Welcome to another glimpse to this months planetary alignments. Change is in the air, literally and figuratively, as the air signs are in for big awakenings. Air signs are easy to get along with. They are the intellectuals, creative minds and thinkers of the zodiac.
They bring in friendship and high ideals, (Aquarius), fun, games and diversions (Gemini), and a desire for peace, justice and consensus (Libra). So this month is an excellent time to think ahead, plan and exchange ideas with others. The Aquarians will feel this most strongly right now, as the Mercury retrograde throws in a few monkey wrenches. It stays in the sign for no less 9 weeks in total, that’s triple the usual transit time.
Mercury’s three yearly retrograde periods backtrack trough the elements. Last year the trickster planets backed from water into air signs, this year all retrogrades occur in air signs.
Take it as an intellectual challenge, a time for soul searching, soul retrieval, going back to the source of things. I’ll certainly be doing my own by returning to Europe for 2 months, starting Feb 20.
A majority of planets are in air signs this month, as Mars creeps it’s way out of Gemini. It has just turned from retrograde to forward motion, which means not quite up to it’s usual speed, yet. All this makes for inquisitive minds and long, windy conversations. Keep your phone charged and calendar nearby.

Aquarius
The second to last sign of the Zodiac is known for being unconventional, putting it mildly. Aquarians often sport humanitarian, nonconformist and bohemian attitudes. These are strong-willed, independent spirits with high ideals.
They make friends easily and are rarely ever lonely. Their friendships develop over long periods of time, building on mutual loyalty and trust. Often there is a wide circle of friends and acquaintances to support the Aquarians worldviews, ideas, and social needs.
Their best work is done in teams, and when focused on something new, exciting or unconventional. None of the rules and regulations that limit ordinary folks applies to this sign, who firmly resides outside the boxes that limit the more traditional types.

Famous Topanga Aquarians:
Muppe Glick, Sara Vaughan, Felix Sinnapan, Marsha Maus, Seth Lerner, Annemarie Solo, Barbara Allen, RD Denend, Milton ‘Falcon’ Peirrera, Ruth Lundi, Elaine Hanson, Rebecca Catterall, the late, great Vera Wood and all those not mentioned here. We celebrate you!

Calendar

Feb 1
Venus conjunct Jupiter
Love rules! Even in the practical sign of Capricorn this activates passion, one gets easily carried away. On the bright side there is optimism, charm and love connections. On the other hand you may be tempted to over indulge, over spend, over eat and play the lottery. Check the news for big wins or losses.

Feb 2
Mercury retrograde conjunct Neptune
This weekend brings keen intuitions, and a suspension of reason and rational thought. Good for inter species communication and psychic phenomena. Not great for linear thinking or math. The whole week is influenced strongly by Neptune, so stay grounded and if needed help those on cloud nine.

Feb 6
Solar Eclipse 18* Aquarius, New Moon
Eclipses tend to bring tense, and intense emotional experiences. Here in close proximity to Neptune it indicates major changes in collective thinking processes. Unity rules: “I am one, and you are one, and we are all together one…”

Feb 10
Sun conjunct Neptune
More of the above and then some. These are unusual, visionary times. Reality is not what it used to be. Good for visual arts, not great for business.

Feb 14
Sun trine Mars
This aspect on Valentine’s day will snap you out of the Neptunian day dream realm. It brings more vitality, assertiveness and vigor. Watch out for heroic efforts and deeds. Excellent for getting physical in any way you like it.

Feb 17
Venus enters Aquarius
The next 3 weeks are favorable for connecting with friends and kindred spirits. Reach for your ideals, communicate and set new goals. It’s all about intentions.

Feb 18
Mercury SD, Sun enters Pisces
A planetary station makes it’s energy become acutely apparent, Today Mercury turns direct, so don’t be surprised by odd synchronicities, absentmindedness and general mischief. The Sun in Pisces takes a dive into the emotional realm. Less detached, more compassionate. Rhyme, rather than reason. More about Pisces, the visionaries of the zodiac in the next issue.

Feb 19
Sun sextile Pluto
A time for goal setting, especially for cardinal signs. (Capricorn, Aries, Cancer, Libra) Opens new channels of communication, good for meeting and conferences.

Feb 20
Lunar Eclipse, Full Moon 2* Virgo
This one is very close to Saturn. It brings up healing issues, responsibilities and commitments. Good for a quiet, introspective, meditative time. Go deep!

Feb 24
Sun opposes Saturn
You may feel more serious and less playful today. Focus on career and money matters, plan ahead, especially if you’re a mutable sign. (Pisces, Gemini, Virgo & Sagittarius)

Feb 26
Mercury conjunct Venus
This may feel like your head is suddenly hotwired to the heart. Since this aspect appears in the unconventional sign of Aquarius you can expect impulsive ideas, odd fashion sense that comes with little fore or hindsight…


To be continued.

Since I’ll be traveling expect the March and April issues coming from some Internet Café in Europe, fueled by what the Danish girlfriend used to call the “Euro-Okay-Diet“: coffee, carbs, meat, dairy, alcohol & tobacco. Cheers!!

“A Slice of Heaven” is a monthly Astrology column that provides self help insights on making good use of the planetary influences. If you’re a local and would like to be added to the’ Famous Topanga’s’ birthday list, please drop me a line.
I’m a Topanga Psychic, Astrologer and Herbalist and currently teach a series of online courses for www.arcanoriumcollege.com
They include Practical Planetary Magic, Tantra4One and Magical Herbalism.
In private practice I provide spiritual counsel, hands-on healing and no-nonsense readings, herbal tinctures and fine aphrodisiac Love potions. More information online at www.sexpeace.net or 310/596-0295.