Many folks with an interest in astrology who celebrate Mardi Gras might agree that there is a distinct difference between those that occur during Aquarius season and those that fall during Pisces season. There’s a different feel in the air, and different lessons to learn. Last year’s Mardi Gras (in early March) hit in the middle of Pisces season, and the city’s humid, windy weather embodied Pisces’ constantly changing nature. This month’s Aquarian Mardi Gras on the 17th has its own point of interest, as it aligns with the start of the year of the Fire Horse in Chinese astrology. These dates coalescing on the new moon solar eclipse in Aquarius in these strange times indicates increased conflict is on the horizon between the ruling classes and those fighting for liberation—similar to the last Fire Horse year in 1966—and it might truly feel like a call to arms. We can anticipate an electric, demanding, high octane Mardi Gras Day. However, the days leading up to it might still see us shedding the last of our skins, as the year of the Snake comes to a close. February 1st is the full moon in Leo, Aquarius’ sister sign, and it’s a good day for all of us to puff up our chests and prepare for change. Saturn’s movement into Aries on the 13th marks another major shift, mere days before Mardi Gras on the 17th. The sun will enter Pisces the following day, and Mercury retrograde will begin on the 26th. Godspeed to us all in this dystopic age, and may this Carnival season light the exact right fire under all of our asses.
ARIES
Saturn’s movement into your sign and 1st house on the 13th marks the beginning of a difficult but rewarding two-year cycle. Saturn is a planet of control, restriction, and duty, and though your fiery nature is called to meet the challenge, the childlike wonder that you possess might make the upcoming process daunting. Perhaps on and around the full moon in fellow fire sign Leo on the 1st, work to integrate Leo’s leadership capabilities with a fierce dedication to joy.
TAURUS
Taurus and Aquarius are both fixed signs but are opposed elementally. Airy Aquarius rules your 10th house of career and legacy, and you might face uncharacteristic stress in the immaterial intellectual and social spheres. Uranus will turn direct in your sign on the 3rd, offering more clarity around spiritual goals and ideas. Use this time wisely, which includes having fun! But remember to prioritize what you want for the rest of the year.
GEMINI
As a Gemini, you are a natural stimulation seeker—whether intellectual, physical, drug-related, or otherwise. There is likely a gravitational pull between you and the streets this season that is further exacerbated by Aquarius’ rulership of your 9th house of freedom. It will be important this month to show up to the party and the organizing meeting, as Aquarius’ rulership of your 9th house also indicates that expansion is found through humanistic pursuits.
CANCER
Last month’s difficulties in the realm of relationships could be exacerbated this month, as the sun will transit your 8th house of loyalty, truth, and commitment. This house also deals with our shadows, sexual desires, and relationship with money, and the way this plays out during Carnival season could lead to some high tensions. Ask yourself: What are your primary commitments to yourself and your future? The integrity of your actions will show you the answers.
LEO
Full moon arrivals often coincide with culminations, and this full moon in your sign on the 1st will speak not only to the season but the entire last year of your life. The sun’s transit through your 7th house of relationships and pleasure will have you in your element, and the realizations you make on and around this full moon will light the way for reward and pleasure. Be sure to love others with the same love you cultivate for yourself.
VIRGO
This astrological season will unfortunately be more strict with you than the last, as the social, financial, and physical demands of Carnival season meet Aquarius’ insistence on your personal well-being. In addition, service to others is associated with the sun’s transit through your 6th house. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t enjoy yourself! But perhaps seek indulgences that have minimal negative impact on your mental and physical health.
LIBRA
Your fellow air sign Aquarius has rulership of your 5th house, a place associated with play, casual romance, and creativity. All of these are interests that are likely very appealing to you, and your prerogative this month is to put all those skills toward the betterment of yourself and your community. Aquarius season will ask for social accountability, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put yourself out there in real, tangible ways. Send the invite! Be a flirt!
SCORPIO
Scorpions aren’t necessarily the most social creatures, often preferring their hiding spots to being out in the open. The sun’s transit through your 4th house points to the safety and relief that home provides—perhaps take the beginning of the month to turn your home into a cozy retreat from the overstimulation and social/emotional realities of the streets.
SAGITTARIUS
If there’s any sign that has the potential to meet the political and spiritual needs of this season, it could very well be you. The sun’s transit through your 3rd house this month will bring levity and new ideas, stimulated by the kind of chaos and novelty that makes you feel aligned. Mercury, the planetary ruler of this house, will enter fellow mutable sign Pisces on the 6th, adding some spiritual evolution to your communications with others.
CAPRICORN
Your material needs are likely a focus year round, but this season might have a different feeling to it. You and Aquarius share Saturn as a planetary ruler. The sun’s transit through your 2nd house will ask how you can practice Saturn’s discipline not in what you create for your own stability, but how you can provide it to others. This is a month for you to give and love with integrity, and to witness the flowers you choose to water bloom.
AQUARIUS
Happy You season, Aquarius! We are blessed by your authenticity, dedication, and intellectual integrity. This month you will be invited to show up as a self-assured leader, be it in your own life, the lives of your loved ones, or your community. The full moon in Leo on the 1st will show you which sector of your life needs this, and your ruling planet Saturn’s entry into fiery Aries on the 13th will deepen your commitment to meaningful action.
PISCES
As you come to the close of your cycle around the sun, the universe will use this season to hold up mirror after mirror, and you will be asked to reflect on the choices you’ve made this year. How have they brought you to be the version of yourself that you are today? A lot can happen in a year, and Venus and Mercury’s movement into your sign on the 6th and 10th, respectively, will bring focus to how you communicate and your willingness to receive love.
illustrations by Anneliese DePano
