February 2025 Vedic Astrology Forecast
The best day to start a new project, times to be extra-cautious, and more!
In February, let nature be your guide and find solace in its beauty and rhythm. - John Muir
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Happy February! This is a going to be another significant month for all of us. This will be a time of renewal, self-improvement, and purification. In particular, several sacred festivals will help us engage in purification and renewal.
The air element as represented by the planetary placements will be exceedingly strong in the second half of the month, meaning it will be extra-important to take good care of our mental and physical health. Finally, the planets will be making big moves with both Jupiter and Mars stationing direct, the Sun and Mercury in Aquarius, and so much more!
Here are more details about some of these main events ahead:
February 1: Ganesha Jayanti - Happy Birthday to Lord Ganesha!
Ganesh Jayanti, the birthday of Lord Ganesh (or Ganesha), will be celebrated on February 1 this year. The date differs from year to year but always occurs on the fourth day after the New Moon in the bright fortnight of the month of Magha in January or February.
Lord Ganesh is the elephant-headed son of Shakti and Shiva in the Vedic pantheon. Ganesh is the remover of obstacles, patron of astrologers, and god of prosperity, wisdom, and knowledge. This is a great day to make offerings and prayers to Lord Ganesh and to ask him to open all our pathways. Om Gam Ganapataye Namah!
February 1: Imbolc - Time to Stoke Our Inner Fire
The ancient Gaelic fire festival of Imbolc is celebrated beginning on the eve of January 31. This festival concludes at sunset on February 1. Imbolc is a cross-quarter day that occurs nearly halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox in the northern hemisphere. The name Imbolc literally means “in the belly",” as this day symbolically represents the stirring of Mother Nature’s womb after a long winter’s nap. Imbolc is also known as Oimelc, which refers to the milk of the ewes that starts to flow more around this time of the year.
Imbolc traditionally paid homage to Breo Saighead, the beloved Celtic goddess Brigid. She is also called the Exalted One and the Lady of the Sacred Flame. Brigid is the Druidic patroness of healing, fertility, poetry, smithcraft, and magic. Her message at this time is that we must stoke our inner fire. This will give us access to the creative inspiration and sense of hope needed to get us through the last part of winter.
In the northern hemisphere, Imbolc marks a subtle seasonal change. Some locations will experience the return of the Sun and early signs of spring. The message at Imbolc is, “Don't give up, because winter is halfway over!”
February 1-8: Planetary Lineup in Pisces - An Indication of Unprecedented Events
Venus, Neptune, and Rahu (the Moon’s North Node) will closely conjoin in the early degrees of Pisces in the first week of February. The waxing crescent Moon will also be involved in this conjunction on February 1.
Neptune and Rahu will remain in a close conjunction until May. Unfortunately, this can be a combination for impracticality, inflation, extreme volatility in financial markets, and overspending. On a more positive note, this conjunction also represents a rebirth of sorts, such as the birth of big dreams, or new initiatives that will have a significant impact on large groups of people.
This conjunction is a prelude to the larger Pisces conjunction (stellium) that will occur in the solar eclipse chart in late March. That eclipse chart is resonating throughout the entire first half of 2025. This chart points to unprecedented transformational world events, including big geopolitical changes and natural and human-caused disasters such as what has already tragically occurred with the Los Angeles fires.
Issues with immigration, borders, trade, and ideological battles are also highlighted by the extreme Piscean signature. As Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac, it has been called the dustpan of the zodiac. This is symbolic of the process of cleaning up and clearing out whatever needs to be eliminated and transformed. To that end, the solar eclipse energy is already shining a light. I will write more about this Pisces alignment in next month’s forecast.
The higher expression of the Pisces conjunction brings an emphasis on romance, intuition, imagination, creativity, healing, and spirituality. It can be an inspiring, financially fortunate, and positive conjunction in some cases, depending on how it interfaces with a national or birth horoscope.
In its lower manifestation, this conjunction can indicate self-pity, emotional reactivity, manipulation, delusion, negligence, addiction, and crime. The exact impact of this event will depend on how it interacts with your birth chart. This is something that I can explain during a personal reading.
February 2: Vasant Panchami - Happy Birthday to Mata Saraswati!
