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Cardinal Signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn

You’ll feel the sizzling influence of Venus in Aries. This energy is about loving first and asking questions later. Aries is a highly independent sign, so with the tough aspect (square) Venus will be forming to authoritative Pluto in Capricorn, this will cramp her style, especially since she’s coming down from the high generated by her union (conjunction) to unpredictable Uranus in Aries.

This could mean that a sudden, wildly inappropriate encounter (Venus-Uranus in Aries) might hit a reality check (Pluto in Capricorn). Or the need to have what and whom you want will be restricted by limits. Rules, restrictions and authority (Pluto in Capricorn) will challenge instinctive passion (Venus in Aries). On the other hand, if you try to impose your own controls (Pluto in Capricorn) on an exciting relationship, you’ll get tangled up in power struggles instead of a hot tryst. Which would you rather have?

The takeaway message for Cardinal signs is this: pushing to have things your way will fan the flames of conflict, not passion. You won’t get everything you want, but you can still enjoy Venus in Aries’ spicy energy if you’re willing to give a little ground. And for those brave enough to partake, Venus (love) challenged by Pluto (sex) can make things unnervingly intense. Those with planets or angles in the early degrees (0-8) of the Cardinal signs will be especially strongly impacted.

›› Try our transit reports for a personalized long-term forecast.

Fixed Signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius

The Sun in freedom loving Aquarius will be challenged (squared) by the Moon in possessive Scorpio. The need (Moon) for control and deep intimacy (Scorpio) will be confronted by expressions of detachment. You may want to spend the evening in an intense, soulful union while your partner wants to go out with friends. Or someone may want sex (Scorpio) while you want things to stay platonic (Aquarius). But the other side of this influence is the electric tension generated by the square between male (Sun) and female (Moon) energies.

First of all, here’s what not to do: restrict your partner’s freedom. You just won’t win, and you could trigger a rupture because trapped Aquarius will up and leave rather abruptly. Alternatively, make sure the person you’re with isn’t asking for more than you can give. Rather than swimming in Scorpio’s shadow side (knee-jerk control and paranoia), try using its deeply transformative energy to change the dynamics. If your partner wants to do their own thing, let him. If you don’t want to give what someone else is asking for, set your boundaries. Needs (Moon) will not be fully satisfied. But those who approach this conflict creatively (Aquarius) can still have fun with the magnetic attraction that will be generated. If you have planets or angles between 20-26 degrees of the Fixed signs, you’ll feel this influence most strongly.

›› Try our transit reports for a personalized long-term forecast.

Mutable Signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces

Valentine’s Day is prime time for many people to dwell on what went wrong in past relationships. It’s an especially difficult time of year, since the media seems intent on cramming the idea of “romantic bliss” down your throat.

Mutable signs are in luck, because there’s some unique energy coming up that will allow you to float past all this. Neptune, Mercury and Chiron will form a triple conjunction in Pisces. Mercury and Chiron will encourage you to communicate (Mercury) your hurts (Chiron) about past (or current) relationships. Neptune (Pisces’ ruler) will add an ultra-potent shot of healing. Yes, Neptune can be about romantic dreams but it also dissolves what it touches. That includes pain, grudges, bitterness, anger and vulnerability. The key with this influence is to communicate, even if that means writing it down for yourself. But if you’re up for discussing it, you’ll find someone who’s willing to listen. Once you open up, the energy of this day will allow you to release things very quickly. Then you can move forward, as you forgive the past and gain faith in the future. Sounds like a pretty nice Valentine’s Day gift! Those with planets and angles between 0-4 degrees of the Mutable Signs will feel this energy most strongly.

›› Try our transit reports for a personalized long-term forecast.

So that’s the outlook for this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re opening up, letting go or flexing your relationship muscles, it’s up to you to choose how to use the available energy.

What’s in store for you this Valentine’s Day? Let us know in comments below.

