Many astrologers say you can feel an eclipse "coming on" before the actual event. While this may be argued, it’s likely that with Pluto’s recent shift into Capricorn, as February 2008 begins we already feel like life is in the process of reinvention.

And that’s all very fitting, what with Sun in Aquarius, as one of the most positive of all Aquarian keywords is "innovate."

But let’s be real here: Aquarian influences can manifest as arrogant and elitist (with a little dash of anarchy thrown in for good measure) as often as they manifest as altruistic, innovative and rewarding to all who have done their best. Yet with Pluto at zero degrees of Capricorn all month long the astrological suggestion of the moment is that shortcomings and shortfalls in one’s life have everything to do with fear, limitations, old-fashioned ego and work (or efforts) as yet undone.

Mercury’s being retrograde in Aquarius as February begins…well, that just adds a little note of contemplative reflection. It’s a time to discuss, but not necessarily decide. Figuring out the best way to go or how to make some grand idea work (better) is entirely apt now…but not an excuse to do nothing. On the contrary—with Mars now direct in Gemini, this is absolutely a time to make connections…when choosing to do something is far better than getting lost in the options or dallying around having sprightly discussions. If you used Mars’ two-and-a-half months in retrograde (mid-November through January) to think things over and ready yourself for new doings, the period between February 1 and March 4 is optimal for setting things in motion and accomplishing steps in any long-term goal, particularly in any worldly setting where you need to involve (or be involved with) others.

After March 4, Mars will again be in Cancer until the first part of May. During that time, people will go into a reflective mode. Things already in the works or already suggested will get considered, bantered about and dealt with during that time but it’ll be harder to get anything new into the pipeline between early March and early May, so act now—or don’t complain to me!

The first part of February is also colored by Venus in Capricorn, making it a good time for transactions and serious conversations. This is a good time to deal with finances and when a somewhat lowered degree of "emotional flammability" makes it easier to determine what’s really worth what, and admit and deal with infatuations or outmoded forms of emotional attachment. These qualities can overlap to be sure, but while under other Venus influences we often mistake nostalgia or bias for quality and worth, Venus in Capricorn tends to be a highly clarified (and clarifying) influence which, for good or ill, reveals why some things are working and others aren’t.

Relationships of all types are generally "cooled" by this somewhat pragmatic influence, but this isn’t a negative unless you’re really looking for emotional or sentimental froth. If that’s the case, plan on not loving early February. But if you’re looking for understanding? Looking to do well in business? Wanting to get on even footing with someone? Then this is the moment for you!

This theme of "advancing one’s cause" (be it personal or in business) is also symbolically supported by Jupiter in Capricorn, which in transiting the first half of Capricorn’s emotional degrees suggests using a sensible approach which appeals to the emotions of achievement works well. In other words, when dealing with others, helping them understand what concrete measures it will take to make real-world, long-term gains is the way to go.

To put this in perspective: Jupiter was in its home sign of Sagittarius all last year. There, the emphasis was on firing people’s imaginations and helping them see what could be. Now the emphasis is on the realistic. Pie in the sky tactics won’t work—and forget flattery. Unless used as a humorous addendum to the facts, you’re likely to be called down for kissing up.

Remember: Capricorn is an earth sign, and earth signs are all about the tangible and the practical and the REAL. This doesn’t just mean money, though money is certainly one tangible measuring stick and a means by which other "realities" can be practically and pragmatically bought. Or influenced. Other important Capricorn earthy qualities: time, responsibility, and a good track record or proven experience. This is a sign which honors a collected conviction far quicker than over-exuberant enthusiasm. And while Capricorn understands fear and trepidation, in Capricorn situations those who hesitate get ignored or dismissed, so quiver, hem and haw at your own risk.

That Saturn is retrograde in Virgo’s lowest degrees all month also indicates that we are all in a personal phase of beginning "next" moves—while consolidating gains and/or tying up lose ends. And yes, everybody has a few (loose ends, that is) what with Pluto just having exited Sagittarius. So the byword here is to proceed step by step, considering as you go.

But with all that said, then we come to the Solar Eclipse of February 7 at 17 Aquarius. (Ed. note: that's GMT; the eclipse is Feb. 6 for the U.S.) This eclipse is a complicated picture involving asteroids Lilith, Chiron and Atropos grouped together in advance of the eclipse degree with Orpheus and Damocles exactly conjunct the eclipse degree and Neptune at 21 Aquarius—not to mention the fact that Mercury is retrograde, telling us this is all about our inner evolution.

