ASTRONOMY
Test your eyes this month and see if you can find the Lynx constellation. This constellation was named relatively recently, in the 17th century. Unlike those named in ancient times, the Lynx lacks a compelling mythic narrative, though some say its name may be based on the character Lynceus, who sailed with Jason and the Argonauts in their quest to find the Golden Fleece. Lynceus was noted for his keen eyesight. Indeed, Johannes Hevelius, who named the constellation, said one would have to have the “eyesight of a lynx” to find this dim constellation among the brighter stars. The Lynx is a faint zigzag of five stars found north of Gemini, the twins, and southwest of Ursa Major, the big bear. As a zodiacal constellation, Gemini lies along the ecliptic, and is noted for its two “twin” stars, Castor and Pollux. Ursa Major contains the Big Dipper. Continuing outward from two stars that form the outer corners of the Big Dipper’s cup (opposite its handle), you will come to the upper portion of the Lynx. In mid-to-late February, one can find Gemini due south at 10 p.m. Keep tracking upward and you’ll find the Lynx slinking by overhead.
ASTROLOGY
February is the time to celebrate love! This month’s astrological aspects will reveal much about our relationships. The month begins with the two archetypal lovers, Venus and Mars, squaring one another on Feb. 4. This tense aspect stokes our arousal, bringing excitement but also potential conflict. On Feb. 8, Venus sextiles Uranus, and new information — or potentially a new lover — may come into the picture. On Valentine’s Day, the moon, indicator of our emotions, moves out of a trine aspect to Venus and into a trine with Jupiter. These positive aspects with the two benefics make for a lovely day that accentuates our sentimentality. The next day, Venus conjoins Neptune, a combination that evokes the hopeless romantic in us. We may be convinced we have found true love, but the cosmos will quickly check these feelings. The following day, Feb. 16, brings a dose of realism when the sun conjoins Saturn and the moon squares Venus. Feelings are fleeting. While an emotional connections provide the sparks, enduring flames are built on mutual understanding, trust, and respect. At the end of the month, a conjunction of the moon with Mars may indicated heated emotions, but the Venus-Jupiter conjunction shows that there may be a gift hidden within this.
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