February 2026 Newsletter
February looks like quite a busy month with Saturn conjunct Neptune on the 21st and a Solar Eclipse at the New Moon in Aquarius on the 17th.
Best wishes
Christine 🙏🏼
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.christine-rothwell.com
Contents
February begins with only Jupiter and Uranus retrograde, but Uranus will station direct on the 4th and Mercury will move retrograde the 26th.
Note: all dates are for Australian Eastern Daylight Time.
Saturn conjunct Neptune on February 21 at 0 Aries
Neptune settled into Aries where it will stay for the next 14 or so years on January 27 this year, and Saturn will join Neptune on February 14, and then catch up with Him on February 21, forming a conjunction and heralding the beginning of a new Saturn Neptune Cycle.
The Saturn/ Neptune cycle is a 35-to-37-year cycle that charts the evolution and devolution [Neptune] of all forms of structure [Saturn]. All structures - including government, all forms of authority and economic institutions - are up for review, as are all personal forms of structure that include our bodies, relationships and careers.
The last cycle began in 1989 at 11 Capricorn and marked the time when the Berlin Wall came down and the end of USSR as we knew it. Around this time, we also saw the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa, the Tienanmen Square massacre in China and soon after in 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait which led to the Gulf War in 1991 over oil. It also saw the birth of the World Wide Web ...was it only 37 years ago!
Neptune tends to dissolve forms and sensitize and idealize anything it touches while Saturn tests us and invites us to become more grounded, responsible and practical. In their shadow Neptune can become naïve, confused and potentially deluded while Saturn can become rigid, critical, negative and fear change [conservative].
This cycle begins at O Aries, emphasizing both the positive and destructive aspects of this sign. The Aries placement may highlight the need for independence and freedom, idealizing [Neptune] the rugged individual and strong leader but challenging them to maintain their integrity [Saturn]. The shadow side of Aries can be headstrong, aggressive and impatient, while its more constructive side can be the courageous pioneer and warrior.
Together, this reflects both the breakdown of existing structures [Neptune] and a strong, sometimes overly forceful push for change—a "bully" archetype that currently seems widespread. Saturn suggests new forms, but this is subjective as to whether what comes next is constructive or destructive as we all tend to view world affairs through our personal beliefs and confirmation bias. My only advice here is to beware of excessive idealization and people exhibiting the shadow aspects of Neptune, Aries and Saturn.
Personally, Saturn may test our dreams [ Neptune], so beware and be willing to accept the tests and learn the lessons that Saturn brings your way. Any Saturnian blocks, obstacles and fears that arise need to be accepted, faced and worked with. If you have a tool that helps you to release limiting beliefs and inner blocks, then commit to the inner work as well as the outer work. Saturn will reward you.
Naïve dreams and ideals that are based purely on fantasy and not backed up by a willingness to ground them in the real world may disintegrate and cause some grief and sadness. Better to let them go and put your energy into something REAL, or at least something you are willing to try to make real.
Saturn also challenges us to take responsibility for our negative Neptunian patterns that can manifest as addictions, co-dependent patterns and relationships, immune disorders, illusions, fantasies and self-deception.
Illusions may be shattered and self-deception revealed at this time, but it is also a very potent time to TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for addictive patterns and do the hard work necessary to face demons that have been long denied or accommodated.
The Full Moon on February 2 at 13 Leo
The February Full Moon falls at close to 13 Leo and opposes the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars, all in Aquarius.
Best wishes
Christine 🙏🏼
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.christine-rothwell.com
Contents
- Saturn conjunct Neptune
- February Full Moon
- February New Moon
- Mercury Retrograde
- 2025 Astrology Classes & Consultations
February begins with only Jupiter and Uranus retrograde, but Uranus will station direct on the 4th and Mercury will move retrograde the 26th.
Note: all dates are for Australian Eastern Daylight Time.
- February 2: Full Moon at 13 Leo
- February: Mercury to Aquarius
- February 10: Venus to Pisces
- February 14: Saturn to Aries
- February 17: New Moon in Aquarius / Solar Eclipse and Chinese New Year
- February 19: Sun to Pisces
- February 21: Saturn conjunct Neptune at 0 Aries 45
- February: 26: Mercury stations retrograde
Saturn conjunct Neptune on February 21 at 0 Aries
Neptune settled into Aries where it will stay for the next 14 or so years on January 27 this year, and Saturn will join Neptune on February 14, and then catch up with Him on February 21, forming a conjunction and heralding the beginning of a new Saturn Neptune Cycle.