Kapow! Venus’ transit into fiery Aries packs quite a punch. This firebomb in the sky has the potential to ignite our lives with passion and energy, if only we’re ready to take the dare. Since Aries loves fresh starts and exploring the unknown, now’s the time to start that new relationship, take a big love risk, or begin a wild romantic adventure. Venus in Aries is not for sissies, so get in touch with your inner hero(ine) and be ready to rumble.

If shy is more your thing, you may have some challenges during this transit, as Aries’ bold, brash and boisterous energy rocks your world. There’s not much room for shrinking violets in this new Aries terrain, so learn to adapt or else. Though fighting may seem all the rage now, there is room for compromise, but confrontation may need to occur before peace can reign.

Venus in Aries packs a lot of firepower, so do be sure you don’t start anything you can’t put out quickly with your handy “love fire extinguisher.” Remember that if you’re prepared ahead of time for a little dating turmoil, you’ll be in a better position to handle any potentially overly randy suitors that come your way. Of course, if you’re already in a relationship, a little “healthy” danger can be fun. Try amping up the heat in the bedroom during this transit to keep things alive and juicy, just the way Aries likes them.

An earlier version of this article appeared here.

Manning Up to Your Mars: Exploring How Your Aggressive Side Operates

If you want to know why you react to others in the ways that you do, take a good look at your Mars. Where he lies majorly influences the actions you take (or don’t) within your relationships. Read More >> 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Weekly Love Horoscope

Usually a Full Moon represents manifestation. This one may come in the form of a to be continued resolution. That means that some cliffhangers will have to keep for a few months. Read More >>

Venus in Aquarius, Mars in Taurus Compatibility

Aquarius’ rebel ways do not blend easily with Taurus’ cautiousness. But if this couple wants it badly enough, they might just be able to create a life-long, unflappable partnership. Read More >>

Astrology Podcast

This week, Michelle and Jeff talk about Saturn retrograde, the Leo Full Moon, and Venus entering Aries. Listen Now >>

Current Transits

• Mercury in Aquarius
• Venus in Pisces
• Mars in Virgo

In Sasstrology’s podcast for the week of February 6, Michelle Suzanne and I discuss the following events:

• Monday: Moon square Saturn
• Tuesday: Saturn stations retrograde; Mercury conjunct Sun; Leo Full Moon
• Wednesday: Venus enters Aries
• Thursday: Venus conjunct Uranus
• Friday: Moon conjunct Mars retrograde
• Sunday: Moon conjunct Saturn retrograde

You can listen to this 40-minute conversation below.

Subscribe to this podcast in iTunes.

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This is no time for us versus them. Ditto for it’s me against the world. Tuesday’s Full Moon pops in Leo, where pride can unwittingly puff itself into hubris. It may be tempting to pull a despot routine, but the current Aquarius energy expects all of the kids to play nice in the global sandbox.

Lion friends, since this Moon is personal to you: your drama is best channeled into something that will dazzle, not frazzle. As for you Aquarians: stepping into the spotlight can be refreshing. You’re a devoted team player, but don’t hide your light under a bushel.

Usually a Full Moon represents manifestation; yet this one may come in the form of a to be continued resolution. Mars is retrograde, and Saturn moves into retro mode now. That means that some cliffhangers will have to keep for a few months.

All of this pent-up energy is just waiting to spill—and there’s nothing like a Full Moon to open the valve. The key is to choose how, where, and with whom you want to release the steam from your inner boiling pot. It’s okay to take a personal time-out, and revisit a scene of conflict when you feel centered again.

Full Moons have the power to unite us, for everyone in the world shares in their Light. Consider that while you look into the night sky. Your personal concerns are universal. Let the Aquarius side of your psyche buzz in sympathetic resonance with souls around the world.

This is a challenging combination. Aquarius’ rebel ways do not blend easily with Taurus’ cautiousness. And both are so stubborn that compromise is iffy. But the unexpected silver lining is this: if they decide to make a go of it, this couple’s mutual stubbornness can create a life-long union.

