Moon signs

by sally cragin

This week the moon is waning. Use this phase to end projects or to come to conclusions, especially on Feb. 4. Warning: Water signs may feel uncomfortably combative this week. Speaking of water, here's what you'll see on the moon during the last quarter. The Mare Imbrium (Sea of Rains) is the grayish patch closest to the lunar north pole, and the Oceanus Procellarum (Ocean of Storms), is just south of it. If you imagine that the maria correspond to features on earth, figure that Imbrium is Canada and Procellarum is Baja Mexico. Of course, these landmarks have nothing to do with actual water – the darkness is from the basalt that filled these basins more than three billion years ago.

Wednesday, Jan. 30 Waning moon in Virgo. Analytical abilities could overwhelm you, especially if there are too many choices. Go binary – everything is 0 or 1. Virgos, you may feel that if you don't do anything, nothing will get done. That's true in the larger sense, but those of you born Sept. 8 through 9 really do have too much responsibility right now. It's not your fault; maybe you're figuring out the next occupational endeavor (fire-sign folks are a big help right now). Love is a matter of indifference or tedium for Pisces. Are you afraid of getting hurt, or are you happier spacing out?

Thursday, Jan. 31 Waning moon in Virgo. An all-day void of course in picky Virgo means you want it clean and you want it now. If you haven't cleaned your files, medicine cabinet, or car in the past two days, you've missed some useful astrological angles. Virgos, you can please some of the people some of the time, but that's not good enough, is it? Geminis, don't raise your hand today, but prepare to show your smarts tomorrow. Taureans, shop for trousers, desk tchotchkes, or surge protectors. Your taste is sublime. VOC 7 a.m. through 4 a.m. tomorrow.

Friday, Feb. 1 Waning moon in Libra. There's no such thing as group socializing now – everyone is more inclined to partner up. Libras, if you're sifting, use a colander, not a strainer (i.e., don't be too picky). Aquarians (especially Jan. 27 through Feb. 3), are you thinking your way out of a romance? Why? Capricorns, you might feel clumsy, but you might not look clumsy. That's a meaningful distinction. Ask a fire sign what that means.

Saturday, Feb. 2 Waning moon in Libra. Excellent astrology for short, decisive arguments, especially among Capricorns and Cancers who do not like being contradicted. Libras, if you're being the host or the designated driver, you're where you should be. Leos, keep braggadocio under control (except with a partner who'll forgive anything). If you spend the night with someone you feel questionable about, there's no harm in sneaking out early. VOC 8 p.m. through 5:30 a.m.

Sunday, Feb. 3 Waning moon in Scorpio. An excellent day for sharing intimacies, especially those concerning one's sense of personal security. But it's a better day for keeping secrets. Scorpios, are you working extra hard not to seem possessive? Cancers, conventional astrology says you'll be in the mood for love, but my experience with the crab indicates that you'll be claws up, snick-snack. Especially those of you born within two days of June 28.

Monday, Feb. 4 Last quarter moon in Scorpio. In case I haven't reminded you lately, Scorpios rule sex, death, and other people's money. Figure today is a turning point, so be obsessive if you must. You may feel you're being forced into a decision, but you've got at least another week. Leos, being vulnerable is a useful ploy (Aug. 3 through 7 lions can do what they want).