WHAT’S UP – February 2025
by Astrologer Belinda C. Dunn
Leo/Aquarius Full Moon
February 12 @ 8:53 am
Pisces New Moon
February 27 @ 7:45 pm
Hearkening back to the sixties, Bob Dylan sang, “The Times They Are A-Changing.” No doubt about it, this familiar refrain resonates and reverberates through the decades, ringing true to this day. It’s worthwhile, and especially for this month of February, to reflect on these iconic and enduring lyrics.
“Come gather around people, wherever you roam, and admit the waters around you have grown, And accept it that soon, you’ll be drenched to the bone. The line it is drawn, the curse it is cast, the slow one now, will later be fast, as the present now, will later be past, the order is rapidly fading, for the times they are a-changing.”
Uranus Goes Direct January 30
February begins with Uranus direct as of January 30th. For the past several months, Uranus has appeared to be stalled at 23 degrees Taurus, the zodiac sign of currency, finances and ownership. These bottom line matters have been maintaining a certain stability, but now that Uranus is direct, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the global marketplace will adapt to a new administration.
Astrologer Erin Sullivan writes, “Uranus is the celestial alarm clock, a rude awakening to the aspects within our nature which have been lying dormant and untried. The lack of containment and inability immediately to re-create security is normally experienced as chaos. However, chaos is the genesis of all things, and the long-term process of the Uranus cycle is gradually to introduce a new perspective.”
As the planetary ruler of Aquarius, Uranus is of special importance now. Not only is Sun transiting through Aquarius, but Pluto’s transit through Aquarius is shifting the story line from Saturn’s influence to Uranus. Since 2008, Pluto transited through Capricorn, ruled by Saturn. Now that Pluto is transiting through Aquarius, Uranus becomes the primary mover and shaker.
Uranus is the wild card
While Saturn maintains the status qua, adhering to established precedent, Uranus overturns the status qua to shake things up for the sake of change. Whether changes are welcome or not, productive or destructive, Uranus is the wild card of radical, far-reaching and sweeping reform. After plodding, cautious, and methodical Saturn, the contrast is stark. Like a breath of fresh air, or a storm of gale force winds, Uranus quickens the pace, and there is no time to lose as events to unfold at lightening speed.
For decades, many of us have wondered what it would take for significant progress to take hold across a wide range of social issues. Despite the tumult, and those willing to throw caution to the wind, there is good news with Uranus in charge, because it’s the planet of experimentation, and “necessity is the mother of invention.” This trend strongly implies a readiness in the collective spirit to experiment, so rather than holding on to familiarity, there is more potential for thinking outside of the box.
February’s Full Moon
This brings us to the Full Moon on February 12. Both Mercury and Sun are in Aquarius, but the Moon is in Leo, highlighting the contrast between leaders in power, and power to the people. Meanwhile, Uranus is in stressful square to the luminaries. This combination suggests that predetermined approaches will be seen as stubborn decrees from on high, and ultimately met with resistance. In fact, the tug of war between autocracy and autonomy is on full display, across the globe.
Complicated with unforeseen situations, the build up to this Full Moon can be especially tense and stressful on February 10 – 11. Plans go awry, weather doesn’t cooperate, money is tight, and not everyone is on the same page. This can spell mutiny as leadership falters, and projects are blocked.
Mars is retrograde until February 23
Additionally, Mars is retrograde until February 23, so forward movement remains thwarted and stalled for most of the month. Mars went retrograde on December 6. When Mars is retrograde, suppressed emotions, especially anger, frustration and general irritability, tend to intensify and surface. It takes awareness to address these complex reactions while allowing emotions to release like the escape valve on a pressure cooker. Also, a Mars retrograde phase can bring up unresolved issues for a make over, and repeat performance.
Additionally, Mars is going direct in Cancer, the zodiac sign of domestic issues surrounding family, home, land and real estate. Mars direct indicates a twelve week pause is complete, and it’s time to act. So you may reflect on personal bottom line security issues for a clearer picture of Mars retrograde in your unique circumstances.
Jupiter goes direct in Gemini
Benevolent Jupiter provides another planetary boost on February 4. After four months of retrograde, Jupiter goes direct in Gemini. As Gemini is the zodiac sign of communication, education and information, the month begins with breaking news that expands perspective, and possibly blow a few minds. Gemini energy is restless, curious, on the move, ready to learn and explore. On the personal level, people begin to look ahead, making travel plans for spring and summer.