Venus in Aquarius loves to do her own thing. Ms. Aquarius is more interested in a meeting of the minds (with a partner who engages her interest) than a traditional relationship. She wants a lover who keeps her guessing instead of one who keeps her safe. Her detachment makes her very accepting of her partner’s demands; it takes a lot to ruffle her friendly composure. But the one thing she will not tolerate is restrictions on her freedom. Venus in Aquarius can be a steadfast partner, but she’ll leave abruptly if her lover tries to force her into a routine.

Mars in Taurus is the sure thing. Here is the steadfast lover; what he lacks in originality he makes up for in sensual indulgence. Mr. Taurus likes his routine and does not respond well if someone breaks it. Normally placid and supportive, it takes a lot for him to lose his temper. But when he does, watch out. He’s not interested in games, challenges or the thrill of the hunt. He knows what (and who) he wants. Mars in Taurus won’t be showy when expressing his interest, but the object of his attraction will have no doubt about how he feels.

Venus in Aquarius will rock Taurus’s boat. His tolerance and her continuing interest will depend on other factors in their charts. Both are set in their ways, but both have the potential to be life-long partners. Taurus can ground Aquarius, and Aquarius can loosen up Taurus’ routine (if he’s open to it). Each can live with the other’s differences if they accept that freedom and stability can balance each other out. Together, they just might create an unflappable partnership.

View all the Venus-Mars combinations ››

In this Special Edition of the Sasstrology podcast, I spend an hour talking to astrologer and author April Elliott Kent from BigSkyAstrology. She has written The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology (Alpha/Penguin 2011) and Star Guide to Weddings (Llewellyn Worldwide 2008), is a frequent contributor to The Mountain Astrologer magazine, and helps clients choose their wedding dates based on electional astrology.

April and I go a long way back but this is the first time we’ve ever spoken. Rather than talk about Astrology, we chat about April’s experience as a writer, both of her blog and her recent book. If you are interested in being an astrology writer or want to learn how April has built her career as a professional astrologer-writer, then you will not regret listening to this podcast.

April’s Books on Amazon.com

Take a good look at your Mars.

Mars and Your Reactive Style

The fiery red planet in our charts makes its mark on us at the moment of our birth; Mars governs our reactions. Mars is connected to your drive (sex drive included!), how you respond to people and events, how you react when interrogated.

Your ability to speak up and out can have both positive and negative impacts on your relationships. Some of us are naturally aggressive, or more straight-forward. These are the people who put themselves out there and speak their minds. Others wish they were a little more outspoken, or that their voice would be heard a bit more.

When interrogated, some of us do quite a good job with witty comebacks and a calm demeanor. This type manages to stay calm, cool, and collected, even in the most heated conversation. On the other end of the spectrum, some peoples’ aggressions operate in a less satisfying—and more heated—way. If you fall into this category, you could benefit from exploring how your reactive side works, and how to tame your Mars.

Diving in, and seeing how Mars is operating in your chart, can be an insightful exercise. Perhaps you react too quickly, neglecting to think about things before taking action. Or maybe you do react, but just not quickly enough to get your desired results. Alternatively, you could be the type that sits quietly when interrogated, letting your anger stir and build dangerously inside.

By looking at the house your Mars is living in, as well as the combinations he makes to other planets, you can gain some key insight as to how that thing you do is operating. Mars’ energy can be amplified or restricted by the planets touching him through the various aspects. For example, Saturn can slow him down or challenge him, sometimes in particularly difficult ways. Uranus can make him act crazy in a sporadic way. Venus can sugar-coat his aggression. And Jupiter can make him want to accomplish BIG things.

You can also explore the sign your Mars is living in. Note that there are pros and cons to every placement.

Mars in Fire

Mars is a fiery planet after all, so Mars works well (for the most part) in Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius because these signs put themselves out there and have a lot of Mars-type verve and spunk. The element of fire is all about action. If Mars is living in it well, then he’s always going to have a quick reaction, if prompted. A fiery Mars can sometimes act a little too aggressively; this can be both a positive and a challenge. Perhaps you’re quick with a comeback, but it may come out a little too rough around the edges and irk the person with whom you’re interacting.