The positive image here starts with difficult memories (pain and alienation) which require working through, rising above and moving beyond. In learning from the enduring of this process, we take the hard lessons and create something good, much as in the old saying about making lemonade from lemons. With eyes fixed hopefully on a still distant future, we each stand or fall depending on our ability to be grateful for what you have instead of focusing bitterly on what we lack or feel we’ve lost. Moving forward, the difference between winning and losing is all about whether you can keep your eyes focused on your goal, moving constantly in that direction without falling prey to insecurity along the way.

Like all Solar Eclipses, this one begins a three-year cycle of growth, and being in Aquarius, it will almost certainly involve some form of letting go of people, places, things or ideals long held—and often clung to for too long. The altruistic approach which stresses breadth of application and newness of ideas (or methodology, or morality) balances with necessity, becoming a powerful motivation for making commitments to growth.

But a warning: this is a "cosmic window" which is frightfully easy to miss. The need to choose and act is plainly exhibited by the relationship between this eclipse and the Mars in Gemini moment. Courage is required and you must act with faith. Nobody’s handing out guarantees; with Mars in Gemini the guarantee is that by getting out there and trying, you will find the right answers—so move boldly and be moved by the boldness of your courage! So long as you make your choice for the right reason (i.e., not solely for personal reasons), chances are you’ll end up in a far better place before all is said and done.

Yes, it will take a while—this is a Solar Eclipse cycle we’re talking about. So don’t count on immediate results—that isn’t likely. Those who make a move and who rise to their better natures are likely to get some sort of "acknowledgement" before the end of the month—but then really very little reassurance until May, with complete fulfillment not coming into being until 2011, when as the eclipse cycle ends, Neptune will be at the zodiacal spot Pluto occupies now. This is a message that change is in the works; some of us will simply move ahead and create a new life. Others will have to let go of something before they can build anew.

Either way, the tale of Orpheus is apt, as is the warning told in the legend of Damocles. The good you can yet accomplish depends on your ability to trust in the validity of your actions and inner knowledge, though you may often feel unsure and alone. And though the gifts you’re given are precious, they’re no better than those gifted unto others. We each have a role to play, and as important as that role may be (and it is!) we must always balance humility with determination in respecting ourselves, others and the nature of our world.

The emphasis on worldly interaction with a focus on functionality continues until Venus enters Aquarius on February 17 and Mercury goes direct at 8 Aquarius on February 18 as the Sun enters Pisces (both these last occurring on February 19 if you’re in Europe or points east). Venus in Aquarius fixes value not in one’s self, but in one’s contribution, a theme echoed by Mercury’s station at 8 Aquarius, since this degree symbolizes the individual’s contribution of something new to the whole of society. Together, these energies support commerce and interpersonal relationships through discouraging fixation on one’s ego (or fears), a point underscored by the Sun moving into Pisces.

As if that wasn’t enough a Lunar Eclipse occurs at 1 Virgo on February 20 (in U.S. longitudes. This eclipse occurs on the 21st for those in longitudes corresponding to Europe or points east). With asteroid Orcus conjunct one of the Royal Stars of Persia (Regulus) the normal upwelling of emotion associated with all Lunar Eclipses is likely to be huge—and colored by a real sense of knowing. Given human nature, some will now insist they know best while others will be almost overwhelmed by an intrinsic, instinctual sense of what is yet to come.

That this eclipse occurs in conjunction with, if separated from Saturn’s position in retrograde puts the outcome of what happens now some three months away when come May, Saturn turns direct at the degree of this eclipse, making this a moment of emotional recognition, but not finality. Fear and suspicion are not unlikely, and some truths which are inapparent now may well surface come May. Will they really be all that important? Maybe yes, maybe no. Between February and May, much will yet happen

What’s surest now is that those who take the moment seriously and who accept some sort of "hard reality" in acting on their own best behalf are far better off than those who hide their head in the sand, attempting to hide from disappointments or "undesirable" truths. For them, the fact of personal confrontation will come later—and be harder to deal with for having been avoided.

In the end, this eclipse is about practical acceptance of our lives as individuals. Living within our own skin, our own psyche, our own boundaries—that’s sometimes hard, but it’s always the best bet. Even if someone you love is in trouble, the best thing you can do is work on being the best You you can be. By doing so, you give them someone to depend on, learn from and be inspired by—and are thus able to go to sleep at night knowing you tried YOUR very best.

…Upon which note I close, bidding you a very good February.

Boots Hart, CAP

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