Explore your sign’s 2024 horoscope predictions to learn what is in store for you this year in love, career, and more. Check out the love compatibility of each sign to learn more about zodiac pairings and all things compatibility.
The month of love is here, and that’s exactly what energy February is bringing. February 2024 is an emotionally fulfilling month, as there is less chaos in the stars and more room to stabilize and get grounded. Matters of the heart come into perspective, and there are new beginnings taking place in love this month. With all planets direct and no retrogrades, this is the time of the year to set intentions, manifest, and go after your dreams. This is a month to get moving on the things you want and to consider where your heart stands right now. February is bringing in some new energy in love and when it comes to your hopes and dreams in life overall.
February 2024 Monthly Horoscopes: General Overview
The month begins in Aquarius Season, and with a New Moon in Aquarius on February 9. This New Moon is a potent time to manifest, as Aquarius rules your vision, your goals, and everything possible for you in life. The hope is high, and this is not the time to shy away from your interests or what makes you uniquely you. February is teaching us how to shine authentically and to accept love while doing so.
Mars enters Aquarius on Feb. 13, bringing in even more air sign energy, and this is facilitating some room for growth. Mars in Aquarius is insightful, revolutionary, open-minded, and inspiring, and with Mars here until the end of March, changes and shake-ups are happening over the next month.
What February 2024 Has In Store For Your Zodiac Sign
Venus enters Aquarius on Feb. 16, and love needs more space to breathe for the time being. Venus in Aquarius seeks freedom, acceptance, and friendship in love, and relationships take on a more progressive tone in this energy. While Venus is in Aquarius until Mar. 11, it is a time to connect with new people, expand your mind and your heart, and learn something new about love. Pisces Season officially begins on Feb. 18, and this water energy is much needed to help us feel into the next steps ahead.
Pisces Season is a time of emotional clarity, romance, dreaming the dream, and getting creative with life. Mercury moves into Pisces on Feb. 23 as well, and creativity is heightened for the time being. Mercury in Pisces is also good energy to manifest in, and February overall is a time when a lot of positive change is possible.
The Full Moon of the month occurs on Feb. 24, and this is a Full Snow Moon in Virgo. Virgo Moons are always a time to get things together, regroup, heal, get organized, and take care of yourself or another. There is something therapeutic about this Full Moon, and it’s a good time to declutter, clean your space, let go of the excess, and get back to you. February overall is a month of getting grounded, and moving closer to love.
Read ahead for your sun sign and rising sign below to see what February 2024 has in store for you.
ARIES
ARIESKyra Jay for xoNecoleFebruary for you is about walking away from the past, Aries. You are doing some healing this month as you take a look at where the emotional baggage in your life has been weighing you down and where you want to feel more freedom in your life. The New Moon in Aquarius on Feb. 9 is opening your eyes to what is possible for you in life and love, and you are making some important decisions and changes as the month begins.
Mars moves into your 11th house of hopes and dreams on Feb. 13, and you are moving through February passionate about your vision and what you are manifesting for yourself right now. There is a lot of hope in the air for you this month, and this energy is helping you let go of the things that weren’t resonating with you but that you were holding onto out of fear or regret. You are creating a new path for yourself this month and are letting go of what no longer serves you.
TAURUS
TAURUSKyra Jay for xoNecoleFebruary is bringing things to fruition for you, Taurus. This is an exciting and fulfilling month as you see some past goals and intentions manifest for you, and you are finally able to feel grounded in your accomplishments. This is a month when you are feeling the success in your life, and you are showing yourself just how powerful you and your mind are. You are ready to experience life to the fullest, and you are accepting new opportunities wholeheartedly right now.
Mars moves into your 9th house of adventure on Feb. 13, and you could be traveling this month or finding yourself in some exciting new places. The Full Moon of the month is happening in fellow earth sign, Virgo, and is occurring in your 5th house of romance on Feb. 24. This is a good time to gain clarity of the heart and to seek gratitude for the love that has come full circle for you. Ask yourself, at the end of the month, where do you feel happy and cherished in life, and how can you be around that energy more?
