THE MONTH AHEAD: A HOROSCOPE FOR YOUR FURRY BEST FRIEND

By Carol Jepson Animalinks' Animal Astrologer
Forecast for January 20 through February 18, 2008
Astrologers begin the astrological month on or about the 3rd week of the calendar month. This is because the Sun enters a new sign on the 21st, 22nd or 23rd day of the conventional calendar month.

Your ARIES pet-born between March 21 - April 19.

Starting on Jan 20, the Sun shines for the next 30 days in your pet's solar 11th house, the house of friends and friendships. This is a "month" when your pet will bask in the warmth off friendly feelings for both animals and humans. Being around others comes easily and this is a good time to introduce your cat to a new pet sitter or start doggy daycare. For the past two months your pet's ruler, Mars, has been retrograde (which means the planet appears to being going backward in the zodiac). Retrograde Mars is currently in the 24th degree of Gemini, and will remain in Gemini for the next 30 days. A retrograde Mars can sometimes bring on a bout of clumsiness or pull the plug on your furry friend's physical energy. Probably the most important event for Aries pets occurs on Jan 30. This is the day that Mars changes over from retrograde motion to direct motion. Your Aries companion will act as if awakening from a pleasant but laid back dream. Since this event occurs while Mars is in Gemini (the sign of curiosity and communication), you can expect your furry friend to be on the go, curious, snuffling around in corners and hidden places, and eager for you to join the hunt. Since Mars is in the 3rd house of the neighborhood and near environment, this is where the action will take place. Even stay-at-homes will disappear down the hall or out the door to explore the neighborhood if the chance appears. The next astrological event is the Feb 6 Solar Eclipse at 17 degrees of Aquarius The Solar Eclipse planets (the Sun and Moon) are making a happy trine aspect to your pet's ruler Mars. And, this Eclipse, which sets the mood for the next two weeks, will make your four-footed friend an altogether delightful companion. Watch out for the exuberance becoming a little overwhelming when the Moon transits Aries Feb 10-11. Make sure your dog gets a lot of vigorous exercise and the same applies to your Aries cat, who is more active than most other cats. Feb 14, Valentine's Day, sees the Sun in a happy trine aspect to Mars. This is a day when your fur kid will find it easy to be his/her Aries self. This aspect makes your pet feel physically vigorous and physical activity is recommended, so get out to the dog park and and spend extra time playing with your cat. This feeling of physical wellbeing is reinforced on Feb 16 when the transiting Moon combines with Mars, and although this is a brief and fleeting coming together, it's positive influence is likely to persist through Feb 18, which is the end of this 30 day period.

