While on Valentine’s Day the usual sales of roses, chocolates, and cards probably will not suffer any problems, people themselves and their emotions regarding their loved ones, however, may take a few hits.  Valentine Day's roots lie in ancient Greek and Roman fertility festivals traditionally held in mid-February.  The Greeks dedicated this month to the sacred marriage of Zeus to Hera (Juno); to which I will be addressing the issue of the asteroid Juno very shortly here. 

While on Valentine’s Day the usual sales of roses, chocolates, and cards probably will not suffer any problems, people themselves and their emotions regarding their loved ones, however, may take a few hits. 

Valentine’s Day roots lie in ancient Greek and Roman fertility festivals traditionally held in mid-February.  The Greeks dedicated this month to the sacred marriage of Zeus to Hera (Juno); to which I will be addressing the issue of the asteroid Juno very shortly here. 

Unusual and emotionally strident astrology occurs on Valentine’s Day this year.  The seeming bittersweet nature of these stars right now, ultimately points to a deeper commitment however.  Events and situations can force a couple to look beyond temporary setbacks and misfortunes, and to remember the real reason why they are together. 

Simultaneously Jupiter (a decidedly more positive influence) moves into an exact square to the Nodes.  Since the Nodes rule groups, connections, and associations and the spiritual/karmic issues behind them; I would certainly expect a joviality, even if exaggerated, and inspiring quality to associations.  People coming together may promise quite a bit and feel every bit sincere, but the proof will be in the pudding down the road some. 

So while relationships may be somewhat strained initially this week, more stronger influences will be coming about upon them.  Even so, this latter influence from Jupiter will hint at things that are not yet real, and therefore will be highly based on hope, dreams, and unproven theories.  Despite all other negatives, Jupiter’s influence should cast an upbeat outlook and certainly uplifting one as well.  People of philosophical and religious bent should be coming together. 

According to my printouts this influence peaks on Thurs, Feb 15, but since the nodes are really geometrical abstractions their positions are arguably shadowy (there are two ways of calculating their position, mean and true); so the exact date of peak is fuzzy.  Certainly over the latter part of the week it should be strongest though. 

On Saturday, the Sun gives Jupiter an added boost.  All things being equal, Saturday should be pretty positive.  It will be a new moon to boot; which can have a slightly strange sort of cast to them.  Hopefully the kick from Jupiter to the loss of visibility to the Moon will compensate for a lot of a new moon’s more malefic qualities. 

Oh, yes; did I mention that Mercury turns retrograde on Tues, the 13th?  Don’t let it make you lose any sleep though; but if you are about to engage in major business initiatives, you might want to reconsider and delay inaugurating them until Mercury returns to direct motion in three weeks. 

Mon, Feb 12
No peaking influences

Tue, Feb 13, Mercury Stationary Retrograde
Yes today Mercury turns retrograde.  As I was just told about a friend that she is going on a weekend retreat; she is moving in harmony with the stars.  When a “star” or planet starts to move backward it symbolizes going inward and becoming more self-reflective.  The increased subjectivity therefore can cause a more than usual manifestation of errors in action due to the added difficulty to being able to distinguish reality from personal illusions in situations; and therefore this explains the traditional prohibition against starting new business or financial endeavors under this astrology.  At any rate today communications should be emphasized, not to mention some snags in communications.  On other fronts, there should be a very easy flow between love and passion right now just coming up to Valentine’s Day.  However other, more obstructive issues in the way of love probably will start to manifest.  (Venus sextile Mars)

Wed, Feb 14, Valentine’s Day
For those with a deeper grounding in western style astrology today a “finger of God” forms between Venus and Mars (sextiling each other) and Saturn (quincunx to both).  Saturn is at the far end of the “pointing finger” and therefore the emphasis should be on trouble, obstructions, delays, inhibitions to the love-flow between Venus and Mars.  Also highly significant today is that the asteroid Juno (named after Zeus’ wife above) itself turns retrograde.  Juno is associated with developments in married or relationship life.  The fact that Juno is turning retrograde points to some deep spiritual/karmic connection between people being activated.  Don’t fall into easy judgments about value of relationships, whether they are good or bad.  What may seem to be bad may only really be “uncomfortable” or unfamiliar to you, but it will have tremendous value nonetheless. 

Thur, Feb 15
Around this time, but it is hard to specify exactly when, an upbeat and exciting coming together of people may be happening.  People and situations may promise a lot, but the fulfillment thereof is not yet actualized.  You may learn a lot from connections forming now.  (Jupiter square Nodes)

Fri, Feb 16
Additional relationship developments may occur now.  You may learn some new things regarding exercising your sense of self-esteem and confidence in relationships.  (Sun trine Juno)

Sat, Feb 17, NEW MOON IN SIDEREAL AQUARIUS
As the luminosity of the Moon disappears completely, it means we’re on our own less the dependency on the vehicle of the mind.  We have to tap the universal source directly now.  If that makes any sense to you or not (sometime you can’t explain everything) take comfort in the aspect of the Sun to Jupiter, which has a definite uplifting and enervating quality to it.  Deeper motivations may be brought out as well as obsessions and compulsions.  The feeling that one can do anything because they have the power and the right to do so can be very apparent now, and it can be very easy to convince oneself of anything at times.  Be careful of haste and anger on the highways and byways.  (Sun quintile Jupiter, sextile Pluto, Mercury semisquare Mars)

Sun, Feb 18
The free flow of love may be initially obstructed, especially as one struggles to hold onto egoically centered and obsolete personal qualities.  This may sound strange, but it is true nonetheless.  The real sticky things in relationships emanate out of you, do they not?  An intense feeling of injustice or offense may flare but if you persevere, balance of perspective will return.  (Venus biquintile Saturn)

Mon, Feb 19
No peaking influences