Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2017 February 2

NGC 1316: After Galaxies Collide
Image Credit & Copyright: Steve Mazlin, Warren Keller, and Steve Menaker (SSRO / UNC / PROMPT / CTIO)

Explanation: An example of violence on a cosmic scale, enormous elliptical galaxy NGC 1316 lies about 75 million light-years away toward Fornax, the southern constellation of the Furnace. Investigating the startling sight, astronomers suspect the giant galaxy of colliding with smaller neighbor NGC 1317 seen just above, causing far flung loops and shells of stars. Light from their close encounter would have reached Earth some 100 million years ago. In the deep, sharp image, the central regions of NGC 1316 and NGC 1317 appear separated by over 100,000 light-years. Complex dust lanes visible within also indicate that NGC 1316 is itself the result of a merger of galaxies in the distant past. Found on the outskirts of the Fornax galaxy cluster, NGC 1316 is known as Fornax A. One of the visually brightest of the Fornax cluster galaxies it is one of the strongest and largest radio sources with radio emission extending well beyond this telescopic field-of-view, over several degrees on the sky.

Save

Groundhog Day has roots in astronomy

The Wisdom of Buddha

We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.

Your Charm for Today

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect is affected by a narrowly averted dangerous situation. The dangerous event could be a personal confrontation or even an accident you narrowly miss.

General Description:
In ancient times inscribed charms were believed to possess great potency and influence. Some Egyptian written amulets have been found dating as far back as the 12th dynasty, some 2,500 years B.C. and at the present time great numbers of these inscribed amulets are still in use in Egypt. Our picture is of one of the Graeco-Roman period dating 400 years B.C. It is a formula which gives instructions as to the course to follow in the outer world in order to obtain bliss and immortality, and worn to avert danger.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Eastern Dragon

The Eastern Dragon derives its symbolism from eons of rich, Asian culture. The Eastern Dragon is a revered creature who brings good fortune and power to those under its influence. It influences situations by supplying courage, nobility and perseverance. The Eastern Dragon is the most Yang of creatures in Chinese mythology, and represents the male character at its strongest and best.

As a daily card, The Eastern Dragon foretells a period of abundant prosperity. This is a time when your goals can not only be attained but surpassed. If you use your energy wisely, your courage with discretion, and refuse to give up your ambitions will be satisfied.

The time is now for self-healing.

General Meaning

The Temperance card is a reference to the soul. Classically female, the woman or angel on the Temperance card is mixing up a blend of subtle energies for the evolution of the personality. One key to interpreting this card can be found in its title — a play on the process of tempering metals in a forge.

Metals must undergo extremes of temperature, folding, and pounding, but the end product is infinitely superior to impure ore mined from the earth. In this image, the soul volunteers the ego for a cleansing and healing experience, which may turn the personality inside-out, but which brings out the gold hidden within the heart.
In the Advice Position

Identify and acquire the ingredients that will most help you complete your mission and leave the rest behind.

The card in the Advice position suggests a course of action which will harmonize what you want with what is currently possible.

The Temperance card advises you to identify and seek the missing ingredients in your life. Marshal your known skills and abilities and do what needs to be done to complete your mission.

Prepare to use spiritual practices, studies, or lifestyle changes that can assist you in your quest. A tremendous amount of benefit is available if you can organize yourself and be disciplined at this time.

Get A Jump On Tomorrow…..

Your Daily Horoscopes for Friday, February 3rd

Aries

It’s important to keep in mind the tendency to gloss over practical details today, dear Aries, unless you’re simply daydreaming and enjoying yourself. Speaking too soon about a matter should also be avoided, as your understanding of a situation can be incomplete. You’re particularly excited about new ideas and possible plans, particularly related to partnering and your career, and this should be encouraged. You’ll need to make refinements later so that they fit into your schedule, but for now, it’s about the bigger picture. Avoid promising too much or nitpicking with a significant other. If something appears a little too good to be true, it may very well be, so wait out big decisions. You may not be agreeing with someone on your long-term plans, and while this should be addressed, try not to put too much weight into it at the moment.

