Graphic: THE MOON IS WAXING this week. So it goes from white/right and black/left with increasing amounts of WHITE to the first quarter, February 19. This is equal amounts of white/black

The moon was but a chin of gold / A night or two ago

Emily Dickinson

Put your chin out – this lunar phase is ideal for building or enhancing projects. Expand the party list from 12 to 120, say, or print up an extra 20 copies of the résumé "just in case." However, August Virgos and November Sagittarians may be amusingly rash in love matters. Notice "may," as opposed to "can."

Wednesday, Feb. 13 Waxing moon in Pisces. Valentine's Day looms. Appealing presents for fire signs are liquor- or chocolate-filled anything. Earth signs would enjoy something hand-loomed. Air signs might relish comic collections from earlier in the century: Little Nemo, or the Katzenjammer kids. Water signs would be happy with eye contact, delivered with sincerity. And if you stay up late making something special for the precious one, even money says it's a mix tape.

Thursday, Feb. 14 Waxing moon in Pisces. If you need an excuse, try this: the moon is void of course all day. That's why the candy/card/flowers didn't arrive. Thank goodness for grocery store red roses, even though after two days most blossoms droop like a hanged man's bagged head. (Nice romantic image! Sorry readers!) Seriously, however, Libras and Capricorns must keep their expectations in line today (never a problem with Cappy, who perfects the art of diminished expectations daily). Pisces, can you accept affection graciously? Yes, that's a question. VOC all day through 5 a.m. tomorrow.

Friday, Feb. 15 Waxing moon in Aries. Moon-Mars angles make everyone impatient, even sweetly forbearing Cancers. Aries (especially April 2 through 8), you're supposed to be compulsive and anxious this week. Or hitting those moguls like a locomotive – your choice. Leos, sometimes laziness isn't laziness. Sometimes it's just resting. Cancers, in case I haven't reminded you lately, February's astrology is serving you up a big helping of Don't Back Down (no, that's not a D.A. Pennebaker sequel).

Saturday, Feb. 16 Waxing moon in Aries. Projects you can do quickly are preferable to the multistep kind ("power-tack" the poster rather than schlepping to the frame store). Quick fixes are applicable elsewhere, and fire-sign folks will be the ones to watch. Leos, use your charm today, as tomorrow you may be irritable, and – worse – not cute 'n' charming! Libras, are you making a purchase because you can't live without it or because you haven't made a purchase in a while?

Sunday, Feb. 17 Waxing moon in Taurus. Put off home projects until very late in the day. Socializing should be the priority earlier. Taureans, don't be grudging; say yes to flaky water- and fire-sign folks. If you're cooking, why not triple the recipe – the astrology now is all about getting enough. Virgos, you're in a better position to work with the group, or figure out a plan for "rearrangement" (interpret as you will). VOC 2 to 5 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 18 Waxing moon in Taurus. Make an effort with your appearance, especially the parts people see. Taureans, think twice before speaking up. Are you the best person for the job, or just the most likely? Aquarians, you've got others' attention, particularly late-January water carriers, but do you know what you're going to say? Silence may be 10K, but still golden.