February Planetary Overview
Feb 8th 9:39 AM New Moon in Aquarius
Feb 13th 5:43 PM Mercury enters Aquarius
Feb 16th 11:17 PM Venus enters Aquarius
Feb 19th 12:34 AM Sun enters Pisces
Feb 22th 1:20 PM Full Moon in Virgo
Wtf it means:
Unconventional Aquarius touches just about everyone this month, in one way or another. The new moon in this sign will have us looking to the future, and what you accomplish on Feb. 8th could set up your next 6 months, especially in the realm of meeting new people and initiating relationships. Mercury, the planet of communication, will enter Aquarius on Feb. 13th and prompt out-of-the-box ways of problem solving. Planet of love, Venus, joins Mercury just 3 days later, and we may find ourselves attracted to more intellectually stimulating ~beings~. Virgo shows up a couples times this month, too. First, when Jupiter enters the earth sign on Feb. 14th, we’ll all be a little more analytical of people and situations. Perfectionism may get the best of us, especially as a full moon makes its way into Virgo on the 22nd. Sun in Pisces on the 19th— directly opposing Virgo’s full moon— will have us all feeling generally more empathetic than usual. And, trust me, this intuitive energy is MUCH needed to repair anything/everything that last month’s Mercury retrograde fuxed with.
Aries
Aries (Ruling Planet: Mars; Element: Fire) If you’re a typical Aries, you’re a risk-taker. You’re a fire sign, so you’re adventurous, brave, and lively— all traits that attract others to the Ram, although most find it hard to keep up. You’re always down to try new things. You impulsively take up a new projects, and yet still find the time to be passionate about them. However, Aries, you can be quite arrogant, thinking that you know everything, and you tend to be insensitive, impatient and stubborn, even to the point of being confrontational. Your motto is, “Act first, ask questions later.”
Mercury in Aquarius could be just what you need right now. You’ll be itching for some mental freedom, and this alignment—combined with the new moon in Aquarius at the start of the month—sets up the perfect opportunity to reach out to friends and pursue an idea you normally wouldn't entertain. The combo of conversational Mercury and tender Venus also entering the air sign on Feb. 16th will only encourage you to try some things differently, especially in love and networking. The connections you make now and particularly toward the end of the month may hold long-term benefits, so get out there! Just don’t overdo things. Try not to seclude yourself as the Sun crosses over from Aquarius to Pisces Feb. 19th, and as we have that full moon in Virgo on the 22nd. If you really can’t handle people this month, just focus on purging any extra stresses from your life. The presence of intuitive Pisces can help you with this.
Your February Trax:
It feels like you’ll need music to help you let go of a lot of things this month, and Life of Leisure’s airy, carefree EP Washed Out seems like it could just the trick. If you need something a little more lyrically stimulating, Something by Chairlift could work. On the other side of the spectrum, Philly artist Abi Reimold has an album called Wriggling that is at once visceral and dreamy, desperate and humorous. Don’t miss the short doc made for the album, either.
Dates to watch: 20th, 21st
Your events: Best Coast/Wavves @ the Royale, Feb. 19
People Like You, The Symptoms, Anjimile, Aüva @ Mid East Upstairs, Feb. 21
Weird Folk Fest Four feat. MOGO (...The Musical), Chameleon Culture, Nosy Mangabe, The Northern Orchard @ Out of the Blue Too Art Gallery, Feb. 21
Taurus
Taurus (Ruling Planet: Venus; Element: Earth) The textbook Taurus is generous, dependable, and down to earth. Persistence and patience are key virtues to a Taurus, thus, you rarely encounter failure. But change is hard for you. Although you generally have an easy going attitude, you are stubborn and demanding when you are being rushed or pressured. Also known for being self-indulgent and lazy, you tend to all-too-easily ignore others’ emotions. It’s also easy for you to become materialistic and possessive, and often jealousy is a common downfall for the Bull.
