Year: 2026

“The story is told of a South American tribe that went on a long march, day after day, when all of a sudden they would stop walking, sit down to rest for awhile, and then make camp for a couple of days before going any further. They explained that they needed the time to rest so that their souls could catch up with them.” Cindy Johnson

“You are not the oil, you are not the air – merely the point of combustion, the flash-point where the light is born.” Dag Hammarskjold

When I first moved to rural NH I read a book by a local author, Elizabeth Yates, called “The Lighted Heart”. The book told the story of how her  husband had developed a degenerative  illness which would eventually  result in total blindness. She made a plan to move to Peterborough, NH and buy a farm where she could raise border collies, share a meaningful life with him  and become engaged in the life of the town.  The book is a story of how she developed a life of joy in the midst of uncertainty and difficulty.

The upcoming Full Moon is on February 1 at 5:09 PM EST, with the Sun in Aquarius and the Moon in Leo. The Sun will be conjunct the asteroid, Vesta, which is named after the Vestal Virgins in ancient Rome who kept the sacred fires alight. This is one of the important themes of this Full Moon-  about  keeping the inner fires of inspiration and inner light burning brighly.

The Moon in Leo is opposing  the stellium of planets in Aquarius-  Mercury,Venus, the Sun, Mars and Pluto. Oppositions can  represent crystallization and rigidity which can provoke conflict. But oppositions can also be helpful in building inner strength, courage and stamina for the long term.

Oppositions also lead up to a new cycle. It’s wise at this time to cultivate patience and replenish strength for the journey ahead.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is,”A flag is seen, turning into an eagle.”

Sabian symbols from Lynda Hill

“Bodhisattvas are referred to as enlightened ‘heroes’ or ‘warriors.’They are highly altruistic beings who have the wisdom to realize that by dedicating themselves to the welfare of other sentient beings, the fulfillment of their own self interest comes automatically as a by product.” Dalai Lama

“There are many causes I would die for.There is not a single cause I would kill for.” Mahatma Gandhi

When I was in the Catholic school, the nuns used to remind us, “actions not words, dear. ” Neptune goes into Aries today for the first time since 1861. This is a time when spiritual practice turns into action. It is a time when idealism and altruism can be strong motivational forces.

One example we  can see this now is with members of the clergy being outspoken about their religious doctrine and  its correlation to  current events.

On a personal level this Neptune transit can spark the imagination and create new visions. It is a good time for soul retrieval, a retreat or a vision quest.

There is plenty of energy to be drawn on this week – as Mars in Aquarius moves up to conjunct Pluto. This combination is often seen in the charts of professional athletes and give drive, focus and energy. These two planets are also associated with battling for control, with conflict and power struggles. Conflict can easily escalate under this influence so it’s wise to
deescalate rather than escalate if conflict arises.

The Sun will conjunct the asteroid Vesta towards the end of the week. Vesta was named for the Vestal Virgins of ancient Rome.  They were priestesses who kept the sacred flame alight and presided over all government  functions. It was widely believed that Rome would fall if the sacred light went out. Under this influence it’s a good time to strengthen the inspiration coming into your life.

Mercury will conjunct Venus also at the end of the week. This is an interesting alignment associated with time when head and heart align. When it appears in synastry (assessing the compatibility of two charts) it can mean that when one person speaks it goes right to the other person’s heart.

One of the Sabian symbols for this time is, “A Hindu healer glows with mystic healing power.”

Sabian symbols from Lynda Hill