Shocks and Contracts

Meanings are often passionately personal and coldly impersonal in the same breath...human beings struggle mightily with the contradiction. We tend to forget one end or the other and must be reminded of the essential duality of self-importance versus self-transcendence through shocks and awakenings.  - Bill Herbst

Like so much ice cracking under the gradually advancing heat of the sun as it moves from the winter toward the summer months, January's delays and roadblocks give way to the February's potential to bring surprising new events, breakthroughs and opportunities.  Things should move a little more quickly, if erratically, this month than last.  February 16-17 and 26-27 are among the best days for activities/results this month, especially for air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius).  Looking back over old appointment books and journals recently, I noticed that exciting or unexpected developments of an "outside the box" nature have often occurred for me in February, befitting the electric and progressive energies of the annual New Moon in Aquarius.  Those with strong Aquarius/Uranus placements are typically iconoclasts, rebels, breakthrough artists, even geniuses -- they challenge the status quo, awaken us to new ideas and stir things up for good or ill.  The maverick sign of Aquarius is probably the most independent and willing to express its uniqueness of the entire zodiac.  

Yet I've been musing on a different side of Aquarius lately.  This other side of Aquarius involves a focus on true friendship, and a concern for the good of the group.  This side of Aquarius, based in sober Saturn's co-rulership of the sign, pertains to agreements, fairness, equality and the social codes that support these.  We might say that Aquarius is the advanced course in learning to make and keep agreements with our fellows.  Following the progression of Saturn through the Air signs, we learn to make effective agreements and contracts with siblings and neighbors (Gemini), with mates and business partners (Libra), with friends, groups and humanity at large (Aquarius).  Given that Aquarius is the last air sign along the evolutionary wheel, by the time we get to this sign, we should have developed an advanced understanding of what it means to be a true friend to another, to put our own passions, hungers and animal will (represented by Aquarius' opposite sign, Leo) aside when necessary or beneficial. 

Now, this idea doesn't go down too well for people with multiple fire or water sign placements (i.e., Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces).  These signs typically wallow in emotion (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) or want what they want now (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius).  On top of that, fire and water signs like to take things personally.  Our hungers for life and experience are deep and it's sometimes highly satisfying to delve into them fully and spontaneously. What would life be like without our drives and enthusiasms, without connection to others on deep emotional levels? And for that matter, without a well-timed remark at the right moment or chocolate ice cream?

Yet developing the ability to raise our sights beyond ourselves is part of what I think Don Miguel Ruiz means in The Four Agreements when he says don't take anything personally (nothing others do is because of you).  He's suggesting that in addition to people being absorbed in their own reasons for doing things that may have nothing to do with you, that there are worthy social and spiritual reasons for codes of conduct that go beyond personal impulses of the moment.  That paradoxically, developing detachment and what might seem an impersonal approach to relationships can lead to personal happiness. Aquarius, the advanced course in social contracts, reminds us that sometimes personal hungers and impulses to have our way are best put aside, delayed or transcended for the good of all.  For the good of expressing true friendship.  For the good of potentially better circumstances, later on. For the good of the social fabric rather than the egoic impulse. Occasionally, we need the Uranian side of Aquarius to bring surprises or even shocks into our lives to help us remember this.    

DATES TO NOTE:

 ARIES (Mar 20-Apr 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Eleventh House of friends, groups, business income, humanitarian causes, and long-range hopes and wishes.  Beginnings or changes in these areas may occur for you this month.  Expect more encouragement from mates and partners than from relatives or others you may live with.  This would be a good month to introduce those you know to each other.
Best days for Aries:  Feb 11-12

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Tenth House of authorities, reputation and career.  You may be more professionally active than usual this month, especially with those in positions of leadership.  Everyone in your work environment seems to be getting along well now; co-workers and supervisors or important clients will likely be in good agreement.  It's siblings or neighbors that could present more problems.
Best days for Taurus:  Feb 13-15