With, like, everything in Aquarius, you’ll be feeling less social and more goal-oriented this month. It’ll be easier to prioritize long-term plans with a new moon in Aquarius on Feb. 8th, and especially toward the middle of the month, when Mercury and Venus also enter the air sign. The sensual Taurus in you is going to secretly (or not-so-secretly) yearn for some ~deep soul connection~ around this time, but it’s just not in the cards for you this month. Don’t worry too much about it. With your ruling planet (Venus) in Aquarius, you should focus instead on getting tangible results concerning your career or relationships, and you’ll probably end up hitting your stride in one way or another. Wait for the end of the month, though, when the full moon is in Virgo to open up emotionally and/or decide if your new relationship is going anywhere.
Your February Trax:
It’s a mixed bag for you this month, so your forecast calls for a good mix of recs. Try Milo’s 2015 LP So The Flies Don’t Come while setting your goals for the month. For something completely folk-y and different, go with Langhorn Slim’s The Way We Move. That should give you the motivation you need to set some priorities straight. And if/when you quell that sensual side of you around Valentine’s, Argentine singer/songwriter Juana Molina’s subtle, yet totally freakin’ magical album from 2006, Son, should do the trick.
Dates to watch: 22nd, 23rd, 24th
Your events: Animal Collective @ Royale, Feb. 23
The Furniture (EP Release Show), Bewware the Dangers for a Ghost Scorpion, Milk, Só Sol @ Mid East Upstairs, Feb. 24
Gemini
Gemini (Ruling Planet: Mercury; Element: Air) Out of all the signs, you, Gemini, are the most communicative, on top of being the most clever. The Twins are flexible; you can adjust to any situation. Your enthusiasm for a variety of subjects makes you versatile and charming, but it’s hard for you to stay dedicated to one thing for a long time, and you tend to bite off more than you can chew. You suffer from constant FOMO, and you can’t make a decision to save your life.
It’s such an optimistic month for you, with fellow air sign Aquarius so present in the sky. You’ve got the new moon in Aquarius on Feb. 8th, your ruling planet, Mercury moving toward the sign around Feb. 13th, and love planet Venus joining them on Feb. 16th will urge you to ~spice things up~ in your relationship. If single, you’ll be on the lookout for a physical connection this time of year. Venus in Aquarius, in particular will make it easier for you to expand your horizons and open yourself up to new experiences. This state of mind will be useful when Sun enters Pisces on Feb. 19, and you can take any ideas you have to the NEXT LEVEL. Use the full moon in Virgo just two days later ask an excuse to finalize any monetary decisions and settle any disputes — just be extremely wary of any new opportunities or offers around this time. You might feel more confident in yourself, especially your emotional connections, but if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Your February Trax:
Art Angels by Grimes seems like the perfect soundtrack for new experiences and expanding your horizons this February. Obvi, I’m going to recommend ANTI by Rihanna; it’s a very physically-oriented month for you, afterall. Por Vida by Kali Uchis is a sweet, poppier alternative with sharp lyrical work. None of these your style? You can always rely on St. Vincent’s Strange Mercy as an alternative option.
Dates to watch: 25th, 26th
Your events: Mass Gothic @ Great Scott, Feb. 26
Quilt @ MFA, Feb. 26
Cancer
Cancer (Ruling Planet: Moon; Element: Water) Everyone says you’re overly emotional, Cancer. And it’s true. But your emotions also fuel every aspect of your otherwise creative, intuitive, spontaneous, loving and protective personality. And you are generally a faithful friend, Moonchild. You motivate and persuade others easily. But the Crab is moody and unbalanced. You fluctuate between clingy and icy, depending on your mood and how pessimistic you’re feeling that day.
The new moon in Aquarius will set the tone for February as far as feeling closer to your loved ones and finding information. When Mercury enters the air sign on Feb. 13th, you’ll want to really focus your obsessions on, and admit it — you need this. You might come off as more serious and outgoing, but also warm and passionate, especially as the Sun crosses into Pisces on Feb. 19th. But the best advice I can give you for this month, Moonchild, is to have any important conversations you’ve been putting off, especially if it’s about money. Venus in Aquarius in the middle of the month will prep you for this, urging you to strengthen emotional bonds. But—and this is important—wait until the end of the month when we have a full moon in Virgo to take charge of the situation. If you express yourself clearly and concisely, unexpected opportunities await.
