There’s this New Moon kicking off a whole parade of planets meeting up with Pluto in Aquarius over the next few weeks. And get this—it’s the first time in about 248 years this cosmic parade happened. So, yeah, it’s kind of a big deal. This isn’t just about you, though. It is also about the impact YOU have on everyone around you. Now, what really gets me curious in this whole celestial soup is how clearly the stars lay out those diverging paths. It’s like they’re sending us a message in neon lights: Will you compare and despair, or can you compare and dare to chase your dreams?
Now, I could dive into all the astrology stuff to back this up, but honestly, I think it’s better if we just chat about the important stuff we touched on earlier. Humans are wired to both fit in and stand out. So, naturally, we compare ourselves to others. But here’s the kicker: what we do with that comparison is totally up to us. It’s kind of like how the Earth’s magnetic field shifts before a polar flip. We can also flip the script on what we’ve known up until now. And this whole planetary party over Pluto in Aquarius? Well, it’s gently nudging us along that path.
So, when you compare yourself to others—whether they’re doing better or worse—how does it make you feel? Let’s geek out a bit here. This is where it helps to have a little brain science. Most people feel worse about themselves in comparison. Even when you feel superior, fear of another surpassing you is constantly eating any real pleasure from the status. The minute someone else achieves you can spiral into envy and resentment. These reactions are like a shared psychosis fueled with fear of scarcity and lack. Yet, you exist to contribute your unique part of the human puzzle. There is no one else who can do what you are here to do.
Here’s a little brain hack. Our brain stem runs us roughly 75% of the day. It governs muscle memory so you don’t have to remember to chew. But it also kicks in on bigger things. Like expansion. When you expand into the unknown, your brainstem doesn’t know how to survive that unfamiliar landscape. So it will cleverly work to limit the spread into new territory. Which is when compare and despair kicks in hard. Because once you see that something is possible, you know you can expand with less fear. Yet the brain stem prefers status quo, where you are safe even when uncomfortably so. Which is why it defaults to feelings of failure, envy and resentment instead of channeling your new found visual of possible success into YOUR growth.
Your dreams and desires? They’re like your personal GPS guiding you toward your purpose. So let’s bust this myth right now: someone else achieving what you want doesn’t make your dream any less valid. But, man, do people buy into that lie, and it drives them crazy. It’s the land of ‘compare and despair’. This New Moon, with Pluto hanging out in Aquarius, is our chance to let go of those fears that say we can’t have what we want in life. Your job? Stay open to where those dreams take you and embrace every twist and turn along the way. This way feels more like partnership with life itself. Your desires have a match that may exceed what you thought you could achieve, when you stay open. Release rigid expectations. Other people’s success can help pave your way!
So, let’s flip the script. Let other people’s wins fuel your fire, showing you that your dreams are totally within reach. Instead of feeling down about what you see others achieving, let it inspire you to chase after your own version of success. Aquarius is all about those unexpected breakthroughs, almost like leaping over buildings with a single thought. So, why not compare and dare? Dream big and go after what sets your soul on fire. The Cards and Stars will help.
Thank you,
Lisa Greenfield
2/9 Aquarius New Moon The Fool: A Leap Of Faith
February 9th brings us the Aquarius New Moon, aligning perfectly with The Fool card, which is linked to Uranus. How fitting, right? Squares are like those action-packed to-do lists, and this New Moon won’t let you coast on autopilot. Nope, it’s nudging you gently but firmly out of your cozy comfort zone. The Moon and the Sun square off with Uranus, to signal change both inside and out. Uranus, that mythic rebel who toppled his father, is here to shake things up. So get ready for moments custom-made to shatter the old molds you’ve been stuck in. Let’s embrace the spirit of comparing and daring by digging deep into those places within us that still need a little work.
If you catch yourself feeling all defeated, sour and jealous or brewing up some resentment, hit pause. Take a trip back to your younger self. Somewhere along the line, you missed the memo that there’s plenty of goodness to go around. Don’t let your younger self wallow in that scarcity mindset. There’s a way out, and it feels pretty darn good. Did you know that admiring someone actually rewires your brain for the better? It’s true! When we admire someone, it’s not about copying them—it’s about becoming the best version of ourselves, in our own unique way! It really can hack our brain. So, in those sticky moments, picture someone you deeply admire. Take just ten minutes to appreciate and admire them.
