Welcome to Indy Maven’s August astrology column coming by way of Kelli Jenkins, better known around Indy as one of the Spellsisters. Check out their website and Instagram feed for even more info from the world of horoscopes and tarot, or to book a private reading.
FEBRUARY 2023 OVERVIEW
All of the pent-up and unspent energy accumulating this winter begins to set off a chain reaction early this month, as several planets square off against each other right before the Full Moon. It’s giving teen angst. It’s giving overreaction.
Ultimately, the beginning of this month is giving me tween angst vibes (with my extremely Aquarian birth chart). Specifically, as a twelve-year-old, drawing swirls with oil pastels on notebook paper, and keeping a caché of Pixy Stix and incense in my bedroom. The incense was only to be lit under two specific conditions. The first being that this ritual must be done before my mom came home from work. Why, I do not know; my parents never stopped me from having candles or incense in my room. The other condition was that this could only happen while I listened to one of three cassette tapes: Sleater-Kinney, Led Zeppelin, for some reason, or The Beatles Rubber Soul.
This ritualistic, rebellious feeling you’re experiencing is not just a result of relating to twelve-year-old Baby Kelli. This month, right out the gate, the power struggles ensue. This is due, in part, to the fact that Aquarian energy embodies two juxtaposing beliefs: that we as a society, owe it to each other to uphold a set of morals without impinging on someone’s unique, distinct beliefs (a few examples: don’t be a dick, mind your own business, live and let live). But while Aquarius is a strong believer in obeying the rules, they won’t wait for the rules to be bent when they no longer apply. Aquarius is the “water-bearer,” or change-bringer.
Traditionally, Saturn ruled Aquarius, but now astrologers consider Uranus to be the keeper of the constellation. Uranus is the planet that brings about revolution and forces change to occur where change is needed. On the 3rd, the Sun in Aquarius will square off with Uranus in Taurus, of all signs. The Taurean way is goodness, not making waves, breaking a problem down into the simplest, most digestible solutions. And by now you know, there is very little that’s gentle about the way Aquarius deals with necessary revolution. There’s little love to be had in the house that tries to reinforce old ways of thinking with new systems, especially if you have these planets in your natal chart. Expect some power struggles on the 3rd.
The next day, Venus in Pisces makes a square to Mars in Gemini, so our planet of romance and beauty is in conflict with our planet of aggression. It could be wise to bite your tongue, especially if what you’re about to say is petty. You could ruin the entire weekend with a single low-blow, spark major disagreements, or seriously put your foot in your mouth. Be especially careful if your lover, boss, or friend is someone who has a fundamental need to be right (or is an Aries, who is ruled by Mars).
All of this is simply a precursor to the month ahead. With the Full Moon in Leo, let yourself shine and integrate whatever shadow work you’ve been focusing on for the past few months. The ego is getting its chance to be stroked and expressed by the light of the moon. While the 4th is no time for a romantic date, the 5th could be. Also starting on the 5th, Jupiter and Chiron begin a two-ish month-long conjunction, enhancing charm and the ability to heal those deep, dark wounds.
Now that the first week is out of the way, we can lean into more luck and determination for the rest of the month. If you’re focused and forward-thinking, this month could just be the answer you’ve been waiting for, especially when it comes to finances and opportunities. Keep taking inspired action (aka, making decisions that go in the direction of what feels good to you), and it’s likely you’re simply stumbling on situations that feel like the right fit for no good reason. You’re in the right place, at the right time, with the right people, and logically, it makes no sense. But that’s the beauty of Aquarius, and even Pisces, whose season in the Sun is just around the corner. When Mercury enters Aquarius on the 11th, even the strangest ideas could actually have promise.
The key here is to go with the flow and be willing to make amendments at all times. The crux of dealing with Aquarian energy (and there’s a lot of it right now), is not being attached to a specific outcome. After all, if you think you know what’s going to happen, it isn’t any fun and you’re liable to be sorely disappointed. Bucking the rules and going with it is the medicine, and often keeps your imagination nimble, allowing you to come up with more creative plans than you’d normally have. Keep this in mind, if you think you’re disappointed that things don’t always go your way: quick changes bring quick results.