GEMINI
GEMINIKyra Jay for xoNecoleYou are aligning with the divine feminine, remaining open, and listening to your heart this month, Gemini. With the Sun in a fellow air sign for most of the month, you are flowing well with the energy of February, and it’s highlighting the love in your life. Vesta goes direct in your sign on Feb. 8, after being in retrograde since November of last year. Vesta will be in your sign until the end of March, and over the next few months, you are going to be learning more about yourself, gaining some renewed inspiration, and experiencing greater self-acceptance and love.
The New Moon on Feb. 9 is a good time to express yourself and what is inspiring you right now, embark on a new journey, travel, and connect with new people. You are feeling the love in your life and within your interactions with others, and there is a lot of relationship growth taking place for you in February. Overall, this is a month of opening your mind, honoring your spirit, and coming together in love.
CANCER
CANCERKyra Jay for xoNecoleThings are heating up for you in February, and you are feeling the passion and rebirth in your life, Cancer. Everything is moving forward for you in new ways right now, and you are the one leading this progression and positive energy. You are ready to fulfill some of your dreams and to be confident and courageous in doing so, and you are putting your past fears aside this month.
The New Moon on Feb. 9 is helping you see a new beginning within your commitments, shared finances, and intimacy in life, and this is a good time to set intentions for where you want to be able to spend more of your time and energy. What transformation is inspiring you right now, and how can you open a new door emotionally? At the end of the month, there is a Full Moon in your 3rd house of communication, and the clarity you have been seeking is coming into clear view. The end of February is a good time to meditate, gain peace of mind, and communicate how you have been feeling with a trusted soul.
LEO
LEOKyra Jay for xoNecoleThings are turning around for you in February, and they are turning around for the better, Leo. This is a month of reflection, romance, and clarity as you turn a new page and accept the growth that has come from it. With the Sun in your opposite sign for most of this month, your focus is more so on relationship matters in February, and this is one of the best times of the year for you for love. The New Moon on the 9th is creating a new beginning in your love life, and this is a good time to focus on what you want to manifest for yourself romantically over the next year.
On Feb. 13, Mars enters your 7th house of love as well, and there is a good balance between what you are putting out there and what you are receiving in return in love. You are craving more connection and romance in your life right now, and this is a month when you want to be around others more than being alone. On Feb. 18, the Sun moves into an area of your chart having to do with rebirth, and you leave the month on a transformative, yet hopeful tone.
VIRGO
VIRGOKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis month is all about honoring your time and energy, deciding wisely, and allowing yourself to just be, Virgo. Overworking is something that is always more likely for you than most, but this month, you are being guided to prioritize and find new ways to bring in more self-care and rest into your life so that you feel balanced and grounded no matter what. The Sun is in your 6th house of health for most of the month, and you are focused on creating a good daily routine for the year and taking care of your well-being.
The Sun moves into your opposite sign, Pisces, on Feb. 18, and relationship matters are heightened for you now. During Pisces Season, you experience the benefits and growth in love, and this is a good time for you romantically. The Virgo Full Moon of the year is happening this month on Feb. 24, and you are closing a major chapter in your life at the end of February. The spotlight is on you as the month ends, and you are fueling your desire to reach your goals with patience and integrity and aligning more with what you want out of life.
LIBRA
LIBRAKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis month is about trusting yourself and what your intuition is telling you right now, Libra. Follow your gut instincts and listen to your heart, so that you are never misguided. The Sun is in your house of happiness for most of the month, and you are focused here. You are looking for some more freedom, joy, and excitement in your life and are seeing where that may have been taken away from you recently. This is your month to change directions and move forward toward your happiness.
The New Moon on Feb. 9 will be in this romantic area of your chart as well, and you are getting an opportunity at a fresh start in February. The beginning of the month is a good time to set intentions from the heart for what you want to spend more time doing over the next month, and where you want to express and share more of yourself. Remember that you are loved just by being you, and you don’t have to change who you are for anyone to love you.