The Saturn/ Neptune cycle is a 35-to-37-year cycle that charts the evolution and devolution [Neptune] of all forms of structure [Saturn]. All structures - including government, all forms of authority and economic institutions - are up for review, as are all personal forms of structure that include our bodies, relationships and careers.
The last cycle began in 1989 at 11 Capricorn and marked the time when the Berlin Wall came down and the end of USSR as we knew it. Around this time, we also saw the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa, the Tienanmen Square massacre in China and soon after in 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait which led to the Gulf War in 1991 over oil. It also saw the birth of the World Wide Web ...was it only 37 years ago!
Neptune tends to dissolve forms and sensitize and idealize anything it touches while Saturn tests us and invites us to become more grounded, responsible and practical. In their shadow Neptune can become naïve, confused and potentially deluded while Saturn can become rigid, critical, negative and fear change [conservative].
This cycle begins at O Aries, emphasizing both the positive and destructive aspects of this sign. The Aries placement may highlight the need for independence and freedom, idealizing [Neptune] the rugged individual and strong leader but challenging them to maintain their integrity [Saturn]. The shadow side of Aries can be headstrong, aggressive and impatient, while its more constructive side can be the courageous pioneer and warrior.
Together, this reflects both the breakdown of existing structures [Neptune] and a strong, sometimes overly forceful push for change—a "bully" archetype that currently seems widespread. Saturn suggests new forms, but this is subjective as to whether what comes next is constructive or destructive as we all tend to view world affairs through our personal beliefs and confirmation bias. My only advice here is to beware of excessive idealization and people exhibiting the shadow aspects of Neptune, Aries and Saturn.
Personally, Saturn may test our dreams [ Neptune], so beware and be willing to accept the tests and learn the lessons that Saturn brings your way. Any Saturnian blocks, obstacles and fears that arise need to be accepted, faced and worked with. If you have a tool that helps you to release limiting beliefs and inner blocks, then commit to the inner work as well as the outer work. Saturn will reward you.
Naïve dreams and ideals that are based purely on fantasy and not backed up by a willingness to ground them in the real world may disintegrate and cause some grief and sadness. Better to let them go and put your energy into something REAL, or at least something you are willing to try to make real.
Saturn also challenges us to take responsibility for our negative Neptunian patterns that can manifest as addictions, co-dependent patterns and relationships, immune disorders, illusions, fantasies and self-deception.
Illusions may be shattered and self-deception revealed at this time, but it is also a very potent time to TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for addictive patterns and do the hard work necessary to face demons that have been long denied or accommodated.
The Full Moon on February 2 at 13 Leo
The February Full Moon falls at close to 13 Leo and opposes the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars, all in Aquarius.
Generally speaking, full moons highlight a sign and house polarity as the Moon opposes the Sun. This full moon emphasizes the Leo / Aquarius polarity and asks us to reflect on how we balance these two energies. The Leo archetype encompasses the performer and the monarch [King and Queen] while the Aquarian archetype includes the rebel, the reformer, the humanitarian and the social worker. Leo’s challenge is to master the ego while the Aquarian challenge is to be a vehicle for reform and social change.
Leo is classified as a fire sign and is characterized by qualities such as leadership, charisma, and enthusiasm. The full Moon in Leo invites us to become aware of what ‘feeds our fire’ and brings passion and joy into our lives. It highlights our need to find and express our special gifts and share them with the world, or at least with those who are near and dear to us. We may all feel the need to be validated and special …this is a gift you can give your loved ones at this time.
This is an appropriate time to validate the people who inspire you, but beware of the shadow side of Leo, the Lion who is not validated and resorts to disruptive and attention seeking behavior. Try to become conscious of your own needs for recognition and find some healthy outlets for them.
This year the lunation will activate any planets or points within a 3–5-degree orb of the 13-degree Leo full moon - around 1O to 16 degrees of the fixed signs: Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius and Taurus.
The New Moon / Solar Eclipse / Chinese New Year on February 17 at 28 Aquarius 49
The February New Moon is a total solar eclipse, visible across the southern part of Africa. Solar Eclipses are essentially potent New Moons that mark endings and beginnings. They can herald a crisis, but they also provide us with the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start again. Eclipses tend to be neutral energetically, but they often bring to the surface whatever has been buried, hidden and repressed, especially regards the sign and house where the eclipse falls in the personal horoscope.