This simple practice does wonders. It fires up your brain’s desire to embrace your own best qualities, nudging aside those nasty thoughts that thrive on putting others (or yourself) down. Swap failure, envy and resentment for genuine admiration—it’s like opening a window to let the fresh air in. By intentionally directing your focus, you take a leap of faith toward genuine appreciation for others, which, in turn, boosts your neurobiological self-approval. Plus, having strong connections will be golden in the next 20 years. The strongest connections are built on lifting each other up, not knocking each other down, even if that knock feels good for a moment. And good community will make the difference between heaven and hell these next two decades. So, ask yourself: Is this leap worth taking? You decide.
2/10 Six of Pentacles: Fortunate Actions
This card signifies good fortune stemming from your own actions. Today’s aspects present you with two contrasting paths—one overestimates your abilities and potential outcomes, while the other underestimates them. It’s clear that neither extreme serves you well. It’s more about finding that sweet spot in between. It feels like a call to fine-tune your approach and assess how you’re doing things and how it all feels in the present moment. Take a dive into both optimistic and pessimistic beliefs. They might have served you once, but do they still apply to your current situation?
Where do you find inspiration from positive role models who show you what’s possible? And conversely, do you have any cautionary tales that offer lessons from others’ mistakes? This caution isn’t to halt your progress; it’s about navigating forward in a sustainable manner. Think of it as giving yourself some much-needed guidance. Seek out what sparks your creativity and reflect on what teaches you valuable lessons. Let these combined energies drown out the old fears that hold you back. Remember, we’re living in revolutionary times. The greatest revolution is the one where you overthrow those nagging doubts that prevent you from fully expressing yourself in ways that uplift those around you. Because when you do that, you become someone worth celebrating and admiring.
2/11 Death: A Way Of Life Invalidated By Growth
The aspects on Sunday practically scream change—it’s almost impossible to stay as you are. When the Death card makes an appearance, it signals a way of life that’s been outgrown. It’s spot-on with today’s celestial alignments. Uranus lends the Moon a hand in sweeping aside old fears, prompting us to face our desires head-on. How well do you really grasp what you want? Keep in mind, it’s often easier to articulate what we don’t want rather than what we do. So, take stock today. What are you feeling, and what does that feeling truly crave?
As you navigate this crucial terrain, do you have folks around who encourage thoughtful self-reflection? Critics are a dime a dozen, but tackling change is tough without support along the way. You’ll benefit most from asking yourself gentle questions to uncover your genuine motivations, desires, and needs—not from critiquing every move you make. The tension between Venus and Eris exposes patterns in how your wants and needs are treated. Are they brushed aside until they explode like molten lava, scorching everything around them? Or are they ridiculed and diminished for not fitting the mold of what’s considered acceptable? Perhaps they’re even squashed before they have a chance to blossom.
With Neptune and Mercury in an awkward dance, you might find yourself swinging between dwelling on past regrets and finding inspiration for the future. But come late evening, when the Moon aligns with Neptune, you’ll tap into deeper emotions and find a better way to meet those wants and needs. It’s not a straightforward journey, and there are no quick fixes. The Death card speaks of a gradual shedding of the old, nurturing new growth—much like leaves falling from trees in winter, paving the way for spring. Embrace comfort and softness, both in your mind and in your surroundings. For now, stash away those measuring sticks. Progress reports can wait for another day.
2/12 Page of Swords: Unavoidable Responsibility
When the Page of Swords makes an entrance, it’s a cue to step up and take responsibility for yourself. That means being mindful of your thoughts and how you talk to yourself because the way you communicate internally spills out into the world and affects others. With the Moon shifting into Aries and Mars moving into Pluto, there’s an opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on expressing your individuality. However, watch out for youthful rebellion when things don’t go your way. Remember, actions have consequences, and while you’re free to express yourself as you please, you can’t evade the consequences of your words and actions.
