Aquarius, February 2016

In our monthly horoscopes, we provide a more in depth look at what's happening in the sky. You can read the rest of our monthly horoscopes here.

Happy solar return, Aquarius! A solar return is exactly what it sounds like: the Sun returning to its position at the time of your birth. This is how nerdy astrologers say happy birthday; since you are one of the most ingenious—and, let's face it, nerdy—signs of the zodiac, I thought you might appreciate that bit of knowledge!

One of the biggest shifts that will take place this year for you will be in your career and around your reputation. Mars, the planet of action, will go retrograde from April 17 to June 29 in the part of your chart that rules fame and fortune, so you will be reworking a lot of your ideas about what you want to be known for and what you want your life's work to be.

Mars will first retrograde in Sagittarius, a Fire sign known for its love of knowledge, and then it will dip back into Scorpio, where it will hang out for the majority of its time retrograde. During its retrograde in Sag, Mars will ask you to question whether or not your friends are supporting you around your career or life goals. Sagittarius is a sign that's all about vision— what are your dreams, Aquarius? Mars retrograde in Sag will also ask you to reconsider your vision for your life.

Dreams and visions and your social life are all good (actually… those are all things your sign rules, so you're totally in your element), but the real work of the retrograde will revolve around the shifts in your career or reputation that take place when Mars retrogrades in Water sign Scorpio. Like you, Scorpio is an unyielding yet visionary Fixed sign, and Fixed signs aren't crazy about change. It's weird that both of you guys resist change, considering you're the sign of innovation and Scorpio is the sign of death and rebirth, but when things are in flux and out of your control, you can get very thrown off. It's part of your soul's work to overcome this tendency to constantly reach for power. When Mars goes retrograde, affecting your career and standing in the world, it will certainly challenge you out of your comfort zone.

So why are we talking about this retrograde now, even though it's not happening this month? That's because much of this month will be foreshadowing what's going to go down this spring for you, professionally speaking. Plant good seeds, Aquarius! The first half of the month finds the Sun in your sign challenging Mars in Scorpio, forcing you to come to terms with some difficulties concerning these themes. Then, during the second half of the month, starting February 17, Mars will enter its shadow, which is the spot in the zodiac Mars will retrograde all the way back to later this year. Again: foreshadowing, Aquarius, foreshadowing!

February 3 is a great day to start thinking about how you might be shooting yourself in the foot around your career or your reputation, when Mars in Scorpio sextiles Pluto, the planet of depth and hidden things, in Capricorn. You're very self aware, Aquarius, but no one is perfect. Ask someone who you trust to give you some honest advice about how you present yourself to the world. Today, you could receive some very constructive information.

On February 5, sweet Venus meets the lord of the underworld, Pluto, in lusty Earth sign Capricorn, activating a very sensitive and psychic sector of your chart. You're not afraid of standing out and being noticed, but right now you're super keen on keeping your personal life private. Under this cosmic coupling, something exciting, intense, and definitely dirty could bloom, but you'll have no interest in making it public knowledge.

Pluto (a.k.a. Hades, the lord of the dead) has a dangerous air to it, so when it's combined with Venus, the vibe is definitely very sexy—but it can also be overwhelming. This is an important day to reflect on your boundaries and to avoid situations in which you might be taken advantage of. Although this combination may be very sensual, you shouldn't feel any guilt about spending time alone—these two planets will be meeting in a very private area of your chart, so checking out from society and enjoying some quality alone time is definitely legit, even if your partner is tempting you with fancy lingerie (or, more appropriately with Pluto, whips and chains).

The next day, February 6, brings plenty of action. You're in a wild and electric mood, with the Sun—which is in your sign, boosting your energy and confidence—sextile your planetary ruler Uranus. Today brings unexpected news, and you yourself may be communicating a surprise message. This is an excellent day for self-expression, especially because the planet of communication, Mercury, will be trine lucky Jupiter. Your psychic abilities are crazy sharp today, and conversations you have concerning any super private issues, your home, your family, or your past will be particularly healing.

That said, be aware that people are feeling insecure about commitment and their worth today. You'll definitely experience some tension on February 6 when Venus squares Uranus, inspiring people to act impulsively and erratically. Is this a good day for surprises and working out issues concerning your home base? Totally. Is it a good day for all things Venusian—like love, money and beauty? It's not a horrible day, but expect the unexpected and probably don't propose to anyone! Again, today is full of action and wonderful opportunities for connection, but things will be erratic and unsettled.

On February 7, the Sun (again in your sign!) squares Mars in transformative Scorpio, inspiring you to make some changes and rearrangements in order to find success, fame, or popularity. You're the sign of friendship, Aquarius, but around this time of the month you won't be "here to make friends," thanks to warrior Mars's influence. Expect to feel very competitive around the seventh! And, again, be aware of your emotions all month as the Sun in your sign challenges Mars in Scorpio. These feelings are ones you will have to work with for the first half of the year. Sweeping them under the rug won't make them disappear.

Also on the seventh, Venus sextiles Mars, cluing you in to some talent or character trait that's really working for you, even though you previously may not have been so aware of it. It's also an important time to cut yourself some slack and ask for help if you need it. You're the sign of community, so you shouldn't always be working alone!

February 9 brings a New Moon in your sign! New Moons mark new beginnings, and you're excited for a fresh start in your life—especially on the emotional front. You're an Air sign, which is the element of thought and communication. Journaling, talking it out, listening to talk radio, or getting verbal in any way is an excellent way for you to process your feelings. The next day brings an abundance of gentle and affectionate energy when Venus trines Jupiter; if you're looking for some love after the New Moon, it shouldn't be too hard to find.

On February 13 communicator Mercury enters your sign, which will be rad for helping you communicate clearly. Things have been brewing in your mind that you've had trouble articulating, but the words will flow again starting today.

On February 16, Venus—the planet of love, peace, beauty, and cash (all the best things!)—enters Aquarius, which will make you feel super attractive and charming. This is a great time to show off, Aquarius. Plan dates, do a photo shoot, or "accidentally" run into ex-friends and -lovers to flaunt how much more amazing you've become. Over the last few weeks, you've been in a private mood—especially when it came to attraction and romance—but you'll be feeling like way more of a showoff when Venus enters your sign.

The Sun enters abundant and imaginative Water sign Pisces on February 19, lighting up the part of your chart that rules finances, your self-esteem, and issues around worth. You'll spend a lot of time over the next month thinking about your resources. Pisces is an energy that knows anything is possible, so this is truly a beneficial vibe to have around your cash flow! Believe in yourself—your budget and your talents and you will prevail!

The Full Moon in hardworking Virgo on February 22 will ask you to question your partner's resources: Are you picking up the bill every time you go out? How about at work— are your employers taking advantage of your time? Issues around intimacy will also pop up. This Full Moon is all about give and take and finding balance. If you can achieve balance in your bank account, feel confident about your abilities, and partner with people who are supportive of you now, the Mars retrograde this spring will be productive and way less of a pain!