Your February Trax:
Something like locals Du Vide’s most recent EP, clutter, could be the very thing to help you declutter some of your obsessions this month. And if you’re into Du Vide, try listening to Florist’s equally intimate but, somehow more optimistic The Birds Outside Sang. If either of those don’t do it for ya, there’s always Jesu/Sun Kil Moon’s self-titled album; but it’s wordy and heavy, so just get ready to really delve into some serious emotional navigation. The last option I’ve got has to be the ever-obsessive, and fellow water sign, Sharon Van Etten’s Tramp.
Dates to watch: 1, 27, 28, 29
Your events: Clicky Clicky Music Blog 10th Anniversary Rock Show with: Blew, Bedroom Eyes, Earthquake Party @ Out Of The Blue Too Art Gallery, Feb. 27
Wolfmother @ Paradise, Feb. 29
Leo
Leo (Ruling Planet: Sun; Element: Fire) Another energetic fire sign, you are known for your headstrong pride and dominating ego. But the Lion can also be quite affectionate, not to mention a loyal friend who demands the loyalty in return. In fact, you demand a lot of things. You can be impatient and arrogant when others won’t alter their opinions at your request, but are sensitive to anything that could wound your ego. You like to talk big game, Leo, but more often than not, you go home crying.
Aquarius, the sign opposite to yours in the Zodiac, is prominent in the stars this month, which, for you, pretty much means you’ll be blessed with a sense of stability and balance to your life this February… finally. Communicative Mercury enter the air sign will create the perfect environment for a conversation, and Venus crossing into Aquarius on the 16th will only add fuel to your fire, so to speak. Make your relationships a top priority. It’s also a good time to make a commitment to someone, and when a full moon in Virgo occurs on the 22nd, you should finalize any disputes and either commit to or quit any extra work you’ve taken on recently. You’ve just got to remember to have the confidence to commit to these decisions, both personal and financial.
Your February Trax:
The first track of Philly punk band Cayetana’s LP Nervous Like Me should be all the musical validation you need in order to tackle the conversations you need to have this month. Teens of Style by Car Seat Headrest is another upbeat, lo-fi album that could create the ultimate space you need to make commitments. If you’re looking for something a little sharper, both instrumentally and lyrically, try staying active while absorbing Why Choose, the 2015 LP by Shopping. If you’d rather laze in bed with the music turned up, settle on down with the Brooklyn-based Chumped LP, Teenage Retirement.
Dates to watch: 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Mothers @ Brighton Music Hall, Feb. 3
Jack’s Mannequin @ Royale, Feb. 4
Virgo
Virgo (Ruling Planet: Mercury; Element: Earth) You’re a natural problem solver, Virgo, and you are extremely practical. Your intelligence, trustworthiness, and attention to detail usually make you the best person for the job. You’re adaptable, for an Earth sign. You’re also analytical, sometimes to a fault. You can be overly critical and a harsh perfectionist, but only because you’re afraid of exposing your own vulnerabilities.
January might not have been ideal for you in the realm of love, and yes— you can partially blame it on Mercury in retrograde. But the good news is, the first half of February will see you connecting with loved ones, especially by way of receiving the love you give away. The shift of Mercury (your ruling planet) into Aquarius on Feb. 13th will clear up a lot of what the retrograde might’ve clouded, as far as the details, organization, and making headway is concerned. And Venus in Aquarius on the 16th will help you focus on work that you’re passionate about, so this is the time to tackle anything that’s been piling up on you. It might be hard to get started, but once you do, Virgo, the full moon in your sign on the 22nd will bring everything full circle.
Your February Trax:
The slow build of The Ballroom Thieves’ 2015 folk album, A Wolf In The Doorway, could be just what you need to help you feel like you’re back in control of things. If you can jam to this, then similarly folksy, sweeping albums you need to listen to this month include First Aid Kit’s The Big Black and Blue, and Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes. Not your vibe? Try listening to local artist Fat History Month, and their LP called Fucking Despair. It’s humorous and honest, and not as hopeless as it sounds-- and you could take a page from this book.