SCORPIO
SCORPIOKyra Jay for xoNecoleFebruary is about connection, collaboration, strength, and dedication, Scorpio. This is the month to work on passion projects or the things you want to see thrive right now and to give yourself the encouragement to do so. You have been working hard on bringing your dreams to fruition, and people are coming in to help you reach your success. With the Sun in your 4th house of home and family this month, you are also taking more time out for family and loved ones, and feeling a sense of renewal in the home.
The Sun moves into fellow water sign Pisces on Feb. 18 and enters an area of your chart having to do with your personal happiness. Pisces Season brings joy into your life and is a time when you come out of your shell more and have some more fun. The Full Moon of the month is happening on Feb. 24 in your house of friendships, and this is another more relationship-focused area of your chart that is seeing growth take place this month. In February, you are connecting, creating, and loving.
SAGITTARIUS
SAGITTARIUSKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis month is about taking a look at the options that are presenting themselves and moving towards where you feel the most inspired, Sagittarius. New opportunities in love and life are coming to fruition for you, but it may be hard to decide what and who to choose from. Pallas enters your sign on Feb. 6 until May 16, and you are being guided to use the wisdom you have gained to expand your life for the better, to remain optimistic, and to focus on the bigger picture.
The New Moon of the month is happening on Feb. 9, and this is a mentally fulfilling and transformative Full Moon for you. You are gaining clarity, having important conversations, and being truly heard. Speak from the heart this month and expect to be met halfway. At the end of the month, there is a Full Moon in your 10th house of career, and you are seeing some goals, and past projects come full circle. At the end of February, you are claiming your success.
CAPRICORN
CAPRICORNKyra Jay for xoNecoleFebruary is about speaking your mind, letting go of what doesn’t serve, investing wisely, and seeking clarity, Capricorn. Mercury is in your sign the first week of the month, and you enter February focused on the details. You are looking to execute your vision this month- and are being brave in doing so. Mercury moves into Aquarius on Feb. 5 and moves into your 2nd house, and the focus turns to your finances. Mercury in this area of your chart this month can help you create a long-term plan, organize your finances, make investments, and expand your income.
On Feb. 24, there is a Full Moon in your fellow earth sign, Virgo, and you are flowing well with the energy and culminations of this Full Moon. Clarity is heightened, and you are fueling your more adventurous spirit right now. Revelations are coming to the surface for you this month, but these are surprises and insights that are making you happy and creating new possibilities for yourself and your future.
AQUARIUS
AQUARIUSKyra Jay for xoNecoleYour season is here, and the light and healing are shining on you this month, Aquarius. A lot of the energy of the month is in your sign, and with this added pressure, you may need more time to rest, reflect, and rejuvenate in February. The month begins with the Sun and Pluto in your sign and with Mercury entering on the 5th. Mercury in Aquarius communicates well, and this is your opportunity to communicate your needs and to give yourself a fresh start mentally.
The New Moon of the month is happening in your sign on Feb. 9, and this is a time to create a personal new beginning for yourself. When you choose yourself and choose your peace, you make it harder for anyone to disrupt that. On Feb. 13, Mars enters your sign as well, and you have a lot of energy at your disposal mid-month and until the end of March. On Feb. 16, Venus enters Aquarius, where she will be until Mar. 11, and you get to experience the fruition and acceptance of love moving forward. Relationship matters are highlighted, and this is one of the best months for your love life.
PISCES
PISCES
Kyra Jay for xoNecoleFebruary is a time of connection, romance, growth in relationships, and harmony. You are balanced and in tune with the energy of the month and are experiencing some positive fruitions and positive new beginnings. The month begins with the Sun in your 12th house of closure, and you are moving through the month, letting go and getting inspired for what is to come. Your dream life is especially heightened in February, so make sure you are thinking over the guidance you receive from them.
Pisces Season begins on Feb. 18, and it’s your time to shine! This Pisces Season is a time of love for you, and also a time when you are feeling the support and nourishment in your life. You give so much to others that it’s time for you to receive that same energy as well. On Feb. 24, there is a Full Moon in your 7th house of love and partnership, and you are ending the month with the same romantic, hopeful, and courageous energy you started it with.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Kyra Jay for xoNecole
RELATED
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
2023 was my year, and it was my turn. I had just completed an 8-month holistic detox. The glow-up was real and well-deserved. The way I have poured into myself is unmatched. Let me tell you, self-love is a love you have never known. After a five-year healing journey, I finally felt like myself again, and I was ready to play. My heart was open, my mind was clear, and my body hella transformed. I had told all my friends that I was ready to explore dating again, and at the height of summer, I did exactly just that.