Taurus

In the first half of the day, there is a strong tendency to blow things out of proportion or to overstate, dear Taurus. Communications ruler, Mercury, forms a challenging square with extravagant Jupiter, pointing to possible misjudgments. Even so, their conflict can stir up some wonderful enthusiasm and good ideas, even if these require some adjustments to come down to earth. If you’re simply daydreaming and exploring possibilities, and it’s a feel-good thing, then you’ll be fine. You may be defending your ideas, which can be energizing but could also lead to moodiness if nobody’s truly listening to one another, which is very likely with today’s energies. Be moderate in your expectations. The Moon moves into your sign this evening, bringing emotional needs to the front burner.

Gemini

The first half of the day is likely to find you optimistic and enthusiastic, dear Gemini. However, there can be some moodiness as you may be working with incomplete information. Exaggeration may stem from a desire for more meaning to our lives or possibly some attention, and this may be an issue today. You may want to make big promises to make someone happy, but it’s best to keep things real today. Even so, do stretch your imagination and consider new possibilities. You can come up with exciting ideas now. Creative activities fare nicely now. When it comes to relationships, you don’t need to go overboard to please someone who is worth the effort. Tonight, the Moon moves into your sector of rest and privacy, pointing to the need to relax and de-stress.

Cancer

There can be some restlessness stirred today, dear Cancer, which might lead you to interesting places but may only serve to lead you astray if you’re not mindful. New discoveries and interests or great ideas may emerge, although they will likely need to be refined or edited later. There can also be drama with a partner or with family, particularly due to disagreements or debates. With Mercury in your partnership sector, you might often want to share decisions with someone else, but today, avoid letting someone else make the decisions for you. As well, avoid making or relying on promises. Later today, you’re in a wonderful position to enjoy good company.

Leo

Mental restlessness can lead to exciting discoveries today, dear Leo, but you might also misjudge a situation. It’s best to allow your mind some exercise as it’s wont to do today but wait to make final decisions. A project may need a second look, and you may need to make adjustments to the time and energy allotted to it. There may be a sense that you have so many things to do that you don’t know where to begin. Try not to waste time on feeling overwhelmed – pick something small and work from there. When it comes to news or others’ overtures to you, double-check facts. It’s especially important that you avoid taking on too much or promising too much now.

Virgo

With Mercury’s square to Jupiter today, dear Virgo, there is a tendency for people to exaggerate, jump to conclusions, or to buy into big ideas. Stay positive, but try not to take promises to heart. You may be seeing things too optimistically or impractically now, which can lead to poor decisions, so wait things out if you can. A situation with a child or lover can have much more to it than meets the eye. Judgment about money may be off, and the tendency today is towards excess. Creatively speaking, your ideas are quite brilliant, but you may not have all the resources, particularly time, to implement them just yet. Be patient about putting exciting new plans into action.

Libra

An idea can take hold of you today, dear Libra, and you can be quite enthusiastic. However, it’s important that you consider the practical side of a situation before investing too much of yourself or your resources into a new idea or project. The potential for going over the top runs high right now. Remind yourself of your usual limits, and while pushing them a little can be fine, try not to push too far. You may be feeling very capable, but your energy and enthusiasm levels may not always run so high, so significant commitments should be avoided just for now. Do, however, think up big ideas and plans that you may not even consider on a regular day.

Scorpio

There is a tendency to exaggerate something today, dear Scorpio, or to put too much into a particular line of thought or plan. Mental restlessness may be at the root of this as Jupiter forms a tense aspect with Mercury and challenges you to stretch your mind. Be sure you have all the facts before you move forward with something important to you. There can be a real tendency to say something prematurely or to talk ahead of yourself. Your trust that others understand you can lead to miscommunications. Avoid making and investing in promises. It’s not the time to divulge sensitive information. Even though judgment can be off in the first half of the day, take this opportunity to dream up new possibilities.

