New Isn’t Everything – Big Sky Astrology

New Isn’t Everything

As the Sun in Aquarius hurtles toward the future, the Scorpio Last Quarter Moon (Feb. 9, 2026, 4:43 am PST, 20º46’ Scorpio/Aquarius), stands to one side, arms crossed with skepticism. “What’s so great about the future?” it mutters. “And what – whom – will you leave behind on your way there?”

The future is all well and good, but what about the connections we share with others here and now? What about the gardens that we nurture today? We’ll enjoy their yield in the spring, and that’s far enough into the future for many; but Aquarius sets its gaze on a future that seems to have no need for such humble, earthly occupations.

Next week’s Solar Eclipse in Aquarius, the first since in that sign since July 2018, declares that the future is on its way. But then again, it’s always on its way. Its borders are ever-shifting, and by definition, we never quite reach it. It’s exciting, this vision of a dazzling future, a frontier filled with newness. But the Scorpio Last Quarter Moon whispers, “New isn’t everything. Don’t forget to treasure your old connections, too.”

Pepsi for Breakfast

This week, Venus enters Pisces (Feb 10, 2026, 2:19 am PST, through March 6). I admit to a positive bias where Venus in Pisces is concerned: my mother had this Venus placement, and a dearer person never lived. She believed the best in everyone, and those who knew her strove to live up to her expectations and avoid disappointing her.

But life with her also had its quirks. We grew accustomed to passing through the living room of our tiny house in the morning and encountering random, down-on-their luck acquaintances crashing on our sofa. We picked up some of her less-than-optimal financial and dietary habits, like running up credit card debt and washing down Hostess cupcakes with Pepsi…for breakfast.

Back then, I felt guilty about being a cranky, judgmental introvert who never lived up to my mother’s selfless example. But throughout my life, I’ve internalized some of her lessons – albeit with a little fine tuning. For instance, on the other side of my second Saturn return I’m much better able to control my temper and am a lot more tolerant, which would have made her proud. And luckily, I’ve also managed to eliminate debt from my life and embrace oatmeal for breakfast.

Venus is exalted in Pisces, meaning Venus does some of her very best work here. We’re closest to achieving unconditional love with Venus in Pisces, most proximate to our gentlest, most generous and lovable selves. So, enjoy Venus in this spiritually aware sign – and spend wisely, eat nutritiously, and be sure you know who’s sleeping on your couch.

No Blame, No Complaint

This week, Saturn enters Aries (Feb. 13, 2026, 4:12 pm PST) after about five months retrograde in Pisces. Through April 2028, it makes its first prolonged stay here since 1996, marking a bold new era of radical personal accountability. This transit demands that we stop making excuses and take full command of our lives. Saturn is uncompromising: it demands that we step up, take the lead, and forge our path with discipline and courage. There’s no room here for blame or complaint, only the clear call to become the author, director, and star of your own story.

Fortunately, Saturn stands close to Neptune (their conjunction is exact next week) at the time of this ingress, offering not just discipline, but inspiration that, with hard work, can be made real. Define what you truly want and begin laying the foundation for a life that reflects your deepest desires. What are you building? Where are the boundaries? What are the obstacles? And how can you be a stronger, braver, more mature version of yourself?

If you were born with Saturn in Aries between April 1996 and Feb. 1999, you’ll be having your first Saturn return sometime in the next couple of years. And if you were born with Saturn in Aries in 1967-69, you’ll have your second Saturn return. Saturn’s returns are opportunities to take stock and give ourselves a report card on what we’re accomplishing and what’s left to be achieved. Give yourself an honest grade, but with some compassion, as well.

The Back of the Closet

From time to time, we get a little bored with ourselves – tired of facing, each day, our same old quirks and hang-ups, the same face looking back at us in the mirror. I’m not talking about a full-on crisis. No one in this scenario is leaving their spouse and buying a red convertible. It’s more like one of those crummy Monday mornings when you’re starting another work week and would love to be someone else, anywhere else, doing something completely different.

The alarm goes off. You shower, drink your morning coffee, brush your teeth, and pad off to your closet to find something to wear. Ugh – you hate all of your clothes! Or rather….

Your hand lingers over a weird little number in the back of the closet. You bought it a few years ago on a whim and instantly regretted it. It’s a little bit odd, a strange color, daring. It’s not your usual kind of thing at all – and that’s absolutely perfect. You put it on, check your reflection in the mirror, and smile. And then you head off to work with an extra spring in your step.

The Sun’s square to Uranus (Feb. 15, 2026, 9:02 pm PST, 27º31’ Aquarius / Taurus) goes by in a flash. Its influence lasts no more than a day or two. But that’s long enough to feel a rush of boredom, dissatisfaction, and the intense desire to be someone else, or at least a different version of ourselves.

What’s in the back of your closet? Use this day to change things up and reinvent something about yourself.

Writing and images © 2017-2026 by April Elliott Kent

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