Down-To-Earth Astrology

By Tim Gunns

Following is a general overview of how the planetary trends for February/March, 2011 apply to each sun sign. If you know your rising sign (Ascendant), read that, too, for additional insights.

Aries (March 20—April 19)
You're keen to move forward with personal projects that may have been on the back burner for a while, particularly an expansive venture or activity that would broaden your horizons and which might also involve travel. Set new goals and formulate plans for the future during this progressive, outgoing period, when you have the wind at your back and an element of good fortune to support your endeavors. If you need a favor or perhaps a glowing reference from a superior or authority figure in a position to help you further your ambitions, ask for it during February. Don't be shy about blowing your own trumpet now, as you never know who might like the tune your playing. During March, ease back on the throttle and take some quality time out to survey the progress you've made towards your objectives, and to visualize, clarify, and energize the big picture, your game plan for success.

Taurus (April 19—May 20)
Your prospects for professional attainment or career advancement are poised to take a significant leap forward during this forecast period, when the sun, Mars, Mercury and Venus all travel through your solar tenth house, bringing opportunities for you to demonstrate your talents, abilities and know how to peers, associates, or potential employers. Studying a new subject or discipline now can be both enjoyable and illuminating, while the possibility of travel to a distant locale could be educational as well as fun. Make plans for the future, set goals, and connect with friends and groups with whom you resonate during March, when your inspired, progressive ideas can border on the truly visionary. Be sure to pace yourself, and set aside some quality time in which to recharge your energies and to survey the progress you've already made.

Gemini (May 20—June 21)
You are in the midst of an expansive trend in which you seek to broaden your horizons and reach out to progressive groups and individuals that share both your objectives and worldview. You sense the timing is right to move forward with an innovative project that could put you on the radar of some of the leaders in your chosen field of endeavor, and which might also lead to an elevation in your professional profile and status. Financial favors could be yours for the asking now, so if you're in need of additional resources, make your pitch during this generally auspicious window of opportunity. Measure your progress carefully, taking time to ensure that you're still on track, and keep those who need to know in the loop. By all means allow your visionary nature to come to the fore as you chart your course to success, but remain grounded and practical in your approach.

Cancer (June 21—July 22)
Now is the time to release that which you no longer need or serves a constructive purpose in your life, particularly patterns of emotional behavior that undermine your efforts to progress towards your worldly objectives. By doing so you will experience an energetic quickening that can be harnessed to propel you forward, allowing you to rise like the mythical phoenix from the ashes of a phase of your existence that you've now outgrown, towards new horizons of opportunity that open up before you. Thus, the more unhelpful elements from the past that you release, the quicker you'll progress towards the future you desire. Some Crab-clan members may consider returning to school, perhaps to enhance your credentials, or to retrain for an entirely new career path. The bottom line is that you're now keen to broaden your knowledge, raise your sights, and to boost your potential for success, accomplishment and satisfaction. So what are you waiting for?

Leo (July 22—Aug 22)
It's time to pay more attention to the significant others in your life, the friends, family and partners who help to make your world turn. For some Lion-clan members a longstanding casual relationship may evolve into a deeper, more meaningful connection, while others may be enjoying a new and rather special alliance, one that has the potential to withstand the test of time. However, Saturn, lord of karma, currently transiting Libra and your solar third house, is challenging you to maintain an honest, fair and open approach to communications in all of your relationships, particularly those of a professional nature. You'll likely experience more than a few deep thoughts during March, when the heavens prompt you to process and purge unhelpful or unwanted elements from your life, particularly thought patterns that you've outgrown or simply don't serve your best interests. You will then be more open to the stimulating new possibilities that will shortly appear on your horizon.

Virgo (Aug 22—Sept 22)
After what may have been a fairly quiet time for many Virgo natives in recent months, where work is concerned, at least, you are about to experience the effects of a positive shift in the force. A new employment opportunity could appear on your personal event horizon, quite suddenly and unexpectedly during February, one in which your creative talents and people skills would be put to good use. For others, what was originally just a temporary assignment could now become permanent. Your energy, enthusiasm and charm will serve you well now. It may become necessary for you to make some adjustments to accommodate the needs of a partner or of another key relationship during March, with personal and mutual finances being part of the picture. What transpires will eventually lead to a greater sense of stability and security.