Sagittarius

Your ruler, Jupiter, is in a difficult aspect with Mercury today, dear Sagittarius, and this can lead to misjudgments and miscommunications. These are unlikely to be too challenging, although it makes send to be aware of the tendency to exaggerate, promise too much, and neglect practical details. Optimism can lead you to take on more than you can reasonably handle. Many of you are expanding your connections these days, and this is a trend that will continue until October. You’re also full of ideas and plans, but today, you should watch for overdoing these things. Generosity is good, but extravagance is costly. Your plans or ideas can clash with those of a partner. Tune into optimistic energy, but avoid taking it to impractical levels unless it’s all in good fun.

Capricorn

There is a distinct tendency to overdo and overstate with us today, dear Capricorn. However, self-awareness can help you avoid going too far, and common sense – something you’re known for – can help you make better choices. Watch particularly for a tendency to say too much or to take on too many projects or commitments on personal and professional levels. You are ambitious these days, but you need to remind yourself of the limits of time and energy – even of enthusiasm. Jupiter’s influence today can really stir up excitement and motivation that’s useful now but transient. It’s meant to stretch your mind to consider new possibilities – to think in bigger terms than usual – after which you can shape and refine these ideas to fit your life.

Aquarius

There can be gossip to deal with today, dear Aquarius, or people may be blowing things out of proportion. Disagreements can get very big, very fast! Try not to invest too much into information coming in now. Take on a wait-and-see approach to discover what sticks. You could be imagining something that is unlikely to transpire, and while this can be an interesting exercise, it may cut into real life in challenging ways. The real problem may be inner restlessness or dissatisfaction. You’re looking closely at hidden meanings, but this may be taken a little too far. As long as you keep things fun and light without heavy expectations, then this is a good day to daydream and consider new possibilities.

Pisces

Watch for a tendency to go overboard with your projects, relationships, and money today, dear Pisces. A Mercury-Jupiter square challenges you to think in bigger terms than usual so that you can consider new ideas and plans. This influence can be useful as a mental exercise, but some self-control and common sense are necessary to keep things real. The tendency may be to live beyond your means on all sorts of levels, and judgment may be impaired. What you hear may be an exaggeration. Avoid too much people-pleasing, as this can take a lot out of you and leave you feeling dissatisfied. Dream but don’t invest your heart into something just yet.

If You Were Born Today, February 2

Career and family are equally important to you–both of these things drive you. You are a real achiever who has determination and willpower, as well as intuition that serves you well. Spirit and beauty reflect from within, and others cannot help but take notice of you. Very diplomatic, you are a peace lover through and through, and bringing harmony to your environment and family satisfies like nothing else. Famous people born today: Farrah Fawcett, Shakira, Christie Brinkley, James Dickey, James Joyce.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

The Sun in a waxing sextile to the Moon in your Solar Return chart has a fortunate influence on your year ahead. You can be especially productive this year, as in many ways you are starting fresh, but you have a rather clear vision of what you want to accomplish. Your inner needs tend to be mirrored by external events, and vice versa, which helps to boost your confidence and happiness levels. You more readily accept that challenges are part of the natural cycle in life, which in turn helps you to meet them with confidence and to worry less. You are likely to be on top of your game this year for the most part, and positive connections with others can be made fairly easily. A comfortable level of personal popularity helps keep conflict to a minimum. With the ability to handle your emotions successfully, there will be less stress on both your mind and body.

Your senses are stimulated this year, and you could have sudden flashes of insight or fresh new ideas. You may very well find it challenging to deal with routine matters or monotonous tasks. Learning new things is your passion this year–not recycling old ideas or performing repetitive processes. You are also especially open to new ways of looking at problems, thus it’s considerably easier to find solutions.

You are especially creative and expressive this year, and you might often act on impulse. Your love life may be especially animated. You succeed best in fields or areas that allow you to make something beautiful, attractive, and/or entertaining. You are particularly dynamic at this point in your life, sometimes impatient, and you often experience bursts of energy. You are courageous, but be careful to not go to such extremes that you are foolhardy, as this inclines you to mishaps.

