Subject: New Moon ✩ Leap Year & the Zodiac ✩ Forecast & More

View this email online if it doesn't display correctly
Dear Stargazers,

Since Mercury stations retrograde in Pisces today, I thought it would be a good idea to remind you that since this planet represents rational thought and the concrete mind, its journey through Pisces may feel a bit uneasy for some of you.

However, since Mercury also rules ideas and brainstorming, inspiration is likely to strike as it swims in the Fish's creative waters.

On a different note, while it's true that Mercury retrograde can be a time of missed connections, mixed signals and misunderstandings, much of it can be avoided by making a conscious effort to listen, confirm plans, listen, question, proofread and follow up.

Although a gentle sign, the shadow side of Pisces is deception, so while Mercury is retrograde it's important not to take everything you hear or read as the gospel truth because the rumor mill is likely to be working overtime. While Mercury is retrograde, it's very important to confirm sources and check your facts. 

On the upside, Mercury retrograde cycles are excellent for self-reflection, and the Pisces influence suggests that many of you will find that your intuition, as well as other types of spiritual connections, are enhanced. Likewise, those of you with artistic tendencies are likely to experience this cycle as a highly inspiring one.

Mercury Retrograde in the Solar Return

A solar return chart is a horoscope that's calculated for the moment the Sun returns to the exact same position it occupied at the time of your birth. A solar return frequently falls on your actual birthday but can occur the day before or after it.

Since Mercury is retrograde three (and sometimes four) times a year, it's not uncommon for me to see it in many of my client's solar return charts when they schedule their annual forecast. For those of you who have birthdays during this retrograde cycle, Mercury will be retrograde in your solar return.

While it may not be your turn now, no one escapes it because Mercury is retrograde in the solar return chart every six years, and when it does its influence is in effect for the entire year

However, its influence on the coming solar year is different than when it's transiting retrograde. In other words, it doesn't indicate a year of misunderstandings, missed connections and technology breakdowns. Instead, it generally indicates a year where you can achieve significant growth through introspection. It's time to clean house on a mental level, organize your thoughts, identify your priorities, address any failings and tie up the loose ends in your life. If opportunities present themselves during the year, it's important to listen carefully to what's being said as well as isn't.

Having Mercury retrograde in a solar return isn't something that should cause you stress. Just like every other planetary influence, it's about working with the energy to make the most of it.

And now that you're aware of it, when it shows up in your solar return you can put it to good use.
PLANETARY FORECAST
February 17 - March 1

All dates are given in the Eastern Time zone. 

PLANETARY EVENTS

Feb. 18:  Sun enters Pisces
Feb. 23:  New Moon in Pisces

BEST DAYS

While there are other days during this time frame that are fine, these are the best of the bunch. What do I mean by the best? The energy is flowing, the moon isn't void and there's a greater likelihood for happy and/or productive outcomes.

Feb. 18, 21, 24

BEST AVOIDED

The energies on these days aren't favorable for new ventures or any activity where you want or need a definite result. If you must schedule something, you may have to think on your feet, or there may be a need for patience or flexibility.

Feb. 22

NOTABLE ASPECTS

Feb. 20:  Jupiter sextile Neptune
Feb. 21:  Mars trine Uranus
Feb. 22:  Sun sextile Uranus
Feb. 23:  Venus square Jupiter
Feb. 24:  Sun sextile Mars
Feb. 25:  Sun conjunct Mercury
Feb. 26:  Mercury sextile Mars
Feb. 28:  Venus square Pluto
Feb. 28:  Mercury sextile Uranus
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PISCES!

Your compassionate nature, idealistic mindset and charitable spirit mean that when others lose heart, you're there with a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry on and plenty of chicken soup for the soul.

With intuitive insights and abiding faith, you're here to show us that miracles really do happen.
LEAP YEAR AND THE ZODIAC

In 2020, we add an additional day to February which brings that calendar year to 366 days.

The reason for this is to bring our modern-day Gregorian calendar year (365 days) in alignment with the tropical year, which begins on the March equinox and is measured by how long it takes the Earth to revolve around the Sun (365.242189 days).