Your TAURUS pet-born between April 20-May 20

Starting on Jan 20, the Sun shines for the next 30 days in your fur kid's 10th house of rank, status, and fame. Your furry best friend will want to be top dog or cat today and probably for the 30-day period to come. Pay a lot of attention to your best pal, 'cause if you don't you will be overwhelmed by attention-getting displays and ploys for regard and respect. The Jan 22 Full Moon at 1 degree Leo falls in your pet's 4th house, and directs your companion's attention to home and family. This combination will make your top dog or top cat feel obliged to help those less fortunate and act with kindliness and generosity. For the next 30 days your fur friend is likely to snuggle up to an elderly neighbor who needs companionship, watch over a small child as guardian and protector, and even show up with an abandoned dog or cat who made his or her way into your backyard. From the start of this 30-day period (Jan 20), your pet's ruler Venus has been drawn like a magnet to Pluto, the conjunction becoming exact on Jan 23. That is a very powerful conjunction in which your fur pal might fixate on someone or something as the object of his or her affections. If it's you, your dog or cat companion may become very loving and devoted, but highly protective, to the extent of growling or hissing if another household pet-or human-gets too close to his or her special person. A new mood arises on Jan 24, the day Venus enters Capricorn. While Venus is in Capricorn (until Feb 16), your fur buddy will need emotional and material security. This is not a good time to throw out old toys or security blankets. In mannerisms your pet will become more proud and reserved. There is also a sense of aloneness about them which generates a subtle mystique that appeals to others. The meeting up of Venus and Jupiter takes place on Feb 1. This is a very pleasant and enjoyable time for your pet. These are good days in which to introduce a new pet into the household, or begin doggy daycare. It's also a good time now for the two of you to take a vacation to a pet friendly resort or camp, or engage in relaxing activities. On Feb 6, the Solar Eclipse takes place at 17 degrees of Aquarius in the 10th solar house. The same day as the eclipse your pet's ruler, Venus, is in a harmonious sextile with Uranus in the solar 11th house. This is a time period when your furry friend will be extremely popular with old and new friends flocking around-both animal and human. And keep in mind that this Solar Eclipse is not only effective for the next 2 weeks, but that its influence will also be felt for the next 6 months, and so will the Venus-Uranus popularity aspect. However, a new horizon opens on Feb 17, the day Venus enters Aquarius. Venus will transit through this freedom-loving, and sometimes rebellious, sign until Mar 12. Expect to see a change today as Venus leaves serious and aloof Capricorn and does a make-over in Aquarius, becoming friendly and popular although not excessively emotional. Your GEMINI pet-born between May 21-June 20 Starting on Jan 20, the Sun shines for the next 30 days in your pet's solar 9th house, an area of higher education. Perhaps your animal companion has already completed a course and is ready to go to the next level. Mercury, your pet's ruler, is also in the 9th house, reinforcing the idea of education but, in addition, introducing the idea of travel. This can signal a 30-day period when there is an urge to roam. Make sure front and back doors aren't left open and gates on fenced in yards are securely locked.. On Jan 22, the day of the Full Moon your pet's ruler, Mercury, is conjunct Neptune. This mystical, tuned- into-the-unconscious mind aspect is likely to remain influential through early February. What is going on? And what can you expect? Well, If you recognize your pet as a Feng Shui helper, then count on your dog or cat's good vibrations in the late January and early February period to attract positive chi (and healing) to you and your home. On Jan 28, your pet's ruler, Mercury, halts and turns retrograde. This optical illusion of a planet stopping and moving into backward motion is significant to astrologers. Mercury, your pet's ruler, will move backward for three weeks, signaling a down time when your furry buddy may become less verbal and more withdrawn. This is not a good time period for Gemini pets to learn new skills or behavior because the results will often develop differently than expected. However, a Mercury retrograde period is good for reviewing, revising, for taking up and finishing anything you and your furry pal may have started but not completed. The Jan 22 Full Moon at 1 degree of Leo falls in your pet's 3rd house of travel in the near environment and communication with kin and neighbors. With so much emphasis on the 9th and 3rd houses, both of which focus on communication and travel, it is clear that your frisky kid will be on the move and wanting to tell you about it. But there's going to be a change. On Feb 2 retrograde Mercury again contacts Neptune. This is a day when your pet can act as a channel for ideas emanating from higher planes of consciousness. In addition, telepathy will be particularly strong between you and your paw pal at this time, so pay attention! The next astrological event is the Feb 6 Solar Eclipse at 17 degrees of Aquarius. Once again emphasis is placed on your pet's solar 9th house of knowledge, travel and communication. Eclipses become extremely personally important, especially when an eclipse is in conjunction with a planet. In this case the Solar Eclipse's Sun and Moon are teamed with Mercury, your pet's ruler. In the days leading up to the Eclipse you may find your furry buddy to be somewhat lackluster, even a little bit down. But once the Eclipse is over you will see a big change in attitudes. On Feb 6 and in the days that follow, your furry friend will be eager to learn, and you can introduce new routines and new activities. The big day for Mercury-ruled signs (Gemini and Virgo) occurs on the last day of this 30-day period. Feb 18 is the day transiting Mercury stations and turns direct in motion. For all the people and pets on earth, communication opens up, and the tempo of life picks up.