As we inch ever closer to the Sun entering Pisces on the 18th, things slow down quite a bit, driving us inward with less of an agenda, bringing more gentleness. See everything through a rose-colored softness, and allow whatever’s still hazy in your mind to simply take care of itself. On the 19th, the New Moon in Pisces welcomes a fresh romanticism to all aspects of life. Like, romanticize your life, bb! Delight in the little things, and be open to reveling in sweetness. Think: plush blankets, fluffy whipped cream, eating decadent and rich pasta on a first date with your long-held crush, cozying up with a delightful book. Your personal renaissance is well underway and whatever you choose to indulge in now is opening new doors of potential for your future self.
AQUARIUS & AQUARIUS RISING (JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18)
Think back to how different you were two years ago! You’ve changed and grown so much and now you’re ready to step into your spotlight. No planets are retrograde right now. With several planets in your sign, you’re getting a lot of action, and while you’re not afraid of being seen in all your glory, you might still hold onto resistance when it comes to being the center of attention. It’s uncomfortable for you to show up and represent, but it’s the right thing to do. Although you may still have a tiny voice in your head telling you that it’s not safe, your ability to be bold and open doors for yourself allows others to follow you through them. You act as the trendsetter of the zodiac, whether you realize it or not. Whatever you’re currently obsessed with will soon become mainstream. This might have bothered you in the past, but now you realize what an honor it is to pave the way and light the path.
Tarotscopes | The Magician: Nothing is standing in your way. The only obstacle between you and your goal is you
Key Dates: 3, 5, 7, 11, 16
Famous Capricorn: Guy Fieri, spicy January Aquarius! Born January 22.
Local Aquarius: Patsy Blue Ribbon of the Rocket Doll Revue. Born February 16.
NOW FOR THE REST OF YOU...
PISCES & PISCES RISING (FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20):
If you started this month in a sleepy, foggy daze and now you’re wondering what’s gotten into you, don’t worry. It makes sense. You are the ruler of the 12th house which represents subconscious energy, dreams, and the unknown. This month’s New Moon is highlighting this area of your chart, making you naturally inclined to live through your dreams early this month. There’s a bit of debris piling up in your energy field right now: is it intrusive thoughts, bad habits, literal clutter? Whatever it is, take yourself off the map for a moment. Take a step back from everyday life: call in sick, cancel plans, cozy up in bed, and see what comes up in your subconscious. Whether it’s through meditating, dreaming, trance, or something else, the clarity you need will be revealed to you as the Sun edges closer and closer to Pisces and the Moon is full (also in your sign) on the 19th.
Tarotscopes | High Priestess: You can see in the dark; it’s not that hard. You know what’s going to happen before it happens.
Key Dates: 4, 5, 18, 19
ARIES & ARIES RISING (MARCH 21 – APRIL 19):
Your authenticity and genuine belief in yourself are magnetic throughout February. It isn’t always easy to be the leader in the way that you are, but this month you’re being called to stand in that power and own your fears. Now is not the time for you to be going off the rails and onto uncharted paths. Instead, focus on living in the liminal space between who you are and who you want to be. The difference between here and there is nothing more than acceptance. You have to accept the places in your life that haven’t gone as planned, release the resentment and misplaced anger, and integrate what you’ve learned about yourself into the next round of edits. You will never become who you want to be if you never own the ways you’ve failed to be who you needed yourself to be. Don’t beat yourself up for missteps. Instead, accept what it was revealing to you when you weren’t on the right track.
Tarotscopes | The Hermit: Your ownership of your shadow self is a beacon of encouragement for everyone else.