This eclipse falls at 28 degrees of Aquarius and forms a tight square to Uranus, suggesting the possibility of collective changes that may feel disruptive as well as inviting us to be open to personal changes that allows us to be more authentic while avoiding acting out and running away. Uranus always challenges us to look at how we can do things differently, but its shadow can activate the saboteur if our quest for greater freedom and authenticity is not coming from the heart. Anyone with planets at late degrees of fixed signs may experience this more persoanlly as Uranus is activating this point, asking for new approaches and greater authenticity.
This eclipse falls at 28 Aquarius 49 and will highlight:
Leo is classified as a fire sign and is characterized by qualities such as leadership, charisma, and enthusiasm. The full Moon in Leo invites us to become aware of what ‘feeds our fire’ and brings passion and joy into our lives. It highlights our need to find and express our special gifts and share them with the world, or at least with those who are near and dear to us. We may all feel the need to be validated and special …this is a gift you can give your loved ones at this time.
This is an appropriate time to validate the people who inspire you, but beware of the shadow side of Leo, the Lion who is not validated and resorts to disruptive and attention seeking behavior. Try to become conscious of your own needs for recognition and find some healthy outlets for them.
This year the lunation will activate any planets or points within a 3–5-degree orb of the 13-degree Leo full moon - around 1O to 16 degrees of the fixed signs: Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius and Taurus.
The New Moon / Solar Eclipse / Chinese New Year on February 17 at 28 Aquarius 49
The February New Moon is a total solar eclipse, visible across the southern part of Africa. Solar Eclipses are essentially potent New Moons that mark endings and beginnings. They can herald a crisis, but they also provide us with the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start again. Eclipses tend to be neutral energetically, but they often bring to the surface whatever has been buried, hidden and repressed, especially regards the sign and house where the eclipse falls in the personal horoscope.
This eclipse falls at 28 degrees of Aquarius and forms a tight square to Uranus, suggesting the possibility of collective changes that may feel disruptive as well as inviting us to be open to personal changes that allows us to be more authentic while avoiding acting out and running away. Uranus always challenges us to look at how we can do things differently, but its shadow can activate the saboteur if our quest for greater freedom and authenticity is not coming from the heart. Anyone with planets at late degrees of fixed signs may experience this more persoanlly as Uranus is activating this point, asking for new approaches and greater authenticity.
This eclipse falls at 28 Aquarius 49 and will highlight:
- The house where 28 and 29 degrees of Aquarius are located in your personal horoscope.
- Any planets or points within a 3-degree orb …between around 25 degrees of fixed signs and 2 degrees of mutable signs and will strongly impact planets and points around the last few degrees of Aquarius and Leo.
- Collectively we may see more challenges to authority and extreme and disruptive behavior from both the right and the left although I tend to associate Uranus and Aquarius with the right due to its libertarian inclinations.
This New Moon also marks Chinese New Year – this year it is the Fire Horse - which is traditionally time to honour the ancestors, let go the past year and give thanks for safe passage. As it is also a time of new beginnings it is common to ask for blessings for the year ahead. For those of you who have not set your intentions for the 2026, this New Moon can provide another opportunity to clear your clutter – physically, emotionally and mentally – and reflect on what you need to embrace to move forward in your life.
Mercury stations retrograde on February 26 at 22 degrees of Pisces. Here are a few dates for those of you who like to work with this energy.
As the new cycle begins in Pisces, it intensifies the challenge to re-view and re-evaluate all things connected with this archetype and may stir up memories and feelings from the past.
We may also be challenged to review:
The whole retrograde phase is a potent time for reflection and review … a time when we can become aware of habitual beliefs and thought patterns and make the adjustments necessary to align our thinking with the person we are now. This is a great time to meditate, reflect, research, seek answers, sort out your paperwork, return calls and generally attend to all the things you have been too busy to do earlier.
Remember, Mercury retrograde always provides us with the opportunity to free our thinking from habitual ruts and develop a more conscious set of mental attitudes and beliefs
Mercury stations retrograde on February 26 at 22 degrees of Pisces. Here are a few dates for those of you who like to work with this energy.
- February 12 to April 8: in the retrograde loop
- Stations retrograde at close to 22 Pisces on February 26
- March 7: Conjunct the Sun: Inferior conjunction: marks the beginning of the new cycle at around 17 degrees of Pisces. Great time to meditate and seek new answers.
- March 21: Stations direct on around 22 degrees of Pisces
- April 8: leaves the retrograde loop.