Your CANCER pet-born between June 21-July 22

Starting on Jan 20, the Sun shines for the next 30 days in your pet's solar 8th house, the house that for animals is associated with the Cosmos and its mysteries. This is a 30-day period when your furry companion is giving off good Feng Shui vibes and helping remove bad Chi (aka Sha) energies from your house, home, and environment. Jan 21 sees Jupiter, ruler of Cancer by exaltation, receiving a harmonizing trine from Saturn. Since Jupiter is occupying the 7th house of relationships, this aspect portends calmness and balance in your pet's friendships with people and animals. Jan 22 is the day of the Leo Full Moon, which falls in your pet's 2nd house of possessions.. Now and in the two weeks to follow, your Cancer fur kid is likely to be highly possessive.. Any other household pet caught snitching a toy, eating from your Cancer pet's food bowl, or sleeping on a favored blanket, is likely to get nipped or scratched. This makes you the peacemaker and referee for this two-week period. Not an easy task, especially if your slippers or reading glasses become your pet's new play toy. On Jan 24, the Moon combines her energies with Saturn, a situation that will make your Cancer fur kid somewhat aggressive with neighborhood pets and visitors in your home. On Feb 2 your pet's ruler, the Moon, faces off against Mars. This can produce emotional confrontations and an aggressive nature. Be on the alert for snarls and growls or a sneak attack on someone's leg as your usually friendly cat turns into psycho-kitty. On Feb 3-4 the Moon moves into the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter in Capricorn, with all three in the 7th solar house of friendships and relationships. Capricorn is a little sedate, but nonetheless it's a delightful day for a paw-ty with fun activities for four-footed guests. The next astrological event is the Feb 6 Solar Eclipse at 17 degrees of Aquarius, in close conjunction with Mercury and Neptune. This gang-up of planets - Sun, Moon, Mercury, Neptune - in the 8th house of the mysteries of life, is likely to put your Cancer pet in a bit of a head-spin, feeling lethargic or woozy, requiring a few days to regain balance. The quarter Moon in Taurus, which falls on Feb 13, will provide a stabilizing force. Three days later, the Moon enters its own sign, Cancer, putting your Moon Child in a happy, calm and contented state for the remaining days of this 30-day period. Your LEO pet-born between July 23-August 22 Starting Jan 20, the Sun, your pet's ruler, shines for the next 30 days in the 7th solar house of harmonious relationships, friends and loved ones. This is a month when your four-footed friend will hanker for affection and companionship, and will be receptive to group activities. It's a great time to begin doggie daycare, spend time at the dog park, and invite a few friends over-your cat will charm them all. The Jan 22 Full Moon at 1 degree Leo falls in your pet's 1st solar house, the house of personality, attitude and mannerisms. Today and for the next two weeks your furry Leo partner will crave attention and approval. If you are not paying enough attention you can expect some barks or meows or even a tug on your sleeve to make you lavish the pets and praise your dog or cat companion demands and thrives on. On Jan 28, Mercury in Aquarius halts and turns retrograde. This optical illusion of a planet stopping and moving into backward motion is significant to astrologers, usually denoting a time when communication falls off. Mercury, will move backward for three weeks, and it will do so in the 7th solar House, the house where the Sun is located for this 30-day period. This signals a down time when your furry buddy is much less expressive in the areas of love and affection than previous and is likely to become more withdrawn and less communicative. The next astrological event is the Feb 6 Solar Eclipse in Aquarius, falling in your pet's solar 7th house of harmonious relationships, friends and loved ones. This Solar eclipse in Aquarius is in association with Ch'iron, Mercury and Neptune. It brings a big change in circumstances and attitudes. This Eclipse will affect anyone, but especially Aquarians and Leos. The negative effect of the Eclipse (symbolized by the blotting out of the Sun's light) may bring some kind of loss in a relationship, such as your pet's dog buddy moving to a new house across town or your cat's favorite toy becoming permanently lost. For Leos, the