Key Dates: 7, 11, 17, 19
TARUS & TARUS RISING (APRIL 20 – MAY 20):
You may have let your healing take a backseat to a distraction over these last few months, and that’s okay. You needed time to process and reflect, allowing things to sink in, and now that you’re ready, it’s glaringly obvious… whatever’s out of place can no longer blend in; the wounds that haven’t yet healed can’t be ignored anymore. You have a righteous indignation and harbor resentment toward the structures and routines you’ve outgrown but still uphold. You’re pissed off that certain things that do nothing for you are demanding your attention, and you’re not wrong. Your change has been more internal, so it’s likely to have been missed by people who don’t know you well. You feel like there is something that isn’t working for you (and it isn’t), but you’re still maintaining it, and nobody else knows. People aren’t mind-readers! You have a hard time putting your foot down and prioritizing yourself, but you’re in the mood and the time is right.
Tarotscopes | The Empress: You attract easily, but keeping it inside of you isn’t serving you. Make demands.
Key Dates: 3, 7, 16, 21
GEMINI & GEMINI RISING (MAY 21 – JUNE 20):
Did you get a haircut? Actually no, I think that’s just the twinkle in your eye! This month, it’s time to dust off your fav boots because, baby, you’re making a comeback! Venus is spending most of this month in your 10th house of career and reputation and now’s the time for you to be seen. Since Mercury’s stationed direct, you’re likely to feel a boost socially. I invite you to think about how the You of right now contrasts with the You of last month… Where there are gaps, there may be opportunity, and now is the perfect time to focus on growth. You’re able to participate in harmonious partnerships right now, collaborating with the perfect people to highlight your skills.
Tarotscopes | The Sun: You’re a breath of fresh air for all the tired people you meet. But even the Sun is gracious.
Key Dates: 3, 5, 16
CANCER & CANCER RISING (JUNE 21 – JULY 22):
The part of your house that controls your career is being highlighted this month, but it still feels like things aren’t ready for prime time. At the same time, the New Moon is hitting your 8th house of sex, death, and taboo. You’re not ready to take action, for whatever reason, and that’s probably a good thing. There’s a lot to process and you need more time to percolate. When Mars moves into Cancer in March, you’ll see a lot more movement, but for now, make your plans in stealth mode. It doesn’t need to be a secret that you’re making plans, but this hand may be best kept close to the vest. There’s no rush, but this month is the perfect time to get your ducks in a row and set yourself up for the action you’re about to come up on. Organize your phone book, make a list of key players, set up your strategy.
Tarotscopes | Hanged Man: There’s nothing else you can do right now to push this engine forward. Release your need to control the situation and accept what is.
Key Dates: 5, 16, 19
LEO & LEO RISING (JULY 23 – AUGUST 22):
For the past few years, you have sacrificed your desire for personal recognition in favor of spotlighting what everyone else has been doing. You’ve taken the backseat so many times that it has begun to feel like a duty. This is so unlike you, but this time has been good for you. Your priorities have changed, and so have you. Now that you’re starting to realign with your ambitions, you can see the cracks in the pavement. There’s an obvious gap between the part you’ve been playing and the role you want to step into. This month’s New and Full Moons both highlight ways to harmonize your ambitions with your relationships, filling the gaps and empowering you to boldly reclaim your crown. You just need a little push and some romanticizing. You are about to be feeling more like yourself than you have in years, and it doesn’t look the same as before.
Tarotscopes | Temperance: Your wants and needs don’t have to stay the same forever, especially not after you’ve undergone a personal renaissance.
Key Dates: 3, 5, 16
VIRGO & VIRGO RISING (AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22):
Your dreams are absolutely blessed by some sort of cosmic magic this month, as Venus, Neptune, and Mars all team up in different, but favorable ways. If you haven’t been liking the view, it’s time to change the view, even if that means a simple perspective shift. Even if that means walking away from what you think should feel right if it doesn’t. You are imbued with a kind of audacity you don’t usually possess, and your ideas are golden. You know what you want to do and you know exactly how to do it. The only puzzle piece that’s missing right now is the assistance. Who are your dream clients, role models, trusted advisors? Call them in, irl, and pitch your plans. You might just plant a seed that grows into something huge.
