Phases of the Moon, as seen from the Northern Hemisphere. The Southern hemisphere will see a mirror image of this phase. (Source:Wikipedia)

Phases of the Moon, as seen from the Northern Hemisphere. The Southern hemisphere will see a mirror image of this phase. (Source:Wikipedia)

Hello everyone.

This week gathers together different gods:  Neptune is strong and Mercury active in the skies; the great Lord Shiva from the Hindu tradition and his sacred night, Maha Shivaratri; and Saint Valentine’s Day, a Christian overlay of the earlier festival Lupercalia, which celebrated Juno, the goddess of marriage and fertility.  We have Venus and Cupid decorating the various greeting cards, plus two planets changing signs, and the New Moon!  A packed week, all easy except for a Mercury/Mars opposition, but there’s always something to keep us awake, right?

Monday

Advertisement for Prang's greeting cards, 1883. (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Advertisement for Prang's greeting cards, 1883. (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

On Monday, Venus conjoins Neptune which tunes you into the subtle wavelengths affecting you and others, particularly your customers.  If you tune in, you’ll sense exactly what the situation requires.  Inspiration becomes tangible today.

Wednesday

Mercury enters Aquarius today, where it will travel until March 1.  Mercury is exalted in Aquarius; expect innovative thinking from yourself and those around you during this time.  This transit particularly favors creative use of technology.  Writing and speaking to large groups is also beneficial, so look for or create those opportunities.

Thursday

Today Venus enters Pisces, the sign ruled by Neptune.  Until March 7 you’ll have unusual access to creativity and inspiration so, as I said in the Monthly Forecast, carry some recording device around with you.  A year’s worth of good ideas could come in the next month, starting today.

Friday

Maha Shiva (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Maha Shiva (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Tonight is the annual celebration of Maha Shivaratri, the most auspicious night in the Hindu year.  It is said that one repetition of the great Lord’s name on this night is worth one thousand repetitions at any other time.  Millions of people chant Shiva’s name all night, accompanied by mystical rituals designed to open the path to the innermost Soul.  Whether you celebrate this holy night or not, this vibration will pervade our world. 

This year it will be easier than ever to tune in, as Mercury is forming a harmonious aspect to Saturn.  Mercury represents our thinking and desire to communicate and when it meets Saturn it becomes concentrated and focused.  The mind yearns for solitude during this transit, so you may want to spend time alone.  Great things are born from a quiet mind, especially on Maha Shivaratri!

Saturday

On Saturday, we run into some opposition from others.  Remember, Mars is still retrograde, so if someone is pushing you to take action, your best response is to calmly listen but continue to wait.  Their point may be totally valid, but the timing isn’t right yet.

Later in the day is the New Moon, which will further support non-action.  The day of the New Moon is a time to withdraw and rest in order to prepare for the upsurge of energy coming in the next few days.

Sunday

Victorian Valentine's Card (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Victorian Valentine's Card (Source:Wikimedia Commons)

Sunday is Valentine’s Day and the Sun conjoins Neptune that day.  I was thinking about how Valentine’s Day always falls in the month of Aquarius.  Aquarius is an air sign so it is concerned with relationships, but it is more about friendships and business associates than intimate partnerships.  When I was a child we gave Valentines to all of our friends and this seems more in keeping with the sign of Aquarius. 

The Sun/Neptune conjunction, as well as Venus in Pisces, will bring sweetness to the day and a desire to enjoy the arts or to spend the day serving others.  Friendship, sweetness, love, art, and service – that’s what I call a good day!

Enjoy the week!

Don’t forget. If you have an astrology-related business question (or a business-related astrology question) send it to me at ellen@astro4business.com. I’ll answer it in these posts, anonymously of course, and we can all learn from each other’s experiences. I look forward to it! Have a question now? Email it and let’s get started!