What struck me when I looked at the chart for the New Moon in Pisces on February 24 was Saturn in Virgo sitting all alone on one side with everything else on the other side. This says we are best served by remembering to behave in a caring and responsible manner, because all else hinges on doing so.

We still have Aquarius strongly represented in this chart, continuing the themes from the two prior lunations but tempered by the gentler influence of the Fishes.  Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac and the one most given to being inclusive rather exclusive. In fact, some think Pisces can be a little too inclined to forgive and forget, but not this astrologer.

I treasure the compassionate spirit of this powerful but subtle sign. It is easy to underestimate the immense strength of Pisces, because these are often unassuming, occasionally spacey types who would rather not confront life and people directly. But if we consider the inexorable power and weight of the ocean, or even the force created by a small stream flooding its banks due to an excess of rain or snowmelt, we can begin to get a glimmer of what Pisces is capable of behind those gentle eyes. The concept of Oneness running like a thread of pure light through most of the major belief systems is the heart of the twelfth sign.

The Sun and Moon at 6° 34′ Pisces are not closely aspected by any major planets, but they are in a tight opposition to Ceres in Virgo. Ceres recently was elevated to dwarf planet status, and many astrologers feel she is a good candidate to rule Virgo, including Real Astrologer Pat Paquette. There is little doubt Ceres is very comfortable in earthy, practical Virgo, and the opposition with the New Moon blends the tangible with the intangible, taking us back to the idea that we are all part of everything and all life is cyclical.

Even though Jupiter has moved past the North Node in Aquarius, it is still close enough to amplify the Aquarian message of working together as a collective to benefit humanity. Mercury exactly conjoins Jupiter the day before the New Moon and is happy to aid in articulating this message. We are drawn to exploring innovative ideas and technology and are eager to try them out. It is possible we will see some breakthroughs in technological applications for alternative methods of communication.

Mars in Aquarius has passed Jupiter (they were conjunct on February 17) and is not yet within range of Chiron but it is still in a sextile with Venus in Aries. While this sextile between Aquarius and Aries is not a wildly romantic pairing, it is very good for encouraging friendship between men and women. Venus in Aries is forthright and likes a challenge, while Mars in Aquarius is about as egalitarian as Mars gets.

The ongoing conjunction of Neptune with Chiron in Aquarius recedes into the background for now unless you have planets or angles at 22° to 24° in the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius). Then this pair is continuing to clue you in about your sensitive places, usually in a roundabout way, because neither of these two bodies is noted for hitting you over the head to get your attention. They leave that method to Mars and Uranus!

Speaking of Uranus, I just want to give you a heads up about the upcoming Full Moon in Virgo on March 10, because the Full Moon axis is conjoining the Saturn-Uranus opposition. Perhaps we will find that matters set into motion with the first Saturn-Uranus opposition last November will reach a point of resolution on this lunation. It will be worth noting, that’s for sure.

The Sabian symbol for 7 Pisces is, “Illumined by a shaft of light, a large cross lies on rocks surrounded by sea mist,” with the keyword SELF-ASSERTION. Have we taken too much on faith or not enough? That may be the question. The ongoing semi-sextile between Chiron in Aquarius and Uranus in Pisces may be enough of an irritant that we cannot be comfortable falling back into old ways of believing but must look in new places or try on new belief systems (Neptune in Aquarius) to find our way back to the light. Whatever the case, it would appear that it is up to us to initiate action and take the first step on the path leading to the rest of our lives.

Be strong like water and yield from a position of strength, and practice kindness every day. Think about it!

[Note: The New Moon in Pisces falls on February 25 in some places in the Eastern Hemisphere. Likewise, parts of the Eastern Hemisphere will experience the Full Moon in Virgo on March 11.]

posted by Neith . . .

**Please read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, February 16, for her great take on the mythology in the sky right now.

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

This wonderful painting is “Moon Rising Mist Descending” by Steve Outram. To see more of his works, visit here: Fairfax Gallery – Steve Outram