Monthly Horoscope: Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

FEBRUARY 2012

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Should I get (or stay) married? Am I with the right person? Will I have a child? What's my best career move? When will I feel happy again?

"Getting my chart done was like the best therapy session of the year!"
—Pamela Madsen, fertility coach and author of bestselling book Shameless

MONTHLY OVERVIEW:

Things are looking up this month, and with the Sun in Aquarius until the 19th, you’re feeling excited to pursue your dreams full-throttle. Those dreams are also getting clearer by the minute. Here’s why: On February 3rd, dreamy Neptune leaves Aquarius, where it’s been visiting since 1998. Neptune is the planet of healing and illusions, and having it in your sign can be both a blessing and a challenge. Your life may have had a magical, almost fairy-tale quality at moments. At other times, you may have had the rug pulled out from under you, where everything you thought you knew and believed felt like a mirage. As a result, it’s been hard to figure out a clear path or identity at times.

Aquarius Jennifer Aniston is the perfect example of Neptune’s handiwork. In 2000, she wed Sagittarius Brad Pitt. They became Hollywood’s golden couple, with unforgettable black-and-white wedding photos that became the envy of every bride. Five years later, her “perfect” marriage collapsed and she became a tabloid target, pegged as desperate and insecure. Now, as Neptune rounds out its karmic cycle, she’s found love once again—first for a couple of cads (Vince Vaughn, John Mayer), then finally, it seems, for herself. She’s now happily dating fellow actor Justin Theroux.

Over a long, slow 14 years, you’ve been discovering who you are (and aren’t)—and where your personal boundaries, gifts and magic reside. Neptune revealed your creative, compassionate side. You may emerge from this cycle having discovered an artistic talent or two. Throughout Neptune’s stint in Aquarius—which won’t happen again in our lifetimes—you’ve had to strip away false notions and identities. There have been times that you’ve wanted to hide, and other ways that the glamorous spotlight has called.

Now, Neptune moves into Pisces, your second house of work and money, until 2026. It’s time to merge your paycheck with a purpose, to participate in ventures that heal the planet. Aquarius is the humanitarian sign, so many of you are already involved in charitable efforts around the environment, wildlife or socioeconomic rights. Wait and see what the coming days (and months) bring. By the end of the year, you may be pursuing an entirely different field, or shifting your responsibilities at your current job. The Pisces new moon on February 21st could plant the first seeds of change.

LOVE & ROMANCE:
You’re doing your own thing this month, Aquarius, and if others want to join the party, it’s up to them! With the Sun in Aquarius and love-planet Venus in your social third house, you’re enjoying the lighter side of life. If you’re single, this is a great time to meet someone when you’re hanging at the local coffeehouse, trolling the stacks at the bookstore, or even bundled up for a run or a dog park visit. Mutual friends are great de facto Cupids now, so say yes to a bline date. Coupled Aquarians will feel the love return just by doing fun things together: sharing a hot cocoa, holding hands at the movies, or hosting a party with good friends.

You’ve never been one to take the traditional route, so this year, how about celebrating Valentine’s Day a week early? V-Day itself is more casual and even work-focused for you, but on February 7th, there’s a Leo full moon, which illuminates your seventh house of committed partnerships. This is the perfect day for an “I do,” to meet someone with true potential, or to have an open-hearted and air-clearing conversation with the one you already love. While a few Aquarians may decide it’s best to part ways amicably, the majority can use this energizing full moon to deepen a commitment to the one you’re with.

Money, sex and intimacy may be topics that need to be addressed this month, while intense Mars is retrograde (backward) in your sensual eighth house (until April 13th). Admittedly, these are super-charged topics for any couple, but you’ll want to make sure you and your mate on the same page. Don’t despair if you discover that you’re not—just get some support. These are areas where people attempt to control, manipulate or withhold from partners, even subtly, which can cause yo to drift apart. The help of a good couples’ therapist can uproot the blocks that might be keeping a wedge between you.

Single Aquarians may be drawn to a dangerous liaison of sorts, especially with someone from your past. While there may be wild chemistry between you, that’s not enough to sustain your bond. Better to explore: what is it about this person that I find so magnetic and irresistible? Perhaps if you scratch the surface, you’ll find that you’re working through an old dynamic or pattern from childhood or earlier years—one that may no longer serve you.

MONEY & CAREER:

Change is coming to your career, Aquarius, so fasten your seatbelt—or just unbuckle it! On February 3rd, karmic Neptune moves into Pisces, your work and money sign, until 2026. Do you long for deeper meaning, more creativity or soul satisfaction from your job? Neptune’s 14-year visit could revolutionize your career path. If you’re an artist or creative type (as many Aquarians are), you could rise to heights of prominence for your writing, paintings or photography. You might get involved with a nonprofit or charity, or go work for a socially responsible company. Spiritual Neptune is all about the Law of Attraction, so deepen your study of “prosperity consciousness.” Check out Napoleon Hill’s classic Think and Grow Rich, which also comes with a workbook. Consider setting up your own “mastermind” group, especially if you’re an entrepreneur.

A word of warning: Neptune is also the planet of illusions, and it shows where we can be fooled or smooth-talked into a shady scheme. Beware the con artist disguised as a slick pitchman who has an answer for everything. You’re susceptible to making bad investments, or perhaps going into denial and avoidance around your finances. Grasp yourself firmly by the shoulders and stay present. This is not the time to trust that your significant other, financial advisor or bookkeeper is “taking care of it.” You could have a rude awakening otherwise. Since Neptune has a karmic effect, you might also want to donate 5-10 percent of your paycheck to a cause you care about, like a scholarship fund.

In the shorter term, the Sun is also visiting Pisces from the 19th onward, followed by a new moon on the 21st. If you’re thinking of applying for a new job or seeking new income sources, this is a good time to act. Just keep those credit cards locked up and try to slash big expenses, too. With stressful Mars retrograde (backward) in your long-term and shared finance sector until mid-April, this could be an especially tricky tax season, or a time that you have to reckon with debt, real estate costs, or other pressures. Make sure you get the proper support if your financial issues have ballooned out of control. Read the fine print of any legal documents you sign—check for hidden costs, interest rates and other factors—and to be safe, have papers reviewed by a lawyer.

HEALTH: MIND, BODY & SOUL:

Old anxieties may be flaring up, Aquarius, and it’s time to deal with those demons. Stressful Mars is retrograde (backward) in your emotional and intimate eighth house until April 13th. What have you swept under the rug that’s coming back to haunt you? There may be some unexpressed emotions or private pain that needs to be addressed, perhaps with the help of a therapist. It’s time to stop running and to face whatever that is. The truth will set you free.

Speaking of the truth, stern Saturn is retrograde (backward) in your honest, wisdom-seeking ninth house from February 7-June 25. Where have you bought into your own bull, Aquarius? Where are you going out on a limb or in need of a reality check? It’s one thing to be optimistic, but there’s a point where that can turn into denial and desperation—and you don’t need those complications. At times, you may have trouble keeping the faith or seeing the bigger picture. Saturn retrograde is a good time to rethink your spiritual beliefs, or even to rejoin a temple, pick up an abandoned yoga practice, or meditate for clarity. Take time to explore and contemplate before you act. The best decisions now will be made thoughtfully—and in the right time. As our friend’s mother Judy always says, “If there’s an earthquake under your feet, don’t move.” Next up: your Aquarius Weekly Horoscope >