Final Days of Neptune in Aquarius

On February 3, dreamy and healing Neptune will depart Aquarius, the sign of groups and technology, where it's been since 1998. The last 14 years have been an interesting time for society, as we've reconciled between Neptune's deep feelings and boundary blurring and Aquarius' radical independence and emotional detachment.

One of the biggest influences of this transit has been the Internet. Our sense of intimacy has been dramatically altered by Neptune in Aquarius. We now find it perfectly acceptable to form friendships, meet marriage partners and connect "intimately" through email, matchmaking websites and community boards. We can talk to relatives on Skype, Face Time or any number of real-time video chat apps. We may feel safe conducting conversations we can't have face-to-face through a Twitter DM stream or an Instant Message window. Heck, a whole legion of people have now even been dumped (and wooed) via text message and email. (Thanks, Neptune.)

Neptune won't return to Aquarius again in our lifetimes, but its lasting effect is profound. On February 3, it will move into Pisces, its home sign. A more compassionate and creative cycle will begin at that time, right in line with 2012's energetic shift into "one-ness consciousness." And indeed, we've probably reached the perimeter of false intimacy and true connection. It's time for new energy, and Neptune will bring it as it visits Pisces until 2026. Starting this Wednesday, check your February monthly horoscope to see how Neptune in Pisces will affect your sign.