate or make big promises based only on the good mood of the moment.

Venus sextile Pluto February 18-19. Subtly powerful and uplifting time for romantic/sexual relationships. New insights into relationships and love. Strong attractions.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, February 13th, from 6:53 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 8:32 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, February 15th, from 8:07 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Thursday, February 16th, at 12:01 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Friday, February 17th, from 11:18 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aquarius the next day, Saturday, February 18th, at 12:35 AM EST.

 

February 2023:

 

Timing with the Moon – Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives

It’s important to note that there are more factors to consider in addition to the windows listed below. The following windows are starting points. For example, you generally don’t want to elect a new venture when a very challenging aspect is applying, and it’s preferable to elect a time when a particularly positive aspect hasn’t yet perfected (is applying rather than separating).

The Moon is waning this week, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs on Wednesday, February 15th, from approximately 4 PM to 8:05 PM EST, while the Moon is in Sagittarius. Another window occurs from Thursday, February 16th, from approximately 4:15 PM EST, until Friday, February 17th, at approximately 11:15 PM EST, while the Moon is in Capricorn.

See also the following articles and tables: Timing with the Moon and Opportunity Periods with the Void Moon for times and techniques.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Dec  6,
2022, 5:08 PM Mercury enters Capricorn
Dec  9, 2022, 10:54 PM Venus enters Capricorn
Dec 18, 2022, 6:27 PM Ceres enters Libra
Dec 20, 2022, 9:32 AM Jupiter enters Aries
Dec 21, 2022, 4:48 PM Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 23, 2022, 4:31 AM Chiron Direct
Dec 29, 2022, 4:32 AM Mercury Rx
Jan  2, 2023, 9:09 PM, Venus enters Aquarius
Jan 12, 2023, 3:56 PM, Mars Direct
Jan 13, 2023, 1:31 AM, Juno enters Aries
Jan 18, 2023, 8:12 AM, Mercury Direct
Jan 20, 2023, 3:29 AM, Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 22, 2023, 5:58 PM, Uranus Direct
Jan 26, 2023, 9:33 PM, Venus enters Pisces
Feb  3, 2023, 2:15 PM, Ceres Retrograde
Feb  7, 2023, 11:43 PM, Vesta enters Aries
Feb 11, 2023, 6:22 AM, Mercury enters Aquarius
Feb 16, 2023, 9:31 AM, Pallas Direct
Feb 18, 2023, 5:34 PM, Sun enters Pisces
Feb 20, 2023, 2:55 AM, Venus enters Aries
Mar  2, 2023, 5:52 PM, Mercury enters Pisces
Mar  7, 2023, 8:35 AM, Saturn enters Pisces
Mar 11, 2023, 11:16 AM, Juno enters Taurus

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).

See also: The Astrology of 2023 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Sun semi-square Jupiter. We may feel vague restlessness and discontent with life as it is. We want more, but perhaps too much. Overestimation, wastefulness, and exaggeration. Elevated moods, but unstable ones, as they may not be based on reality.

Mars sesquiquadrature Pluto. Our desires are intense and difficult to satisfy under this influence. A tendency to bully and confront may dominate. Efforts to make changes could be thwarted, or power struggles emerge. The trick is to remain flexible and to develop strategies for achieving our goals.

Venus conjunct Neptune. New and fresh beginnings on creative levels characterize this transit. Heightened sensitivity to, and awareness of, beauty and spirituality. We are easily influenced, seducible and seductive, and given to strong powers of imagination. We are more attuned to the world of beauty and romance today. Gentleness with others is the best way to harness this energy. A “magical” time on a romantic and social level, but it could also be a confusing or illusory influence as well. Psychic openness and compassion.

  Sun conjunct Saturn. This is a time when we are called upon to “get real”. We feel the constraints of time and are motivated by the desire to manifest tangible results. It’s “nose to the grindstone” time. We may feel overworked; alternatively, we welcome some discipline into our lives. Avoid launching new projects, particularly financial ones. Instead, work on a new plan for creating order in your life, or on an old project that requires a new commitment. Emotional energy is not enough to fuel us for the time being; thus we could feel sapped on a physical level. However, making new commitments to old goals, shouldering responsibilities, and making careful use of our resources could feed our need for structure and order in our lives.

Sun semi-square Chiron. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong, but may be hampered by a lack of confidence or a fear of being different.

Mercury semi-square Neptune. We are not thinking clearly, preferring to daydream. Technical facts can be glossed over at this time. It’s not a good time to make a presentation, to ask for what you want, or to formalize agreements.

Mercury sextile Jupiter. Positive thinking, new insights, and cooperation are themes now. This influence favors short trips, writing, teaching, studying, submitting applications and forms, test taking, and making diagnoses and observations. This is a time when we more readily exercise good judgment, take a more philosophical approach to thinking, and are more open to learning.

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs. See also Transit to Transit aspects.

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe.

See also: The Astrology of 2023 – Overview.

Astrology Chart of Today/Now in my Free Report section shows the current chart with interpretations.

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What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on the site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

See also the Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trend overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

FEBRUARY 12

The Sun semi-square Jupiter early day can point to some over-estimation of our energy or motivation levels. We want to grow, improve, and expand, and it may be necessary to push some boundaries now, but it’s best to do so gently. The Moon spends the day in perceptive, deeply feeling Scorpio. While it’s not always easy to get a good “read” on others this afternoon with the Moon’s opposition to Uranus, it’s a fine time for exploring the layers of situations.

