The Moon was New on the 17th, and an annular eclipse was visible in remote Antarctica. An annular eclipse is also called a “ring of fire.” The Moon will be further from Earth and will cast a smaller shadow upon the Sun, appearing as a fiery ring around the Sun.
During the period between February 17 and the 20th, solar flares are forecast as well as a major planetary alignment between Neptune and Saturn. For the first time in at least 6,000 years, these two outer planets will be exactly conjunct at the very beginning of the zodiacal year, “zero of Aries,” February 20th.
During this coming “active” phase of the Moon will be a good time to begin checking things off your 2026 gardening list. It may seem early but, as I’ve shared before, this would be a good time to start peppers and eggplant as they are particularly slow to germinate. These will have to be started in your greenhouse or on a windowsill. I’m putting mine in the windowsill because it will be warmer than the greenhouse.