Personal magnetism is tremendous this year. You are playfully competitive and might win a major competition, if applicable. This is a good period for creative projects and joining with others in pursuing a common goal.

You are more willing than usual to make sacrifices if it seems the best way to make improvements in relationships and with money matters. You can be quite particular in your tastes, and good with money and savings this year.

Even so, Venus in challenging aspect to Saturn suggests some ups and downs in the year ahead. Getting serious about love or money (or both) will be a theme this year. You are more aware than usual of your limits and this can lead to a more structured approach to spending and saving. The responsibilities of partnership or financial responsibilities may be magnified this year. This gives you the chance to bring more order or structure into your life as you recognize needs for security.

Watch for a tendency to become involved in power struggles and one-upmanship, and watch for asserting yourself defensively or explosively. You should make extra effort to respect and validate others when expressing what you need and want.

Benefits come from cooperation this year. A more organized approach to money and business can work well for you now. You enjoy making long-term plans and learning about a variety of subjects. Always receptive to new ideas, you are absorbing a lot of information this year. There may be a break with a friend, but a new connection as well. Increased popularity, in general, is likely and personal magnetism is high.

2017 is a Number Five year for you. Ruled by Mercury. This is a year of exploration and freedom. It’s a time when exploration and reaching out to others brings opportunities. It’s a good time to advertise and sell. Surprises are in store, and the routine is broken. This is a year when exciting relationships can be formed or, if you are already in a partnership, new life is breathed into the relationship. Advice – explore, look for adventure, keep your eyes open for opportunities, mingle.

2018 will be a Number Six year for you. Ruled by Venus. This is a year of relative contentment. It is a time when love is the easiest to attract, and partnerships formed under this vibration have a better chance for longevity. You are able to attract others, and material things as well, this year. This is a good year for establishing harmony in the family and in the home. Advice – develop existing relationships, be positive and receptive because these kinds of energies help you to attract what you desire. 

Source

Cafe Astrology

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, February 2nd

Aries

It’s important to keep in mind the tendency to gloss over practical details today, dear Aries, unless you’re simply daydreaming and enjoying yourself. Speaking too soon about a matter should also be avoided, as your understanding of a situation can be incomplete. You’re particularly excited about new ideas and possible plans, particularly related to partnering and your career, and this should be encouraged. You’ll need to make refinements later so that they fit into your schedule, but for now, it’s about the bigger picture. Avoid promising too much or nitpicking with a significant other. If something appears a little too good to be true, it may very well be, so wait out big decisions. You may not be agreeing with someone on your long-term plans, and while this should be addressed, try not to put too much weight into it at the moment.

Taurus

In the first half of the day, there is a strong tendency to blow things out of proportion or to overstate, dear Taurus. Communications ruler, Mercury, forms a challenging square with extravagant Jupiter, pointing to possible misjudgments. Even so, their conflict can stir up some wonderful enthusiasm and good ideas, even if these require some adjustments to come down to earth. If you’re simply daydreaming and exploring possibilities, and it’s a feel-good thing, then you’ll be fine. You may be defending your ideas, which can be energizing but could also lead to moodiness if nobody’s truly listening to one another, which is very likely with today’s energies. Be moderate in your expectations. The Moon moves into your sign this evening, bringing emotional needs to the front burner.

Gemini

The first half of the day is likely to find you optimistic and enthusiastic, dear Gemini. However, there can be some moodiness as you may be working with incomplete information. Exaggeration may stem from a desire for more meaning to our lives or possibly some attention, and this may be an issue today. You may want to make big promises to make someone happy, but it’s best to keep things real today. Even so, do stretch your imagination and consider new possibilities. You can come up with exciting ideas now. Creative activities fare nicely now. When it comes to relationships, you don’t need to go overboard to please someone who is worth the effort. Tonight, the Moon moves into your sector of rest and privacy, pointing to the need to relax and de-stress.