FEBRUARY 13

The Last Quarter Moon occurs at 11:02 AM EST, when the Sun in Aquarius forms a square with the Moon in Scorpio, pointing to a crisis of consciousness. It’s a time to consider what our recent revelations mean to us and what we might do as a result. This Quarter Moon signals the need to review and sort rather than push something new. Until the New Moon on February 20th, it’s a better time to tie up loose ends, take inventory, and let go if necessary. The Moon moves into Sagittarius at 8:32 PM EST. It’s an adventurous and truth-seeking Moon transit. We may take a more philosophical and less strategic approach to life now.

The Moon is void from 6:53 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 8:32 PM EST.

FEBRUARY 14

The Moon spends the day in optimistic Sagittarius. However, a minor challenging aspect between Mars and Pluto can add a layer of pressure to the day. It can be difficult to fully commit to what we choose to do today, as much as we’d like to, without the distractions of Pluto-related worries, concerns, and challenges. While competition can be motivating in the morning, we become more invested and take it a little too seriously as the day advances.

FEBRUARY 15

The meeting of Venus and Neptune in Pisces this morning is a gentle and perhaps subtle influence that heightens our sensitivity to — and awareness of — beauty and spirituality. We can feel renewed on creative levels. With this transit, we are easily influenced, seducible, and seductive. Our imaginations are immense, for better or for worse. Psychic openness and compassion are themes in our interactions now. It can be a magical time on a romantic or social level, but it could also be a confusing or illusory influence. The Moon spends the day in adventurous, truth-seeking Sagittarius. This Moon clashes with Venus and Neptune, which can stir wistfulness or emotional confusion. However, more clarity and a need for realism are themes this evening as the Moon harmonizes with the Sun and Saturn–bodies that will reach alignment tomorrow.

The Moon is void from 8:07 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Thursday, February 16th, at 12:01 AM EST.

FEBRUARY 16

The Moon enters serious Capricorn one minute into the day (EST), and we are a little more cautious than usual. As well, the Sun forms its yearly alignment with Saturn, Capricorn’s ruler, indicating the need to rein things in. It’s a time to work on a revised plan for creating order in our lives or on an old project that requires a new commitment. Emotional energy is not enough to fuel us for the time being. As such, we could feel drained on a physical level. However, recommitting to goals, shouldering responsibilities, and carefully using our resources could feed our need for structure and order in our lives and get us back on track.

The Moon continues its void until it enters Capricorn today at 12:01 AM EST.

FEBRUARY 17

While Mercury’s semi-square to Neptune can confuse some matters, its sextile to Jupiter is gracious, stimulating optimism. Our minds open, and we seek a positive focal point. It’s a vital time for mind-expanding activities, exercises, and conversations. We take a more philosophical approach to thinking and are more open to learning. It’s a time of optimism, new insights, and cooperation. We are clearer in our thoughts and exchanges, and we’re looking for solutions to problems or the positive side of situations. The Moon spends the day in practical Capricorn, helping to keep us grounded.

The void Moon occurs from 11:18 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aquarius the next day, Saturday, February 18th, at 12:35 AM EST.

FEBRUARY 18

The Sun enters Pisces today, where it will transit until March 20th. During this cycle, altruistic feelings guide us. We are less motivated to take action than we are to feel, imagine, and dream. A “what will be, will be” attitude reigns, and a sense of universal correlations leads the way. Pisces rules empathy, selfless love, devotion, and wisdom. Its shadow side involves self-pity, a feeling of being victimized by life, passivity, and avoidance. In the weeks ahead, we prefer to believe and trust, giving things/people the benefit of the doubt until they prove us wrong. We might often tune out problems or conflicts during this cycle rather than tackle them head-on, hoping they will iron themselves out. Prosperity flows when we connect with our hearts, are kind, and help others. The need to withdraw or retreat to restore our energy from time to time is strong. The Moon leaves Capricorn and enters Aquarius at 12:35 AM EST.

The Moon continues its void until it enters Aquarius today at 12:35 AM EST.

 

If it’s your birthday today, see our feature, If Today is Your Birthday Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year.

Moon Signs This Week:

When the Moon is in Scorpio

 Intensity is what the Moon in Scorpio is all about. Whether it's passion, elation, sorrow, or desire, emotions are felt on a deeply personal level. We are motivated by the desire to get to the bottom of things, and we instinctively read between the lines. Superficiality won't work for us now. The Moon in Scorpio urges us to uncover our own power, and it's an excellent time to rid ourselves of old fears and limiting habits. It can be an intimate and passionate time. Avoid manipulative tactics, brooding, and suspiciousness.

The Moon in Scorpio generally favors the following activities: Taxes, accounting, intimacy issues, psychological examinations, research, self-examination, getting rid of old things.

When the Moon is in Sagittarius

 The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don't want to plan ahead, and prefer to "wing it".

The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous activities that involve "winging it", travel, higher education, starting publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.

When the Moon is in Capricorn

We become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We also instinctively are aware of the limitations of time. We are motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and manifestation are most important to us now. We are resourceful and don't want to waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a very sober influence--even a depressing one. However, it can also be a productive time when we look reality in the eye.

The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments.

When the Moon is in Aquarius

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

 

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

 

 

What’s In Your Forecast?

Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.

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BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT

See also:

The Astrology of 2023 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits