Stargazer – astrology for Feb 2022
Image: Viva Luna Studios| UnsplashAstrology for Feb 2022: the beginning of the Year of the Water Tiger | Venus retrograde | Good fortune on its way as cosmic lovers Venus and Mars come together with the full moon, and more...
by Stella Woods
"We need to develop new strategies and viewpoints in order to move forward. Respecting the old ways, while embracing the new. Avoiding harsh words. Compromise and tolerance." Venus retrograde – how have the mighty fallen!In the January Stargazer I wrote about the potential fallout from Venus’s retrograde transit through Capricorn.

As Capricorn is the zodiac sign of authority, power and business, we can expect to see a loss of confidence in politicians, leaders, and business people whose values are seen to be corrupt, selfish, disloyal, or controlling, during Venus retrograde. The same goes for those who are wealthy or in positions of power.

Venus entered Capricorn in early November 2021, with the Venus retrograde period running from 19th December 2021 to 29th January 2022. Venus retrograde represents the shadow side of love, money, pleasure, social life, and relationship. When Venus turned retrograde on the 19th December, she was conjunct Pluto, planet of wealth, power, and the underworld.
Here are just a few examples of famous people, struck by the might of Venus retrograde in Capricorn conjunct Pluto:• Tennis superstar Novak Djokavic breaches COVID isolation rules and is unceremoniously deported from Australia on the eve of the Australian Open, with lucrative sponsorship deals on the line

• Flamboyant UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, faces calls to resign after the scandals of ‘Partygate’, where he and his staff openly and repeatedly flaunted their own lockdown laws

• Prince Andrew, brother of the heir to the British throne, is up for trial in the US on a civil sex assault case, with his reputation permanently in tatters

• Britain’s monarch, Queen Elizabeth, is humiliated by her favourite son’s behaviour, and forced to strip him of his honorary military and royal titles

• Wealthy US socialite Ghislaine Maxwell is convicted of sex trafficking minors, and faces life in jail

These five individuals all have planets or angles in Capricorn in their birth charts – meaning they enjoy and thrive in positions of power – and have all been affected by the Venus retrograde transit. They are all extremely wealthy and privileged, and used to having their own way.

• Novak Djokovic (Neptune and Ascendant in Capricorn)

• Boris Johnson (South Node and I.C. in Capricorn)

• Prince Andrew (Saturn, Mars and Venus in Capricorn)

• Queen Elizabeth (South Node and Ascendant in Capricorn)

• Ghislaine Maxwell (Mars, Sun and Mercury in Capricorn)

You could say Queen Elizabeth has been a victim of circumstance, but with Capricorn Ascendant and South Node, her entire life has been ruled by duty and her son’s actions have tarnished her reputation. (Interestingly, it’s a full Saturn Return since the Queen’s ‘annus horribilis’ of 1992, when Windsor Castle caught fire, three of her children’s marriages broke up, and the royal family had to start paying taxes).
More to unravel..?With Venus moving forward again since the end of January, what other secrets will be revealed? Who else will find themselves in the firing line, facing the consequences of their past attitudes, decisions, and behaviour?
Year of the Water Tiger
Chinese New Year is also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, and is always celebrated at the second new moon after the northern hemisphere winter solstice.

2022 – the Year of the Tiger – begins on 1st February at the Aquarius new moon. Those born in 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, and 2010 are all born in the Year of the Tiger, the third animal in the Chinese zodiac.

The Tiger is a lively and charismatic creature known for his willingness to fight and his amazing courage. The Chinese say that having a Tiger in the house provides excellent protection against fires and burglary. These beasts are not motivated primarily by power or money, but they do enjoy praise and approval. Charming and energetic, Tigers are usually very popular and used to getting their own way. However, if a Tiger feels like a failure, they can sink into deep depression.
Tigers are incredibly competitive – they simply cannot pass up a challenge. Especially when honour is at stake, or they are protecting those they love. Natural leaders, Tigers also have a strong sense of their own importance. Consequently, if bossed around, they can be stubborn and obstinate. Tigers are generally intelligent, alert, and farsighted. As long as they do not risk their luck too often, and keep their restless nature under control, their tactics usually pay off in life.

2022 will be a year when Tigers can really shine – both personally and professionally – and overcome any recent setbacks or obstacles. For the rest of us, the Year of the Tiger accentuates any tendency towards rebellion and confrontation. This is a year to make sweeping changes – a year of enthusiasm, risk-taking, and adventure. And because 2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger, emotions will be running high!
Image: Yinan Chen | Wikimedia CommonsNew moon in Aquarius – compromise and toleranceFebruary 1st brought a new moon in Aquarius with both sun and moon conjunct Saturn and square Uranus (= opposing viewpoints).

I have written before about the Saturn-Uranus square that dominated the heavens in 2021 and continues to flex its muscles throughout 2022. Saturn is all about maintaining the status quo, following the rules, and respecting the law and government. Uranus is all about smashing things up, rebelling, new ideas, change, and revolution.

