Monthly Vedic Astrology Forecast

Five Planet Stellium in Capricorn Feb 4 – 13
New Moon in Capricorn/Dhanistha February 11
Sun Transits Aquarius February 13 – March 14
Mercury Direct in Capricorn February 20
Venus Transits Aquarius February 20 – March 16
Mars Transits Taurus February 22 - April 13
Full Moon in Leo/Purvaphalguni February 27

Five Planet Stellium in Capricorn Feb 4 – 13

From February 4 – 13, Saturn's earth sign, Capricorn, will be stacked high with planets: Sun, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus will all be present during this stretch. In addition, the Moon will pass through from February 9-11, making a total of six planets in Capricorn.

When Venus entered Capricorn in late January, there were four planet seated there. On February 4, retrograde Mercury returns to Capricorn from Aquarius, making five which will prevail through February 13.

The last occurrence of this number of planets in Capricorn was in early February, 1962, when during the new Moon, there was an eclipse amidst an eight planet stellium!

A solar eclipse on February 4-5, 1962 caused by Ketu's conjoining the Sun and Moon surrounded by five other planets, had been predicted by many astrologers to signal extremely negative events.

At 7:05 am Indian Standard Time (0135 UTC), a "doomsday period" (as predicted by Hindu astrologers, began. It was reported that the astrologers had predicted that on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the earth would be "bathed in the blood of thousands of kings" because of the alignment of six planets, the Earth, the Sun and the Moon. In Britain, Aetherias Society director Keith Robertson would spend February 4th awaiting disaster along with many of the society's members. He had forecast that "very soon the world will do a 'big flip' when the poles will change places with the equator... 75 percent of the world's population will be killed", but the alignment and eclipse ended without any notable disaster. - Wikipedia

Similar dark days have been predicted by other astrologers for this upcoming stellium in Capricorn. One difference between February 2021 and February 1962 is that the nodal axis, Rahu and Ketu, will not join the stellium in 2021, which makes things a bit less dramatic. That said, when looking into the historical events of 1962, there were a few notable events in February, such as John Glenn orbiting the Earth and a coal mine disaster in Germany that killed 300 people, but as it turned out, our planet was not "bathed in the blood of 1000 kings" nor did 75% of the world's population perish.

While the nodal axis is not affecting Capricorn directly at this time by conjunction, Rahu from Taurus does have a strong aspect to Capricorn, which through the remainder of 2021, could continue to make waves.

Capricorn is a movable earth sign ruled by Saturn. Currently, both Saturn and Jupiter's presence there indicates mixed results. The two planets that govern contraction (Saturn) and expansion (Jupiter) are occupying the same zone and will have some friction that may cause us to feel that events are not proceeding. The planet that rules limitation and contraction is stronger at this time. This stalling may not promote great changes externally, but could serve to rebalance things at the ground level.

Capricorn supports difficult work that requires patience, detachment, fortitude and determination. This is the sign associated with executive actions that have long-term consequences. We may feel that it is difficult to move forward quickly during this time, especially because the environments in which we find ourselves may not be comfortable or nurturing.

With Jupiter moving quickly through Capricorn and away from Saturn during February and March 2021, we could be deliberately laying groundwork for future actions that are on the horizon but not yet in our hands. Have patience and set your pieces up with care and forethought for how things may play out in the years to come. Now is time to set up for the long game.

New Moon in Capricorn/Dhanistha February 11

The culmination of the many planets occupying Capricorn comes with the new Moon of February 11, when the Sun and Moon join at 30° Capricorn, in the 23rd nakshatra, Dhanistha.

The luminaries join Saturn, Jupiter, Venus and retrograde Mercury in Saturn's own sign. The new Moon time is considered to be challenging to the Moon's considerations, which run from emotions, mental state and public opinion to general health and well-being. It is a good time to plan for rest and limit important actions that require ample energy.

