Mercury joins the Sun and Chiron in Pisces on February 21, where he remains until March 9. Mercury governs all manners of thinking, communication, schooling, commerce, short travel, and siblings. In the humanitarian sign of Aquarius, Mercury is engaging, intellectual, innovative, unique, uninhibited, excitable, eclectic and electric. In the insightful sign of Pisces, Mercury mellows out a bit with a focus on the internal goings on and how that connects with life in the outside world for us as individuals and as living beings walking our individual paths, together within the same world.

At best, Mercury in Pisces is compassionate, understanding, and enlightened with truth and wisdom that goes far beyond what's tangible or conceivable by the logical mind. At worst, confused, deluded, blinded by faith and unable to function with the realities of living in the external world.

While Mercury is in Pisces, we are reminded to seek out truth beyond the realm of intellect and the tangible world. As humans, we are physical, mental and spiritual beings. We live in a physical world with material needs and wants. We reason, communicate and make decisions using our mental skills. Our spirituality, however, may not be something we connect with daily because its main interaction is within the self. Practice communing with the self more often during the weeks that Mercury transits Pisces. Find a quiet space inside yourself, honor that which gives you life, shows you the way and truly grounds you. Connecting with one's deeper self keeps us in sync so, that the motivation/drives behind our decisions and actions originate within the true desires of the self. Some people call it prayer; others meditation. Whether you call on God or another Deity of your choice or seek connection/counsel with your Divine self, make it a honored practice while Mercury is in Pisces (although, a lifelong practice is more beneficial).

This year, while Mercury transits Pisces, Mars also visits Pisces from February 22 to April 1. Mercury, Chiron (wounds/healing), Mars (action/motivation) and the Sun (conscious will) will all be involved in a stellium (cluster) from February 22 to 25 while they all transit Pisces. Mercury will also sextile Pluto (purging/transformation) on February 25th.

Although we can all benefit/experience the energy of this stellium and Mercury's link to Pluto, those with Pisces-Suns/Risings or those with Pisces governing their 10th house of career/future goals (like Gemini-Suns/Risings) might find this an excellent time to push through whatever blockages there may be, especially those rooted deep within the psyche. In general, this brief period could also be used to strengthen/rediscover our intuitive/spiritual side, release the past/old wounds as plans/actions toward the future begins in motion, or get more actively involved in humanitarian efforts/charitable causes.

This stellium and Mercury-Pluto sextile occur with Jupiter (expansion) square Pluto in the backdrop. Jupiter and Pluto will also perfect their square on February 25th.

Mercury enters Pisces at 12:53 p.m. PST / 3:53 p.m. EST and stays until March 9th. While in Pisces, Mercury will align with the following celestial bodies (all dates reflect North America Pacific time zone; allow +/-2 days for life span of influence):

• February 22 to 25 ~ Mercury conjunct Chiron, Mars, and the Sun. covered above
  
• February 25 ~ Mercury sextile Pluto. also mentioned above

Where will this Mercury transit fall on your birth chart? Look to the natal house/s ruled by Pisces. Match the signs with the house cusps on your birth chart. Use the list of zodiac signs below to identify the Pisces zodiac sign on your birth chart then click here for a brief explanation of Mercury transiting those houses.


Click image to see larger
For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for them below then click here for a brief explanation of Mercury's transit in those houses.

• Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 12th House
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 11th House
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 10th House
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 9th House
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 8th House
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 7th House
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 6th House
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 5th House
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 4th House
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 3rd House
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 2nd House
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 1st House

Alternatively, you may cast your own birth chart for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required. I am also available for personal astrology readings.

Are you celebrating a birthday? Or know someone who is? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Have a question? Ask me here. Or maybe cruise on over to the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum* to start a discussion.

What significance do planets, signs, and houses have in astrology? Planets have the function, the job to do. The style/manner they will use get that job done is defined by the zodiac sign they occupy. Where in our life the job gets done is determined by the house the planet occupies/transits. So, when Mars (aggression) is in Aries (bold), he is more assertive than when he is in Cancer (sensitive). When traveling through the 10th house (professional life), he may bring his confidence and motivation in matters relating to our career. While in the 11th house (friendships), we may be more inclined to having our social calendar packed with activities. Having the foresight for what may be coming up or receiving confirmation on what may be happening now are ways astrology can be beneficial ... as above, so below.

Related articles:

• Transiting Mercury in Natal Houses
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year
• Sun in Pisces ~ February 18 to March 20, 2011
• Chiron in Pisces
• Mars in Pisces ~ February 24 to , 2011
• Jupiter square Pluto ~ February 25, 2011
  

*Click here to learn more about the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum.

Image credit and copyright to Amy Hathaway/Gypsy Reed Photography via qoop.com.