positive effect of this Solar Eclipse is (after the return of the light) a new sense of awareness of self, combining leadership charisma with a need to serve and protect. For the next two weeks it is likely your Leo paw-pal -whether dog or cat-will become the self-proclaimed guardian of your household, including you! In February the best days are the 17th and 18th when Venus enters your pet's romance house. With both the Sun and Venus in your pet's solar 7th house of partnership, your dog or cat may show an increased attachment to you or an interest in neighborhood pets. Be sure your pet is spayed or neutered so any attraction will be platonic. On Feb 18, the last day of this 30-day period, Mercury stations and turns direct in your pet's house of love and affection. Your pet will most likely be communicative and vocal, warm and friendly, and tail wagging, cuddling and purrs will abound Your VIRGO pet-born between August 23 -September 22 Starting Jan 20, the Sun shines for the next 30 days in the 6th solar house of work, service, and daily routine. Characterized as the worker of the zodiac, Virgo pets feel really invigorated and at home in this area of the horoscope. Your dog or cat will feel most comfortable during this period with an orderly daily environment - meals at predictable hours, with life flowing in a reasonably smooth fashion. There is also a need to get a healthy amount of exercise, or to work and serve in some manner or another. Mercury, your pet's ruler, is also in the 6th house, reinforcing the idea of work and service. Give your Virgo pet job or task to do as well as regular exercise to keep him or her happy. Whether guarding the house or welcoming guests your pet will perform with gusto once you've explained, "it's your job." Some Virgo pets, especially cats, are not naturally active. At this time you need to entice your purr-pal to play. Some cats enjoy chasing and jumping at light beams from a small flashlight, while others like to bat at catnip-filled mice. On Jan 22, the Full Moon falls in the 12th solar house of charity and of institutions such as hospitals, and nursing homes. Another 12th house attribute is that of service for humanity. This very same day your pet's ruler, Mercury, is conjunct Neptune, which is a very spiritual planet. This is a good time for your furry companion to be involved in charitable or humane activities, such as a pet walk or cute pet contest to raise funds for your local SPCA. Now is also a good time to bring your friendly cat or dog to visit a senior citizen's center. On Jan 28, your pet's ruler, Mercury, halts and turns retrograde. This optical illusion of a planet stopping and moving into backward motion is significant to astrologers. Mercury, your pet's ruler, will move backward for three weeks, signaling a down time when your furry buddy may become less communicative and more withdrawn. This is not a good time period for Virgo pets to take up new activities, because results will often be different than expected. So postpone introducing the new pet sitter or changing your cat's diet until Mercury goes direct in motion. On Feb 2, the day when retrograde Mercury again contacts Neptune your pet can act as a channel for ideas emanating from higher planes of consciousness. In addition, telepathy will be particularly strong between you and your paw pal at this time. Do you Feng Shui? If so, your tuned-in pet can give your clues to areas in your home or yard that harbor negative Ch'i (aka Sha), allowing you to perform the proper ritual to banish stagnant energy and get the good energy stirred up and flowing again. The next astrological event is the Feb 6 Solar Eclipse at 17 degrees of Aquarius. Eclipses become extremely personally important, especially when an eclipse is in conjunction with a planet. In this case the Solar Eclipse's Sun and Moon are teamed with Mercury, your pet's ruler. In the days leading up to the Eclipse you may find your furry buddy to be somewhat lackluster, even a little bit down. But once the Eclipse is over you will see a big change in attitudes. Soon after Feb 6 and in the days that follow, your fur buddy will be eager to learn, and you can introduce new routines and new activities.. The big day for Mercury-ruled signs (Gemini and Virgo) occurs on the last day of this 30-day period. Feb 18 is the day transiting Mercury stations and turns direct in motion. For all the people and pets on earth, communication opens up, and the tempo of life picks up.

