This month, we draw upon the wisdom of the Animal-Wise Tarot by Ted Andrews. It's a deck based on connections to Nature, particularly the messages and teachings of the animal world.

ARIES. 7 of Winged Ones (Magpie). You're entrusted with special knowledge or privileged information. Use it wisely and for the best good of yourself and the expanded community. Data you need may come in dribs and drabs, which might seem tedious, but you have a knack for using whatever comes your way whenever it arrives. Your mind feels more open and aware, perhaps through greater intuitive/psychic knowing.

TAURUS. Ace of Ancients (Frog). "New" is your keyword this month - new roles, new creative endeavours, newfound enthusiasm, etc. A keener awareness and presence of sound is important, including subtleties of vocal tone, the power to speak well, more finely honed listening skills, and musical events. It's auspicious to accept invitations in February, as they can be doorways into growth, both inner and tangible.

GEMINI. 4 of Shapeshifters (Stick Bug). There's much activity beneath the surface, Gemini. Remain still, do not commit just yet. The correct course of action will present itself with a little patience. This may be connected with the emotional and relational areas of life. Personal stillness - meditation, contemplation, prayer, and altered states - keep you focused and on track.

CANCER. Page of Ancients (Chameleon). The environment around you is shifting and changing with subtlety, and it's all good. Trust what you perceive, as opportunities come at you swiftly. In fact, same-day decisions work in your favour. It's OK to take greater risks with personal image or identity, both in terms of physical appearance and in letting yourself be out there.

LEO. Ace of Four-Leggeds (Buffalo). February hands you new prosperity and abundance. However, remember to perform the actions that get you to that point. The Universe can only do its part when you do yours. Your part this month is to clear away obstacles that prevent Life from feeding you good things. There's also a feeling of greater strength and physical well-being. Enjoy.

VIRGO. XVI. The Tower (Vulture). Opportunism keeps you going while things shake, sway, and go a bit off-kilter around you. Somebody else's loss could become your gain. All of your senses are sharply tuned in to what can grow from the rubble of current challenges. Use this! Issues around food or digestion could pop up in February. Treat the tummy with care and respect. "Digestion" can also refer to beliefs and information that people or organizations want you to take in. Be judicious.

LIBRA. 0. The Fool (Coyote). There's a fine line between wisdom and folly, trust and gullibility, mature faith and childish naivite. It's a month in which to monitor which side of that line you travel on. This is not to say that you should be cynical or suspicious, but rather simply be conscious. New adventures open up. Have fun with them. Cooperative efforts are effective and successful at this time. You're able to hold the paradoxes of intelligence and playfulness, adaptability and loyalty to the past.

SCORPIO. 7 of Four-Leggeds (Rabbit). We're told that "for everything there is a season". February's lesson is to observe which season it is for what when. i.e. it's good to observe and note cycles and rhythms and to employ this awareness well. It could be especially relevant in your tangible, physical, material realm. Resources expand, and it's good to note how that happened so you can repeat this at a later date, but the next time with clear intent. Seeds that you plant this month can grow into fruition within 28 days!

SAGITTARIUS. XXI. The World (Turtle / Mother Earth). Choices galore! And all of them of equal import. What to do? Just pick one. Your primal senses are awakening, physically and spiritually. In tune with the rhythms of Earth and Moon, you'd have to try really hard in order to screw up. A sense of wholeness, groundedness, and stability reigns supreme.

CAPRICORN. 3 of Shapeshifters (Silkmoth). February is a period of creative fertility - sexually, financially, artistically, and spiritually. You maintain success by clearly expressing your feelings and by defining the nature of relationships with the people you surround yourself with. A soft touch is your strongest resource and your greatest means of protection.

AQUARIUS. Knight of Ancients (Komodo Dragon). Your survival instincts are on high and will be for about eight months. No point in rushing, as you're focused on personal changes that are meant to last for years, perhaps even a lifetime. Journies to warm, dry places are possible for several of you. This may be a way to feel in control of your environment, your literal climate. Know also that your enthusiasm to grow and be a light for yourself assists you to control your psychological and emotional climate.

PISCES. Queen of Winged Ones (Scarlet Macaw). This card reminds me of a T.V. show I watched as a child (some time ago!) during which a macaw endlessly repeated, "I'm a macaw...I'm a macaw..." Your ability to state the obvious is impeccable right now, and a good thing too. The poor clueless dears around you may need to hear the obvious over and over again. Your intuitive and spiritual perceptions are generally "on" this month, and have the ability to help people make life-changing decisions, so laser-sharp and direct (blunt?) are you. You've ripped off the rose-coloured glasses and the view is hyper clear. If you want to share what you see, you'll need to keep squawking!

All good things,
James Wells