Scorpio, 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.

Lucky you, Scorpio: You have two ruling planets, and they both will be very active this February! Your traditional planetary ruler is Mars, the warrior of the zodiac (this explains a lot about you, right?), and your modern ruler is Pluto, the planet of power, death, and rebirth (this explains even more).

Mars is the planet of action, and it takes about two years to go around the zodiac, during which time it can pause and go retrograde, just like Mercury. A Mars retrograde is coming up later this year—from April 17 through June 29, in the signs Sagittarius and in your sign, Scorpio. This will be an intense time period for you, but, really, what about your life isn't intense?

This is going to be an important period for you around figuring out how you want to make money, as well as for sorting out issues around self-esteem. Whether financial or emotional, issues concerning worth will be on your mind. This is also going to be a hugely important time for you to reconsider how you want to be seen by the world. Mars likes to get things done, but this will be a slow period, and your patience will be tested.

Mars is currently in your sign, Scorpio, and it will enter the "shadow" period (meaning the area of the zodiac it will later retrograde back over) on February 17. Definitely pay attention to how you're feeling about your goals, both financial and personal, as well as how much of a load you are carrying in your relationships. After February 17, it's all foreshadowing for what's to come during the Mars retrograde in the spring!

Anyway, let's focus on this month: February opens with your two ruling planets, Mars and Pluto, sextile (a helpful astrological transit) on February 3, bringing you a chance to communicate something important as well as to get assistance around something having to do with a contract or agreement, or maybe even some gossip (not that I'm surprised, Scorpio, you're almost a worse gossip than Gemini). Also on February 3, the Sun in Air sign Aquarius will sextile Saturn in Sagittarius, activating parts of your chart that are all about material comfort and security— expect some communication around these topics!

On February 5, your other ruling planet, Pluto, takes center stage when it meets sweet Venus in Earth sign Capricorn. This is a very powerful combination, and it will forever change the way you think about things. Pluto represents depth and hidden and secret things. Pluto is the planet of transformation and evolution; like your sign, Scorpio, it is tied to themes around death and rebirth. Pluto is also the planet of mobsters, gangsters, and manipulators, and it also represents jealousy and obsession—and, being that it will be sitting with vain Venus, you should definitely watch out for issues around envy!

The best two ways I can suggest working with Pluto are to accept change (the harder you cling, the harder it will hurt) and to bring in an unbiased third party to help you. Calling a therapist is a great idea, since Pluto does rules psychoanalysis and anything dealing with emotional depth. Also, a third person can help dismantle relationships plagued with manipulation and gas-lighting— you might not be able to see what's going on, but an outsider can usually shed some light. Hopefully you're not fighting with anyone, but if you are, doing so in a public place or with a mediator would be a great way to use the Plutonian energy to hash things out.

As I said earlier, Venus and Pluto will be meeting in Capricorn. Cap is a dry, patient and practical sign that has a devilish edge beneath its polished exterior. It's also the sector of the chart that rules your mind, so it's very likely that ideas or agreements you've made concerning Venusian themes—like love, beauty, or money—will undergo some major changes after Venus meets with powerful Pluto.

A very deep and revealing conversation will likely go down on this date. You're very psychic and a great listener, Scorpio, but sometimes you can get a little uptight when you need to express yourself. Do whatever you need to do in order to loosen up. Huge shifts can occur if you open your heart and mouth.

More action comes for Mars on February 7 when it's squared by the Sun and sextiled by Venus. Squares present obstacles, and today the problems you confront will be all about your home, family, and issues concerning your privacy. You are one private MF, Scorpio, so I'm sure your stinger will be ready to strike today; however, lovely Venus does send you good vibes today as well, which could help you communicate your frustration, so maybe you won't need to use your stinger after all! In addition, the next day, February 8, brings a New Moon in Aquarius, which will present a chance for renewal around issues concerning your home, family, or private life. Aquarius is the sign of the genius, so don't worry—every problem can be solved!

One of the best days for your social life this month is February 10, which is when Venus trines generous Jupiter. Venus and Jupiter are going to be activating parts of your chart that rule friendship, communication, connection, and networking, making this an amazing day for you to go out and meet people.

On February 13 the planet of communication, Mercury, enters Aquarius, so even more problem solving and communication will be going down, especially in the realm of personal or family issues. Expect to learn a secret or two! This is also a fab day for networking, with Mars in your sign sextile abundant Jupiter.

On February 16, Venus enters Aquarius, adding some extra comfort and joy to your home life. Venus makes things better everywhere it goes; in friendly Air sign Aquarius, it will make sure that things around your home perk up. If you're thinking about moving in with a lover or a friend you care about, this transit will definitely send you some blessings! This is also an amazing time to call a parent and let them know you love them.

The Sun enters fellow Water sign Pisces on February 19, illuminating a very fun and flirtatious sector of your chart! Pisces is one the dreamiest, most imaginative signs in the zodiac, and this will give you such a boost in your creative world. If you're a performer or artist, definitely watch out for news coming your way during Pisces season. This is also an excellent time for romance, Scorpio! The Sun in Pisces will be occupying a part of your chart that's all about having fun and enjoying the company of the people you care about. Pisces is one the most empathetic signs in the zodiac, so it will be super easy to connect with others on a loving level.

But just in case you're not in the mood to get mushy and affectionate, or if you feel you're being way too sappy this month, don't worry: The Full Moon in Virgo on February 22 will bring things into balance. This Full Moon, in the sign of virgin, will remind you to reach out to your friends and not just spend the day in bed with your lover. If you're not currently dating and instead have been holed up in your house painting, writing, or making things, this Full Moon will remind you to leave the house and interact with people.

Your ruling planets, Mars and Pluto, are very intense, often combative, energies to work with, but the month will still bring plenty of softness and affection for you to enjoy, as well as plenty of opportunities to socialize, create, and solve some problems at home. Have a happy February, Scorpio!