Three big conjunctions (in successive signs, no less) loom large over this week: Mercury-Pluto in Capricorn, Sun-Saturn in Aquarius, and Venus-Neptune in Pisces. We’ll go over each in turn.

The disparity between where we are and where we dream to be looms large today, as the moon opposes Neptune. Not a reason to lose heart, but a reason to reassess with an eye on the practical. A cool mind can accompany a hot heart, even if yours is still incandescent from Sunday’s Full Moon in Leo. Venus also forms an exact sextile to Uranus today, a playful dare to take a risk on an experience that might be wonderful. There is also rich potential in plumbing mental depths this week, as Mercury sidles up to its heavy conjunction with Pluto. This aspect will color the week, may even have been palpable for the past couple of days, and may create an environment that fosters mental fixation, deep research, endless Wikipedia rabbit holes, and the like. It may also conjure feelings of inadequacy from some, or an inability to properly communicate, or otherwise be reminiscent of a Mercury Retrograde. Planets passing over Pluto tend to get pressure-tested, unmade and reborn, or feel like they’re trying to operate from the bottom of a well. Venus and the Sun recently passed through Pluto’s harrowing gates, but Mercury is more nimble, more flexible, more adaptable, and he should have an easier time adjusting to these cthonic halls. Enjoy the ride but don’t obsess over it! Mercury and Pluto will reach and exact conjunction on Friday, 2/10.

Thursday (2/9) sees the moon move into Libra, opposing Jupiter, then moving into a trine with Mars by evening. A hurdle to progress is followed by a second wind.

Friday (2/10) is more eventful. In addition to the conjunction of Mercury and Pluto, mentioned above, the moon will cast a ray on the tightening trine between the Sun and Saturn. This is another conjunction that will color the week and spill into the next, and may leave some feeling like a certain structure or order is being back-burnered, overshadowed. Planets in close proximity are subsumed by its power, even in scenarios like this where Saturn is strong and the Sun is weak. The Sun may take on some of Saturn’s qualities temporarily, which could lead to an authoritarian streak in some, an innovative, humanitarian streak in others. This is also foreshadowing Saturn’s upcoming shift into Pisces, a bookend on its time in its place of dignity. More on that next week. Jumping back to Mercury, here are some thoughts on the matter from my Aquarius Season piece:

“With Pluto, Mercury may feel either feel powered-up or like it’s at the bottom of a well depending on where one’s brain likes to live. There is psychopomp-level access to what lurks below the surface of things on offer today, but it might be a step or two more difficult to make basic small talk, especially with the moon’s aspects to heavy and visceral currents.“

Saturday (2/11) sees Mercury’s ingress into Aquarius. Though Pluto’s effects still linger, the messenger planet has left Capricorn’s rocky confines behind and soars skyward on a sustained current. More on Mercury from that Aquarius Season piece: “While it is not one of his domiciles, Mercury does seem a natural fit here, and indeed some modern astrologers consider it his exultation. One can see why: he’s free here to thinking freely and conceptually, to take in the big picture. Mercury is the planet of inventors and innovators, and Aquarius loves both of those things. If there’s anything to find fault with here, it may be that Aquarius’ impersonal tendencies could make this a less empathetic Mercury, not as skilled at subtle communication. Still, Venus’ presence in a place of strength should mitigate that particular weakness during this period. Mercury will remain in Aquarius until 3/2.” Meanwhile, the moon passes over the South Node, an eclipse point of the moon associated with disintegration. Today is a day of filling minds and emptying hearts, and as the moon will also cast a challenging aspect to Mercury, actions spurned by those impulses may be in direct conflict.

By Sunday (2/12) Venus will have gotten very close to Neptune. The planet of love and connection is joining together with the force that connects all by dissolving them and pouring them into the same giant pot of collective unconscious. Aquarius Season again: “For some, this may be too much of a good thing; Venus in Pisces is already sort of up for any type of experience, and Neptune is the gateway to all emotional states and experiences, the great sea of imagination. This is a great time to lose oneself in a fantasy world, in a whirlwind romance, an exotic getaway. It may also manifest as a crazy bender. As ever, your mileage may vary.” Good for tossing inhibitions, embracing the psychedelic, or just allowing yourself some deep, vivid dream experiences. The conjunction becomes exact on Wednesday, 2/15.

On Monday (2/13,) the moon will throw more even more water onto that wet-wet conjunction by casting a beneficial ray on the Venus-Neptune conjunction. This may lead to emotional overflow, but should also be a good day to focus on self-care and artistic indulgence and/or expression. At the same time, the moon casts an angry gaze toward the Sun-Saturn conjunction, and it may be that this is a challenging Monday for those looking to organize or get down to business. Don’t court a fight with your boss today.

That Venus-Neptune conjunction should come in handy if you’re looking to melt into another person on Tuesday, Valentine’s Day (2/14,) though the moon’s opposition to Mars could make that a testy prospect for those that do not respect boundaries or ignore warning signs. It could be a good day for couples activities, as long as they don’t get too competitive, frustrating or otherwise contentious. The moon’s trine to Jupiter is encouraging for maintaining a good-natured spirit. For the single, it could be a great day to lose yourself in a favorite pursuit, packing it in for the day if it ceases to be enjoyable.

Until next Hump Day!