Dates to watch: 5th, 6th
Your events: DENT, Preskool Dropouts, OUT, Ricecrackers, Mail Thief @ Out Of The Blue Too Art Gallery, Feb. 5
Rayland Baxter @ Brighton Music Hall, Feb. 6
Allston Pudding Presents: Magic Shoppe (EP Release), Zip-Tie Handcuffs, BONG WISH, S.S. Cretins @ Great Scott, Feb. 6
Libra
Libra (Ruling Planet: Venus; Element: Air) You, Libra, are the charming, tactful one. You have a magnetism about you. Socially, you are gifted. You can talk your way out of anything, and justice is a valued virtue to The Scales. But like most air signs, you can become detached and unreliable. You’re so indecisive sometimes that, more often than not, you bail completely, and you don’t do well with confrontation.
Everyone better watch out for you this month. You’ll be absolutely radiant and effortlessly charming, even more than usual — and I’m not just blowing smoke up your ass. It’s in the stars; A new moon, the Sun, Mercury, and Venus all enter your ~love sector~ this February. You might also feel more affectionate around this time, so don’t be afraid to show your sweet side. When the new moon enters Aquarius on Feb. 8th, you’ll be blessed with all the inspiration and motivation you’ll need for the rest of the month. Embrace this energy. Mercury in Aquarius on Feb. 13th will help you focus, for a time, until your ruling planet, Venus, joins Mercury in Aquarius on Feb. 16th and all hell breaks loose. You’ll enjoy being less serious (as if that’s hard for you), so wait until the Sun enters Pisces to tackle any projects you’ve been meaning to finish. But, then again, don’t put too much pressure on yourself, because if you’re not enjoying your work, you won’t do it. As the month comes to a close, and a full moon in Virgo rolls around on the 22nd, you’ll feel more emotional, but also more secluded. Don’t hesitate to take this time to yourself.
Your February Trax:
With such a lovely, optimistic forecast for February, you might gravitate to some already well-loved albums this month. Lungs by Florence & the Machine, Teen Dream by Beach House, or Belle & Sebastian’s The Life Pursuit all seem like viable options. And these recommendations would seem without if there wasn’t a Mariah Carey listing. Daydream is the perfect and obvious choice for letting loose and loving your inner Libra.
Dates to watch: 7th, 8th
Your Events: Boston Beatbox Battle @ Mid East Upstairs, Feb. 7
Alex Smith @ Club Passim, Feb. 8
Rad Castle: Electric Street Queens, Ghost Scorpion @ Zuzu's, Feb. 8 - Free event
Scorpio
Scorpio (Ruling Planet: Pluto; Element: Water) Scorpios are truly a mixed bag. You can be passionate, but resentful. You can be ambitious and determined, but manipulative in the process. And although the Scorpion is one the most faithful of the signs, you struggle with trust and possessiveness, with forgiving and forgetting. However, Scorpio, you are still indeed a true water sign— sensitive and intuitive. And your emotional strength is what sets you apart from every other sign.
Gear up, because this month is gonna feel weird. It’s February after all, and Mercury in Aquarius is to blame. Around Feb. 13th, the planet of communication and coordination will have you feeling nostalgic about certain situations and people from the past, along with every feeling you ever had about them. Here's a reminder-- put yourself in other people’s shoes before expressing how you feel. Venus in Aquarius will only strengthen your desire for familiarity, and you may wind up in places you know well, with people who make you comfortable. Don’t fight your domestic side, around the 16th. When the Sun enters Pisces, and your love sector on the 20th, you might feel more like being sweet to yourself and those around you— embrace it. Just wait for the full moon in Virgo on the 22nd to channel your emotions into something more productive.
Your February Trax:
This month is the right time to brood, and musical selections like Lana Del Rey’s Honeymoon Angel Olsen’s Strange Cacti seem like apt choices that won’t totally devastate you. But if you’re looking to for a good emotional breakdown, listen to Memphis artist Julien Baker’s album Sprained Ankle. Boston is also fortunately #blessed with a lot of brooding artists who make a lot sad music. The Stay Sad EP by Kitner and Lady Pill’s 2015 demo seem to naturally fill that gap.
