This Week in Astrology: February 26 to March 4, 2023

This Week in Astrology: February 26th to March 4th, 2023

 

February 26-March 4, 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 FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Monday, February 27th, 2023, at 3:05 AM EST. 

Early Monday, the First Quarter Moon occurs, when the Sun in Pisces forms a square with the Moon in Gemini. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error.

Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

This can be a time of stress, clashing, and discord, but also of high energy, motivation, and growth.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 8 degrees and 27 minutes of Gemini square the Sun at 8 degrees and 27 minutes Pisces, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 6 to 10 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Pisces; Mercury is in Aquarius until March 2nd, when it enters Pisces; Venus is in Aries; Mars is in Gemini.

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.

Mercury is in Pisces from March 2-19. When Mercury is in Pisces, our thinking processes are more visual, intuitive, and imaginative. We are especially attuned to the world of emotion, which colors both our thoughts and our communication style.

We guess well, express ourselves with imagery, and make decisions intuitively. We are more attracted to consciousness-raising information.

It’s not always easy to verbalize our impressions during this cycle. We don’t enjoy pinning down, labeling, or strictly defining things. We recognize that life isn’t always logical, and we prefer not to think in black and white terms. We’re sensitive and impressionable, which means we can take in more than usual, and it can sometimes overwhelm us. Pisces needs periodic time alone or within to regenerate and detox.

Venus is in Aries from February 20-March 16. With Venus in Aries, love is spontaneous and direct. The chase is very exciting to us under this fiery influence. We are bold, fresh, and a little impatient when it comes to matters of the heart. We don’t look back with Aries energy. We are not interested in saying sorry or dwelling on the past–it’s a brand new day! It’s time to make things work right now.

Aries is known for a love of the chase and the conquest, but Aries love can be longstanding as long as it remains relatively fresh. Aries is blunt–there’s no sugar-coating with Aries. This can sting, but rarely is Aries energy mean or petty. Saying it like it is is important to the sign. Desires are strong and expressed spontaneously, enthusiastically, and directly. Aries prefers to seduce rather than be seduced, to chase rather than be chased.

While Venus is in Aries, we gravitate to Aries-like activities, pleasures, pastimes, and objects of interest. Our tastes can veer toward action, new enterprise, conquests, courageous or daring acts, and so forth. We can be somewhat impulsive with our money or entertainment choices.

Our interests can be insistent and strong, but possibly short-lived. It’s not the best time for holding onto money. We might pour our resources too quickly into new ventures or projects but tire of these things just as rapidly.

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 in progress, 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 Aries from February 20-March 16. In Aries, love is spontaneous and direct. The chase is very exciting to us under this fiery influence. We are bold, fresh, and a little impatient when it comes to matters of the heart. We don’t look back with Aries energy. We are not interested in saying sorry or dwelling on the past. It’s a brand new day! It’s time to make things work right now.

Aries is known for a love of the chase and the conquest, but Aries love can be longstanding as long as it remains relatively fresh. Aries is blunt–there’s no sugar-coating with Aries. This can sting, but rarely is Aries energy mean or petty. Saying it like it is is important to Aries. Desires are strong and expressed spontaneously, enthusiastically, and directly. Aries prefers to seduce rather than be seduced, to chase rather than be chased.

This week: On Sunday, the 26th, while we’re not necessarily saying the right things, we’re ready to grow through our missteps or through awkward moments.

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

Venus in Aries Romance at the drop of a hat is part and parcel of the cycle you have just begun. Winning the hearts of others can be a challenge you’re eager to accept – and the thrill of the chase might be most of the fun. Is it the pursuit of happiness – or the happiness of pursuit?

Venus semi-square Uranus February 19-20. Uncertainty about the desire to be close to someone. Freedom versus closeness. A desire to experiment in the romance department may be fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying or frustrating.

Venus semi-square Mercury February 25-26. Communications between lovers are superficial and unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. Superficiality in romantic expression may exist now.

Venus parallel Jupiter February 28. We are charitable with others and have a stronger desire than usual to find meaning in our relationships. There may be some overstating or overindulgence now, however.

Venus conjunct Jupiter March 1-2. We have large appetites for love and pleasure, and generosity of spirit as well. An excellent time (all things considered) to begin a new relationship, or renew an old/existing one.