Your LIBRA pet-born between September 23- October 22

Starting Jan 20, the Sun shines for the next 30 days in the 5th solar house of creativity and play, of affection and fun and games - and also of children and young animals. This is a period of time when your furry friend will be highly emotional and protective of those he or she loves, remaining close to them. The Jan 22 Full Moon at 1 degree Leo falls in your pet's 11th house of friends and friendships. This Moon will spread its influence over a two-week period, introducing a time when your pet will bask in the warmth of his or her friends, both animal and human. Mixing with others comes easily and this is a good time to plan activities where your pet will meet and mingle, like attending yappie hour at the local caf�, or spending time at the dog park. Cats will be especially social and may enjoy a visit with neighbors or at a senior center,. From the start of this 30-day period (Jan 20), your pet's ruler Venus has been drawn like a magnet to Pluto, the conjunction becoming exact on Jan 23. That is a very powerful conjunction - one in which your fur pal might fixate on someone or something as the object of his or her affections. If it's you, your dog or cat companion may become very loving and devoted, but highly protective, to the extent of growling or hissing if another household pet-or human-gets too close to his or her special person. A new mood arises on Jan 24, the day Venus enters Capricorn. While Venus is in Capricorn (until Feb 16), your fur buddy will need emotional and material security. This is not a good time to throw out old toys or security blankets. In mannerisms your pet will become more proud and reserved. The meeting of Venus and Jupiter takes place on Feb 1. This is a very pleasant time when your pet will feel loved and respected and benevolent. Since this conjunction of Venus and Jupiter is taking place in the 4th solar house of home and family, these are good days in which to introduce a new pet into the household, or take care of your best friend's pet while he or she is on vacation. On Feb 6, the Solar Eclipse takes place at 17 degrees of Aquarius in the 5th solar house. This is a period of time when your furry friend will be affectionate and protective of those he or she loves, remaining close to them. Your furry companion will also enjoy nurturing and playing games with young animals and human children. The same day as the eclipse, your pet's ruler, Venus, forms a harmonious sextile with Uranus. This is a time period when your furry Libra friend will be extremely popular with old and new friends alike. And keep in mind that this Solar Eclipse is not only effective for the next 2 weeks, but that its influence will also be felt for the next 6 months, and so will the Venus-Uranus popularity aspect. A new horizon opens up on Feb 17, the day Venus leaves serious and reserved Capricorn and enters Aquarius. Venus will transit through this freedom-loving, and sometimes rebellious sign until Mar 12. Venus in Aquarius likes a good joke, and in the days to come you may be surprised to find a catnip mouse in your handbag, or dog biscuits in the toe of your shoes. When confronted, your furry friend will pretend not to know what you're talking about. Bribing may help.