GEMINI (May 20-Jun 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Ninth House of religion, philosophy, higher education, long-range plans and long distance travel.  New doors may open for you in one or more of these areas.  It may be time to expand your mind by starting a new class or course of study, especially one related to technology or computers. Your creativity is stimulated and a new door may open relating to children. Allocate your money carefully so you'll have enough to afford what matters most to you.
Best days for Gemini:  Feb 16-17

CANCER (Jun 20-Jul 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Eighth House of joint finances, sexuality and secrets.  Reviewing investments, evaluating partnerships, and considering counseling or therapy may be on the agenda.  If you've been trying to get a mate or household denizen to spend the money to renovate or redecorate, this may be the month you have success.  Take the focus off yourself temporarily and put it on making your home environment more appealing and your joint finances more solvent.
Best days for Cancer:  Feb 18-19

LEO (Jul 20-Aug 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Seventh House of partnership and marriage.  New partnerships or phases of an existing partnership may emerge at this time.  Issues of freedom and responsibility in relationships may emerge, which can be no fun for the King or Queen of the jungle.  Showing your mate how much fun you can be is one part of the answer; taking up more than your share of the slack is another.
Best days for Leo:  Feb 21-22

VIRGO (Aug 20-Sep 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Sixth House of work, health and service.  You may want to review your health and fitness regimes or organize your work environment for greater productivity.  Money should flow reasonably well this month and you may have the resources to spend on a new health or fitness approach. Make sure any friends you rely on to go the distance with you are the friends who truly have staying power.
Best days for Virgo:  Feb 24

LIBRA (Sep 20-Oct 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Fifth House of romance, creativity, children and play.  New beginnings, breakthroughs or changes may occur for you in these areas.  Launch a creative project or find one you started in the past and bring it back to life. Focus on the childlike creative spirit within and bring a sense of play to whatever you do.  Your personal presence is highlighted this month, so don't be afraid to speak in public or volunteer to spearhead an effort.  Avoid major attempts to win over your supervisor or important clients; better luck in that area next month.
Best days for Libra:  Feb 26-27

SCORPIO (Oct 20-Nov 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Fourth House of home, family and property.  You may want to move, reorganize or redecorate your living space.  You may have lots of activity in your home this month or consider reorganizing or expanding an area of your home you hadn't considered before.  It's a better month for inner travel (dreams, relaxation, movies, journaling) than outer travel (airplanes, long distances, etc.), so turn within and see what you can find.
Best days for Scorpio:  Feb 28, Mar 1

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 20-Dec 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Third House of local travel, transportation, communication, neighbors and siblings.  Opportunities for change or new starts may emerge in these areas. You may find it easier to link up with others for mutual assistance by means of telephone, e-mail or fax.  Involvement with groups or organizations is highlighted this month and you may find yourself getting along better than usual with your friends.
Best days for Sagittarius:  Mar 2-3

CAPRICORN (Dec 20-Jan 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Second House of earned money, possessions and values.  New work or income opportunities may come your way this month.  Social capital you've built in the past may turn itself into income opportunities; some of them from important people or places.  You're better off pursuing these alone this month; partners present obstacles or delays.
Best days for Capricorn:  Mar 4-5

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 20):  The New Moon occurs in your First House of action, identity and personal presence.  The spotlight shines on you this month, so use it to your advantage.  You've got a great ability to make an impact, but it might play better in places far from home.  Take a trip or get away from it all for at least a little while; organizing your desk can wait for later.
Best days for Aquarius:  Feb 8, Mar 6-7

PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20):    The New Moon occurs in your Twelfth House of spirituality, retreat and behind-the-scenes activities.  You may want to keep a low profile this month and see what your nighttime dreams have to tell you.  Snuggling up with your sweetie could be more satisfying than usual; if you're unattached look to financial or personal development seminars to meet potential dates.  A child or creative project is more of a responsibility this month than expected.  
Best days for Pisces:  Feb 9-10, Mar 8-9

For a more in-depth look at your unique horoscope or a compatibility comparison, contact Natori at (760) 753-4319 or by email.  Have a great month!