Aquarius brings a powerful imperative to unite the individual with the collective. It’s about finding a balance where individuality shines while benefiting the community as a whole. Watch out for power struggles disguised as one-upmanship or putting others down. True power lies in expressing yourself authentically while considering your environment. Ask yourself, what’s the best way to express your needs and desires? Overcompensating only leads to more conflict and achieves little of real value. The aim is to identify what you want and then find a genuine way to express it while respecting the needs of others. When you work to offer the same consideration you’d like to receive, you hit the sweet spot. Even if your individuality causes disruption, it does so with a sense of mutual respect—it’s power alongside others, not power over them.
2/13 Six of Swords: Working Out Difficulties
Today, Mars meets up with Pluto, accompanied by a slew of other aspects that put personal power in the spotlight. Mars and Pluto are often associated with conflict and aggression. The smarter you are, the easier it is to justify taking what you want or encroaching on someone else’s space. But let’s face it—there are better ways to achieve positive outcomes. We just have to confront the darker aspects of ourselves that crave domination, sometimes at any cost. What do we do with that primal urge to assert control over situations or others?
It begins with acknowledging the truth of that feeling. Stop trying to rationalize it or brush it off. Let it stand there, raw and primal, as the ancient survival instinct it is. Then, ask yourself if you truly want to live in a world where brutality plays a significant role. Because even when you win, you’ve essentially turned your world into a battleground of winners and losers, guaranteeing that you’ll eventually find yourself on the losing end. Do you really want to spend most of your energy just surviving rather than creating?
To bring about change, you need to start by changing the inner dialogue. True transformation happens when you embrace all facets of yourself and express them in unique, creative ways only you can offer. That means getting to know those shadowy parts of yourself, not just the ones you’ve learned to show in order to fit in. There’s power in delving deep into your own psyche, akin to mining for precious minerals underground. When you tap into these hidden riches, you can transform your life—and that transformation ripples out from you to benefit the collective. Take those raw urges and work them into precious gold. You’ll be rich beyond your dreams in all kinds of ways when you do.
2/14 Four of Cups, Reversed: Release Defensiveness (Valentines)
On this day of love, the Moon squares both Pluto and Mars, setting the stage for potential button-pushing moments. Whether you find yourself on the receiving end or feel the urge to push back, how you react becomes your training ground. Are you sticking to your old story, or are you open to exploring familiar pain points in a new light? Fours can represent either a solid foundation or feeling boxed in. Which path will you choose? Can you challenge any painful narratives about your worthiness or lovability on this day synonymous with romance? Before any meaningful connection can occur, those protective walls need a way in. We need to reverse unnecessary defenses, as this card literally shows us.
Sure, being open leaves you vulnerable to hurt—that’s a given. But love can’t penetrate through four walls without any doors or windows. Beware of rigid beliefs about how love should be expressed; they’re self-imposed barriers. Instead, try easing into a sense of self-love. Stand before a mirror and acknowledge the outstanding qualities you see in yourself. Look into your own eyes and say it out loud. This self-affirmation serves a dual purpose: it fills your love cup and acts as a magnet, showing others how to treat you with love and respect. What have you got to lose, aside from defenses that have long outlived their usefulness? When you prioritize self-care, those who can’t or won’t reciprocate are naturally phased out, making room for those who genuinely care. Settle in for the journey—you’re worth it.
2/15 Nine of Swords: Needless Worry
Just because the mind can come up with endless worst case scenarios, doesn’t mean any of them will come true. Today’s aspects help us doubt our doubts. Nine is a master number and swords represent the mind’s realm. So we get the opportunity to take command over needless worry. In fact, you can call on your inner observer to help you marvel at how cleverly your mind can create these disaster scenarios. Aren’t you brilliant at imagining the worst! Again, the likelihood they will occur, is small, unless you give them all your attention.
Remember what you focus on expands. So when you find yourself giving too much time to the dark side, insist your mind balance it out with best case scenarios, too. One is just as possible as the other. Balance is key. In fact, you can direct your mind to come up with a better ratio than one positive to one negative. Why not go for a real goal, like five positive to one negative outcome. Now that’s the mental equivalent of a full body workout. What have you got to lose except needless worry, right?
