The month begins with the potential for power plays. Mars squares Pluto on Feb first. The transit is notorious because of the fiery impulses it can unleash.
But those who get lost in egoic intensity – whether it’s coming from within themselves or from an antagonist — are courting unpleasantness, not to mention wasting the chance to use Pluto’s power constructively.
Cardinal hit
Those with planets around the 20th degree of cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer Libra or Capricorn) will be especially tested. For all of us, the challenge here is to pour our willpower into a project that is bigger than ourselves.
Mars represents the will (lower-case w), whereas Pluto represents the Will (upper-case w). If combinations these two planets are used without awareness, their power is used backwards: Mars tries to use Pluto’s power to inflate its own self-interest, rather than lending its personal skills to some greater transformation.
It is a serious karmic misjudgment to suppose that Pluto (destruction/ renewal) is there simply to strengthen our own personal desires (Mars).
Dig deep
Luckily, a suitable project will probably be right in front of us as the month begins, inviting us to roll up our sleeves and dig into it. Pluto can latch onto an activity and hold on until some essential change is effected.
As February begins, sensitive souls will feel an intensity in the air. Our first step is identifying it for what it is: Natural Law trying to clear out the dead wood, or break something down so that it can be refashioned (Pluto).
Properly used, the transit equips us with the necessary courage to confront the decay process for what it is; e.g. in the form of social corruption.
When we allow Pluto to take control (it’s in control anyway; it’s just a question of our not resisting it), we find ourselves strangely surrendered to the work at hand.
The work is choosing us, rather than the other way round.
Impulsive action
Mid-month, the ego is tested again, this time by a Mars-Uranus conjunction. On the 12th and 13th, the warrior planet gets a jump from the planet of electricity. Uranus spikes our behavior with an abrupt charge.
Depending on our level of consciousness, this can show up either as reckless impulsiveness or as acts of wild originality.
The former will be driven by our personal desires; the latter will be in service to the needs of the moment.
Dreams and passion
Between the 18th and the 22nd, the square between Jupiter and Neptune, exact three times in 2019, gets a boost from 
Mercury. This is a chance for aspirations that may have been vague (Pisces) but passionate (Sagittarius) to become more intelligible.
Jupiter (big-picture thinking) is especially strong this year, in the sign of its rulership; the same is true of Neptune (escapism or utopianism).
During their long-running square, we may open ourselves up to a fiery rush of idealistic, imaginative ideas. Or we may become inflated with self-delusion, widening the gulf between ourselves and reality.
The transit’s effects vary widely, ranging from reformist zeal to angry self-pity, and identification with a demagogue. Worldwide, it will further separate the sheep from the goats.
Secrets revealed
Pluto takes center stage again around Feb 22-23, this time in matters of the heart. Venus in Capricorn will catch up to Pluto at the 22nd degree, inviting us to dive beneath the surface in our relationships.
Many will get a peek into feelings that are usually repressed or hidden. Much will be revealed for those unafraid to look.