Dates to watch: 9th, 10th
Your events: Beacon @ Great Scott, Feb. 10
Sagittarius
Sagittarius (Ruling Planet: Jupiter; Element: Fire) Sagittarians are crazy fun, and wild. You’re a generous friend, and always try to be straightforward. The Archer is an intellectual, passionate about philosophy and travel. But with this passionate energy, and your constant need for independence, comes a carelessness typical of most fire signs. When honest, you tend to be tactless. When ambitious, you can be impatient and inconsistent. And you are prone to taking things for granted.
The stars are signaling a time of serious thinking about where you’re headed, what with Saturn traversing your sign these past few months. You need to first focus on your mental health during the first half of February, Sagittarius, and then take care of your own, Earth-bound flesh vessel later on. The new moon on Feb. 8th occurs in Aquarius, and you’ll do your best thinking around this time. The catch is, you’ve got to think out loud, and share your ideas. That way, you can come up with better solutions, and have as many options as possible. Philanthropic Aquarius will fuel this mental energy as Mercury, the planet of communication and coordination, enters this sign on Feb. 13th. The Sun in Pisces on the 19th will have you retreating to the familiar, so take this time to care for your physical form, and the other humans that make up your support system. But wait-- you should hold off until after the full moon in Virgo on Feb. 22nd to take any rash actions. If you’ve been dutifully working toward your goals, your hard will finally pay off. If not, you need to change your approach.
Your February Trax:
If you’re looking for airy, symphonic music that’ll motivate you, look no further than Kate Havnevik’s album &I, especially if you’re doing any serious reflecting early in the month. Try listening to Eskimeaux’s album OK closer to the end of the month, as you’ll be feeling a little more reclusive when the Sun enters Pisces. Rearrange Beds by An Horse could be another option if you’re craving something just as indie, but a little tighter in sound.
Dates to watch: 11th, 12th
Your events: Baio @ Brighton Music Hall, Feb. 11
Green Line Presents: Porches, eskimeaux & Brittle Brian @ Afterhours at Northeastern, Feb. 11 - free with NU ID+1
Dæphne, Kindling, Puppy Problems, Lady Pills, Gia Green, Gay Sin, Dump Him @ Democracy Center, Feb. 12
Capricorn
Capricorn (Ruling Planet: Saturn; Element: Earth) Another practical Earth sign, Capricorns are more calculated than most. You are also a natural goal-setter, and tend to get what you want by being sensible, patient, cautious and disciplined. The Seagoat is not a rule-breaker. And, sometimes, all this hard work can make you pessimistic, stubborn, and shy.
This could be a sensual month for you as Venus and Mercury leave your sign and enter Aquarius on Feb. 13th and 16th respectively. The planets in this location will bless you with a delicateness that doesn’t usually surround your pragmatic lil’ self. This could be just the break you need, mentally, and it’ll be easier for you to slow down and focus on one big projects rather than bouncing from idea to idea. The Sun enters Pisces on Feb. 20th and subsequently your finance zone, thus it will cue a sharper, more lively version of yourself. This would be the opportune time to focus on your career and finances, if you’re in a balanced, stable position to do so. The full moon in Virgo at the end of the month may bring good news, but be wary. Things are not always as they seem.
Your February Trax:
Father John Misty’s album I Love You, Honeybear could be just the down-tempo, quick witted music you’ll be craving this month, as the planets’ location will urge you to slow down, yourself. The self-titled album by Natalie Prass is slow, but sweeping enough to satisfy that hunger. If you need something just a little darker, make your way on over to Jerk Routine, an old album by locals Pile.