2/16 Eight of Pentacles: Artful solutions
Today, the Moon squares off with the Sun, urging us to reflect on the changes we’ve undergone during this Moon cycle. Where are you embracing more of your authentic self, and where are you still held back by old fears and conditioning? Don’t dwell on what you haven’t achieved yet. Instead, give yourself credit for the progress you’ve made. In fact, demand that your mind recognizes and celebrates the strides you’ve taken. Part of this journey involves acknowledging yourself and offering positive reinforcement for your efforts. The number eight signifies more than just being a learner; you’re becoming a skilled craftsman, creating things of beauty and value. The Moon trines Venus, Pluto and Mars today to give you extra oomph while you do.
Remember, with the number eight, what you put out into the world comes back to you. But before seeking feedback, guide your mind. You might have become accustomed to disregarding positive reinforcement or overlooking it altogether. Take charge now. Instruct your mind to focus on the evidence of your positive growth. Recognize where you’re embracing your true self rather than operating from a place of conformity to others’ rules. Celebrate these victories and incorporate them into your journey of evolution. This is your world to shape—why not create one where it feels amazing to thrive?
2/17 Ace of Wands: Fresh Desires
Venus meets up with Pluto bright and early Saturday morning, igniting a fresh perspective on desire. This Ace marks the beginning of something new, and in the realm of fire, it signifies an inspired start. Before the crack of dawn, the Gemini moon squares off with Saturn, flooding your mind with countless ideas about what hasn’t yet materialized. To embark on this new journey, it’s crucial to toss those tired fears and frustrations onto the bonfire. As they go up in flames, bask in the warmth and light, allowing yourself to rediscover the essence of your original desires.
Any perceived lack in love likely stems from constraints that aren’t truly yours—perhaps they never were. Let desire become a delightful experience. Direct your focus there instead of dwelling on what might be missing or expressed in ways that don’t align with your true self. For the time being, follow the feeling and indulge in its allure as the intensity and clarity of possibilities grow.
2/18 Wheel of Fortune: Inspired Dreams
When the Gemini Moon aligns with Mercury in a trine, you might find yourself flooded with insights while you sleep. As Luna later squares Neptune, why not set an intention to identify where you can break free from cycles of suffering and instead embrace good fortune? We’re faced with a mix of aspects that can lead us toward inspired flow, or we can get lost in sorrow, fixating on what’s behind us. Of course, it’s valuable to glean wisdom from past lessons—that’s how the sadness of yesterday nourishes our present.
If you’re struggling to move beyond a space that focuses more on pain than healing, take a moment to reflect on what this perspective has meant to you. Sometimes, acknowledging the pain we’ve ignored since childhood feels essential. However, remember that seeking external validation can’t fully compensate for past wounds; true healing comes from within. Emotions typically take about ten minutes to traverse our nervous system. So, if you’re hurting, set a timer for ten minutes and soothe yourself. Make this time meaningful, then allow yourself to move through it. By doing so, you let emotions flow instead of overwhelming you or lingering on the sidelines while you seek validation from others. With regular practice, you’ll find that the need for external validation diminishes, as your emotions flow freely. This breaks the closed loop of suffering, propelling you forward on the evolutionary spiral of growth.
2/19 The Moon: Sensible Intuition
The Cancer Moon receives support from Saturn in Pisces, offering us grounded intuitive guidance. As Chiron aligns with the North Node, we’re assured that we can turn old wounds into opportunities for growth. Like the grain of sand in an oyster, there’s potential to transform past hurts into something beautiful. What’s remarkable is how this process liberates us from fears, as darkness gives way to light in our lives.
Just as the unseen Moon transitions from darkness to brilliance in the night sky, our doubts and fears provide contrast, illuminating what lies beyond our old vulnerabilities. You understand that life’s challenges can be transformed into something exquisite, uniquely yours to contribute to the world. It may not always make logical sense, but there’s stability in this process. Saturn reminds us that with patience, we’ll discover numerous paths to transform ourselves in any circumstance.
2/20 Nine of Wands: Spiritual Mastery
Hello to the second nine of this Moon cycle! Two nines signify cooperative endings, which pairs wonderfully with the choices the aspects present for us today. Do you want your wounds to dictate your decisions, or do you prefer the empowered self you’ve become, one who has learned from those battles? This isn’t about spiritual bypass or relentless positivity. Instead, it’s about being present with the pain you feel now when you recall hurtful memories, but seeing them in perspective of all the life you’ve lived around those moments.