At 4:25 p.m. PST / 7:25 p.m. EST on February 18, the Sun leaves cerebral Aquarius for spiritual Pisces, where intuition and insight sometimes rule over logic and reason. The Sun transits Pisces until March 20th. On the same day as the Sun's ingress to Pisces is the Full Moon in Leo which will have occurred at 12:36 a.m. PST /3:36 a.m. EST.

The Sun represents our potential, ego, vitality and conscious will. In Aquarius, the Sun is friendly, independent-thinking, original, and a humanitarian with societal ideals that benefit the masses -- emotionally detached but able to be caring with unwavering conviction. In Pisces, the Sun is imaginative, enlightened, sympathetic, creative, hopeful, intuitive, spiritually aware and able to affect change subtly but effectively. At best, the Sun in Pisces is insightful, compassionate, supportive and understanding. At worst, confused, too sacrificial, unrealistic and emotionally burdened by others' troubles.

While the Sun is in Pisces, we are encouraged to connect or reconnect with our own spiritual selves -- the divine within us. It's so easy to become affected by the busy-ness of our everyday. Each moment of the day is already spoken for, sometimes, before we even wake for that day. We are often pulled in many directions throughout the day, as we get on with all that must be accomplished on any given day. Some of us are multi-taskers with mental functions always ahead of where we are actually at, physically. The Piscean Sun reminds us that there is value in "mindfulness", effect in being "present" and that our "grounding" resides within us.

During this period, the Sun in Pisces also shines upon our capacity for compassion to others, especially during his first few days in the sign when he is conjunct with Chiron (the wounded healer) and under a tense alignment between Venus and Saturn, which could make relationships even more challenging. These four weeks may be an ideal time to do some volunteer work, participate in grassroots activities for causes that you believe in, connect with others who have similar spiritual pursuits, or just simply doing random acts of kindness within your immediate environment.

It's a special year for Pisces-Suns and risings this year with Mars also transiting Pisces beginning February 22nd. Those born on or after February 22 will have Mars (action/assertion) in their sign for their Solar Return year, which could be a BIG confidence booster that also offers increased assertiveness for their personal year. This is very exciting since Uranus (radical/unexpected) will rejoin Jupiter (expansion/opportunities) in Aries next month to shake things up in Pisces' 2nd house of income and values.

While in Pisces, the Sun will make alignments with the following celestial bodies (all dates reflect North America PST time zone; give +/-2 days for life span of influence):

• February 25 ~ Sun conjunct Mercury, while both sextile Pluto ~ Clear the air. Uncover what's hidden. Meaningful connections. Resisting or avoiding change only delay the inevitable. Also today, Jupiter square Pluto.
  
• March 4 ~ New Moon in Pisces at 12:46 p.m. PST / 3:46 p.m. EST
• March 6 ~ Sun quincunx Saturn-rx ~ Obligations limit freedoms. Reality check. Accepting difficult truths. Finding the strength to keep going. Need for perseverance.
• March 19 ~ Full Moon in Virgo at 11:10 a.m. PST / 2:10 p.m. EST

How might the Sun's transit in Pisces manifest in your life? Look to the Pisces-ruled house/s in your birth chart. Match the signs with the house cusps on your birth chart. Use the list of zodiac signs below to identify the Pisces zodiac sign on your birth chart then click here for a brief explanation of the Sun transiting those solar and/or natal houses.


Click image to see larger
For those without a birth chart, you may use your Sun sign or Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for your Sun and/or Rising Sign below then then click here for a brief explanation of the Sun transiting those solar and/or natal houses.

• Aries-Sun or Aries Rising ~ 12th House
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 11th House
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 10th House
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 9th House
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 8th House
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 7th House
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 6th House
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 5th House
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 4th House
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 3rd House
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 2nd House
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 1st House

Alternatively, you may cast your own birth chart for use as reference -- birth date, time, and place required. I am also available for personal astrology readings.

Are you celebrating a birthday? Or know someone who is? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Have a question? Ask me here. Or maybe cruise on over to the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum* to start a discussion.

What significance do planets, signs, and houses have in astrology? Planets have the function, the job to do. The style/manner they will use get that job done is defined by the zodiac sign they occupy. Where in our life the job gets done is determined by the house the planet occupies/transits. So, when Mars (aggression) is in Aries (bold), he is more assertive than when he is in Cancer (sensitive). When traveling through the 10th house (professional life), he may bring his confidence and motivation in matters relating to our career. While in the 11th house (friendships), we may be more inclined to having our social calendar packed with activities. Having the foresight for what may be coming up or receiving confirmation on what may be happening now are ways astrology can be beneficial ... as above, so below; as within, so without.

Related articles:

• Transiting Sun in Natal Houses
• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year
• Chiron Re-enters Pisces ~ February 8, 2011
• Mercury in Pisces ~ February 21 to March 9, 2011
• Mars in Pisces ~ February 22 to April 1, 2011
• New Moon in Pisces ~ March 4, 2011

*Click here to learn more about the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum.

Pisces image credit and copyright via Photobucket.

