Whether you celebrate New Year on the 1st of January, in February with the Chinese or at the Equinox in March (the Astrological New Year) - it always helps to keep an eye on what the planets are up to.

Venus enters Aries - ingress 21 February at 10:22

Venus in her detriment gives of herself energetically and responds forcefully. Her affection is expressed directly, impulsively and enthusiastically. Emotionally coloured tastes and pleasures blossom when energy is directed towards new experiences. A need to feel close to another can be thwarted by strong assertive and demanding qualities, therefore intimacy may be difficult to achieve.

Mars enters Aquarius - ingress 26 February at 03:33

Detachment and scientific objectivity can hinder the expression of passionate desires. One's physical energy and sex drive are stimulated by a sense of freedom, experimentation and the animation of new possibilities and new ideas.

Mercury Retrograde in Pisces since 14 February at 06.39 - enters Aquarius 27 February at 05:02 - Stations direct 8 March at 06:46 - Returns to Pisces 18 March at 11:36

When a planet retrogrades, the affairs ruled by that planet are slowed down and the individual becomes more introspective concerning them. As a result of the slower motion, the individual is able to profit from all the fine details that would otherwise be missed. Whilst Mercury has been in watery Pisces, the mind has been imaginative, impressionable and has had a strong tendency towards psychic and mediumistic qualities. When returning to Aquarius for this short time, the internal delight of mental stimulation, good reasoning and concentrative powers are reviewed once more.

Saturn opposite Neptune - 28 February at 14:02

This second of the three oppositions is a rough transit with which to cope. Saturn forces the nebulousness of Neptune to become crystallized. This vague dream we pursue suddenly has a name and we feel pain and disappointment. Our visions, our dreams, our fantasies, our fondest hopes and wishes are confronted by the task master bringing great disappointment and struggle. Is that all there is? - we ask ourselves. The rose coloured glasses are removed and reality strikes, yet our despair is relieved by a profound Godly connection.

Venus enters Taurus - ingress 17 March at 00:02

Our deep appreciation of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch are stimulated with Venus in dignity. The love of comfort, luxury and beautiful surroundings gives us a sense of worth. Artistic expression is displayed in painting and sculpting and our domestic atmosphere is made more inviting.