The other factor that arches over this new Moon is that all of the planets will be hemmed on one side of the nodal axis. When the Moon passes into Sagittarius on February 7, all of the seven visible planets will be in the signs that lie between Scorpio (Ketu's current position) and Taurus (Rahu's current position.) This creates a condition known as Kala Sarpa Yoga, which translates as "the serpent of time." The idea is that this creates an environment that can feel much like a trap, where it is difficult to escape a situation or to avoid an outcome.

After the new Moon, it begins to wax, becoming stronger. When the Moon reaches Taurus and joins Rahu, that challenges the Moon, which could create confusing or chaotic situations, but it also breaks that Kala Sarpa yoga. The Moon enters Taurus on February 19.

As the Moon breaks past Rahu and into Gemini on February 21, we may begin to feel that we are again in the driver's seat, but possibly confused on our direction while also being doubtful about how much fuel we have left. As Mercury is resuming direct motion February 20, it may take a few days to re-orient and get back on track.

Sun Transits Aquarius February 13 – March 14

The Sun and Saturn are at odds, fundamentally. The Sun represents our individuality, our unique soul as it expresses itself, our ego, which serves to define the "self." Saturn's role is to counter this experience of individuation with the reminder that it will be fleeting, that the body will decay, as do all things on the material plane, and therefore we should remain in a state of detachment to material realities due to this inevitable transience that marches forward indefinitely with time.

When the Sun is transiting through the signs that are lorded by Saturn (Capricorn and Aquarius), we experience this clash between truths on some levels. This reliably happens each year between mid-January and mid-March, the last two months of the winter season in the four-season model. While the Sun has turned to his northern trajectory, he has to first cross the unwelcoming, dry and challenging terrain of Saturn's signs.

Part two of the Sun's Saturnalia Journey 2021, begins when the Sun enters Aquarius. While on any given year this may not seem like a victory, with the many planets in Capricorn creating a crowd, presided over by Saturn himself, the move to Aquarius, which is free of Rahu's aspect and of Saturn himself, could feel more significant.

The Sun's entourage will follow along, with Venus entering Aquarius on February 20 and Mercury finally straightening out his direction and returning to Aquarius on March 11. Jupiter follows into Aquarius on April 5, after which Saturn remains alone in Capricorn until Jupiter's retrograde pulls him back in mid-September.

With the upcoming shifts through February and March, the overall theme keeps coming down to Saturn's strength in Capricorn. After a difficult period, many people find themselves sorting through broken pieces, looking for the valuable materials and discarding that which has been spoiled. Saturn in Capricorn from Jan 2020 – Jan 2023 could be turning up the dirt, exposing the weaknesses and revealing that which is strong enough to use in a future project that is built to last.

The wisdom of the turtle, who has built-in protection and moves slowly, comes to us through both Saturn and Ketu. Both of these planets are currently occupying their own signs, making their messages strong and clear. If we are to build, let us build deliberately and with an eye on the long run. Problems should be fixed now, not left to destabilize the structure at a later date.

With this in mind, the prevailing planetary weather until April points toward responsible growth, foundational corrections, deliberate action and steady patience in the face of an ever-changing playing field.

Mercury Direct in Capricorn February 20

After entering Aquarius on January 25, Mercury stopped short on January 31 and re-traced a path back into Capricorn, eventually stalling again at 17° Capricorn on February 20. From here, just a few degrees away from his friend Saturn, Mercury traces a course back across the transition from Capricorn to Aquarius on March 10.

Mercury with this retrograde cycle will have first run ahead of the Sun, Jupiter and Venus, then retrograded back past them all, almost to Saturn's placement and then regains direct motion on February 20, catching his breath for the next sprint forward.

First, let us consider how Mercury is, inherently. Regularly giving us retrograde cycles and never straying too far from the Sun's placement, Mercury conveys versatility, energy and willingness to change places or things, which are the foundations of both communication and transactions, two of Mercury's favorite things.

The child-like openness and willingness to learn is what endears us to the Mercury energy. Mercury can do well even in signs that are challenging due to this adaptable nature. This same adaptability can turn into a detriment when expressed inappropriately or without honesty. The regularly retrograde Mercury can sometimes be hard to read, as this chameleon-like quality can distract us from the details.