This year, Vasant (or Basant) Panchami will occur on February 2. Every year, the exact date changes, but it always occurs on the panchami tithi (fifth lunar day) in the lunar month of Magha (January-February). This is a very special day in the Vedic panchanga/lunar calendar. Anything important that we perform or initiate on this day is said to have a fortunate long-term outcome.
Vasant Panchami is one of several annual abhuj muhurtas. These special events occur on some of the holiest days in the Vedic calendar. Abhuj muhurtas are fortunate days when you can successfully start important projects. An abhuj muhurta day tends to override the other astrological aspects that are occurring during the day's twenty-four hour period. “Abhuj” in this context refers to “something that cannot be consumed, which thus remains eternal.” Thus, an abhuj muhurta focuses on the stability and durability of any enterprise that you begin at this time.
This day is also a celebration of the birthday of the Hindu goddess Mata Saraswati. She is the Shakti (dynamic power) of the creative principle of the Universe. Her name means “One who reflects the essence of our true nature,” and also “She who Flows,” and “She of the Stream.” As the personification of the ultimate divine creative power, Saraswati is the Vedic goddess of knowledge, science, music, and art. In honor of Mata Saraswati, it is traditional in Vedic culture for students to start new learning programs on this day.
Various sects and regions within Hindu society observe Vasant Panchami by following a variety of different traditions. In most places, this day is an important occasion for worshiping one’s ancestors. In some areas, kites are flown to celebrate the beginning of the spring season, as Vasant Panchami represents the beginning of the spring season (“vasant” means “spring.")
Some Hindus also worship Lord Vishnu and Ma Ganga on Vasant Panchami. In Bengal, Saraswati’s murti (statue/image) is carried in a procession and immersed in the holy Ganges. Vasant Panchami is also a day when many people honor the god of love, Kamadeva, who is a Cupid-like deity. This is because Kamadeva is the embodiment of love who happens to be married to the goddess of spring (Vasanta).
February 2: Candlemas - A Festival of Light
The Christian holy day of Candlemas is a festival of light celebrated on February 2, the day after Imbolc. Candlemas commemorates the presentation of Jesus the Christ at the temple by Joseph and Mary. It is also a popular Catholic feast known as Candelaria in Hispanic culture.
February 4: Retrograde Jupiter Will Station Direct - Bringing Renewed Focus and a Brighter Outlook
Jupiter will station direct at 17 degrees of Taurus on February 4 at 4:41 AM EST (9:41 AM UTC). Jupiter has been retrograde since October 9, 2024, when it stationed at 27 degrees of Taurus. Between now and May, Jupiter will retrace its previous steps, moving forward again, from 17 degrees to 27 degrees. Whatever we were experiencing and learning in our life journey during the past four months will now start to be more fully integrated into our practical lives in the coming weeks and months.
Jupiter, the planet of grace, dharma, optimism, faith, justice, inspiration, and good fortune, will release a huge blast of energy as it moves forward. This can help us go beyond certain recent limitations and move ahead with new inspiration and creative energy. We may also gain a brighter perspective and feel some enhanced personal power and authority at this time. Keep in mind that the main drive and focus of Jupiter’s transit in Taurus is toward manifesting our heart’s desire and achieving a greater sense of material security.
February 9: Mercury’s Superior Conjunction - Heightened Awareness and New Information
On February 9, Mercury and the Sun will conjoin at 27 degrees of Capricorn. This is known as Mercury’s superior conjunction. They will also be within close conjunction for several days on either side of this. The superior conjunction is often associated with heightened awareness and new information which may open the door to an important change of mind.
At the same time, the Sun and Mercury will square Uranus and form a quincunx (6/8 aspect) with Mars. This can indicate excitement and surprising events, or insecurities and nervous tension. It’s a good time to be extra-mindful. You should be especially careful to avoid any confusing communication breakdowns or misunderstandings.
February 11 to 27: Mercury in Aquarius - New Learning and Understanding
From February 11 to 27, Mercury will transit through the deep cosmic waters of Aquarius. This is the sign in which higher truth and healing energies are “poured forth for a thirsty world” (for those who are so inclined). In Aquarius, the soul and spirit express themselves through substance. When Mercury is here, we might gain an advanced thinking capacity (truly "seeing" in a new way). This transit will be a good time for learning in all areas, especially in the fields of metaphysics, health, or science.
