Hey star-gazers! Happy New Year — calendar New Year that is, since we have a few more months to go until we can ring in the astrological New Year.
All of us could stand some good news after the sometimes-tumultuous astrology of 2022. Despite January beginning with Mercury and Mars both retrograde, this month is full of supportive aspects, so use the harmonious trines and flowing sextiles to deliberately and intentionally set down a plan for the year ahead.
One of the most important astrological shifts to prepare for is Mars’ return to direct motion. While this won’t take place until January 12, Mars is slowing down and sitting on eight degrees of Gemini from January 2–24, so if you have any natal planets conjunct or aspecting this sensitive point (+/- three degrees), or if Mars is your solar return ascendant ruler, or the ruler of your profected year, then take note as this can be an auspicious time for manifesting concrete actions. Use this week to put finishing touches on your grand plan for the balance of Mars’ transit through Gemini, which will take us to the final weeks of March 2023.
Although Mercury retrogrades are less notable owing to their frequency, the little grey planet retracing its steps in hard-working Capricorn should emphasize the importance of thoughtful action. Mercury is the planet of thoughts, ideas and communications, and transiting Saturn’s serious domicile, we may have a lot of work to do in concretizing our goals and ambitions. This is the ideal planetary transit for taking stock and setting down those well-intentioned resolutions. As hard-won as Saturnian gains often are, they also lend us the staying power we need to reach for the brass ring. So, as we all engage in a healthy dose of sober second thought when it comes to any travel plans, communications, contracts, or business dealings, don’t underestimate the constructive assistance that Mercury can offer.
Also worth noting are the Capricornian correspondences to career and public standing. As Mercury transits this house in the first weeks of January, tread lightly with respect to electronic communications, interactions with coworkers, pushing work projects forward, or chomping at the bit to ink any paperwork that could see you get a bump up the ladder. Expect all these things to take a backseat as Mercury has its own agenda, so be prepared for the rug to be pulled out from under you once or twice this month.
While the early days of January may get off to a crunchy start, it won’t last, so just grin and bear it for the first couple of days.
On January 1, Venus conjuncts Pluto in the last degrees of Capricorn, potentially making this an intense day for relationships. Plutonic power plays could stand out against a more austere emotional backdrop heightening the need to prioritize your values and desires in the face of more assertive relationship forces.
On January 2, retrograde Mercury in Capricorn sextiles Neptune in Pisces, which could make for a slightly challenging day if you need concentration on your side. Don’t push yourself too hard around the start of the year; as this aspect perfects, it could cloud your judgment, so consider this your free pass if you’re dallying on any resolutions.
Towards the middle of the week, two aspects occurring back-to-back may bring auspicious and unexpected blessings.
Venus in Aquarius sextiles Jupiter in Aries on January 4, making this a stand-out day for relationships with friends and social groups. For creative types, this aspect could heighten desires for independent self-expression, so keep your artistic media at the ready.
The following day, the Sun trines Uranus, causing the unexpected sizzle from the day before to go super-charged. For some of us, this could correspond to an unexpected financial boon, or a positive shoutout in the workplace. Either way, these two days are bound to be fun ones astrologically and little beacons of light in the winter darkness.
On January 6, the Cancer Full Moon is a strong and potentially auspicious lunation owing to the moon being in domicile and both malefics in aversion to the luminaries.
This Moon could shine a spotlight on home and family, nostalgia, and matters concerning our past, and with Mercury retrograde and within about a degree of the Sun, the emphasis could be on blasts from our past, old memories resurfacing and long-lost friends making cameo appearances.
The sextile to unpredictable Uranus is something to watch out for — although the Moon will be separating from the exact conjunction, this lunation still could have a buzzy flavour, though one that has a more positive effect, highlighting our desire to break free from any old chains that memory lane could have forced upon us. (Cardinal signs, be on the lookout for this lunation to hit more prominently!)
Finally, the conjunction between the Sun and Mercury on January 7 is the kick-off to Mercury’s new three-and-a-half-month synodic cycle. Mercury shifts from its Epimethean to Promethean incarnation, transferring the balance of celestial power from integration to regeneration and renewal. Expect this day to present a highly empowered Mercury as it reaches the heart of the Sun, potentially offering us a temporary moment of great insight or clarity, which we’ve been desperately craving. Also, given that Mercury will be within orb of a trine to Uranus, this could increase the potential for an inspired idea or unexpected insights.
All in all, this will be a red-letter start to the year, so make sure you take full advantage of the ah-ha moments and do-the-work energy that this week affords!
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*DISCLAIMER: All astrological forecasts are for ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. Any decisions that you might make as a result of reading this or any other astrological blog entry are YOURS ALONE and the creator of this blog will not be held responsible! For any legal issues, see a lawyer; for medical ones, consult a physician. None of the information in this blog constitutes actionable advice from a licensed professional. Once again, this forecast is for ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!
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