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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.
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Current and previous weeks astrological overviews
Astrological Overview: February 20 - 26, 2023
Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.
SUN, FEB 19: New Moon in Pisces, 11:05 p.m. PST
MON: Venus semisquare Uranus, Mercury sextile Chiron
TUE: Mercury square Uranus
WED: Mercury trine Mars
THU: Saturn semisquare Chiron
FRI: Venus opposite Ceres, Mercury sesquiquadrate Ceres
SAT: No major aspects are exact today
SUN: Mercury semisquare Venus
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PISCES NEW MOON: A new lunar cycle begins late tonight, at 11:05 p.m. PST (Sunday, February 19), when the Moon and the Sun align at 01°22´ Pisces. The sign of the Fishes is noted for being mystical, creative, and spiritual; the lunar month that begins with a Pisces New Moon offers us these qualities, to be consciously incorporated into our everyday lives.
Over the next four weeks, we are supported in going within, finding our creative Muse, prioritizing our spirituality, and using our imagination to visualize. It is a time to build greater faith and trust in that which is unseen, and to let our intuition and higher wisdom guide our actions. This Piscean month is also about opening our hearts, accessing new levels of compassion, forgiveness, and understanding.
THE SATURN EFFECT: In contrast to the idealistic intangibles represented by Pisces, the planet Saturn is a major player in the New Moon energies. At the time of the lunation, Saturn (at 28°10´ Aquarius) is only three degrees away from the Sun and Moon, forming an "out of sign" conjunction. Saturn's strong presence adds a practical, down-to-earth energy to a lunar month that might otherwise encourage us to disappear into the ethers for a while.
As it moves through the zodiac, Saturn plays the role of the strict Teacher, the Lesson Bringer, the Professor McGonagall who insists that we be responsible, follow the rulebook, and grow in maturity. There is always a certain "reality check" involved with Saturn's influence, where we are tasked to consider whether or not a situation or relationship is working for us.
As we journey through this Saturnian-Pisces month, we may find ourselves questioning our spiritual beliefs, or needing stronger "proof," in some way, of their viability. But, if we find that a certain spiritual practice is clearly benefitting us, this will be a time to deepen our commitment to daily meditations or other forms of devotion. The same process holds true for how we use our creative imagination; if we realize that a dream has potentials of coming into form in the "real world," this can be a time of stronger focus on manifesting that ideal. However, this may be a time when we realize that a fantasy is simply that, and no more.
In many ways, this Saturn-Pisces New Moon will provide us with a preview of the lessons of the Saturn-in-Pisces years. This three-year period will begin when the Ringed Planet enters Pisces just two weeks from now, on March 7.
GALACTIC ASTROLOGY: Taking a galactic view of the effects of February's New Moon, we find that at the time of the lunation, the Sun and Moon will be aligned with an IFR (infrared radiation) anomaly, a red supergiant star in the constellation Cygnus called NML Cygni. Here are the energies being activated by this alignment, explained by astrologer Mary Elizabeth Jochmans:
"With this point, there is a learning to trust the Universe and the synergistic flow and timing of the Cosmos, as it is brought down into everyday life. Trust and a willingness to go with the flow, even if that means waiting for the right moment in time to move forward, is a powerful lesson here."
We hear an echo of the Saturn effect in the energies emitted by NML Cygni. Saturn is Father Time and, as such, is always associated with proper timing. The directives of this Pisces New Moon are clearly telling us to move forward in faith and trust, and to act only when, intuitively, the Cosmos reveals that the timing is right.
DAILY ASPECTS: Here are this week's most important planetary aspects, with my brief interpretations of each.
Sunday, February 19
New Moon at 11:05 p.m. PST, at 01°22´ Pisces
Monday
Venus semisquare Uranus: A need for independence may require minor changes in personal relationships.
Mercury sextile Chiron: Talking through feelings enables healing to occur.
Tuesday
Mercury square Uranus: Sudden insights and "aha" moments are possible, but others may not agree with our ideas, especially if we share them with a "know-it-all" attitude. In general, nervous energy is heightened with Mercury and Uranus in hard aspect and it can be hard to concentrate. Remember to pause and breathe, to allow your nervous system to calm, and to take your adaptogens and other supplements that support the nerves.
Wednesday
Mercury trine Mars: Conversations are especially animated today. We may be very enthusiastic about the ideas that have come forward this week, and feel inspired to take action right away. With the directives of Sunday's New Moon in mind, be sure to check in with your intuitive knowing of proper timing.
Thursday
Saturn semisquare Chiron: The voice of the inner critic may be loud with this aspect. It is time to sort through the fears that are telling us that we do not have what it takes, or perhaps do not deserve, to have what we want. Inner child work can be especially needed, and helpful, right now.
Friday
Venus opposite Ceres, Mercury sesquiquadrate Ceres: The need for personal autonomy clashes with the requirements of partners, family members, or other close relationships. Opinions are strong, making it hard to achieve détente.
Saturday
No major aspects are exact today.
Sunday
Mercury semisquare Venus: Communications can be challenging, since each participant believes they have the insights and answers.
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IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: This year offers you the possibility of manifesting an ideal or a creative vision, if you are willing to put in the necessary work and discipline. Along the way, there may be some hurdles to overcome, or some delays before the dream comes fully into form, but these are meant to teach the lessons of patience, integrity, and determination. You will be accessing new levels of inner authority over the coming months, and becoming more realistic about what is and isn't possible. At times, you may not feel that you have as much energy as you would like; if this occurs, it is a reminder to slow down, to take your time. It may also be a sign that you have spread your energies too thin, or are taking on old roles of martyr or rescuer, and are needing to be more attentive to personal boundaries and self-care needs. (Solar Return Sun conjunct Saturn)
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TRANSLATION and AUDIO/VIDEO VERSION: This weekly Journal is now recorded (in English) AND the text is transcribed into 30 languages! You'll see a row of flags under "Available Languages" in the upper right. And, there are options to listen to the audio (in English) or watch a video directly beneath the photo (see top of page).
The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.
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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.
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About the Author
Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail
For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.