Mars in Water

Here, Mars can skew Water signs’ vivacious energy into a pool of emotions. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are known to get caught up in their feelings. Unfortunately, mixing our emotions with our aggressions can get dangerous. If you have Mars in one of the watery trio, or know somebody with him living in the water element … watch out! These types will nearly always get their emotions mixed up in how they react. An emotional reaction can sometimes be the most severe—and in the case of a Scorpio, Mars could likely feel the Scorpio’s sting in a painful way!

Mars in Earth

These determined individuals (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn) rarely put up a fuss … unless you start messing with their methodical ways. If you disrupt their system, they might get stirred to the point of calling you out on it—even if it takes some time to draw them out. Don’t be fooled by their seeming passivity though, particularly in the case of Mars in Capricorn, which packs a powerful punch. Under no circumstance should you mess with their need to stay in control! The Earth signs’ determination will prompt them to get ahead, even if it may take them longer than other signs … yes Mars in Taurus, I’m talking to you!

Mars in Air

There can be a ton of verve and get-up and go if Mars is operating in this element. However, the action of this Mars type operates on a more intellectual level. The Air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius) can have an interesting effect on our aggressive side—thinking fighters who pause before reacting. This can be beneficial for the thinker; however, it can heat up the person at the other end of the conversation, who waits impatiently for a response.

Libra will likely weigh the pros and cons of everything and Gemini shoots a million different thoughts out at any given moment. An Aquarian Mars holds up a sign that says, “I fight for the people.” He’s the one that is always prompted to react for a worthwhile cause. His type of action is an independent one—perhaps even radical at times.

Manning Up To Your Mars

Wherever you find your Mars, it’s an interesting exercise to really take a look at your aggressive side. Examining a partners’ Mars can be revelatory as well; comparing your reactive sides can explain a lot about how you act—and react—within your relationship. The insight comes when we see our Mars and acknowledge the reasons behind the actions we take.

No matter what we do, our planet of aggression and action will always live in the same place. But how we choose to wield his power is up to us. Looking at where Mars is can help you get better in tune with your reactions—and help you make the most out of your relationships.

How does Mars impact your relationships? Let us know in comments below.

Related Posts:

• Black Hole Mars: Scary Sexy
• Venus in Love, Mars in Heat
• How You “Do It:” Mars by Zodiac Sign

Photo Credit: drbimages via iStockphoto

If you’ve been looking for a new perspective on relationships, look no further, as the winged planet (Mercury) travels through the zodiac sign ruled by the cosmic trickster (Uranus), jolting us all awake with a dose of white lightning. Mercury’s transit through Aquarius offers opportunities to think outside the box when it comes to communication, bringing ideas that are enlivening and electrifying. Though you may find yourself speaking without thinking during this transit, it’s probably for the best, as the time is now ripe for hidden truths to emerge.

Aquarius is known for its quirky intuition, able to gather information from the astral plan and channel it down to earth in a most unusual fashion. As Mercury travels through this air sign, your mental processes speed up and you could find yourself understanding life in a whole new way. Romance can yield new insights as well, exposing hidden facets that may have been hidden up until now. As the sign of the future, Aquarius can help you to look ahead, visioning your ideal outcome with ease.

During Mercury’s transit through Aquarius, you may feel the temptation to say exactly what’s on your mind, no holds barred, which could end up causing more trouble than it’s worth. If you do feel compelled to blurt out everything you’re thinking to a partner or love interest during this time, try to at least temper your free speech with a large helping of diplomacy. Aquarius’ tendency towards emotional detachment could result in hurt feelings and bruised egos if not blended with a little warmth and heart.

Experience your own personal “Eureka!” moment as Mercury moves through Aquarius by keeping your mind open and alert for new ideas and insights, enjoying the clear insight this transit can bring.