Cancer

There can be some restlessness stirred today, dear Cancer, which might lead you to interesting places but may only serve to lead you astray if you’re not mindful. New discoveries and interests or great ideas may emerge, although they will likely need to be refined or edited later. There can also be drama with a partner or with family, particularly due to disagreements or debates. With Mercury in your partnership sector, you might often want to share decisions with someone else, but today, avoid letting someone else make the decisions for you. As well, avoid making or relying on promises. Later today, you’re in a wonderful position to enjoy good company.

Leo

Mental restlessness can lead to exciting discoveries today, dear Leo, but you might also misjudge a situation. It’s best to allow your mind some exercise as it’s wont to do today but wait to make final decisions. A project may need a second look, and you may need to make adjustments to the time and energy allotted to it. There may be a sense that you have so many things to do that you don’t know where to begin. Try not to waste time on feeling overwhelmed – pick something small and work from there. When it comes to news or others’ overtures to you, double-check facts. It’s especially important that you avoid taking on too much or promising too much now.

Virgo

With Mercury’s square to Jupiter today, dear Virgo, there is a tendency for people to exaggerate, jump to conclusions, or to buy into big ideas. Stay positive, but try not to take promises to heart. You may be seeing things too optimistically or impractically now, which can lead to poor decisions, so wait things out if you can. A situation with a child or lover can have much more to it than meets the eye. Judgment about money may be off, and the tendency today is towards excess. Creatively speaking, your ideas are quite brilliant, but you may not have all the resources, particularly time, to implement them just yet. Be patient about putting exciting new plans into action.

Libra

An idea can take hold of you today, dear Libra, and you can be quite enthusiastic. However, it’s important that you consider the practical side of a situation before investing too much of yourself or your resources into a new idea or project. The potential for going over the top runs high right now. Remind yourself of your usual limits, and while pushing them a little can be fine, try not to push too far. You may be feeling very capable, but your energy and enthusiasm levels may not always run so high, so significant commitments should be avoided just for now. Do, however, think up big ideas and plans that you may not even consider on a regular day.

Scorpio

There is a tendency to exaggerate something today, dear Scorpio, or to put too much into a particular line of thought or plan. Mental restlessness may be at the root of this as Jupiter forms a tense aspect with Mercury and challenges you to stretch your mind. Be sure you have all the facts before you move forward with something important to you. There can be a real tendency to say something prematurely or to talk ahead of yourself. Your trust that others understand you can lead to miscommunications. Avoid making and investing in promises. It’s not the time to divulge sensitive information. Even though judgment can be off in the first half of the day, take this opportunity to dream up new possibilities.

Sagittarius

Your ruler, Jupiter, is in a difficult aspect with Mercury today, dear Sagittarius, and this can lead to misjudgments and miscommunications. These are unlikely to be too challenging, although it makes send to be aware of the tendency to exaggerate, promise too much, and neglect practical details. Optimism can lead you to take on more than you can reasonably handle. Many of you are expanding your connections these days, and this is a trend that will continue until October. You’re also full of ideas and plans, but today, you should watch for overdoing these things. Generosity is good, but extravagance is costly. Your plans or ideas can clash with those of a partner. Tune into optimistic energy, but avoid taking it to impractical levels unless it’s all in good fun.

Capricorn

There is a distinct tendency to overdo and overstate with us today, dear Capricorn. However, self-awareness can help you avoid going too far, and common sense – something you’re known for – can help you make better choices. Watch particularly for a tendency to say too much or to take on too many projects or commitments on personal and professional levels. You are ambitious these days, but you need to remind yourself of the limits of time and energy – even of enthusiasm. Jupiter’s influence today can really stir up excitement and motivation that’s useful now but transient. It’s meant to stretch your mind to consider new possibilities – to think in bigger terms than usual – after which you can shape and refine these ideas to fit your life.

