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Transits

IN THIS ISSUE:

February 18: Sun enters Pisces

Pisces is known to be the most spiritual, imaginative, sensitive sign of the zodiac, and each year as the Sun transits this feeling-oriented water sign, it's time to tap into your creative self. Everyone has at least a little bit of the artist in them! Follow your intuition, pursue your dreams and watch the magic begin!

Do you believe in reincarnation? What do you think of karma? Many people think that their behavior in their past lives has an affect on their present one. Take a look at our free sample Karma Reading to see if any of the insights resonate with you. You may just be able to improve your life for the better with a little bit of insight into your past!

Have you ever met someone who seems spookily familiar? Do you and your partner have a connection that just can't be explained in earthly terms? Our free sample Heaven Sent Reading lets you know if your relationship has angel wings, or if you just can't get the lift-off you need. Enter yours and someone else's birth data and see if you have a match made in heaven!

Spiritual Pisces always seem to have a knack for tuning in to the unseen world and picking up psychic vibes. There are entire cultures that respect and teach these important skills. In our free sample Medicine Wheel Reading, which is based on Native American traditions, you will discover your totem, or symbolic animal -- an animal that will assist you -- emotionally, physically, spiritually -- throughout your life. Explore your very own totem creature in this inspiring reading!

Oh-so-sweet Drew Barrymore, born February 22, 1975, has all the classic Pisces qualities, including sensitivity, imagination and a talent for accepting people for who they are. Drew is a true Piscean who knows how to follow her dreams, whether she's acting, directing or producing. Happy Birthday, Drew! We love watching your career blossom -- and your personal life thrive! May all of your dreams come true in the year ahead! Find out more about Drew and other famous Pisces in our Celebrity Section. Then, dig even deeper astrologically and find out the nitty-gritty details of other famous folks in our brand-new StarStories!

Do you know how to dance, or do you sit on the sidelines when the music starts playing? Some Sun signs love to slow dance; others can't wait to shake their booty! Which planets are playing your song? Shimmy on over to our Dancing by the Signs to find out!

Staying with the Piscean art-for-art's-sake theme: What kind of music is your favorite? In our Music by the Signs you'll discover whether your natural inclination is to listen to a Bach concerto, or if your soul opens up more when you hear a great rock-and-roll classic.

How much do you know about the planets? Some of us are so focused on our earthly responsibilities that we forget to look up at the stars and planets. Astrology's magic is all about translating the dynamics of the universe into something helpful. Test your knowledge with our Heavenly Bodies Quiz !

Keep reading for your Starcast, which will take you through the month's astrological events, and prepare you for all the interesting pathways and byways ahead. And be sure to check out this month's Astrolesson: Venus, the Planet of Love.

Happy Birthday to all you Pisceans! What would we all do without your dreams to inspire us?! Why not let them know how much you appreciate them -- send your favorite Pisces a free astrological e-card!

Pisces can be a bit of a mystery -- a delightful, unsolvable riddle that never fails to keep us guessing. Those born under this sign enjoy a magical ability to fit into any situation, to mix and mingle with all kinds of people and then retreat to the sidelines whenever they feel the urge. In fact, those who spend much time with a Pisces might wonder if they're actually capable of shape-shifting and mind reading. The Fish also possess uncanny intuition, which is no surprise considering that Neptune -- the mistress of altered states -- is their planetary ruler. Neptune's specialty is dissolving boundaries, and she's shared that gift with the Piscean crowd. These folks can get lost in a movie, a magical moment or a fantasy, leaving the harshness of reality behind when necessary.

As all you Fish out there can attest, Pisces is also the most emotional of the signs. Since there are no boundaries between you and the world around you, you often feel everything -- absolutely everything. Differentiating between what you feel and what someone else is feeling, especially someone you care about, is your greatest challenge. You likely learned early on to 'escape' in one way or another and can become a regular Houdini when you need to. Just be sure you're not gone too long when you take your much-needed vacations from the world. We're all happier when you're here with us -- so do hurry back!

