There’s big back to school vibes this month as the planets signal the end of a long period of introspection. It’s time to start making good on all the insights you had in January—especially around your career. After weeks of reflecting on what you truly want to do professionally this year, the hard work begins. Tough conversations may be in order—especially in the first half of the month—but with Mars on your side, finding the courage to come out and just say it will be that little bit easier.

Tip: Muster up the courage to tackle tough conversations at work

It’s back to business from the very first day of February, with an intense new moon (1 February) shaking things up on the work front. Walking the talk will be a big theme, as the astrology forces you to confront issues stirred up over the past six weeks. Now is the time to put your plans into action, and start to make some (possibly tough) actions about how your choices are aligning with your beliefs. Once Pisces season rolls around (19 February) tensions should ease a little and you’ll be able to let the dust settle.

Tip: Be direct and firm negotiating big changes

After a low-key start to the year, February feels like time to get back to work—starting from 1 February. A new moon in Aquarius looks especially electric and could inspire some unexpected travel plans. Meanwhile, Mercury, Mars and Venus offer plenty of back-up to tackle some tough, possibly overdue, conversations. Now is the time to make some calls about the future of your finances—especially involving your partner or family. It might feel ick but trust that honesty and frankness are the best policy in these situations.

Tip: Tackle the financial elephant in the room and stand your ground

After lots of soul-searching and perhaps some surprise appearances from old issues (or even old flames), the planets are backing you to move forward with a new sense of pragmatism. Take comfort in the knowledge that this month is all about integrating the insights you’ve had and starting to put new plans in place. Let the conversations and rendezvous of the past eight weeks guide you as you lay new foundations for healthier, more stable relationships in 2022.

Tip: Set new boundaries in your romantic relationships

It’s action stations this month as the end of Venus and Mercury retrograde give you the greenlight to start making plans. The new moon (1 February) sets the tone for the month, challenging you to do things differently—especially when it comes to your love life. Meanwhile Mars, Venus and Mercury will be bringing plenty of back-up to help you follow through on the new year’s resolutions around your health and wellbeing. Go easy at the gym, moderation is the key to maintaining commitment.

Tip: Capitalise on motivation at the gym… but don’t overdo it

After a potentially enlightening January—especially around all things sex and pleasure related—this month it’s time to take charge. With Mars and Venus lighting up your astro erogenous zones, and Mercury (until 14 February) joining the party, you’ll have the motivation and courage to ask for what you want—both in and out of the bedroom. With Pluto involved the results could be earth shattering. Look forward to some loved-up vibes when the sun lights up your relationship sector from 19 February onwards.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to speak your mind—especially in the bedroom

Following months of “should I or shouldn’t I” there’s a sense of direction around your home life in February. That’s not to say making the call won’t be hard, but with Mars bringing the grit, having tough conversations should be a little less daunting. Most of the drama looks to manifest in the first few weeks, before Pisces season (19 February) ushers in a welcome change of pace. Take advantage of the more chill vibes later in the month and treat yourself to some private Pilates or Barre classes.

Tip: Get serious about long-term goals related to your home and living situation

February kicks off with a bang courtesy of an electrifying new moon (1 February) that could feel exciting… if not a little destabilising for your nearest and dearest. As you ride the waves of “where did that come from” in the weeks that follow, decisions that have been hanging over your head since December should start to straighten out. Tough conversations may be in order, but there’s plenty of stellar support to help you take a deep breath and tackle things head-on. 

Tip: Embrace the winds of change and initiate tough conversations on your own terms

There’s been no shortage of introspection, especially over the past month, now February offers the chance to turn over a new leaf. With Venus and Mercury on the move, the time has come to put your money where your mouth is and finally move forward. All those lightbulb moments you had around earning, spending and/or saving over the past month are ready to come to fruition. Capitalise on the momentum to initiate scary conversations and establish brave new patterns. The sky has your back—make a change for the better.

Tip: Spend your money like it’s an expression of your personal energy

Big feels and surprise encounters over the past month or two may have changed the way you feel about a few things (understatement of the year?). Whether it’s a new relationship, a new commitment to your health or a new way of measuring your worth (or possibly all of the above), February is your opportunity to do things differently. With Mars on hand you’ll have the confidence to go all-in. Keep an eye on your cash; with Uranus in the mix there could be some unexpected expenses in the first fortnight.

Tip: Use last month’s bombshells to turn over a new leaf

It’s all happening this month for Aquarius peeps as the sun moves through your home sign (until 19 February). The hijinks kicks off from February 1 with a new moon heralding surprises and change in your personal life. Expect to feel the aftershocks over the following fortnight, before the full moon in Leo (17 February) brings things to a head. The indecision and angst heightened by last month’s Mercury retrograde should ease significantly after 15 February, before the month closes out on a decidedly dreamier note (from 19 February).

Tip: Expect some surprises and be prepared to pivot—especially in the first fortnight

While the Venus and Mercury (from 4 February) retrograde periods may be over, the drama continues in your social life this month. After weeks of reflection, you’ll finally feel emboldened to “go there” and address that thing that’s been annoying you. Issues that bubbled up over the past month or two will resurface for one final chance at resolution. It’s tiring work and not for the faint hearted so be sure to schedule in plenty of quiet time to refill your cup—especially before your home season kicks off on 19 February. 

Tip: Be prepared to put some tension with friends to rest, for good

Hot tip: try reading these horoscopes for your rising sign as well as your sun sign. You can check the Co-Star app or have your charts read by an astrologist to see what your rising sign is.

Emma Vidgen is an astrologer and meditation teacher. Follow her or book a reading @emma_vee and @thewayward.co.