Venus conjunct Chiron March 2-3. Healing energy is brought to love relationships, and a new cycle begins. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings, and more willing to act upon them. This is a good time to make a resolution to repair, heal, and improve relationships.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, February 26th, from 9:42 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini at 10:48 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, February 28th, from 8:07 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Cancer at 9:40 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Friday, March 3rd, from 9:23 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo at 10:16 AM EST.

February 2023:

March 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 waxing this week, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, also with some 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 Tuesday, February 28th, from approximately 2:30 PM to 8:05 PM EST, while the Moon is in Gemini.

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 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

Mercury semi-square Venus. Difficulties in social or romantic communication are possible today. On the other hand, we may make more efforts to be polite and to communicate. Hypersensitivity, and lack of mental discipline. Our minds wander.

  Mercury semi-square Jupiter. We experience information overload, and we neglect to consider details. People tend to exaggerate today. Monotonous mental tasks are harder to take under this influence. Our minds are restless.

Venus conjunct Jupiter. A potentially magical transit when we are especially generous and giving, optimistic, and kind towards others. We might also be quite indulgent under this influence. We might be tempted to overspend or overstate our feelings now. We are sociable, fun-loving, and desirous of sharing our happiness with others. We have large appetites for love and pleasure, and generosity of spirit as well. This can be an excellent influence for beginning a new relationship or financial undertaking, or for renewing and refreshing existing ties with others.

Mercury semi-square Chiron. Communications may be careless, hurtful or perceived as hurtful under this influence. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now. There may be impatience with rules, worry or guilty feelings, and conflicting viewpoints now.

Mercury conjunct Saturn. Our ability to concentrate and focus is enhanced now. There could be an increased need for solitude in order to think or work. Travel for business purposes is possible. Thinking in realistic and practical terms, and the need for tangible results for our efforts, is indicated. We might receive serious news or practical advice, or engage in an important conversation. This can mark the start of a new project that involves communications, such as writing, speaking, reporting, etc.

Venus conjunct Chiron. We have the chance to heal our personal relationships now, as we are more open to intimacy and commitment, as well as to learning from one another. We more easily see beauty in human weaknesses, and are less inclined to see fault, or to concern ourselves with fault. It’s a strong time for building trust in relationships, and for seeing potential in one another, although the process might feel painful! Insecurities are revealed and, ideally, cleansed. A new cycle of healing in love begins now.

  Venus semi-square Saturn. There may be difficulties relating to others under this influence. People may be cool with their affections and emotionally distant. Avoid new financial undertakings, as they may prove to be “money pits” as time passes. There may be anxiety or troubles with regards to matters concerned with the feelings. Romantic disappointments, unrequited love, separations, and broken engagements are the more negative manifestations. We tend to lack social confidence at this time and adopt a shy, formal, or reserved social manner. This transit is best used for reflection.

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 26

Today’s Mercury-Venus semi-square can suggest minor misunderstandings or indecision. It’s not easy to concentrate or connect with our hearts. There can be minor but irritating disconnects as we either rationalize our feelings or emotionalize our observations. We don’t want to rock the boat and may make an extra effort to please, but some insincerity and lack of clarity may result. Fortunately, we see the value of teaming up to generate ideas, solve problems, or listen to one another. The Moon continues its transit of Taurus until 10:48 AM EST, when it moves into Gemini.

The Moon is void from 9:42 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini at 10:48 AM EST.

FEBRUARY 27

Early today, the First Quarter Moon occurs as the Sun in Pisces forms a square with the Moon in Gemini. It can be a time of stress, clashing, and discord, but also high energy, motivation, and growth. We become especially aware of obstacles to our goals. The Moon spends the day in verbal, connected Gemini, stirring our curiosity and desire to share and interact. The Moon aligns with Mars tonight, firing up our ambition and demanding action. We’re ready to put some muscle behind our ideas and inclined to act on our feelings.