When it comes to relationships, if Pisces is involved, Pisces is involved. Period. No two ways about it. These folks will literally fire walk for their dear ones, and would try walking on water for them too if they thought they could manage it. Pisceans are better at long-term relationships than most of us, and much better at keeping the romance alive with little things: hand-delivering a single red rose, ordering one dessert with two spoons and never, ever forgetting a special occasion. The main romantic challenge for this Sun sign is to learn that putting a special someone on a pedestal can mean only one thing: They've got to come down eventually. So stand next to your partner proudly, Pisces, and love them because of (not in spite of) their faults. And never go against your instincts. They will never lead you astray.

Learn more about intuitive, devoted Pisces or look into any other sign at our Sun Sign Central.

Not a Pisces? Look beyond your Sun sign and find out where the Fish might appear in your own birth chart with a free sample Astro Identity Reading.

Get ready for a dynamic, event-filled month! First, it's time to reach for the stars on February 18 as the Sun enters dream-seeking Pisces. Two days later, a lunar eclipse in Virgo amps up your emotional life. Virgo is a health sign, so use this eclipse to get a better handle on your self-care program. You'll be helped in your self-assessment when the Sun opposes Saturn on the 24th and it's time for a reality check. Reach out to others on the 26th when Mercury and Venus, the planets of communication and relating, come together in a sweet conjunction in friendship-based Aquarius. Then get ready for Mars' re-entrance into sensitive Cancer on March 4 when you'll return to family, home and security issues that have been around since last September. This is followed by the third opposition (this aspect has occurred three times because of Mars' recent retrograde) between action-oriented Mars and powerful Pluto on March 6, an aspect that is all about power. Then on the 7th, a new Moon in Pisces next to maverick Uranus shakes things up just to make sure you are awake! Venus' entrance into romantic Pisces on March 12 brings love into the picture. Mercury enters the same sign on March 14, and your mind turns to daydreaming. You'll want to do anything but work, yet make sure to do your homework because taskmaster Saturn opposes Mercury on March 17.

February 18: Mercury turns direct

When Mercury turned retrograde last January 28, it was important to review your plans for the future rather than implementing them. Mercury retrograde periods are great for taking care of unfinished businesses, conversations and paperwork -- as well as cleaning out your closets, drawers and files. Now it is time to move forward with all of those brilliant ideas, so send those emails and make those phone calls!

February 18: Sun enters Pisces

Albert Einstein was a Pisces, as were poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Beatles singer/songwriter George Harrison. Imaginative and sensitive, this is the sign of the artist and the idealist. Each year as the Sun transits this feeling-oriented water sign, it is time to tap into your own muse. Write in your journal, go out and dance, or create an incredible new recipe. Whatever you do, open up your creativity and tune in to the wonders of the universe. Who knows -- you may just be the next Einstein!

February 20: Virgo Lunar Eclipse

Whereas the solar eclipse earlier this month occurred at the north node (the future), this Virgo lunar eclipse is at the south node, reminding you of your past. Lunar eclipses are extra intense full Moons -- already a time known for heightened emotions. Since Virgo is the sign of work, health and service, these themes represent this period. As you look at the past, ask yourself what you can do to take better care of yourself and make your life more secure. Saturn's placement next to the Moon highlights a theme of self-sufficiency. So, before you reach out to others, see what you can do to help yourself first.

This full Moon will most affect those born August 22-26, November 21-25, February 19-23 and May 19-23.

February 24: Sun opposite Saturn

It's time to step back and take a reality check. Carefully assess exactly what it is that you're building into your life. Some of your situations may be too limiting for you. Is someone or something holding you back? At the same time, other parts of your life will feel solid. This opposition marks the midpoint of the Saturn retrograde period -- a turning point for everyone. With the Pisces Sun opposing hardworking Saturn in Virgo, make sure you offer to help others, but also help yourself. Life is all about balance -- especially during an opposition!

February 26: Mercury conjuncts Venus

As communication planet Mercury in friendship-based Aquarius comes together with lovely Venus in Aquarius, you seek out people who share your values. This will provide a fabulous climate for interesting, thought-provoking conversations. This is a perfect day to attend a lecture, throw a party or join a matchmaking service. It's not everyday that the planet of love matches up with the cerebral planet!