Aquarius

There can be gossip to deal with today, dear Aquarius, or people may be blowing things out of proportion. Disagreements can get very big, very fast! Try not to invest too much into information coming in now. Take on a wait-and-see approach to discover what sticks. You could be imagining something that is unlikely to transpire, and while this can be an interesting exercise, it may cut into real life in challenging ways. The real problem may be inner restlessness or dissatisfaction. You’re looking closely at hidden meanings, but this may be taken a little too far. As long as you keep things fun and light without heavy expectations, then this is a good day to daydream and consider new possibilities.

Pisces

Watch for a tendency to go overboard with your projects, relationships, and money today, dear Pisces. A Mercury-Jupiter square challenges you to think in bigger terms than usual so that you can consider new ideas and plans. This influence can be useful as a mental exercise, but some self-control and common sense are necessary to keep things real. The tendency may be to live beyond your means on all sorts of levels, and judgment may be impaired. What you hear may be an exaggeration. Avoid too much people-pleasing, as this can take a lot out of you and leave you feeling dissatisfied. Dream but don’t invest your heart into something just yet.

Source

Cafe Astrology

February 2017 Energy Report

a message from Jennifer Hoffman

To view more of Jennifer’s insight, please visit her website, The Enlightening Life with Jennifer Hoffman

Unlike January, February begins with no retrograde planets, a rather unusual but very welcome occurrence as we move into a new energy space after a very long month. February’s energy feels fresh, new, and clear and that’s partly because we began 2017 while still closing out 2016 and we can officially begin this year’s energy now, free of the last year’s lessons and burdens. February brings lots of opportunities for love, in ways we may not expect and we’re going to be processing more energy as we continue down the 3D/5D integration path. One of the big issues in February is the release of the Atlantean Paradigm, which we will experience with the divine masculine/feminine awakening energies, and the release of our Atlantean guilt, which is what has limited our ability to fully accept love and to love ourselves.  Our movement to Divine Congruence is in full acceleration now, our intuition is our navigator, our intention is our roadmap, and the destination is whatever brings us greater fulfillment and joy.

February’s major lessons revolve around love and the divine masculine and divine feminine awakening. This month is about love and I’m not talking about Valentine’s Day on the 14^th.  I am talking about the self love that is free of guilt, judgment, and criticism, the unconditional acceptance that we need to give ourselves first in order to have all of the love, validation, approval, and acceptance that we want from others.  Our desire for love is supported by a Mars/Venus conjunction, in Aries, all month which is the first zodiac sign, Mars’ rulership, and Venus 12^th house and how we manage it is challenged all month by the ongoing Saturn/Chiron square, Uranus/Eris conjunction, Jupiter in Libra for balance, and Pluto overseeing all of those aspects with its reminder that transformation is the name of this game.

Mars rules Aries, so it is feeling right at home here and the desire for action is strong. But Venus is not at home in Aries so its energy is more subdued here although it will take on a more spiritual energy which will give it a more understanding outlook. This is going to help the feminine in us be less demanding of the masculine and less powerless in the feminine, to meet our needs and give this awakening the time it needs. Venus will be in shadow or direct retrograde from January 28 through May 19, holding the energetic space for this month’s transformation, which includes an Atlantean component. I have found that Venus retrograde brings relationship issues to the forefront, including issues around self love and how we relate to others.

The Atlantean energy undercurrents are strong now, and they are one of the dominant energies of the month. In my book ‘The Atlantis Legacy’, which you can find here, I write about this paradigm which was created after Atlantis’ fall. One of its first agreements was that the male energy would dominate (after eons of female energy rule) and that would lead to healing and harmony. Well, that didn’t really pan out and it led to a total disenfranchisement of the female energy and total male domination, a replay of what happened in Atlantis’, in reverse. But we’re tired of that, we see that it is not working, and it is time to bring these two energies back into balance, in this year of Congruent Harmony.