Your SCORPIO pet-born between October 23-November 21

Starting on Jan 20, the Sun shines for the next 30 days in your pet's solar 4th house, the house of home and family. The focus for this "month" is on family members and happy and pleasant goings-on in the home. Don't be surprised if your pet takes on the role of guardian, or wants everyone in the household to cater to his or her demands for extra treats, that special sleeping place in the sun, or walks at unscheduled times. A major event that occurs on Jan 25. This is the day that Pluto, after spending some twelve years in Sagittarius, leaves that sign and enters Capricorn. Pluto's passage in Capricorn, starting now, will last until 2024, Pluto rules the homoeopathic principle in medicine, and will bring purifying change to whatever needs to be cleared up. Since in this time period Pluto enters Capricorn by way of the 3rd solar house of communications, it is likely that you have already heard of the benefits of homeopathy for humans and animals. Clearly, homeopathy is an area that deserves investigation. For the past two months your pet's ruler, Mars, has been retrograde (which means the planet appears to being going backward in the zodiac). A planet in retrograde motion acts with a more inner-directed or subdued demeanor, so you can expect, at least until the end of January, that your Aries pet will not be as pushy and "Alpha" as is usually the case. A retrograde Mars can sometimes bring on a bout of clumsiness or pull the plug on your furry friend's physical energy. So probably the most important event for Scorpio pets occurs on Jan 30. This is the day that Mars changes over from retrograde motion to direct motion. Your Aries companion will act as if awakening from a pleasant but laid back dream. One look today will tell you that your pet's adrenaline has reported back for duty. Since this event occurs while Mars is in Gemini (the sign of curiosity and communication), you can expect your furry friend to be on the go, curious, snuffling around in corners and hidden places, and eager for you to join the hunt. The next astrological event is the Feb 6 Solar Eclipse at 17 degrees of Aquarius. The Solar Eclipse planets (the Sun and Moon) are in an applying trine aspect to your pet's ruler Mars. Need I say that your fur pal will be practically radiating energy! Watch out for the exuberance becoming a little overwhelming when the Moon transits Aries on Feb 10-11. From the Solar Eclipse onwards, make sure your dog gets a lot of vigorous exercise and the same applies to your Aries cat, who is always more active than most other cats. Feb 14, Valentine's Day, sees the Sun making an exact trine aspect to Mars. This is a day when your fur kid will find it easy to be his/her Aries self. This aspect makes your pet feel physically vigorous and lots of physical activity is recommended, not only because it is good for the body, but also because it reinforces mind and spirit at the same time. This feeling of physical wellbeing continues on Feb 16 when the transiting Moon combines with Mars, and although this is a brief and fleeting coming together of Moon and Mars, this positive influence is likely to persist through Feb 18, which is the end of this 30 day period.