The Moon waxes to full on February 18 at 12:36 a.m. PST / 3:36 a.m. EST. Full moons signify the completion, culmination of what may have been initiated during the previous new moon in Aquarius which encouraged us break away from old ways, bad habits, unhealthy ties, and seek a new way of being/living/seeing/thinking/interacting. This Full Moon in Leo dares us to be courageous enough to walk the talk ... live the dream.

This full moon's Aquarius-Sun (soul/conscious will) conjuncts (unites with) Neptune (dreams/enlightenment), Mars (action/motivation) and semi-sextile Uranus (radical, revolutionary change) while Leo-Moon (heart/inner drives) opposes Neptune/Mars and quincunx (frustrating) Uranus (who is in the last degrees of Pisces). With Neptune and Uranus also semi-sextile (opportunities coming out of difficulties) each other and in mutual reception, it's time say goodbye to what has been, what no longer serves, what's become unhealthy and seek out new horizons, change in perspective, expand consciousness.

Elsewhere in the sky, the square (conflict) between Jupiter (expansion/opportunities) and Pluto (purging/transformation) gains strength as they get closer to perfecting their link on February 25th. This square may be reminiscent to July and August 2010 when they last connected in the same manner. Their square was a part of a bigger, more intense energy that also involved Saturn in Libra and Uranus in Aries (at the time), battling it out in a Cardinal T-Square. Some of us may be faced with something we were dealing with around that period. Perhaps, now it's a look back to see how far we've come. Or a startling wake up call that we remain in the same unpleasant situation. However, this energy plays out in your life, don't judge yourself or others too harshly. Instead, seek to find a way to improve your situation...something that you have the power to do, to act upon. Let the change begin with the self.

This Full Moon occurs at 29 degrees of Leo. Those born within 3 days of February 18 or August 22 or with natal planets and/or house angles on or around late degrees of fixed signs or early degrees of mutable signs may feel the effects of this full moon phase stronger than others. In addition, the Jupiter-Pluto square strongly influences cardinal signs born within the early degrees between zero to seven; they may also experience the impact of this full moon phase greater than others.

For me, as a Virgo-rising, this Full Moon falls in the 12th house of my subconscious. Mindfulness. Getting back to the basics - breath. I'm notorious for biting off more than I can chew. I start projects or commit my time to a new challenge always thinking there's enough time and energy for me to follow through :) Then, my mind gets too busy thinking of this and that while I'm doing something altogether different. I become disconnected to my present moment. This full moon phase will be a welcome reminder for me to gain my grounding and clarity through breath, being present in the moment.

How might this full moon influence your birth chart? Match the sign and degree to determine what house this full moon falls in. Use the list of zodiac signs below to identify the sign Leo on your birth chart then click here for a brief explanation on the Full Moon transit in that house.

Click image to see larger
If you don't have your birth chart, you may use your Sun sign and/or your Rising/Ascendant sign, if you know it. Look for your Sun and Rising Signs below then click here for a brief explanation of the Full Moon transit in those houses.

• Aries-Sun or Aries-Rising ~ 5th house
• Taurus-Sun or Taurus Rising ~ 4th house
• Gemini-Sun or Gemini-Rising ~ 3rd house
• Cancer-Sun or Cancer-Rising ~ 2nd house
• Leo-Sun or Leo-Rising ~ 1st house
• Virgo-Sun or Virgo-Rising ~ 12th house
• Libra-Sun or Libra-Rising ~ 11th house
• Scorpio-Sun or Scorpio-Rising ~ 10th house
• Sagittarius-Sun or Sagittarius-Rising ~ 9th house
• Capricorn-Sun or Capricorn-Rising ~ 8th house
• Aquarius-Sun or Aquarius-Rising ~ 7th house
• Pisces-Sun or Pisces-Rising ~ 6th house

Unsure if you have natal planets/house planets in the late degrees in fixed signs or early degrees in mutable signs? Cast your own birth chart at alabe.com for use as reference -- birth date, time and place required.

Is today your birthday? Schedule your session for a Solar Return (birthdays) or 3-Chart Reading (detailed natal & overall outlook for the next 12 months) or request a quote for a more customized reading tailored to your needs. You might also consider giving a loved one the gift of insight.

Have a question? Ask away. Or cruise on over to our free public forum -- AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum* to start or join a discussion.

Related articles:

• The Full Moon in Natal Houses
• Current Planetary Transits
• Solar Returns Explained ~ your personal year
• Sun in Aquarius ~ January 20 to February 18, 2011
• Mars in Aquarius ~ January 15 to February 22, 2011
• Neptune in Aquarius ~ 1998 to 2011/2012
• New Moon in Aquarius ~ February 2, 2011
• Cardinal T-Square ~ July to August 2010

*Learn more about the AstroCreeps and TarotFreaks Forum.

Image of Leo tattoo credit and copyright to F*Yeah Tattoos.