Inner planets have been on the move lately. Venus and Mars recently ingressed Aries, focusing new attention on that sign. They’re making an interesting pattern, which I’ll get to in a moment.

Mercury taking off from a roof in Stuttgart, Germany. Photo by Andreas Praefcke.

Ceres recently entered Taurus after a long stay in Aries, cooling off the collective emotional body a bit, and placing emphasis on baked potatoes, lasagne and chicken with rice.

And as of Monday, Mercury is in late Capricorn, on the way to entering Aquarius Tuesday morning (4:35 am EST, 09:35 UTC, Feb. 7). From early Aquarius, Mercury will aspect all three of the points I’ve just mentioned. Before it gets there, though, Mercury must clear the final degrees of Capricorn, which has both private and public implications.

For example, you may come into some information that was not intended for your eyes. What would you do with confidential data, if it came your way? The thing to remember is that you’re potentially handling power above your pay grade or security clearance level. In any event, handle passwords, digital codes and all such information with extraordinary care today and tonight.

Mercury in Aquarius can overestimate its own knowledge or understanding. Of all the placements, this is the one that says “know when you don’t know.” When you think you know, check yourself, and check with one or two other people, depending on how important the matter is. It’s easy to assume when what you need is documentation. It’s easy to go along with what a group is thinking, even if you spot the problem — and not raise your hand because you don’t want to break consensus or call attention to yourself.

Mercury in Aquarius will first make a square to Ceres, which is cautioning against letting your intellect be swayed by your emotions. Your emotions may inform you, or they may provide a hint or clue, but they are unlikely to provide a real answer. You might also practice the old adage, “Eat before you decide.” Low blood sugar messes with the mind.

Soon after, Mercury will make a sextile to Venus in Aries, then Mars in Aries, calling attention to those placements. For their part, Venus and Mars are playing what looks like a chase game. Venus is normally the faster-moving planet. But because it’s slowing down to make a retrograde on March 5, Mars is moving considerably quicker. If you find yourself in pursuit of something or someone, you might pause and ask yourself whether that’s really the best thing for you.

The retrograde pattern of Venus is introspective: first, retrograde in Aries, then into Pisces. Nothing quite says go beyond appearances, and seek within your soul for the truth, like this coming Venus retrograde.

The blend of Mercury in Aquarius and Venus + Mars in Aries is yet another caution to beware of glamour and guide yourself to sincerity. Notice sincerity in others and respond in kind.