Your SAGITTARIUS pet-born between November 22 -December 21

Starting Jan 20, the Sun shines for the next 30 days in your furry pal's 3rd solar house of brothers, sisters, kinfolk, neighbors, communication and short distance travel. This is an excellent time for social visits and visits to reunite your pet with his or her siblings or furry friends from puppy-or-kitten-hood. On the whole, Sagittarians rank second only to Librans for the title of "most social and friendly." So cater to that personality trait this month and you will have a very happy dog or cat. The Capricorn traits afflicting your Sagittarian best pal at this time will probably show up mostly in terms of possessiveness, since Jupiter for this 30-day period is found in the 2nd solar house of worldly goods. Jupiter-ruled furry family members are usually sharing and giving animals, and it may come as a real surprise to other family members and pets that your fur pal is suddenly very protective of chew toys, cushions, beds and, most of all, the food bowl. Jan 22, your pet's ruler Jupiter receives that happiest of aspects - a trine - from Saturn. This aspect indicates the know-how of handling responsibilities with common sense. You will be the most clairvoyant of owners if, right around this time, you provide your pet with some work or tasks to accomplish. Depending on where you live, teach your large dog to pull you on your rollerblades or the kids on their sled. Tell your small dog to "guard the house" and the most diminutive canine will feel like a Great Dane. If you run a shop, let your cat help you at work. He or she will attract customers who'll come to see your loveable pet and hopefully stay to buy something. And if your business is home-based, hours at the computer seem shorter when there is purring nearby. On Jan 24, Venus enters Capricorn and starts moving forward to make contact with Jupiter. Even in these early days, Venus is definitely a mood-lightener. The big event - Venus conjunct Jupiter - occurs on Feb 1. I think we might designate the days from Jan 24-Feb 1 as halcyon days for Sagittarian creatures great and small. Venus helps to smooth over all difficulties in relationships, as well as promote friendship and give a strong desire for peace and harmony. Your pet is likely to attract new people and will enjoy social events like lunch with you at an outdoor caf� or a day at the dog park. During this time your pet will be so charismatic, don't be surprised if visitors bring unexpected gifts, such as toys, a monogrammed food bowl, even a new bed! And if these halcyon days will probably extend through Feb 4, since the transiting Moon makes contact with both Venus and Jupiter on that day.. The next astrological event is the Feb 6 Solar Eclipse at 17 degrees of Aquarius. The Solar Eclipse is effective for the next 2 weeks, but its influence will also be felt over the next 6 months. And it is certainly the major influence for Sagittarians from now through the end of this 30-day period on Feb 18. Your CAPRICORN pet-born between December 22-January 18 Starting Jan 20, the Sun shines for the next 30 days in the 2nd solar house of your pet's assets and possessions. If your fur kid is attached to a toy, a blanket or other object, he or she may parade around with it and constantly keep it close, sleeping with it, eating with it next to the food bowl, and allowing no one, including you, to take it away. On Jan 20, we find Jupiter in the 1st solar house of personality and temperament. Your furry friend will be more open, amiable and optimistic this "month." Casting a glance at your pet's ruler, Saturn, we find him in the 9th solar house of education and travel. It may be that travel is ordained, or that faraway friends will come for a visit. What is even nicer is that on Jan 21, your pet's ruler Saturn receives that happiest of aspects - a trine - from Jupiter. This aspect indicates a serious interest in higher education. Perhaps your animal companion has already completed a course and is ready to go to the next level. Since this Jupiter-Saturn aspect signifies the know-how of handling responsibilities with common sense, your furry friend may be helpful in watching over small children or keeping order in a multi-pet household. Jan 25, Pluto enters Capricorn. Today Pluto, after spending some twelve years in Sagittarius, leaves that sign and enters Capricorn. Pluto's passage in Capricorn, starting now, will last until 2024. Well, Pluto rules the homoeopathic principle in medicine, and will bring purifying change to whatever needs to be cleared up. Since in this time period Pluto enters Capricorn by way of the 1st solar house of body and life, of personality, temperament and mannerisms, it is likely that you have already heard of the benefits of homeopathy for humans and animals. Clearly, homeopathy is an area that deserves investigation. The next three weeks are a time of personal change and transformation. In fact, circumstances may force your pet to change. Perhaps a new pet or new baby is coming into the household. Or a new relationship has entered your life. The experience may affect your pet deeply. It may be a time of crisis and drama. The key is to keep your pet as calm as possible, letting your furry companion know how much he or she is loved, needed and adored. On Jan 29, Venus trines Saturn, and your Capricorn pet needs more attention combined with great love and affection. The big event - Venus conjunct Jupiter in your pet's solar 1st house - occurs on Feb 1. This is a time of protection and great healing. The next astrological event is the Feb 6 Solar Eclipse at 17 degrees of Aquarius in the 2nd solar house. In the days to come, if your fur kid is attached to a toy, a blanket or other object, he or she may parade around with it and constantly keep it close, sleeping with it, eating with it next to the food bowl, and allowing no one, including you, to take it away. On Feb 14, the Sun trine Mars, the ruler of Capricorn by exaltation. Exercise and activity is the keynote for Capricorns today and in the next few days that end out this period.