Dates to watch: 13th, 14th
Your events: GCCC, Blankets, Sewer Goddess, YRRAPYRRAP, 1/2 of Birthing Hips @ Out of the Blue Too Art Gallery, Feb. 13
Mini Dresses, Littlefoot, American Echoes, Soulelujah DJs @ Mid East Upstairs, Feb. 14
Aquarius
Aquarius (Ruling Planet: Uranus; Element: Air) The most loyal of the air signs, Aquarians are known for their ability to make a lot of friends and their wide range of interests. The Water Carrier is the weird but charming, creative, independent type. But your independence can easily read aloof and detached. And like any air sign, you can be particularly inconsistent and unpredictable. Though, of all the air signs, you’re the most set in your ways, partially because of your strong moral compass and humanitarian instincts.
There’s a new moon in your sign on the 8th, the only new moon in your sign this year, so you may feel more like your old self again. Make good use of this energy and pursue something you normally wouldn’t. It’s YOU time. Communicative Mercury enters Aquarius on Feb. 13th and will help you find new ways to express yourself. This is a good thing, especially as Venus enters your sign, and you’ll finally be able to focus on any new projects. Lovely Venus will also prompt you to just ooze charm around the 16th, and social opportunities will surround you during this time. The Sun in Pisces, the sign after yours in the Zodiac, will have you craving stability, though any projects you take up may feel slow-going. Any serious matters (both emotional and financial) should be tended to as a full moon appears in Virgo on Feb. 22nd. Just make sure to pay attention to the details.
Your February Trax:
Everything traversing your sign this month will create a sense of nostalgia and stability, so why not listen to music that reflects that? You can never go wrong with Missy Elliott, and The Cookbook is one of those albums that captures a certain familiarity and confidence (mostly because Missy is a total badass and if you don’t love her, you’re wrong). But if Missy can’t do it for you at this time, albums like Rip It Up by post-punk Scottish band Orange Juice, The Go-Go’s Beauty and the Beat, and Tears for Fears’ Songs From the Big Chair seem weird, but cool enough to put your Aquarian mind in total state of bliss.
Dates to watch: 15th, 16th, 17th
Your events: AP Presents: Stove, Halfsour, Blessed State, Puppy Problems @ Mid East Upstairs, Feb. 15
Kal Marks, Horse Jumper of Love, Leapling, St. Nothing, Lady Pills @ Great Scott, Feb. 16
Jennylee (of Warpaint) @ Brighton Music Hall, Feb. 17
Laura Jane Grace and The Devouring Mothers @ the Sinclair, Feb. 17
Pisces
Pisces (Ruling Planet: Neptune; Element: Water) Your head is in the clouds, Pisces, and you have a grand imagination. But this way of thinking can often delve into escapist territory, and you have no problem deluding yourself to avoid harsh realities. You can be a pessimist who blames things on bad luck. And like any other water sign, you’re sensitive. But The Fishes in particular are intuitive to others’ feelings, and, although you often feel misunderstood by most, you have the ability to understand many people from all different walks of life.
Mercury and Venus enter Aquarius mid-month; communication is so important for you during this time. These planets in the air sign will cause your creative energy to surge, but you might just want to *fade to black* in February. It’s fine to take some time to yourself, but you need to keep the lines of communication open, especially as a full moon in Aquarius on the 8th will only keep you behind the scenes. But when by the time the Sun enters Pisces on the 20th, you’ll feel more up to quietly but confidently taking what you want and pioneering new projects. The full moon in Virgo, your opposite in the Zodiac, may have you feeling particularly romantic by way of wanting commitment and connection with a ~special someone~.
Your February Trax:
Noisey, angsty music seems to be in your cards, this month. Naturally, The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me feels like a natural choice. If you just can’t do Brand New this month, Dreamers Asleep at the Wheel, an album by The Ambulars, has a similar pop punk sound, without the stigma. Pop punk ain’t your thing? Sore by Toronto natives Dilly Dally is all punk, and all the angsty noise you could ask for.
Dates to watch: 18th, 19th
Your events: IAN, Mega Bog, EKP, Harmoos @ Out of the Blue Too Art Gallery, Feb. 18
The Monsieurs, The Barbazons, Nice Guys, Pouty @ Mid East Upstairs, Feb. 19
Vundabar, Snowhaus, Lady Pills @ BU CENTRAL, Feb. 19 - free event