With the new moon tied in with both of these outer planets, we can expect further clashes this month, both in society and in our personal lives. Saturn and Uranus are equally strong, so neither can win outright. This means we need to develop new strategies and viewpoints in order to move forward. Respecting the old ways, while embracing the new. Avoiding harsh words. Compromise and tolerance.
Mercury direct – back on trackVenus turned direct on the 29th January, and on 4th February it’s brother Mercury's turn to start moving forward as he completes his retrograde cycle, which began in mid-January.

Mercury is all about communication, messages, commerce, travel, and information transfer so, when Mercury is retrograde, all these things slow down and wires get crossed, parcels go missing, phones break down, and computers crash.

Mercury will be travelling direct from 4th February to 10th May. This is the easiest and least stressful part of the Mercury cycle. The mind operates in a rational and logical manner and we can focus on planning and accomplishment without the need for constant introspection. We understand exactly what changes need to be made to maintain integrity and get back on track. And that missing parcel might just turn up!
Venus and Mars – cosmic unionIt’s about time we had some good fortune, and February looks set to deliver as cosmic lovers Venus and Mars unite in the skies in the lead up to Valentine’s Day. This astronomical event happens every couple of years, marking the beginning of a new cycle – a time when love can arrive suddenly and unexpectedly!

Venus and Mars are opposite polarities (yin-yang) and both vital to a well-balanced relationship, and a functioning, fair society. At her highest level, Venus is the divine feminine, symbolising love, beauty, pleasure, kindness, intuition, and caring. At his best, Mars symbolises power, protection, strength, logic, courage, and action.

The two lovers reach exact conjunction at the Leo full moon on 17th February at 16º Capricorn, infusing our deeds and actions with purpose and meaning; helping us break through isolation and opening our hearts, so we can give and receive love.

And as Venus is moving much more slowly than normal due to her recent retrograde cycle, she will be travelling alongside partner Mars right through to the end of March. If you have a copy of your birth chart, check the area between 14° Capricorn and 20º Aquarius and see where the cosmic lovers will be lighting up your life…
Mars in Capricorn – get stuff done!Mars will be in practical and hard-working Capricorn from late January until early March. Astrologers say Mars is ‘exalted’ in Capricorn, meaning he is in his element, and can really get stuff done.

Mars is the planet of action, drive, ambition, sex, and aggression. Mars in Capricorn allows us to plan, commit, and deliver in a strategic and organised manner. Procrastination goes out of the window and determination is the keyword.

February is the perfect time to complete any outstanding tasks, particularly those you’ve been avoiding because they’re too hard or too boring. Mars in Capricorn is wonderful for doing hard physical work around the house and garden, embarking on a fitness program, or launching a new business. Ditto for any project requiring laser focus, dedication, and attention to detail.

If you are in a relationship, this is an ideal time to do some future planning and map out goals together. And if you’re looking for a partner, or unhappy with your love life, you can find the strength to make changes and start a fresh chapter.

In early March, Mars meets up with Venus and Pluto in Capricorn – an incredibly dynamic combination. Let’s face it, the last couple of years have been very frustrating. We’ve had to put plans on hold, abandon projects, keep our tempers, and watch dreams fall apart. February and March offer new hope, so you can leave your fears behind and commit to planning and achieving things that might have seemed impossible just a short time ago.
Astrological health tips – AquariusThis unique zodiac sign is ahead of their time, with a busy brain and imagination, leading to an overtaxed nervous system. This nervous energy can make Aquarians prone to heart palpitations, anxiety, or insomnia. The heart and circulation can also be affected, as can the ankles and calves, often resulting in cramps and sprains.

These air signs are often ungrounded, meaning they easily forget or ignore self-care and daily routine. Regular meals, early bed times, and plenty of fresh air will go a long way to keeping these natives healthy. When unwell they need to rest, reduce mental stimulation, and spend time in nature. Deep breathing and meditation are recommended, though many Aquarians hate sitting still!

Aquarius health advice:
  • Adequate hydration and regular meal times
  • Acupuncture and massage
  • Exercise and deep breathing or singing
  • Socialising and dancing
  • Yoga and stretching
  • Journaling and creative pastimes
  • Lemon balm or chamomile tea
Full moon in Leo – love is in the air
The February full moon falls on the 17th, just after Valentine’s Day. Cosmic lovers Venus and Mars form a perfect conjunction at this full moon, making it a very special and romantic time. Get up early and step outside just before dawn and you will see Venus and Mars twinkling together on the eastern horizon as the Leo full moon sets in the west in all her splendour.

If you’ve been wanting to tell someone special about your feelings, you really can’t go wrong at this full moon. Venus and Mars are united and Leo is the sign of passion, creativity, and drama.

Declare your love, propose marriage, suggest moving in together, or swipe right. And if you’re happily partnered, make sure you plan something special together.
About the author:
Stella Woods is an astrology teacher, writer, and consultant. Contact Stella at stella@stellastarwoman.com or www.stellastarwoman.com or
www.facebook.com/stellastarwoman
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