Your AQUARIUS pet-born between January 19- February 18

Starting Jan 20, the Sun shines for the next 30 days in the 1st solar house of your pet's personality, temperament and mannerisms. This will be a 30-day period when your furry companion, with no holds barred, shows the true Aquarian spirit. This is a creature born with a desire for freedom and a need to express its unique spirit. Jan 21, Saturn receives a trine from Jupiter. Jupiter's happy and light-hearted rays will serve to lighten up Saturn considerably. And since Jupiter is in the (spiritual) 12th solar house and Saturn in the 8th (occult) house, you may observe a mysterious cat dance or a pawing ritual that will spark and enliven the good Ch'i in your house or apartment. Animals do Feng Shui naturally. The Jan 22 Full Moon at 1 degree Leo falls in your pet's 7th house of harmonious relationships, of friends and loved ones. This Moon will spread its influence over a two-week period, introducing a time when your pet will bask in the warmth of his or her friendships, both animal and human. The leit motif for the next 2 weeks is that of companionship and social get-togethers. Helping to implement this coziness with others is a Venus trine Saturn aspect that falls on Jan 29. So now's the time to escape to a pet friendly resort or do a pet walk for your local SPCA. A quick look at Uranus shows this unique and unconventional planet in your pet's 2nd solar house of possessions. During this 30-day period you are likely to find your fur pal being the exact opposite of possessive. Don't be astonished at this new mood of sharing in your pet. By March he or she will likely be taking back the toys your other pets thought were now theirs. This brings us to the Feb 6 Solar Eclipse at 17 Aquarius in the 1st solar house. This Eclipse is a power Eclipse with Sun, Moon, Mercury and Neptune in Aquarius, enlivened by Mars in Gemini. Operating at this time is Venus sextile Uranus (ruler of Aquarius). A Venus-Uranus transit usually brings a little excitement into your pet's life, something unexpected and stimulating. Who knows who the two of you will meet at the pet supermarket, or walking in the park? The next event occurs on Feb 17. This is the day that Venus, planet of beauty, romance and affection, enters Aquarius. Venus will transit through adventure-loving, excitement craving Aquarius until Mar 12. During these next three weeks or so a romance can bloom at the dog park or groomer's, or a new cat may turn up playing with yours in the backyard so it's wise to spay and neuter and keep a watchful eye during this time.

Your PISCES pet-born between February 19 -March 20

Starting Jan 20, the Sun shines for the next 30 days in the 12th solar house of seclusion, of remote places, of institutions and of charitable endeavors. Your furry friend may retreat into a hidden, secure place, but it is more likely that the energy will be focused on comforting and giving unconditional love to family members. On Jan 21, Jupiter in the house of friends, groups, and organizations, receives a trine from Saturn. This indicates that your furry tail-wagger has the ability now to influence others: for example, getting you to take him or her to the pet superstore to buy a new toy. Your mature cat will be a big asset in keeping order among younger, feistier cats who like to pick on the smallest or least aggressive feline in your home, The Jan 22 Full Moon at 1 degree Leo falls in your pet's 6th house of work, service, nutrition and health. This Moon will spread its influence over the coming two-week period, introducing a time when your best buddy will be eager to help and bring comfort to less fortunate creatures, whether human or animal. At the time of this Full Moon we find Mercury conjunct Neptune, one of the two rulers of Pisces. Anything that happens at the time of a Full Moon is thought to have an influence for the next two weeks. This Mercury-Neptune aspect gives an appreciation of subtleties and intuitive thinking. Since this is occurring in the 12th solar house, it suggests that your pet can act as a channel for ideas emanating from higher planes of consciousness. If you are in tune with your furry companion, then you can access, through your special lines of communication, another world of thought. The big event - Venus conjunct Jupiter - occurs on Feb 1. This should be a very pleasant and enjoyable period of time. Venus helps to smooth over all difficulties in relationships, as well as promote friendship. This transit occasionally will bring a new love interest into your pet's life, so spay and neuter! In fact your pet is likely to attract new people and will enjoy social events such as yappie hour or a birthday paw-ty with human and animal friends. The Moon transits this Jupiter-Venus combination on Feb 4, signaling a day of great optimism, when all sorts of things fall into place. The next astrological event is the Feb 6 Solar Eclipse at 17 degrees of Aquarius. The Sun is conjunct Mercury, which is conjunct Neptune ruler of Pisces in the 12th solar house. (Let me remind you that an Eclipse is effective for the next 2 weeks, and its influence and the accompanying aspects (as Neptune conjunct Mercury) can also be felt over the next six months.) So from this Solar Eclipse through the end of the 30 day period (Feb 18), your pet may withdraw to a place of seclusion and quiet. Dogs may retreat to the basement or behind the couch. Cats may disappear into the recesses of a closet or under the bed. On the other hand, these aspects can place an emphasis on activities as part of a large organization or institution. For example, this is a good time for your pet to be involved in a pet walk, or cute pet contest to raise funds for your local SPCA. The days from Feb 6 - 18 are a good time to bring your friendly cat or dog to visit a senior citizen's center.