Moon signs

by sally cragin

The dark of the moon, the last day before the new moon, can be a particularly accident-prone time – and not just because the night sky looks different. From now to the new moon on Tues/12, try to have reasonable expectations of others and of yourself. Finishing is important right now, and if you need to start a project, use this time for brainstorming or research. Next week is for announcements. However, if you're in therapy, don't edit your commentary: the subconscious makes the rules during this lunar phase. And the subconscious always has a few surprises, doesn't it?

Wednesday, Feb. 6 Waning moon in Sagittarius. Planning a trip is the right thing to do, but wait until retrograde Mercury moves direct on Friday. Sagittarians, your good humor may be overwhelming others – today you'll want to draw out the meek and timid. Virgos, it's better to work with things and machines than people – unless you have machinelike people in your purlieu. Geminis, don't make up conflicts to hinder your progress – that's been your theme for past few days.

Thursday, Feb. 7 Waning moon in Sagittarius-Capricorn. An all-day void-of-course fire-sign moon means the course of true [fill in the blank] ne'er did run smooth. Though the daredevils get a boost. Sagittarians, you're inclined toward hyperbole today – if people seem skeptical, are you overselling? Capricorns, tonight through the weekend, you're at risk for being hard on yourself, although commanding with others. This isn't a time to think you're unworthy of love (especially Jan. 1-5 goats, who want to push it with others). Aries are all over the map, ricocheting between needy and independent, insecure and arrogant. The weekend should settle you down. VOC 3:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 8 Waning moon in Capricorn, Mercury moves direct. Great astrological aspects for working hard, but, but, but it's Friday. Nevertheless, the waning moon, plus cranky angles from Mars and Jupiter, mean that if you work for a demanding female, you're in for it. Capricorns, this is your day for calls, interviews, and seeming to be your best. Note "seeming." This means goats must put conscious thought into not letting trivia (air-sign folks?) annoy you. Taureans, you may want to spend money on it, but will it really get better?

Saturday, Feb. 9 Waning moon in Capricorn. It's a great day for shopping, especially for durable goods that strike others as necessary but dull (molly bolts? Thick socks?). Bargain hunters, you have no idea how cheap you can be. Capricorns, dress up, even if you prefer being alone. Cancers, you're probably feeling self-conscious about something (especially late-June crabs). Could it be the glorious attention bestowed on you by the universe? Pisces, take advantage of hospitality and those who enjoy you without using you up.

Sunday, Feb. 10 Waning moon in Aquarius. Try a new sport, try a new language, or just get the new-and-improved version. Aquarians (especially Jan. 28-31), your capacity for learning is enormous. Capacity for yearning? Not so much. Libras, you're torn between responsibility and freedom-seeking. The latter wins today. Romance for Leos is a stretch, unless you're willing to reach (literally) for your loved one.

Monday, Feb. 11 Dark of the moon in Aquarius. The day before the new moon is always fraught with difficulty and upset. If you're competing in something today, figure that improvisation and risk-taking work better than plodding routine. Aquarians, it's a fine day for flirting with danger, especially if danger has a goatee or green fingernails. Geminis, the next two weeks could dismantle the lovely romance that's brewed over past fortnight. And what is your part in that?