This time I decided I wanted to take my time. I wanted to date the “right way” or the “healthy way.” You know, keep your options open, ask the right questions, believe actions and not words, observe patterns and pay attention to red, yellow, and green flags. I was never the dating app type of girl. I sincerely miss everything about human connection and dating from 2000 to 2012. Can we please bring all of that back into 2024? I prefer to feel a man’s energy and presence in real-time. Nonetheless, I still chose to dabble with a few dating apps. I was all the way outside and dating for practice.
Unfortunately, with today’s dating culture, social climate, and how some of these men move and/or behave, these dates were a dead end. Not one guy made it to my roster. What these men were was benched this season – not one of them could be my first-round select draft pick. It didn't seem like anyone I met was interested in a serious relationship. And it’s completely fine. Miss me with the ghosting, lack of effort, inconsistency, and poor communication. I continued to just do me because what is for me will not miss me.
Kelvin Murray/ Getty Images
The universe must have heard me talking because I had specifically told my closest girlfriends that I wanted to meet someone who lived in the vicinity, no more than twenty minutes away, and no more long distance. And I did meet him (it’s crazy how I manifest exactly what I want). As we started to get to know each other, I liked his energy and effort. I liked the direction it seemed to be going to the point my girlfriends had to tell me not to run from him. Because every part of me wanted to run from something that seemed normal.
I liked what he was coming with until I became uncomfortable with my own feelings, and I didn’t know how to communicate them to him.
With that said, I knew if I truly wanted to experience the truest of loves, a reciprocal, requited love, and be in a healthy relationship this story had to come to a pause. What I didn’t know was that he was going to show me things I didn’t know I needed to work on. I didn’t know he inadvertently was going to help me continue to heal parts of me that were hidden.
As someone who has learned to self-heal, I am no longer the type that runs from herself. I am here for the growth.
The truth is I am emotionally detached from myself, and I am not actively dating at the moment. I am the one that has to work on herself. My reiki healer called it, too – she told me this year would not be a year for a relationship, but a year of continuous growth. And now I see why. After all the healing work I have done thus far – I am an unemotional mess. How?
At my big age of 39, I struggle to communicate my wants and needs.
I still struggle to communicate and process uncomfortable feelings. I would rather give myself anxiety, act nonchalantly, emotionally react, and choose non-communication when I am bothered with someone than address the issue (I will later explain why). I have been ignoring my feelings for so long it has become a habit, a defense mechanism, and more so a trauma response.
If you are someone like me who grew up in a household that didn’t discuss feelings, your emotional needs were unmet, and you don’t feel safe to share your feelings – emotional detachment is quite common.
Oftentimes, we always talk about men being emotionally unavailable, but what if it’s a woman who is emotionally unavailable or emotionally detached? How does she navigate herself, dating, or being in a relationship? As I navigate my emotions this season, let’s explore what it means to be emotionally detached, the signs of detachment, and how to reconnect with yourself emotionally.
Emotional Unavailability vs. Emotional Detachment
When we look at the terminology emotional unavailability and emotional detachment, one might argue that the two terms are interchangeable and have the same meaning. One could also argue that both terms mean that some people are not in tune with their emotions or lack the emotional capacity to be responsive to someone else’s emotions. Fair enough. However, there is a big difference. The definition of emotional unavailability is described as people who have difficulty with sharing their emotions and being receptive to the emotions of those around them.
According to Verywell Mind, signs of emotional unavailability can look like being distant or cold, lack of closeness, and emotional intimacy in relationships, inability to understand and relate to others’ feelings, defensiveness when asked to change or let others in, tendency to shut down or avoid topics that require emotional openness, or withdrawal from people or situations that provoke emotional reactions.