FEBRUARY 28

The Moon continues its transit of Gemini until 9:40 PM EST, and we’re interested, curious, and mentally stimulated. The Cancer Moon from 9:40 PM forward is sensitive and dedicated to loved ones. We might take steps to make ourselves or our families more comfortable and safe. It’s a good time to tap into our inner genius or personal potential. Mercury forms a semi-square to Jupiter today, impacting our perceptions and decision-making as we try to make sense of the information before us and attempt to find meaning in it. We tend to inflate the positive of a situation. We may feel a little overwhelmed with information or, on the other side of things, overlook essential details. There’s a tendency to exaggerate or dramatize as tedious mental tasks are especially difficult to digest.

The Moon is void from 8:07 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Cancer at 9:40 PM EST.

MARCH 1

Venus forms a quintile with Pluto and approaches alignment with Jupiter today, boosting our connections. Our timing with business and personal pursuits is good. Venus-Jupiter encourages much hopefulness, generosity, and friendliness. We more readily give one another the benefit of the doubt. We’re cooperative and forgiving. This transit can also elevate our expectations! We can be indulgent or tempted to overspend or overstate our feelings. Our love of learning, exploring, and sharing is in the spotlight, and our appetite for love and pleasure is robust. We’re opening our hearts and perhaps wallets as well.

MARCH 2

Mercury aligns with Saturn this morning, shortly before it leaves Aquarius and enters Pisces. It won’t be long before Saturn makes the same sign change (on March 7th). The meeting of Mercury and Saturn inclines us to think and communicate about serious matters, responsibilities, obligations to others, and worries or grievances. We may be addressing a problem once and for all. Our ability to concentrate is enhanced now, possibly because circumstances call for it. There could be an increased need for solitude to think or solve problems. This is a time for seeing things realistically or for their practical value, and we seek tangible results. There might be a verbal or written commitment made now, or we could experience a form of a reality check.

Mercury enters Pisces this afternoon, where it will transit until the 19th. During this cycle, our thinking processes are more visual, intuitive, and imaginative. We are especially attuned to the world of emotion, which colors our thoughts and communication style. It’s a period for making decisions intuitively. We don’t enjoy pinning down, labeling, or strictly defining things during this transit. We recognize that life isn’t always logical and prefer not to think in black-and-white terms. We’re sensitive and impressionable, which means we can take in more than usual, and it can sometimes overwhelm us. Today’s Moon is in protective Cancer.

MARCH 3

The Moon continues its transit of Cancer until 10:16 AM EST, and home or family matters are in stronger focus than usual. From 10:16 AM forward, the Moon in Leo opens us up. We seek more feedback and interaction. Venus aligns with Chiron today, and it’s a time to express compassion or forgiveness. We may feel drawn to problem areas so that we can repair them. We more readily see the beauty in human weaknesses as well as the pain of growing, healing, and restoring. It’s a solid time to build trust in relationships and see each other’s potential, although the process might feel challenging in spots. Saturn and Pluto form a semi-sextile today. Both bodies are changing signs this month, and this connection today can highlight intense ambitions and the tendency to keep things to ourselves. We can struggle with balancing matters related to our use of resources and power. Whether to scale back or go big can be an issue now.

The void Moon occurs from 9:23 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo at 10:16 AM EST.

MARCH 4

The Moon spends the day in Leo, and we’re cheerful and open-hearted. This transit encourages our honorable, proud, and loving qualities. We might seek channels for expressing personal emotional drama or creative potential. Today’s Mercury-Uranus aspect inspires creative ways to approach technical matters. We prefer not to follow the crowd with our ideas and communications.

 

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 Taurus

We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and "stop to smell the roses." Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence.

While the Moon is in Taurus, people can be emotionally constant but inflexible. It's a time of stronger focus on personal needs and comfort levels, and a period of more common sense and attention to practical matters.

The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor.

When the Moon is in Gemini

Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, spirited, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.

The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, cafes, light and airy meetings, short trips.

When the Moon is in Cancer

 The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.

When the Moon is in Leo

The Moon in Leo speaks to our "inner child". It's a warm, generous, whole-heartedly loving position. Pride keeps us from pettiness, but it can also prevent us from opening up and revealing how we are truly feeling. We are on stage, our feelings are grand, and we appreciate some drama in our lives. We are easily threatened by anything that seems to be impersonal. This is a time when we seek attention--when we want to stand out for our special qualities. It's a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well.

The Moon in Leo generally favors the following activities: Creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.

 

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