After the dynamic days of Aquarius, late February delivers a mellow Pisces New Moon. But, don't be misled by the softness of this lunation. On the heels of a powerful Sun/Neptune conjunction on Sunday the 19^th, the moon forms an exact conjunction to Neptune on this Mardi Gras day. The term Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday" referred to people taking their last opportunity to celebrate with food and joy before the beginning of the traditional Christian season of fasting and penitence that leads to Easter. With Neptune's tendency towards over-indulgence, this might be a day to remember for those who choose to identify with the bacchanal tendencies of Neptune.

As a mystical force of mergence, Neptune also brings us to flights of ecstasy through music, art, and even sexuality.   All said, enjoy the day, and think about how it sets the tone for the lunar month ahead. The Sabian symbol message for this lunation is: ''A Petrified Forest; survival thorough continuity." This is a message to evaluate our personal histories, and develop resilience. Working with crystals, stones and other geologic record keepers is highlighted. Also, plunging into family history as a key to understanding your present life can be thought of as an elaboration of this message.

Most of all, with this New Moon message, I want to prepare you for an amazing planetary alignment that will be forming in mid March. For the past several months, Jupiter has been in what is referred to as 'peregrine', otherwise meaning - kind of in exile in the early degrees of Taurus, and not interacting with the other planets - a lonely guy so to speak. On March 12^th, Jupiter comes out of hiding in a BIG way as he forms a dynamic trine to Pluto! Jupiter and Pluto play on the big field of life, ruling politics, world government, and even the future of a nation or world. The next day, March 13^th, Venus joins in the party as she conjuncts Jupiter, still in a favorable trine to Pluto; and, Mars sits in the next corresponding earth sign of Virgo to complete the grand trine on the 14^th. This benefits us all, but if you have any planets at the 7 - 10^th degree of the earth signs, happy days to you. And, on the 18^th, just before the Vernal Equinox, Mercury joins Uranus to release a ray of brilliance.

Trust that this is a good thing. Yes, we are surrounded by the agony of our planet giving birth to a new culture and way of life, but know that there is much good to come. One example: did you know that the banking presidents of 10 different countries around the world resigned during the 1^st two weeks of February? Something is happening; but you can know that amidst the stress and chaos, there is a bright core of light that will bring us all to safety and empowerment.

With all blessings of love and peace -