As time marches on, Sun enters Pisces on February 18, the final zodiac sign of winter. By February 27, Moon joins Sun in New Moon. In addition to the luminaries, this lunation is jam packed with planets in Pisces. Astrologers call this alignment a stellium, defined as three or more planets in a concentrated area of focus. In this case, Sun, Moon, Saturn, Mercury, North Lunar Node and Neptune align in Pisces.
The themes of Pisces
Concentrated during the final week of February, events spill over into the first days of March. Let’s review the themes of Pisces, beginning with places for retreat and recovery, including hospitals, prisons, social service agencies, religious and spiritual centers. Whether a person is hitting rock bottom, or simply seeking respite from the pressures of daily life, Pisces energy supports alone time.
In general, Pisces is emphatic, sensitive, compassionate and kind. These qualities translate into selfless service to those in need; people, plants, animals, and even the planet. Associated with Neptune, Pisces energy helps people recognize the pain in others, and take action steps to alleviate suffering, whenever and wherever possible. At the same time, Pisces is very idealistic, and can get lost in the dream rather than reality. Pisces sees the world through the lens of potential, wearing rose colored glasses, but vulnerable to rude awakenings.
Psychology calls this cognitive dissonance, defined as, “the internal discomfort you feel when your beliefs, values, or expectations clash with the reality you’re experiencing.” As mentioned in previous articles, both Saturn and Neptune have been transiting through Pisces for several years. For many people, the overall atmosphere has felt disorienting, confusing, illusory, and riddled with victimization. It has been challenging to rise above the fray, and deal with apparent reality as it is.
These planetary trends are highly emotional, a roller coaster of ups and downs. Some hard truths have been revealed, and February is a month of recovery. What this means for each person is highly individual, but the overall trend implies a deep surrender to what is, and many times this can feel like complete and utter defeat, rolling over, and giving in to something or someone outside of self. But, this is a spiritual step, perhaps best summed up in the 12 Steps of recovery used in A.A., Alanon, Naranon, and other anonymous self-help groups.
The 1st Step begins the process with, “I admit I am powerless over (fill in the blank), my life has become unmanageable.” This first step is a relinquishing of control, letting go of struggle, and release of resistance. It is clear eyed admittance of emotional/mental burdens, and attachment to outcomes. Along these lines, a new book has hit the bestseller list practically overnight with rave reviews. “The Let Them Theory,” by Mel Robbins.
Of particular note is the interplay between Saturn and Neptune in the final degrees of Pisces, preparing to enter Aries this spring. For example, Saturn is the planet of realism, and Neptune is the planet of idealism. Obviously, at this time in history, there is an enormous gap between actuality and possibility. However, planetary trends clearly point to a rebirth underway, even though it may take a full year to emerge into clear view.
As many of you know, I live in a forest in western North Carolina, the epicenter of Hurricane Helene. The damage and destruction was massive, and recovery is on-going. Frankly, it will take years for families, neighborhoods and businesses to recoup and rebuild, if and when possible.
This is an ancient forest of old growth trees, many over 100 feet tall. By now, winter’s frigid winds have stripped the forest down to bare bones, and fallen trees are visible in every direction. My mind leans toward seeing only random chaos and messy destruction. But, I stop to look out my window, noticing a group of three tree trunks blown over almost sideways, but still held and supported by two other trees. It’s like these trees are hugging and helping each other.
Nature is a community, and humans are a part of nature, not apart from nature. As February days unfold, leading us onward to spring, let’s realize the strength of friendship while sharing Valentine hearts in the spirit of loving and living nature’s way.
Professional Astrologer Belinda Dunn
Belinda Dunn is a professional astrologer with over 40 years experience.
Belinda Dunn
She received her initial training at The Temple of Kriya Yoga, Chicago, and graduated from the Temple seminary program in 1974. Over the years, Belinda has shared the ancient arts of astrology and yoga with countless students and clients. Since 1992, Belinda’s popular astrology column “What’s UP,” has provided guidance through a variety of publications, and every month posted on her site: www.astrodelight.com
Belinda’s unique approach to astrology is down to earth, accurate, insightful and healing. Meeting with clients in person, phone or zoom, Belinda lives in Arden, North Carolina. Decades of experience as a parent and grandmother combine with meditation, yoga and energy medicine to round out her ability to offer a transforming experience upon your life path.
