We get a sprinkling of fairy dust this month that can add a little magic to our lives. Spiritual and imaginative Neptune returns to its compassionate home sign of Pisces on Feb. 3 and will remain in this sign for the next 13 years. We had a taste of this subtle but important transit from April 4 - Aug. 4 last year, before Neptune backed into brainy Aquarius. Normally, the healing effects of this rare passage will flow very slowly over time. However, cerebral Mercury's move into Pisces on Feb. 13 and its conjunction with Neptune that night can bring this influence into the foreground.

Faith is essential because facts grow fuzzy with the messenger planet Mercury in the sign of the Fish. Feelings overcome intellect to cloud judgment in some cases, but to wash away unnecessary intellectual boundaries in others. Poetry, music and all the arts come alive in this time of waking dreams. Ordinary events take on deeper meaning as we can recognize symbols in our daily lives and tap into a more profound level of awareness.

Creativity and dramatic feelings are aroused with the bold Leo Full Moon on Feb. 7. This lunar position opposes the Sun in cool Aquarius where minds tend to rule emotions. Yet this powerful event can loosen the restraints of ego and incite personalities to express themselves more loudly. Going too far is certainly possible, yet sometimes that's the only way to get at the truth that's hidden in our hearts.

The yearning for more stimulation in relationships is also shown by amorous Venus' entry into impetuous Aries on Feb. 8. This is a double dose of Fire (Moon in Leo, Venus in Aries) that pushes passion well beyond reason. The love planet's presence in the independent sign of the Ram may reduce cooperation and the will to make compromises, sparking flames of anger or encouraging flight from boring people and uninspiring work. Yet while Venus' conjunction with revolutionary Uranus intensifies the need for freedom on Feb. 9, it's also an invitation to break with past patterns in partnership and pleasure. Innovation and discovery are its gifts, and uncertainty is its price.

This spunky and spicy Venus transit contrasts strongly with the super-sensitivity of planets in Pisces. The Sun's shift into this Water sign on Feb. 19 is quickly followed by a solar conjunction with Neptune the same day, and the New Moon in Pisces on Feb. 21. Kindness is a key here since protective boundaries tend to weaken in Pisces, where we seek total union. Merging with others, with nature, divinity, music and the other arts represents the essence of spirituality. Walls come down so that new connections can be made, but the process is rife with vulnerability as well. The impatience of Venus in Aries -- "I know what I want and I want it now" -- isn't an easy fit in this delicate emotional environment. Don't silence the desire for change, but express it gently so this drive to discover the new forms of fun doesn't hurt others....