Star Wise

February 2012 - by Mac McLaughlin •

Aries | Taurus | Gemini | Cancer | Leo | Virgo | Libra
Scorpio | Sagitarius | Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces

In Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar, Cassius explains the law of karma simply and accurately when he proclaims, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.” According to the mystics, the whole world is a play made up by the karmic impressions stored in the mind of the people of the world. We know that karma represents the law of give and take, action and reaction. The familiar axiom, “As you sow, so shall you reap,” is another attempt at explaining the laws of karma. The stars and planets are woven into the fabric of our beings. They are the representatives of karmic distribution in accordance to our give and take and make-and-break ledgers congealed and played out in the present incarnation. The beautiful people among us that seemingly have it easy, as they glide along life’s path radiantly successful with great families, are experiencing the positive bounty of generous and good actions from previous lives. Conversely, the souls that performed negative, non-loving and violent activities come back into this life with severe karmic difficulties – not as a punishment, but to help them evolve spiritually.

Let’s take a look at some of the karmic energies destined to unfold in the month of February. The ancients had the night sky to study and ponder. They noted different energies prevailed according to the star group or nakshatra the moon was moving through. From that, they could decipher what type of energy would befall mankind. The full moon on February 7 takes place in the nakshatra called Ashlesha and from what I have studied this nakshatra really doesn’t have a lot of positive connotations. Suspicion, paranoia, collusion, conspiracy and many other not so nice aphorisms seem to dominate the energy coming from this star group. We get to see the underbelly or nasty side of human behaviour. One writer says Ashlesha represents the power to inflict poison. Sharp, venomous attacks take place and many things are hidden and waiting to be discovered. Plus the moon is full and, no doubt, we will find out soon enough what it is all about.

The new moon on February 21 takes place in the early degrees of Pisces and is conjunct with Neptune. On the positive side of the coin, Pisces/Neptune energies convey wisdom, kindness, creativity and compassion. On the negative side of the ledger, we have distortion, deception, confusion, lies and misdirection to feast upon. A few days after the new moon, Mercury opposes Mars (February 23) and this is an indicator of unrest, anger and confrontation. Sabre rattling, nerve jangling threats and counter reactions will be the case; just name the place and let’s see what unfolds. Neptune/Pisces energies rule over the seas and oceans and with all the tension going on in the Strait of Hormuz we can use our imaginations as to what will take place. Yes, we are in the belly of the beast whilst we travel the rocky road of the Kali Yuga. When the great saint Kabir stepped on to Earth, he discovered no one was happy. How can we be happy when we’re so disconnected from our higher self? Not to despair, we are on our way home. Love will come our way when our hearts can no longer stand the cruel suffering. A change of heart is needed. The mystics teach us love is the only commodity that increases when given; all other types of giving lead to depletion.

	ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Venus casts her lovely rays your way starting February 7. Along personal lines, she offers refinement, beautification and transformation. Love, affection and creative energies come along nicely. You may be surprised by the dynamic changes starting to happen in your life.
	TAURUS (April 20 – May 21) Bust a move or two. Sheesh, go for the whole enchilada. Do not waste this opportunity to truly make positive changes at work, home and especially within yourself. March and April are dynamic months as well. Make the best effort and it will pay.
	GEMINI (May 22 – June 20) News from afar, possibly regarding publishing or travel, comes your way. Your longing for the divine becomes enhanced. Career sector heats up towards the end of the month, as do considerations regarding home, family and real estate. Make ready for a big year.
	CANCER (June 21 – July 22) The full moon on February 7 prompts you to take a deep look at everything. You may be restless and casting about for some changes, especially career-wise. Secrets, inheritances and shared monies may be topics of interest throughout the month.
	LEO (July 23 – August 22) Relationships of all sorts come into consideration as the Leo full moon on February 7 takes hold. How you relate to others and how others relate to you is what it is about. Romantic energies are strong and you may be restless for some travel.
	VIRGO (August 23 – September 22) The month starts off in a good way with strong romantic and creative potential. Travel and higher education could be on your mind. Keep in mind a soft reply turns away wrath as Mercury and Mars clash on February 23.
	LIBRA (September 23 – October 22) Your solar fifth sector ruling business, romance, entertainment and children is strongly activated in the first 20 days of the month. After that, your instincts drive you toward perfection, harmony and balance, starting with your body. It is time for some early spring cleaning.
	SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21) Jupiter casts his glance bringing abundance and good timing. Your creative imagination goes into high gear, especially after February 19. Pay attention to your dreams as they may hold significant information and inspiration. Confused issues surface mid-month and may need delicate handling.
	SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) Mars heats up your career sector throughout the month bringing action and challenge. It might be time for a job change. Home, family and real estate activities increase as well. Creative, artistic and romantic energies create happy and memorable times.
	CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) Lord Saturn sits at the top of your solar chart for most of the year bringing opportunities for advancement and success. Honours and accolades for those that rightly used power and a fall from a high place for those that abused positions of authority.
	AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 19) You are in your solar high of the year. It means you can become empowered, acknowledged, directed, respected and, of course, loved. No time to ponder, but it is time for action. The full moon on February 7 brings it all home.
	PISCES (February 20 – March 20) Keep a diary by your bed and record your dreams, as they should be flooding in strongly in the last 10 days of the month. You may feel inspired and ready to make all kinds of unique and dynamic changes that are long overdue.

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Mac McLaughlin has been a practising, professional astrologer for more than four decades. His popular Straight Stars column ran in Vancouver’s largest weekly newspaper for 11 years.
Email mac@macsstars.com or call 604-731-1109.