Last week I briefly introduced the fact that Mercury was heading into the beams of the Sun, which means we cannot see this planet as the brightness of the Sun over-shines it. Our mental, communicative and rational functions might be a bit sluggish for the time Mercury is in this ‘underworld’ phase (until 8 March). You may have the tendency to feel mentally exhausted, logically overwhelmed and a little anxious or powerless. Because of this, you might feel a little less motivated, especially if Mercury is one of your Timelords at the moment. Technology, communications and media issues might also be on the cards.

If this is you, there’s an important lesson of submission and surrendering involved during these next couple of weeks. Do you really need to respond to that argument? Is it better to postpone those travel plans (Mercury rules travel too)? This week, Mercury will enter Pisces (23 Feb), which might add to some of the mental, communicative and movement challenges. It may be better to change gears this week and opt for bigger picture thinking tasks like long range planning, visioning and creative manifestation. While detailed work and obligations might be calling, it’s also good discipline to carve out time to mentally align to the purpose of your big plans. Remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing.

The planetary energies this week is rather complex, and could be filled with contradictions and tensions that could be confusing to resolve. The Full Moon in Virgo (24 Feb) calls for restraint and control, not only because the sign of Virgo is known for this, but also because it’s reflecting the light of the Sun which is moving towards the rigidly austere Saturn and bringing you face to face with your obligations and duties. Go gently on yourself though, as this lunation could bring up feelings of inadequacy and self criticism. You may need to manage your expectations about yourself and your goals, or that of others. Mercury ruling this Full Moon is in a debilitated state, which could bring up difficult emotions for you during this week, possibly linked with the mental and communicative drain of the underworld Mercury phase described above. Watch that you don’t bottle things up too much – if you’re having difficulties trying to express your truth, best to find other ways of releasing those thoughts, perhaps through journaling.

But on the other hand, the passionate pair of Venus and Mars join together (22 Feb) to begin its new yearly cycle. This is a highly passionate combination that can bring opportunities for creative initiation. As the symbol of sacred union where two opposites are forced to meet, there’s a very subtle seed that is conceived when these two meet every year. At the lived experience, this conjunction can feel agitated and full of tension – perhaps annoyance, a little fight or disagreement. However, there’s also the potential for passionate exchanges and creative new solutions if you can allow yourself to sit in this tension of opposites. Try to ‘enjoy’ the indifferences this week and don’t sabotage this inner process of creative development by being too hasty to abandon the pressure. New light will emerge if you can hold this space long enough. Learn  more about the Venus Mars conjunction in my free lecture giveaway.

This is particularly true as Venus’ next move is a square to Jupiter (25 Feb). This signature holds an opportunity to expand this tension into new life, if you can hold this space of growth. Look for the opportunities behind the problems that you may not have seen beforehand. Exercise optimism and good will. A positive mindset amidst adversity goes a long way this week towards the manifestation of your dreams. Forces are pushing you towards finding the bigger picture purpose behind your way of being.

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See you next Sunday for the next installment of planetary news.

Shu xx