New Moon to Full Moon: February 17th - March 2nd - by Kelsey Bednar @the_astro_yogi

Solar Eclipse (February 17th)

Tuesday’s Solar Eclipse is a potent event for a couple reasons. The first is that it marks the Lunar New Year and the true start of the Fire Horse year. For the last month and a half, we’ve been finishing up the energy of the Snake year, and from everyone I’ve spoken with, there’s a lot of shedding - willingly or unwillingly - that has taken place. 

Second, Solar Eclipses are powerful cosmic events that shake up events down here on Earth. Though the US is not in the path of darkness for this Eclipse, its energy is sure to reverberate here. This Eclipse occurs when the Moon joins the Sun at 28 degrees of Aquarius. For those who know their birth charts, check to see if you have planets or angles around that degree of Aquarius, Taurus, Scorpio, or Leo - if so, the eclipse may be extra spicy for you!

From a global perspective, this Eclipse helps to sow seeds of collective liberation. I would not be surprised to see news stories featuring themes of resistance, rebellion, or revolution on both small and large scales. The Sun and Moon are dancing with Uranus in the sky, giving this eclipse extra doses of urgency and unpredictability. Don’t be surprised if there’s a fair amount of shock and awe. Try to stay centered and grounded in your practice next week, because I get the sense that what we think we know could change from one day to the next. 

From a personal perspective, we should be taking advantage of this New Moon energy. What does the year of the Fire Horse mean to you? In what areas of life are you hoping to see movement and change? When thinking about key Aquarian qualities, how do you intend to live them more fully? As a reminder, those can include: freedom, individuality, confidence, curiosity, innovation, free-spiritedness, humanitarianism, and altruism. 

At the same time the Eclipse is occurring, Mercury and Jupiter make a beneficial connection in the sky. That means you may envision your future from a “glass half full” perspective, even if that’s not your typical nature. Mentally, you will be more tuned in to opportunities for expansion. Your mind will see hope and possibilities where before you might only have seen roadblocks. 

Mercury-Jupiter combos always make me think of a growth mindset, and that’s never a bad thing when we’re planting seeds for our future. 

Pisces Season begins (February 18th - March 19th)

About 28 hours after the Solar Eclipse, the Sun will leave the sign of Aquarius and enter Pisces, kicking off a new astrological season. I love the romantic, dreamy, artistic vibes that this sign brings. Though we do have one more Eclipse to move through, Pisces energy in general is a bit more relaxed. It is a water sign, so it highlights the idea of learning how to flow with the current of life. It also spotlights concepts like acceptance and non-attachment. 

Pisces season is a great time to focus on spirituality. Use the next 4 weeks to do a pulse check on your relationship with something greater than yourself. For you that might be your connection to God/Goddess, your ancestors, Mother Earth, or just the vast undercurrent of cosmic energy that exists hidden in plain sight. 

I advise everyone to treat themselves and others gently over the next few weeks, as we’ll also be coming out of the crucible of Eclipse season. Let love rule your heart and compassion rule your mind as much as possible!