Tarotscopes | Strength: You are ripe with inspiration and the determination to go after what you want. Now you just need to tap into your boldness and ask for support.
Key Dates: 3, 5, 16
LIBRA & LIBRA RISING (SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22):
When you were just a little kid, who did you want to be when you grew up? How far off course are you from those dreams? Even if they were silly and nonsensical (I once heard a friend’s daughter say she wanted to be a dinosaur), there’s value in how you used to dream. Back when you were innocent and undaunted by the world, you had a whole slew of ideas about what could possibly happen. Right now, your horizon is broadening again, and you have a golden opportunity to tune into that dreamlike frequency, Where you err on the side of reason, consider an alternative solution. You can reinvent yourself, feel refreshed, and reawaken to your childlike sense wonder. This is like when Tai gets a makeover from Cher and Dionne.
Tarotscopes | Death: You are so beyond ready to slough off old skin and stories. Let your old story die so you can be reborn.
Key Dates: 3-4, 7, 15, 19
SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21):
It’s been hard for you to find steady footing, constantly undergoing construction and renovating your routines and relationships. This month, honestly, is not so different, but there is relief in sight and things are looking a little brighter for you throughout February. You may not even recognized the ways you’ve resisted comfort. Rooting down and relying on a stable support system feels a little unnatural to you at times; you’d rather do it all by yourself. But I think that’s kind of the thing these lessons are here to teach you. You can’t do it all untethered and alone if you really want success. If your love (or your boss, or your bestie, or even your mom) feels like you’re a flight risk, they’re not going to trust you. If you keep acting like you can’t tend to roots, you seem like a flight risk, my dude.
Tarotscopes | The Devil: Even if you’re choosing not to acknowledge it, everybody knows. Your weakness is not invisible. Maybe your weakness is your unwillingness to admit your weakness.
Key Dates: 5, 16, 19
SAGITTARIUS & SAG RISING (NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 21):
Nothing about you looks the same way it did this time last year. You’ve removed yourself from toxic relationships, unruly work dynamics, and even unhealthy habits. Your evolution has occasionally been more public than you’d like, but often the changes you’ve undergone have been totally unseen. It can be hard for people to understand this transformation, but this month, you’re starting to break your way out of your cocoon. It’s still time to stay hunkered down tending to your creature comforts, but you’re so close to putting yourself back out there, refreshed and refined. This month’s New and Full Moons usher in imagination and inspiration. This month is the perfect time for you to indulge in a little nostalgia. How can you tap into the archetypes you were inspired by as a kid? What would bring more wonder into your life?
Tarotscopes | The Star: You’re like a fresh little baby in the world and you have soooo much to look forward to.
Key Dates: 5, 17, 19
CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 19):
Let me ask you a question. What are you grinding so hard for right now? You certainly are an inspirational force for all of us because you almost always go after what you want. This time, though, it’s important to ask yourself what you’re doing all of this for? You seem to have your eye on a prize, but ultimately, that prize is within. There are some interesting things happening for you this month, and they’re almost all requiring an examination of what makes you feel at home. What makes you feel safe, not just in your physical home, but what makes you feel secure within yourself? Planets and asteroids are teaming up in your 4th house of home, grounding, roots. It could help to think about this month from the perspective of self-improvement. What do you need to do to make yourself feel psychologically and physically safe? It could be anything from reading a book about astrology to enrolling in a breath-work course to practicing aerial yoga. Whatever it is, you’re like a prism. Let yourself feel stabilized internally from whatever you do externally. This kind of agility is what is needed to accomplish your goals this month.
Tarotscopes | The Hierophant: Consider whether your actions are truly supporting your wellbeing or if you’re doing them simply because you feel obligated to finish the job.
Key Dates: 10, 16, 21
RELATED: YOUR JANUARY 2023 HOROSCOPES WITH THE SPELLSISTERS
Photo of the Spellsisters by Schwebach Photography.
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