As the new cycle begins in Pisces, it intensifies the challenge to re-view and re-evaluate all things connected with this archetype and may stir up memories and feelings from the past.
We may also be challenged to review:
- the affairs of the house[s] where the retrograde action takes place in your horoscope [8 to 22 degrees of Pisces].
- Any planets any points that fall between these degrees of mutable signs, especially those close to the Inferior Conjunction degree of around 17 degrees of Pisces.
The whole retrograde phase is a potent time for reflection and review … a time when we can become aware of habitual beliefs and thought patterns and make the adjustments necessary to align our thinking with the person we are now. This is a great time to meditate, reflect, research, seek answers, sort out your paperwork, return calls and generally attend to all the things you have been too busy to do earlier.
Remember, Mercury retrograde always provides us with the opportunity to free our thinking from habitual ruts and develop a more conscious set of mental attitudes and beliefs
May the Goddess & God Bless You All
Best wishes for 2026
Christine
🙏🏼
www.christine-rothwell.com
[email protected]
Astrology Classes
Beginners through to Advanced Classes are all available by Distance Education as recorded video sessions with optional extra assessment tasks.
Christine offers an in-depth psychological and mythological approach to astrology. Her classes are suitable for those individuals who are wishing to learn more about themselves as well as those interested in becoming a professional astrologer.
First Year/ Beginners’
First year focuses on learning how to read / delineate a horoscope and covers the elements, signs, planets, houses, aspects etc.
Second Year / Intermediate
Second year focuses on additional points and themes in the horoscope [ lunation cycle, asteroids, Eris, Medical Astrology, Career] and Dynamic [predictive] Techniques: Transits & Progressions.
Advanced Group
Begins online – on Zoom – Thursday evenings from February 2025.
The Advanced Classes give you the opportunity to integrate what you have learned through a seminar format that allows exposure to more advanced techniques and psychological perspectives, plus the opportunity to develop your delineation skills.
Please email for a brochure.
[email protected]
Or visit
www.christinerothwell.com
For more information
Consultations
are now on Zoom
and are still recorded so the sound file link can be sent to you via email.
Gift Certificates are available for most consultations.
AN INITIAL CONSULTATION
explores the soul’s journey as revealed through the personal symbol of the birth chart. The focus is on the potential inherent in the birth chart and the challenges that need to be embraced to realize this potential.
Also available as an…
In-depth Consultation Two hours to explore both the soul’s journey [see above] and the year ahead. Includes 2 or 4 supplementary e-booklets.
Chart Up-date: The Year Ahead
Explores the year ahead from a psychological perspective.
Understanding Your Child
A wonderful gift for new parents and explores a child’s unique needs, motivations, potentials, and challenges.
Best wishes for 2026
Christine
🙏🏼
www.christine-rothwell.com
[email protected]
Astrology Classes
Beginners through to Advanced Classes are all available by Distance Education as recorded video sessions with optional extra assessment tasks.
Christine offers an in-depth psychological and mythological approach to astrology. Her classes are suitable for those individuals who are wishing to learn more about themselves as well as those interested in becoming a professional astrologer.
First Year/ Beginners’
First year focuses on learning how to read / delineate a horoscope and covers the elements, signs, planets, houses, aspects etc.
Second Year / Intermediate
Second year focuses on additional points and themes in the horoscope [ lunation cycle, asteroids, Eris, Medical Astrology, Career] and Dynamic [predictive] Techniques: Transits & Progressions.
Advanced Group
Begins online – on Zoom – Thursday evenings from February 2025.
The Advanced Classes give you the opportunity to integrate what you have learned through a seminar format that allows exposure to more advanced techniques and psychological perspectives, plus the opportunity to develop your delineation skills.
Please email for a brochure.
[email protected]
Or visit
www.christinerothwell.com
For more information
Consultations
are now on Zoom
and are still recorded so the sound file link can be sent to you via email.
Gift Certificates are available for most consultations.
AN INITIAL CONSULTATION
explores the soul’s journey as revealed through the personal symbol of the birth chart. The focus is on the potential inherent in the birth chart and the challenges that need to be embraced to realize this potential.
Also available as an…
In-depth Consultation Two hours to explore both the soul’s journey [see above] and the year ahead. Includes 2 or 4 supplementary e-booklets.
Chart Up-date: The Year Ahead
Explores the year ahead from a psychological perspective.
Understanding Your Child
A wonderful gift for new parents and explores a child’s unique needs, motivations, potentials, and challenges.