February 12: Full Moon in Cancer and Magha Purnima - A Time of Spiritual Purification
The Full Moon will occur at 8:53 AM EST (1: 53 PM UTC) on February 12. The lunation will occur at 29 degrees of Cancer in Ashlesha nakshatra, in the sensitive and transformational edge between Cancer and Leo (known as the gandanta).
Ashlesha nakshatra represents the power to inflict literal or metaphorical poison, or to transmute it. Thus, the lower expression of this Full Moon placement can be very low in terms of criminal activity, attacks on others, deception, selfishness, extremist behaviors, obsession, fear, or paranoia. However, there is also a higher expression of Ashlesha, which manifests in the power to rise above the negative aspects of the world and transform them into something more positive.
This month’s Full Moon is celebrated as Magha Purnima in the Vedic calendar. This day (February 12) and the whole month of Magha (from January 29 to February 28) are good times for karmic healing practices that boost spiritual energy. These traditionally include fasting, dipping in holy rivers, performing pujas, ancestral propitiation, and offering charity and seva.
February 12 to March 14: The Sun in Aquarius - A New Sense of Purpose and Inner Strength
From February 12 to March 14, the Sun will transit in Aquarius. When the Sun moves into a fixed sign like Aquarius, this is an auspicious time when Lord Vishnu comes down and walks among us to bless the world with a fresh dose of purpose and stability.
During the Sun’s transit in Aquarius, we may have a greater capacity to work hard, strengthen our will, help others, and access higher knowledge and spiritual power. However, the Sun here can also have a lower expression, which may manifest in stagnant energy, depression, cynicism, paranoia, or eye troubles.
February 23: Retrograde Mars Will Station Direct - Be Extra Cautious and Mindful
On February 23 at 9 PM EST (February 24 at 2 AM UTC), Mars will station direct at around 23 degrees of Gemini. Mars has been retrograde since December 6, 2024, when it stationed at 12 degrees of Cancer. It’s important to be extra cautious and mindful in the days around a Mars station, especially as we could become accident-prone at this time.
During the Mars retrograde cycle, your relationships as well as your energy levels, personal power, confidence, motivation, and drive may have at times felt diminished, blocked, and frustrated. You may have felt overheated, impatient, or agitated more than usual. Once Mars starts transiting forward, such matters might begin to show some relief.
However, Mars will continue to transit in Gemini until April 2, and then will return again to Cancer until June 6. I have written previously about the many challenges related to these extended Mars transits (Mars in Gemini and Mars in Cancer). Their difficulties will continue to be highly exaggerated until April 7, as Mars will remain out of bounds until then (a topic that I discussed in my December forecast).
February 23-28: Mercury and Saturn Conjunction and Planetary War - Issues with Travel, Transportation, or Communication
Mercury and Saturn will exactly conjoin at 26 degrees of Aquarius on February 25. Their conjunction will be within a close orb of influence from February 23-28. Based on visual longitude, Mercury and Saturn will also be in a planetary war on February 26 and 27, and Mercury will lose the war. This can indicate issues with travel, technology, or communication. Some may feel stuck, and others could be subject to mental disturbances like depression, obsession, memory issues, or lack of focus.
February 24-27: The Balsamic Moon - Time for Healing, Rest, Rejuvenation and Letting Go
The deeply waning Balsamic Moon phase will extend from February 24 to 27. It is the time of the month for healing, rest, rejuvenation, clearing, and letting go in preparation for new energies coming in at the New Moon.
February 25-26: Maha Shivaratri -The Spiritual Celebration of Lord Shiva
The Great Night of Shiva, known as Maha Shivaratri, will be celebrated on February 25 in North America, and on February 26 elsewhere in the world. Shivaratri is celebrated each month by yogis during the deeply waning Moon phase in the chaturdashi tithi, the fourteenth day after the Full Moon (and two days before the New Moon). Every month, Shivaratri is a time for deep contemplation and inner quiet, a time to journey within and bask in the true inner light that exists beyond the world of form.
Maha Shivaratri is the most special among all the Shivaratris. Maha Shivaratri takes place in the Phalguna month in the days leading up to the New Moon in Aquarius. Lord Shiva presides over this astrological sign, which is symbolized by the Water Bearer who pours forth the “water of life." Known as kundalini shakti, this “water” is the essence of spiritual power, wisdom, purity, peace, and rebirth.