For more information and to schedule a personal consultation – EMAIL: belinda@astrodelight.com PHONE: 828-215-2101
WHAT’S UP – January 2025
Capricorn/Cancer Full Moon
January 13 @ 5:27 pm
Aquarius New Moon
January 29 @ 7:36 am
Almost halfway through the decade, 2025 dawns bright and clear, filled with potential and promise. It’s a loaded word, promise, but nevertheless, celebrations around the globe are upbeat, exuberant and hopeful. Over the past year, we have witnessed leaders, left and right, east and west, make promises for a better world. So many promises to live up to in the wake of a tumultuous and contentious election season. Not surprisingly, an air of unpredictability, even trepidation, permeates the atmosphere.
Typically, every year begins with high hopes and sincere resolve. After all, the Sun is in Capricorn, the zodiac sign of realistic goals and determined accomplishment. Earthy and practical, Capricorn automatically brings people and projects down to earth. It’s one thing to conceive, visualize, and talk up a plan, but is it doable? Across the board, in a multitude of ways, January is the month, “When the rubber meets the road.”
There are many steps in the manifestation of goals, both short and long term. Most of the time, these steps are taken for granted, driven by need and desire. However, as the Sun transits through Capricorn, let’s go deeper into its metaphysical meaning, particularly as the Full Moon illuminates the night sky, culminating on January 13.
There are twelve zodiac signs portraying the soul’s journey into and through incarnation. Building and developing specific themes, each sign presents a fundamental step, and Capricorn is the zodiac sign of contribution: career, profession, social status, mission. However, one’s contribution is an outward manifestation of an internal process rooted in character, loosely and mystically defined as discipleship. This isn’t necessarily religious in scope, but rather centers around Capricorn values such as integrity, responsibility, ethics and maturity.
Pluto’s 15-year transit through Capricorn
As of last November, Pluto completed a fifteen-year transit through Capricorn. In mythology, Pluto is god of the underworld, churning up and exposing hidden depths of the human psyche. Over time, through this process, there is a transmutation of baser instincts and self centered motives. As the planet of death and rebirth, Pluto’s action is breakdown in order to breakthrough. Denoting a complete transformation, a common symbol for Pluto is the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes of its own destruction.
In recent years, Pluto in Capricorn has exposed a deterioration of numerous social structures, the very institutions society relies upon for some semblance of order. But, as much as people find fault, and throw blame around, it all boils down to Pluto’s core message. When structures are built upon the shifting sands of arrogance and greed, shortsightedness and selfishness, eventually those structures breakdown, and necessarily undergo renovation.
Considering that Pluto is a generational planet, and a fifteen year cycle is complete, where is Pluto now? As of mid-November, Pluto entered Aquarius, where it will remain until 2043. The signs of this monumental shift are present for all to see.
The Sun’s entry into Aquarius
Astrologers look to emerging trends for indications, and January is especially impressive as Sun enters Aquarius on the 20th, and conjoins Pluto on the January 21. Of course, all eyes are on the incoming administration. Many labels have been used to describe styles of governing, but the word plutocracy is relevant, defined as, “government by the wealthy, an elite or ruling class of people derived from their wealth.”
The Sun is a symbol of leadership, and Pluto is the planet of power. This combination is intense and challenging, and a rare synchronicity in a world of no coincidences. Astrologer Robert Hand writes of this aspect, “You may have to contend with a person who is trying to exert unreasonable power, forcing you to defend your right to do things your own way. The person may feel that he or she is doing this for your own good, but that is not usually the case. True Plutonian energy does not manifest itself through someone’s ego drives. It is a transpersonal flow of creative or destructive energy.”
As Pluto begins an eighteen year trek through Aquarius, essential themes rise to the occasion, setting the pace for the next stage of human evolution. All is not lost, and we can’t make this stuff up, there is a larger plan at work here. Let’s look on the bright side.
Capricorn as the testing ground of Earth school
Back to the zodiac wheel, Capricorn represents the testing ground of Earth school, and the ever present choice to choose higher ground based on the virtues of honesty, selflessness, kindness and humility. Ruled by Saturn, it is the zodiac sign of consequence and karma. In recent years, an oft repeated phrase is, “No one is above the law.” But, in reality, human laws are but a mere reflection of natural and cosmic law, and each individual has been given the power of choice.
The next zodiac sign in this unfolding cosmic purpose is Aquarius. After all these Capricorn tests of character, Aquarius goes the next step as the sign of friendship, community, clubs, social organization, and world service. The natural urge of Aquarius is primarily individualistic, but no one person can solve the countless problems in society, and therefore, people join together to affect positive change. In so doing, each person is autonomous and respected for their unique contribution while linking arms in a common cause.