The Atlantean Guilt is the one big obstacle to this and it is what has also created the Martyred Healer paradigm, in which we attempt to atone for the wrongs we believe we have created for others.  This represents our guilt over how we contributed to Atlantis’ fall, whether directly or indirectly, through misplaced trust or belief, and destroyed the earth and a vast majority of its people.

We have atoned for our actions by being healers and taking on ‘the sins of the world’, believing ourselves to be unworthy of the peace, love, and joy that we try so hard to create for others but deny for ourselves. And we have denied ourselves access to the positive contributions that the feminine energy can make to the world by allowing this energy to be repressed, suppressed, ignored, and trivialized. But in order to achieve this year’s theme of Congruent Harmony, we need both energies, masculine and feminine, in their divine form, to be equally balanced in us and in the world. And we can start that now.

True congruence and harmony between the male and female energies requires equal partnership, shared respect, and a congruent vision for balance and harmony, a fresh start that begins with empowered awareness of and appreciation for each others’ strengths. When we lead, in any relationship, from our self-aware power, we are whole and congruent and seek greater creative expansion instead of healing so we can feel fulfilled. February’s energy sets the stage for that and encourages us to seek our own wholeness first and then create relationships from that point.

We have two eclipses in February, which are always harbingers of greater energy flows. On February 10^th it’s a full moon on the Leo/Aquarius axis at 22 degrees and with the Sun (Leo’s ruler) in Aquarius, Uranus (Aquarius’ ruler) in Aries, Mars in Aries and Saturn, Aquarius’ traditional ruler, in Sagittarius, we have a lot of supportive energy to create endings so new beginnings can occur. Every beginning requires an ending as its starting point, as endings free up energy space for what we want to create next. This full moon eclipse also activates the Uranus/Eris conjunction, Chiron (the Wounded Healer), and the Saturn/Chiron square, three of the year’s major themes.

Coming just before Valentine’s Day, it gives us an extra power boost to either fall in love or know when it’s time to move on. Receiving love will be a major theme for Valentine’s Day, as opposed to the love we give. Is our giving and receiving balanced? Do we have people in our lives who take our love and give nothing in return? Does everyone in our life ‘love, honor, and respect’ us?  If that’s the case, expect to know when it’s time to make changes in our relationships and have the desire and motivation to make them, whatever they are.

Jupiter starts its annual retrograde in February’s first week and goes direct in May. All of the relationship lessons we have learned since it entered Libra in September 2016 are now coming around again so we can make choices around them. While we tend to think of Libra as the relationship area and then we think of love and romance, this sign is really about balance (its glyph is the scales). Where are we balanced in our giving and receiving in all of our relationships, not just the romantic ones? Are we open to receiving love now in a balanced, congruent, and harmonious way? Do we feel worthy of having loving relationships with everyone in our life? We can think about that during Jupiter’s retrograde. It’s also going to square Pluto in Capricorn two more times this year, so we’ll have some more opportunities to consider our relationship balance and make appropriate changes and choices.

On the 26^th we have a new moon eclipse in Pisces, which is exactly conjunct Neptune, the planet that represents illusion, deception, and spirituality. This will be a predominant theme all year, separating reality from illusion and finding the truth in the deception. In our individual lives, this will show us where we have created false congruence, where we make things work and hope everything turns out for the best, rather than true congruence, which is the harmonious flow of creation and expansion. With false congruence we do what we believe is necessary, including ignoring our unhappiness, to make us feel good. With true congruence we have a life that feels good and we are truly happy and fulfilled.

We can’t push this integration to move any more quickly than it is although we believe that if it went faster we would not have so many problems, but that isn’t true. What has happened so far, and will continue to happen, is the uncovering of deeper layers of energetic truth, so we are now at our core levels of trauma, guilt, shame, and victim consciousness. And we have a choice to stay in those energies or find new empowering, fulfilling pathways to step into. If we can remember, all month, that we have choices in how we use our energy, our levels of energetic vibration, and use that choice to seek empowerment, fulfillment, wholeness, and congruence, we’ll have a great month.