Libra (Sept 22—Oct 22)
Over the past year or two, many Scales-clan members have been coming to terms with elements from the past that may have inhibited your emotional growth and development. The good news is that this cycle will shortly conclude, and you'll begin to feel more social and outgoing once again. Indeed, during February, allow your inner child to come out and play at every opportunity. There will likely be plenty of wonderful playmates with whom to enjoy some fun and games, and perhaps even a potential suitor for those available! Play, you will rediscover, can also be very healing. Work or vocational activities become more of a focal point during March, cutting into your personal time when you're in more of a mind to keep your schedule as free flowing as possible to take advantage of social opportunities. But you can do both. The emotional energies freed up by your recent inner work—both conscious and at the subconscious level—are now available to be applied to more relevant priorities.

Scorpio (Oct 22—Nov 21)
Home is where the heart is, and in February, your heart may be yearning for that ideal home you have firmly focused in your mind's eye. Indeed, your thoughts seldom stray far from the notion of dramatically improving your domestic situation and the sooner the better, whether it's a long overdue renovation project or relocating to an entirely new residence. There's an inner restlessness that simply must be assuaged, stimulated, in part, by a gradual release of emotional patterns that originated in the distant past which you have now outgrown, and that your subconscious is now ready to purge. Your creative juices are beginning to flow more freely, also a result of a newfound lightness of being, as you emotionally detach from limiting beliefs and painful memories. Work on increasing your strength and stamina, and boosting your fitness in general.

Sagittarius (Nov 21—Dec 21)
For much of February, your thoughts and actions may be focused primarily on ways and means to secure your financial future. To this end, you may be formulating innovative plans aimed at increasing your sense of security. Ensuring a regular and substantial revenue stream will be high on your agenda, and at present, there appears to be plenty of opportunity for you to do so. Clever ideas and creative notions come thick and fast, so be sure to make a note of the best ones to follow up on as time and circumstances permit. Home improvement receives a higher priority in March, when you're keen to make some necessary and perhaps radical changes to your domestic environment. It may be that you're seeking to make better use of available space, or to re-purpose some of it for more creative uses, such as a workout room, or a home office, from which to operate a new financial enterprise.

Capricorn (Dec 21—Jan 20)
You may have reason to be more hopeful that your master plan for a professional enterprise, your career advancement, or a property acquisition is beginning to gain some traction during February, when some good financial news could come your way. You're certainly up for the challenge, and ready for a change in any case, after a period of relative inactivity—by your lofty achievement standards, at least. It may even seem as though destiny is calling you to make your presence felt in the world, or within your sphere of influence and activity, anyway. You're likely to be busy with a personal project during March, or making a concerted effort at self-improvement, as your mind goes into overdrive with all kinds of novel notions, not least of which are innovative ways to stimulate cash flow. Be sure to take adequate care of your health and fitness, in order to stay on top of what looks to be a busy schedule heading into spring.

Aquarius (Jan 20—Feb 18)
It's time to turn over a new leaf and to expand your horizons in early February, when you're primed and ready to move forward with personal plans. The new moon (2nd) in your sign puts the wind at your back, lending celestial support for your efforts to improve your lot in life. Your imagination may know no bounds now, so be sure to put it to good use, although a good measure of practicality will also help your cause. You're keen to boost your income potential during March, and lady luck will be at your side to attend your efforts, with Venus now cruising through your sign and solar first house. Take advantage of an increase in self-confidence and turn on the charm in social settings, you might be surprised by the positive response you receive!

Pisces (Feb 18—March 20)
Your dreams and even daytime reveries during February could be a great source of inspiration upon which you might be highly motivated to act. Indeed, something you've wished for or dreamed of for some time could manifest now, in part by the sheer determination and strength of your desire for it to be so! Don't underestimate the power—your powers—of creative visualization, because with focused intent and right action you can make magic happen now. Your personal finances show definite signs of improvement, with lucky Jupiter, your sign's co-ruler, now in your solar second house till early June. Indeed, it's possible that you could benefit from some information that comes to you from a friend. Your self-confidence and determination to be successful increases during March with a new moon (4th) and Mars now in your sign. Take the initiative now and put into place bold plans that could positively transform your future potential.

Tim Gunns is an astrological consultant and astrology columnist with over 25 years experience,

conference coordinator, and formerly program director of the Los Angeles Conscious Life Expo,

and the national Whole Life Expos.