GIF by Kim's ConvenienceGiphyWhereas emotional detachment is defined as the inability to or willingness to connect with others on an emotional level. Furthermore, Psychology Today states emotional detachment can also mean that people do not engage with their feelings. Exhibit A – me. Emotional detachment has various causes – past neglect, childhood or adult trauma, PTSD, depression, personality disorder, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, or, in some cases, medication (i.e. antidepressants). It is important to note emotional detachment is a complex issue. For someone like me, it’s a coping mechanism.
It is easier for me to ignore uncomfortable feelings to protect myself from stress or getting hurt. Hence, my nonchalant demeanor. It is also true for some people it is a reaction to trauma, abuse, and unprocessed emotions. Exhibit B – me. As it is difficult for me to open up about my feelings at the moment. On the contrary – emotional detachment can be helpful in navigating some situations like listening to people’s opinions and gossip.
Unfortunately, emotional detachment is not a behavior that can be turned on and off at will. Please note that emotional detachment is NOT a mental health diagnosis but can be a symptom of a mental health condition such as an attachment disorder. And if you know anything about attachment theory, it is related to the relationship we develop in our childhood with our primary caregivers.
Signs You're Emotionally Detached
Mavocado/ Getty Images
According to Psychology Today and Verywell Mind, general signs of emotional detachment can look like difficulty showing empathy to others, sharing emotions, committing to a relationship, feeling numb, poor listening skills, lack of self-esteem, preferring to be alone, struggling to feel positive emotions, inability to identify emotions, lack of physical, verbal, or sexual contact and losing touch with people or maintaining connections.
In a romantic relationship, emotional detachment shows up as you or your partner not being available for connection, poor communication, or reduced affection.
For me, my experience with emotional detachment is collective. I am an empath to my core. I don’t have a problem relating to other’s feelings or circumstances. I don’t have commitment issues, nor do I have an issue connecting with others or maintaining those connections. I struggle with sharing emotions, at least the negative ones.
Due to the emotional abuse from my childhood and a toxic relationship, I learned sharing emotions just wasn't the safe thing to do. As a survivor of trauma, I learned to suppress feeling negative emotions in general as a form of protection.
How To Reconnect To Your Emotions When You're Emotionally Unavailable
Serious Kid Cudi GIF by Apple MusicGiphyExploring my emotional side in-depth started late last year simply by noticing my reaction to something that he did. I didn’t know how to properly communicate to him how I was feeling or what he did bothered me in the moment. So, I swallowed my feelings and said absolutely nothing. I intentionally chose to avoid the issue. I chose to rationalize the situation instead of acknowledging that my feelings at the time were valid. I chose to act like everything was all good because it was all good.
“It wasn’t that deep to begin with” is what I told myself. And this is where the problem lies.
The saying is true, “What happens in your childhood shows up in your adult relationships.” I came to realize that because I was not able to express my feelings as a child, I struggled to process them. I either hold back my feelings, take a long time to say how I feel, or don’t say anything at all. This is because I fear people will walk away from me like my mother did if I share what I truly feel. I fear my feelings won’t be validated, or they will be rejected.
With that said, I was completely unaware that I was emotionally detached from myself until recently. So, here we are with this article. It all started by reading Instagram’s @theholisticpsychologist, Dr. Nicole LePera’s newest book How to Be the Love You Seek: Break Cycles, Find Peace, and Heal Your Relationships, which was released on November 28, 2023. As I read through the first chapter, I became triggered.
How Dr. LePera describes her childhood with her parents and experiences with her romantic partners somewhat mirrored my experiences with my own parents and relationships. As Dr. LaPera stated in her book, I have no issue showing up for others or meeting their needs and wants. But when it comes to expressing my own needs and wants – I cannot or I don’t. This is mainly due to my hyper-independence.
At an early age, I learned to show up for myself because the people I trusted to show up for me failed. Given my home environment, I had internalized it is not safe to talk about feelings. I never knew my emotional responses and behavior were abnormal. But because I am willing to continue to do my inner work, I know that I can reconnect to my emotions, and undo four decades of repressed emotions.