Consequently, leap years are responsible for making a slight shift in zodiac dates, which is why some years the Sun will enter a sign on a different day. For example, in 2018 and 2019, the Sun entered Taurus on April 20. In 2020, the Sun will enter Taurus on April 19. That's why whenever someone is born near a cusp, you need to check to see which sign the Sun was occupying at the time of birth, and if the person happens to be born the day the Sun changed signs, you need to know their exact time of birth to determine the correct sign.

Over the years, I've had to break the news to more than a few people who were in attendance at corporate events that they weren't born under the sign they thought they were, and I still remember the disappointment of one fellow when he learned he was a Libra and not a Scorpio!

Finally, contrary to what many people believe, a leap year doesn't occur exactly every four years. There are actually special rules governing it which you can read about by clicking here.

NEW MOON AT 4°29' PISCES
February 23, 2020 | 10:32 AM
Washington, DC

Inspired by a sextile from Mars, the energy of this month's new moon supports artistic endeavors, intuition, spiritual pursuits and emotional healing. 

Although Mercury retrograde in Pisces may delay new starts, it's conjunction to the new moon promotes new ideas and strategies for overcoming any self-defeating behaviors or unconscious patterns that undermine our success. Whether its through meditation, journaling, reading self-help books, forgiveness exercises or professional therapy, the Pisces new moon promotes healing on every level so you can move forward and create a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life.

The influence of this new moon may inspire some of you to pursue an artistic outlet, such as music, art or dance, while others may feel it's time to develop their intuitive gifts or being some type of spiritual practice. 

Finally, as the ruler of the 12th house, Pisces rules solitude. If you've been feeling overwhelmed lately, this new moon may inspire you to take a step back. On the other hand, if you've been feeling isolated, this new moon is an excellent time to seek out activities with like-minded souls.
Getting Personal

So which life areas are being targeted in your life for a new beginning? They're revealed by the horoscope house that's hosting this new moon in your chart. If you don't know which house holds 4°29' of Pisces in your horoscope, you can refer to the list below to find out where the new moon falls in your solar (sun-sign based) chart.

If your Sun sign is:

Aries, the new moon falls in your solar 12th house of secrets, past lives, healing and psychic abilities.
Taurus, the new moon falls in your solar 11th house of goals, casual friends, colleagues and group relationships.
Gemini, the new moon falls in your solar 10th house of career, status and fame.
Cancer, the new moon falls in your solar 9th house of foreign travel, higher education, legal matters and publishing.
Leo, the new moon falls in your solar 8th house of intimacy, other people's money and support, jointly-held assets and transformation.
Virgo, the new moon falls in your solar 7th house of marriage, lawsuits, and one-to-one relationships.
Libra, the new moon falls in your solar 6th house of work, health, service and pets.
Scorpio, the new moon falls in your solar 5th house of romance, children, creativity.
Sagittarius, the new moon falls in your solar 4th house of home, family, real estate, parents and intuition.
Capricorn, the new moon falls in your solar 3rd house of siblings, short trips, transportation and all types of communications.
Aquarius, the the new moon falls in your solar 2nd house of money, income, values and self-worth.
Pisces, the new moon falls in your solar 1st house: it's all about you, including your approach to life and physical appearance.

Manifesting with the Pisces New Moon 

You can set any intention under any new moon* but when it's in Pisces, it especially favors:

Actions, intentions and affirmations that promote creativity, imagination, compassion, charity, intuition, psychic gifts, and the mind-body-spirit connection. This new moon energy is also excellent for planting seeds to attract skillful photographers, hypnotists, psychics, mediums, dream analysts and retreat centers.

*Since Mercury is retrograde, new moon intentions may take a little longer to germinate.

Closing Thoughts

February is completely booked, but there are still astrology appointments available in March. Click here to get on my schedule.

Until next time,

May Jupiter's blessings be your constant companion,

Debra Anne Clement
© 2020 Debra Anne Clement. All Rights Reserved.
LikeTwitterPinterestGooglePlusLinkedInForward
Debra Anne Clement, 4030 Wake Forest Rd, Ste 349, Raleigh, NC 27609, United States
You may unsubscribe or change your contact details at any time.