We remain in the midst of this unusually long Venus-Mars conjunction following the end of the Venus retrograde cycle in January. The two planets are still within just one degree of each other as Venus gradually catches up to Mars. In fact, later this week the speed of Venus will equal the speed of Mars at about 44 arc minutes per day.
According to the American financial astrologer George Bayer, whenever benefic planets like Venus match the speed of malefic Mars collective sentiment is damaged and markets become more vulnerable to declines. In my experience, I have found this observation to be mostly true although the Mercury-Mars pairing is a more reliable indicator for negative sentiment. Their speeds are exactly equal on Thursday.
Besides the ongoing conjunction and their speed equivalence, Venus and Mars are conjunct the node of Pluto at 27 Sagittarius. Pluto is a generally malefic planet, so the addition of Mars with Venus is not positive. The Mars-Pluto combination looks more confrontational and suggests that the Russia-Ukraine crisis is unlikely to go well. This is exact on Wednesday although it can manifest a day either way.
We can see further tension in two different parallels in latitude. Parallels measure planetary placement along the vertical axis and can be as salient as conjunctions and oppositions. Mercury is parallel Mars on Tuesday afternoon (EST) and could coincide with a rise in arguments, anxiety and frustration. Quick thinking may become necessary on Tuesday as a result of this pairing. As barometers of collective sentiment, stock markets would be more vulnerable to declines on this pattern.
Interestingly, Mercury will go on to parallel Saturn on Thursday morning (EST). This is another different combination that could reflect the need to think deeply and carefully about a serious problem. Solutions are more likely to produce positive results if one follows a plan logically and methodically. In terms of sentiment, it tends to be burdensome.
By more conventional reckoning, the Venus-Mars conjunction will align with Neptune on Wednesday and Thursday. While Neptune isn’t a benefic planet, this alignment isn’t obviously bad either. The combined symbolism suggests active approaches (Mars) to seeking harmony (Venus) using idealized and mythological means (Neptune). A ray of hope for Ukraine perhaps.
We should also note that the Venus-Mars conjunction is fast approaching an alignment with Rahu and conjunction with Pluto over the next 5-10 days This is another reason to be pessimistic about prospects for peace in Eastern Europe.
Transits for week of 14 February 2022
There are some fairly potent-looking transits coming up this week. The ongoing Venus-Mars conjunction at 22 degrees of sidereal Sagittarius is still very much front and center. Due to the slower than normal velocity of Venus, Mars will actually transit past Venus this week with the exact conjunction occurring on Wednesday, Feb 16. The Venus-Mars conjunction can symbolize a vital harmony or energetic attraction — just in time for Valentine’s Day. In some cases, however, the Mars influence overwhelms the natural beneficence of Venus and creates a state of instability.
This instability is more likely to manifest this week since Venus and Mars will form an exact 30-degree alignment with Saturn at 23 Capricorn. This alignment is closest on Wednesday and Thursday. Saturn represents obstruction and delay and is often a negative influence when combined with benefic planets such as Venus. The Saturn alignment with Venus-Mars undermines the potential for the harmonious union of Venus and Mars and introduces a sense of disruption, broken relationships or ‘lost love’. This could be pertinent if we consider the tense situation between Ukraine and Russia. These planets do not augur well for peace and diplomacy this week.
We should also note the position of Mercury (7 Capricorn). While it is now separating from its conjunction with Pluto, it is in an interesting place this week. On Wednesday and Thursday, it will be exactly at the midpoint of Venus-Mars and Saturn. Given that Mars and Saturn are malefics, this is a bad place for Mercury, the planet of travel, communication and commerce. Again, this could be a negative influence for the Ukraine situation. It also looks stressful for financial matters such as the stock market.
Wednesday’s Full Moon in Leo adds another element of uncertainty into the celestial mix this week. While Full Moons are considered auspicious moments for birth or the start of any endeavor, they have a small, but statistically significant, correlation with stock market volatility. Given the recent decline in the market, this increases the probability of large swings in prices.
On the plus side, the Jupiter-Uranus-Chiron alignment is still quite close. The optimism of Jupiter should continue to offset any worst-case scenarios, especially where they pertain to technology and innovation (Uranus) and medical science/healing and commitment/promises. With Jupiter still quite prominent here, wisdom and knowledge could have an outsized importance this week.
Transits for week of 7 February 2022
An interesting blend of transits this week. As Jupiter tightens its alignment with Chiron and Uranus, there is a solid case for continuing hope and optimism. Mars and Venus are within range of adding further positive voices to the mix. And yet the ongoing Venus-Mars conjunction will begin to exert a uniquely stressful influence which may eventually have a market impact.
The problem with the Venus-Mars conjunction is that it will last for two full weeks in February as Venus is just coming out of its recent retrograde cycle and thus approximately matches the speed of Mars.
Of special note, Mercury is now moving forward again after its retrograde cycle and will conjoin Pluto later in the week. This pairing will receive a dose of uncertainty from its aspect from Rahu (North Lunar Node). This suggest confusion and uncertainty (Rahu) involving power and coercion (Pluto) and communication (Mercury).