The immortal rishis of India understood that the days around the New Moon in Aquarius are a special time for connecting with the inner light of Shiva. Physiological and bio-energetic processes can become activated at this time through spiritual practices like fasting, pujas (fire ceremonies), chanting, holy baths, and meditation. This is related to the Sun and the Moon alignment that takes place not only “up there” in the heavens but also “down here” in our sublime energetic system in the higher chakras during this lunar cycle.
Maha Shivaratri commemorates Lord Shiva as Nilakantha, the Blue Throated One. His story is related to the legendary Samudra Manthan which occurred when the gods and demons got together to churn the great cosmic ocean to obtain more of the elixir of life, known as amrita. Lord Shiva was tasked with swallowing the pot full of halāhala (also called kālakūṭa, a metaphoric "poison"), which came out of the celestial waters during the churning process. The halāhala was so noxious that Shiva's throat turned blue. Thus, Maha Shivaratri every year represents a powerful time for purification within all of us and in the world.
Jai Sri Neelakantha! Shiva Shiva Shambo! Mahadeva Shambo! Om Namah Shivay! May Lord Shiva heal, purify, enlighten, and empower all beings with his divine blessings! Jai Bhole Ki!
February 27: New Moon in Aquarius - Healing Energies, Hope, and Grace Abound
The New Moon will occur at 15 degrees of Aquarius on February 27 at 7:45 PM EST (February 28 at 12:45 AM UTC). The Sun and Moon will occupy Aquarius in the D9 navamsa chart too, a condition known as vargottama in Vedic astrology. This is a favorable position which adds auspiciousness to this lunation.
Every month’s New Moon is ripe with the energy of initiation, when we should plant metaphoric seeds for the future by setting new goals and intentions. As the Moon slowly begins to wax brighter in the days following, it will begin to reveal its growing light to us, so that new understanding and ideas may start to blossom within.
This month’s New Moon (Sun + Moon) will occupy Aquarius, the sign of the Water Bearer. The New Moon will be widely conjoined Saturn, the traditional ruler of Aquarius, and in a square (4/10) with Jupiter, the planet of dharma. The Aquarius New Moon has a creative, inventive, charitable, and philosophical quality. Saturn’s conjunction adds a serious tone which can enhance the power of manifestation, organization, efficiency, and productivity. Jupiter’s square (4/10) aspect activates confidence, optimism, and potential for success.
The Aquarius New Moon coming right after Maha Shivaratri can trigger spiritual transformation and illumination to help set us on the right path. This is especially true as the New Moon will occur in the twenty-fourth nakshatra known as Shatabhisha, which spans from six degrees and forty minutes to twenty degrees of Aquarius. This part of the zodiac is said to oversee the “Cosmic Order.”
Lord Varuna, the deity in charge of Shatabhisha, is a source of immense healing power and wisdom. Therefore, the Shatabhisha New Moon reflects profound qualities of healing, hope, and grace. Shatabhisha is the main nakshatra of astrologers and healers. Those who practice these professions may be particularly favored by this lunation.
February 27 to May 6: Mercury in Pisces - An Important Time To Focus on Self-Improvement
From February 27 to May 6, Mercury will transit in Pisces, its sign of debilitation (greatest weakness). Mercury will retrograde from March 15 to April 7 during this extended transit in Pisces. Mercury will also occupy the big Pisces lineup in March and April.
In some cases, Mercury’s transit in Pisces can have a spiritual, intuitive, imaginative, caring, and creative tone. In others, it can trigger procrastination, communication problems, indecisiveness, disorganization, anxiety, or depression. If you experience any such challenges, now will be a great time to access and develop self-improvement tools and rituals to help strengthen and stabilize your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
As you can see, this will be a very spiritual month, with a great deal of energy in Pisces and Aquarius. For those of you who are so inclined, this could be a wonderful time for metaphysical exploration, inner healing, self-empowerment, and personal growth.
After a couple of difficult months at the end of 2024, I am looking forward to this time of contemplation and spirituality. I hope that all of you feel the same way. Thank you for reading my article, and happy February to all!
Great forecast because it weaves the deep spiritual wisdom of India with the planetary patterns forming in the sky. Juliana provides practical advice so that one can align one's actions with the energies of the universe. Thank you, Juliana.
I greatly appreciate your work, Juliana. Thank you for sharing!