With a broad enough frame of reference, you can view yourself now without any need to abandon, shame, or blame your younger self or others. This perspective allows for the acceptance of all aspects of yourself and your history, carrying them downstream with the river of life to new shores. Spirit loves ritual, so why not create one for what you wish to release today? It honors the past and creates space for what is yet to come.
2/21 Two of Cups: Gentle Integration
The Moon will be spending the next two days in Leo, opposite the planetary parade in Aquarius. Get ready for some lessons in contrast. Sometimes, this manifests as being aware of what you don’t like, don’t want, or didn’t receive, along with all the stories that arise from those experiences. Leo represents individuality that craves expression, while Aquarius prioritizes the collective or community. The tension between needing to be seen as an individual and considering the needs of the collective can create conflict.
Ultimately, it’s about integrating these opposing needs. It’s not an either/or situation; we benefit from unique gifts enriching our connections. However, these gifts are most appreciated when there’s thoughtfulness in how they’re shared. It’s not necessarily about dimming your brightness but rather knowing when to shine your light so that it illuminates without overwhelming. When the Two shows up, it’s a reminder to approach interactions with care, considering the impact of what we offer and moderating any potential shock so that the blessings aren’t overshadowed. Timing, patience, and care are essential for your well-being, so why not make sure to include them in everything you share with others?
2/22 Queen Of Swords: Words That Separate
This sharp-tongued Queen excels at playing air traffic control to ensure the safety of all concerned. Yet, she also stands as the loneliest Queen. It’s time to confront the reality that you can be right or you can be in a relationship, but you can’t sustain both for long. Being right positions you one step above, automatically assuming a superior view. While that perspective may not be incorrect, it often creates distance rather than fostering connection with others. When you’re invited to share your point of view, there’s an opening for genuine connection.
However, if you haven’t been invited, beware of imposing your agenda on others, no matter how well-intentioned. The Leo Moon squares off with Jupiter, intensifying the need to be seen, and for some, being right becomes a safety net in the spotlight. Yet, remember the trade-off. There are other ways to gain visibility today that don’t involve asserting dominance over others.
Feel free to be your own cheerleader as well. Engage in some mirror work, offer yourself an honest compliment, and recognize and appreciate yourself, especially if you’re feeling overlooked. Not only does this set the tone for how others should treat you, but it also feels empowering. Today presents an opportunity to acknowledge any unspoken personal needs that may manifest in interactions in harsh or harmful ways. Don’t lose hope—acknowledgment is half the battle. Now, channel your brilliance and focus on connecting with others rather than separating from ego.
2/23 Empress: Spoiled for Choice
You get to choose today. It’s not just a matter of repeating what you’ve done before or sticking to what you know is possible now. There are countless paths forward. There isn’t one perfect way, but rather, it’s about finding the path that resonates most with who you are. Then, it’s about discovering how to express yourself within communities that are open to receiving you. The Empress signifies that there are numerous options for groups. Some will welcome you with open arms, while others may resist, despite your attraction to them. However, even those resistant spaces hold blessings for everyone—they may be opportunities to learn how to integrate more gently instead of withdrawing or pushing forward.
We started this Moon cycle with The Fool’s Leap of Faith and end it with the Endless Abundance of the Empress. Life is truly a banquet, and the changes throughout February are here to teach us that. Wherever we feel stuck in a smaller life, one that doesn’t align with sharing our unique gifts, the Universe will shake things up. Stay present and let others kindly help you self-observe instead of criticizing. If you don’t have enough supportive people around you, become one for others and show them how—it may be a vital part of your contribution!
When we lovingly see and accept where we begin, the journey becomes easier and more enjoyable. Amidst the dazzling array of choices in front of you, observe yourself with compassion, and your choices will continue to bring blessings, even when the results defy expectations. Give the outcome time, and it may surpass what you originally envisioned for yourself. It’s a remarkable aspect of the Universe for those willing to be patient and believe in themselves and the world as they progress. So, why not choose that path, right?