Some of the positive psychological characteristics of Aquarius are: altruistic, egalitarian, unconventional, inventive, scientific, progressive. The more challenging characteristics include radical, rebellious, fanatical, skeptical, coldly detached. Obviously, these are wide ranges of expression, and as Pluto gathers momentum in Aquarius, these traits will intensify, and become more visible.
The early months of 2025
During the early months of 2025, these themes are dynamic, a shifting landscape of power and potential, decisions and action. One of the key planetary players is Mars, currently retrograde. In some ways, there is a reprieve from impulse, but Mars is waiting in the wings, ready for action.
This Mars transit is especially noteworthy as it opposes Pluto three times, a major trend in and of itself. The first opposition to Pluto was November 3. The year begins with a second opposition, exact on January 3. The third and final opposition is April 26. These dates are bookends for a distinct beginning and conclusive ending. Only time will tell, but generally, the combination of Mars and Pluto is assertive, overtly and covertly, instigating power struggles, and ruthless attempts to gain and maintain control.
So where is the silver lining in these seemingly dark clouds? On the personal level, these trends suggest a steeled and steady determination for autonomy. To step out of the madness, and pioneer one’s own path while cultivating networks of connection, such as finding friends on your wavelength, creating environments of belonging, and manifesting sustainable lifestyles.
All factors considered, the theme of dissolution is active for some time to come. On January 11, the North Lunar Node transits into Pisces for the next several years. Additionally, both Saturn and Neptune are wrapping up long term transits through Pisces during the first half of 2025. And to top it off, Venus transits through Pisces from January 2 through February 3.
To review, Pisces is the 12th and final zodiac sign in the cosmic cycle, dissolving manifestations back into infinity. Pisces is mutable and otherworldly, vacillating from confusion one moment to crystal clear clarity the next. These planetary trends can exacerbate a sense of powerlessness, but Venus in Pisces activates the saving grace of compassion for self and others as demonstrated through expressions of tender loving care.
The Aquarius New Moon on January 29
This eventful month concludes with an Aquarius New Moon on January 29, beginning the Lunar New Year, commonly known as Chinese New Year. By now, Mercury has entered Aquarius, and in addition to Sun and Moon, Mercury conjoins Pluto on the 29th. While astrologers will be delineating Pluto in Aquarius for years to come, let’s consider some of the most obvious indications on the front end of this long term transit.
First and foremost is the role of technology, and humankind’s adaptation to rapidly changing environments, for better or worse. In a multitude of ways, technology has taken over our lives, in one form or another, but it’s what we do with it that matters. The long term effects on the human organism are barely known, especially on young minds. Technology is changing education, altering physiology, and creating virtual worlds that have little to do with reality.
Technology can’t be mentioned without addressing the growing field of artificial intelligence, A.I. Robots are here, and capable of taking over many complex tasks previously left to people. This topic will continue to be very controversial as lawmakers, governments, and everyday citizens, attempt to keep up with developments. And, of course, massive shifts are underway in just about every arena: employment, economics, medicine, science, global intelligence, entertainment, to name a few.
Another aspect of technology concerns the media, and the power of information to sway the general public, one way or the other. The human mind is fallible, susceptible to manipulation. Misinformation is rampant, sensationalized and distorted for profit and political advantage. Sowing seeds of division, many media streams foster a mentality of, “us against them.” Reliable news sources are dwindling and under assault, pressured to put profit before truthful reporting.
Secondly, people are looking to the skies. Is it a plane, a drone, an alien spacecraft, or superman? It’s the talk around town, and while opinions are wide ranging, there is little substantial proof, one way or the other. Earth’s place in the wider cosmos, space exploration, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, will continue to be a subjects of interest and investigation for years to come.
Thirdly, the symbol for Aquarius is the water-bearer. Of all the zodiac signs, this is the only sign represented by a human. Sometimes depicted as male, sometimes as female, the water-bearer pours forth life giving cosmic waters upon the Earth. These waters are super charged as manna from heavenly realms. Symbolically, actually, we are entering an age of ever expanding, universal consciousness. In fact, from the yogic/metaphysical perspective, the human being is multidimensional, beyond the confines of linearity, and this is the final frontier of discovery.
Embrace the extraordinary journey
Once considered science fiction, the world today is transforming before our very eyes. Many of the predictions for these times are coming true, and normal reactions can range from anxiety to fear to dread. But, as another year gets off to a strong start, let’s remember the antidote to fear is curiosity and wonder with an added dose of humor and humility. This is not the time to go asleep, but a time to embrace the extraordinary journey of life on a tiny blue-green planet spinning in an infinite cosmos, according to an intelligent design, created and animated by a Source beyond human comprehension, experienced as LOVE.