Saturn is a natural friend of Mercury; therefore Mercury's time buzzing between Capricorn and Aquarius as we embark upon a new western calendar year reflects a willingness to analyze what is paying off and what isn't, in light of the slow and deliberate growth project that Saturn is founding at this time.

As Mercury resumes forward progress through the latter part of Capricorn, he will be visiting with Jupiter as he is charging for the gates to Aquarius, as well. This trio of planets (Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn) will occupy Capricorn until Mercury moves to Aquarius on March 11, followed by Jupiter on April 5. This is a good combination for building educational programs, managing investment portfolios, identifying viable growth avenues and creating robust, practical business plans. Oh yes, and tax preparation, too.

Again, February and March are looking good for groundwork.

Venus Transits Aquarius February 20 – March 16

Like Mercury, Venus is a natural friend of Saturn, so can express well while transiting Saturn's signs, Capricorn and Aquarius. Like Mercury, Venus may also feel a bit more free upon reaching Aquarius due to the relief that comes from distance from Saturn while at the same time escaping the gaze of Rahu from Taurus. This could signal some calming in the relationship realms that allow us to gain some quiet and perspective as we analyze things Venusian.

Venus represents the concept of social interaction, which stretches from one-on-one relationships to politics to artistic creation, in which we interact with materials and mediums.

From January 28 – February 20, Venus moves through Capricorn, which is the beginning of Venus moving into combustion with the Sun and then past the Sun in the zodiac, which in observational terms means that Venus is shifting from rising prior to the Sun (visible in the east before dawn, as in 2020) to setting after the Sun (visible in the west after sunset.)

Venus passes by Saturn on Feb 5-6 and passes by Jupiter on Feb 10-11 (which coincides with the new Moon and many planets in Capricorn.) This could be a time when diplomacy and negotiation become extremely crucial. Keep in mind that retrograde Mercury can cause an increase mishaps and misunderstandings. This is another reason to slow down and deliberate when speaking, with extra effort given to listening and receiving what the other is expressing.

By February 14, Venus comes into combustion range with the Sun, which means we lose sight of Venus. By February 20, Venus follows Sun into Aquarius. On March 26, exalted Venus finally overtakes the Sun in Pisces and moves on. This is the superior conjunction of Venus who will pass behind the Sun from our perspective. By early May, we will be able to again see Venus in the west after sunset. This "evening star" appearance continues through January 2022.

Aquarius is co-ruled by Saturn and Rahu, who have the common aim of reminding us that we can make plans but that we shouldn't attach to outcomes due to the unstable and unrelenting nature of life on Earth. Rahu unites the masses with little regard for race or creed. Saturn protects the meek and bestows sovereignty equally to all beings. Together, they color Aquarius as a sign of humanitarian concern and equity for all.

Venus is the ruler of the water element and has much to do with our vitality as well, as water and nourishment also come through the food we eat, another major concern of Venus. Aquarius in western astrology is known as "the water bearer." In jyotish, we call Aquarius "kumbha," which translates as a pot that holds water. Who better to do creative, compassionate work in the most humanitarian sign than Venus?

This is a short transit for Venus and under the cover of the burning rays of the Sun. This is a difficult combination for both Venus and Sun, who when together remind us of the challenges faced in relationship and community, when we learn to balance individual needs with collective goals. In the environment of Aquarius, the voice of the masses is amplified over the sovereign assertion of the individual.

In political terms, the Sun represents government and leadership while Venus represents the voice of the people who demand community responsibility, social safety nets and environmental attention. This combination moving together through Aquarius may be reflected in a rebalancing of leadership roles and governmental goals.

On the creative front, which is another of Venus' projects, this could be a great stretch to innovate, mix mediums and create outside of the box. With the brightness of the Sun protecting Venus from prying eyes, this is a backstage moment when new sources of glamor and magic could be conjured.

Mars Transits Taurus February 22 - April 13

Mars has been strongly placed in his own fire sign of Aries since December 23, 2020. After two months of firing at will, Mars moves into a slightly altered state from February 22 – April 13, when he joins Rahu in Venus' earth sign, Taurus. This has multiple implications some positive, some challenging.