March 4: Mars enters Cancer

Finally! Mars re-enters Cancer where Mars transited and turned retrograde last November. You've spent a lot of time in this sign that rules home, family and security. Hopefully you've worked through some of the tasks and family issues that required your attention. It wasn't necessarily easy, so give yourself a pat on the back as you move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.

March 7: Mars opposite Pluto

Mars and Pluto oppose each other for the third time in this series. However, while the last two oppositions were in debate-oriented Gemini and Sagittarius, this final opposition takes place in the cardinal signs Cancer and Capricorn. Action is key now, but this aspect indicates that somebody has an opposite way of getting what they want and won't be shy about telling you! Significant power struggles are possible now. Figure out what you can let go of -- and what's worth fighting for -- so you don't become bogged down in something you'll regret.

March 7: New Moon in Pisces

The new Moon marks a new lunar phase and a fresh beginning in sensitive Pisces, a sign that highlights the importance of your spiritual life. Whether you take a quiet walk in the park, listen to beautiful music or simply set aside time to be more contemplative, make a point to set aside time this month to get in tune with your inner nature. Uranus conjuncts this new Moon, giving you a fresh perspective that inspires important changes. Surprises and sudden events are also a well-known feature of this conjunction. So, be alert!

This new Moon will most affect those born March 5-9, June 6-10, September 8-12 and December 7-11.

March 12: Venus enters Pisces

When the relationship planet Venus enters spiritual Pisces, you're sure to be in the mood to connect with others on a deep soul level. This can be a very romantic time. No involved conversations are needed now -- it's what you feel that counts. Express yourself in a poem, or send a card to that special person in your life. What a great transit to enjoy a stroll on the beach, take a bubble bath in candlelight, or curl up on the couch and watch your favorite movie.

March 14: Mars sextile Saturn

This is such a productive aspect! When Mars, the planet of action, forms an opportunity aspect with serious Saturn, you have everything you need to get your projects moving. People and events help to make whatever you're working on more solid and viable. Look for those in authority positions to be especially helpful.

March 14: Mercury enters Pisces

Can daydreaming be helpful to you? Of course! If we didn't all take some time to turn down the noise and be inspired, we'd never imagine new ideas and paths. So, listen to some beautiful music, take a walk in the park or just sit and gaze at nothing. You'll be amazed at how refreshed you feel afterward!

March 17: Mercury opposite Saturn

You have the right to remain silent! Knowing when to open your mouth and when to think long and hard before you do is the lesson of this opposition. Keep in mind that not everybody is going to agree with you right now. Furthermore, they may even grill you on your ideas. Yet, just like any natural cycle, this transit marks an essential time for you to clarify for yourself what's important.

Enjoy the Sun's transit in Pisces!

Just as everyone has a Sun sign, everybody also has a Venus sign. If a planet existed in our solar system when you were born, then it's in your astrological birth chart. Each planet in the chart symbolizes a different aspect or part of the personality.

Venus in your natal chart describes by sign what qualities and traits open your heart to love. For example, if your Venus is in Aries, the warrior sign, then you like a little feistiness in a person and are less likely to fall in love with someone who is extremely laid back. If your Venus is in Gemini, a sign of communication, then you are not going to be content with a partner with whom you have to play 20 questions to find out how their day went!

The House position indicates a likely place for love to be found. If your Venus is in your Sixth House, keep your eyes open in your workplace. On the other hand, people with Venus in the Eleventh House often meet a potential partner through friends or family.

The aspects describe the difficulty or ease in meeting your goal of finding love. Working out the themes of the aspects is where an astrologer can often be the most helpful since Venus often receives more than one aspect. The aspects are an area where astrology becomes quite complex! Here is a general example: If Venus is opposed (challenging aspect) by Neptune, you will have a tendency to see the beauty of the person's soul but may put on blinders when it comes to that person's more mortal qualities. If Venus receives a trine (productive aspect) from Uranus, you will naturally be attracted to an independent-type of person who gives you room to breathe. Because of the trine, it will be easy to find people who express this trait.

Keep in mind this is a bit of over simplification, but it gives you an idea of the importance of the interaction between planets.

Who doesn't ask about love and relationship when having their chart read! So, when examining a chart, be sure to include your analysis of Venus by sign, house and aspect!

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