If you are someone like me who struggles with emotional connection with yourself and others, here is how you go about it:
Lighthouse Films/ Getty Images
1. Know Your Attachment Style
For me, the first step was to understand my attachment style. I asked my therapist if she could help me identify my attachment style to understand my triggers. She recommended The Attachment Theory Workbook by Annie Chen, LMFT. My therapist administered the associated online quiz – Attachment Quiz. If you haven’t figured out my attachment style yet by reading this article, I have an anxious attachment style.
This means I don’t do well with inconsistent behavior, especially from men (but I’m the type that holds men to standards too). People with an anxious attachment style have a need to feel close to their partner. It may come across as “clingy” or “needy.” However, this same need is often driven by fear of abandonment, mistrust, and low self-esteem. I would say knowing your attachment style is helpful because you can work towards having a secure attachment style (with practice) in your relationships – familial, business, work, platonic, or romantic.
2. Become Self-Aware
Most people who are not in the practice of self-care or self-healing are unaware of their triggers, patterns, and behaviors. We are so caught up in the daily minutiae of life that we forget to pay attention to the most important part of our days — ourselves. As Dr. LePera says, make it a conscious habit to pause throughout your day to check in with yourself. Ask yourself:
- How does my body feel?
- What am I doing right now?
- Am I present?
- Am I distracted and lost with other thoughts?
- What do I think or feel when I recall a specific experience with someone?
- What do I think or worry about?
- What would happen if I shared my authentic thoughts, perspective, feelings right now?”
This is what Dr. LePera refers to as exploring your embodied self or fulfilling your authentic needs in chapter two of her book. Consistent mindfulness and self-awareness are key to self-discovery and in any healing journey. Learning to focus on the present moment also includes paying attention to our emotional response to an event or how we think about emotions in general.
3. Practice Vulnerability
The idea of vulnerability is a tough one for me and so many other women for countless reasons. Whether it be toxic family, friendships, relationships, or trauma – trusting others with your thoughts and feelings is not easy. As much as I am open and transparent, I am not as vulnerable. And I believe there is so much power in the duality to be both. To trust someone, let alone a man with your authentic self is a delicate matter.
But it is emotional vulnerability that allows us humans to build authentic connections, create stronger relationships, and break down emotional walls. Emotional vulnerability is not something to be rushed – it takes time and practice from you and the people you choose to have in your life. Medical News Today suggests that we can learn to be vulnerable by opening up more to our closest friends, building our ability to become more trusting, and developing skills to regulate our emotions.
4. Seek Therapy
I have been in therapy for six years and counting. I would consider therapy one of my safe spaces. I am one of those individuals who recommend therapy to everyone as it has given me the tools and resources I need to navigate my life challenges. By choosing to get help, I was able to put my PTSD and depression in remission for four years now. I have also learned how to manage my anxiety.
I am fully aware that in this season of my life requires me to do the work to unlock new levels of self. And any time where I have consciously chosen growth – the universe or life has not failed me. I was able to heal my body, my heart, and my spirit. Now, it’s time to heal my inner child, this hurt little girl who lives in me.
I will say choosing a therapist is similar to dating; you might go through a few potentials until you find a therapist you connect with. Actually, one of my lifelong friends said to me the other day, “Your relationship with your therapist is one of the most important relationships in your life.” I needed her to say that, and I needed to hear it because it’s true. You are essentially trusting a licensed stranger to help you navigate your life on so many levels.
Be picky and ask the questions. Cut the cord at the first red flag given. Again, let me reiterate that emotional detachment is not a mental health diagnosis. It can be treated with the help of a therapist. Emotional detachment only becomes a problem when it starts to interfere with your daily life. Pay attention to changes in your daily behavior and make decisions to cope accordingly.
I am genuinely excited about reconnecting with my emotions. I want to feel all the feels – good, bad, and indifferent. I want to cry all the tears – especially the sad ones. I want to process and release negative emotions. I want to say how I feel in the moment with no fear.
If you are that girl who struggles with emotional connection or thinks you're emotionally detached, I hope that you become willing to face your inner child and show up for her. Don’t run – she has been waiting for you.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by fizkes/ Getty Images