For context, the last Rahu + Mars encounter happened in Gemini from May 7 – June 22, 2019. At that time, Saturn was in Sagittarius, aspecting Mars and Rahu, while Jupiter was in Scorpio, giving no balancing aspect.

Mars and Rahu conjoin exactly on March 27-28, 2021 at 20° Taurus.

On the Kala Sarpa Yoga front, Mars joining Rahu at least gives us some power to fight against the feeling of facing problems that have come to us through no apparent fault of our own. This will break the cycle of this type of yoga until January 2022. So, we've got that going for us!

Rahu's energy feels like gusts of chaos. This is a choppy, windy feeling that can be agitating. Mars is fiery and easily agitated. Air and fire are two essential ingredients for explosive conditions. Knowing this, it is wise to ramp up the grounding and the moisture. Practice the Venus things consciously to balance the strong energy of Mars and Rahu: compassion, empathy, giving, love, purity, rejuvenation, forgiveness. Rinse and repeat.

Venus is a helper here, as is Jupiter, albeit struggling a bit due to the co-habitation with Saturn in Jupiter's sign of debilitation. From Capricorn, through April 5, Jupiter at least gives some positive, wise, stabilizing input to the Mars+Rahu combination. Any time Jupiter can influence Mars toward channeling his fire for good, we all benefit.

Mars and Rahu together can be impatient, emboldened and aggressive. Beware of spontaneous decisions that could be a disastrous waste of resources during this time. Remember the Saturn plan to build slowly and wisely for the long term. The temptation of quick gains of resource or power could be intoxicating. Discipline, patience and determination will win the day.

Mars + Rahu could see some strong push toward vaccine deployment, as well. This show of force against the virus that has been ravaging the world for over a year could begin to really make people feel both more safe (Mars) and hopeful for the future (Jupiter's aspect.)

Full Moon in Leo/Purvaphalguni February 27

After the very crowded new Moon in Capricorn on February 11, the Moon waxes, becoming full in the Sun's sign of Leo on February 27. This is a strong place for the Moon, but may feel a bit lonely, as no other planets are flanking or joining the Moon.

The Moon breaks the Kala Sarpa Yoga between February 19-20, when it moves past Rahu. This point in time is the coalescence of some other planetary events, such as Mercury resuming direct motion and Venus changing signs to Aquarius. The last week of February may feel much different from the first week of February.

The February finale is Moon slipping into fullness at 15° Leo, opposite the Sun at 15° Aquarius. The Sun is joined by Venus in Shatabishak nakshatra while Moon is in Purvaphalguni nakshatra. This full Moon is known in the Hindu calendar as Magha Purnima, which is marked with ritual bathing and donations.

Purvaphalguni is ruled by the planet Venus and lies entirely within the territory of Leo, ruled by the Sun. Both the Sun and Venus in Aquarius will be aspecting the Moon, who sits in the nakshatra of Venus within the sign of the Sun.

Here we see the same theme of Venus and Sun and the eternal balancing act that is required to maintain sovereignty while engaging in authentic relationship with others.

Receive this inspiration and allow it to be the flux that bridges disparate materials or opposing parties. The Sun and Venus are sitting in Shatabishak, which is a nakshatra of Rahu that sits within the sign of Aquarius, ruled by Rahu and Saturn.

This Rahu energy can be unstable, but it is erosion that causes land to form in new ways. The instability of Rahu inspires innovation; the threat of losing stability can be an amazing channel for bringing our most brilliant game.

From Spring 2019 to Autumn 2020, Rahu was exalted in Gemini and helped bring the world to its knees with a pandemic. Rahu's effects can radiate out to a global level rapidly, bringing fame and renown instantly, and then withdrawing it all just as quickly. We are collectively emerging from a chaotic period that has left many with little choice but to make radical changes and to rebuild foundations. If there is any time to shoot for the Moon, this is it. Aim true. There is no hurry, keep it slow and steady.

PHOTO CREDIT: By Shadow Ayush - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62885475