January 2014 Astrocast

Key Events:  

New Moon (10:57 Capricorn): 1 January 2014 (11:15 GMT)

Full Moon (15:58 Cancer): 16 January 2014 (04:53 GMT)

New Moon (10:55 Aquarius): 30 January 2014 (21:40 GMT)

Retrograde Planets: 

Venus (28:58 Capricorn - 13:37 Capricorn): 21 December 2013 - 30 January 2014

(Shadow until 5 March 2014)

Uranus (12:31 - 8:35 Aries): 17 July - 17 December 2013

(Shadow until 3 April 2014)

Jupiter (20:30 - 10:26 Cancer): 7 November 2013 - 6 March 2014

(Shadow until 2 June 2014)

Pluto (11:35 Capricorn - 08:59 Capricorn): 12 April - 19 September 2013

(Shadow until 10 January 2014)

Neptune (05:22 - 02:34 Pisces): 7 June - 13 November 2013

(Shadow until 5 March 2014)

Easy Reference

Sun   Moon  Mercury   Venus   Mars   Jupiter   Saturn   Uranus   Neptune   Pluto  

1st House   2nd House   3rd House   4th House   5th House   6th House   7th House   8th House   9th House  

10th House   11th House   12th House

Aspects     Sign Rulers     Fire-Earth-Air-Water     Cardinal-Fixed-Mutable

Eclipses  Solar Returns  Retrograde Planets

Lunations and Long-term Aspects

The New Year starts out with a cosmic bang on January 1 with a New Moon that involves not only the Sun and Moon but five other planets arranged into an aspect pattern known as a Cardinal Grand Square.  It is not very friendly by appearance (which you can view using the link at the top of the page for the New Moon) and if the chart for the December 2012 solstice had looked like that I would have been sincerely worried.  However, this is but a garden-variety lunation, NOT an eclipse that would have more staying power, so its effects should be relatively limited, even though it may make for an interesting month.  Also note that while its occurrence on New Year's Day has implications for us, in the greater scheme of things our calendar is such a trainwreck that in the cosmic view it's nothing special due to the fact it's based solely on the ego and whims of ancient Roman emperors and not celestial mechanics.  Furthermore, it's more likely to have ominous effects on those born under Cardinal signs such as Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.  Nonetheless, there's some heavy energy being projected that definitely bears consideration.

The lunation is conjunct both Mercury and Pluto which incorporates their energies into its influence.  It occurs in Capricorn, your nextdoor neighbor, and 2nd house of income, possessions, finances, needs, comforts and pleasures, which probably doesn't thrill you.  I can't say I blame you, either, because no one wants to think that something like Pluto is lurking in their wallet.  Of course Pluto has been there for quite a few years now, so that alone is just more of the same, like it or not.  Pluto is about transformation, eliminating what you no longer need and maintaining control.  if you've been ignoring that admonition then maybe it's time to pay attention.  Mercury is the natural ruler of information, thoughts, ideas and transportation so the implication is that something new is coming of that nature as it affects 2nd house matters defined earlier.  Also note that Venus has been retrograde in that house since the solstice last month.  That is usually a call to examine what you truly value and nudge you toward putting your priorities in order accordingly.  Venus is also the warrior goddess when retrograde which means she'll go after what she wants with a vengeance as required.  So that energy is running in the background and may be what much of this lunation is all about.

That lunation quartet is not isolated, however, and but the focal point of the Grand Square.  Uranus is in fellow Fire Sign, Aries, your 5th house of ego definition, creativity, self-expression, children, romance, entertainment and speculation where he has probably been stirring things up in that venue for a year or more as well.  As the planet of surprises, unexpected events, disruptions, disturbances, upsets, rebellion, breakthroughs, freedom and innovation there's no telling what he's been up to.  You may want to ponder that for a  moment so you recognize the kind of influence he's had so far.  Then square him off with that convention in your house of money.  Too often we associate our value with our income.  Thus, if you're one of the unfortunate individuals who's fallen on hard times in this unstable economy you may be suffering from a significant erosion of your self-esteem and confidence, something Sag typically doesn't have a problem with.  Uranus can bring brainstorms as well, however, and in the house that includes creativity, perhaps you've been pursuing something of that nature which is currently costing a lot of money, such as an expensive hobby.  If that's the case take a close look to see if it just might be a bit out of control.

Opposing Uranus is Mars in Libra, your 11th house of friends, goals, organizations and group activities.  This suggests that activities in this area may also be impacting your pocketbook or perhaps your ability to relax.  You're a social creature by nature but too much involvement may not be what's best for you at this time.  It's also possible that something in this house is not supportive of your individuality and expects you to conform to a standard that simply isn't you.  On the other hand, perhaps some balance is required in this area and it can have a stabilizing effect.  Give it some thought. 

The final member of the Grand Square is your sign ruler, Jupiter, retrograde in Cancer, your 8th house of transformations, sex, death and rebirth, intense experiences, things you suppress, shared resources and debt.  Jupiter is a generally benefic planet who's in the sign of his exaltation but while retrograde he waxes philosophical.  He may well be trying to take you to a higher plane which you're resisting in some way.  Jupiter is trining Saturn in Scorpio, your 12th house of spirituality, enlightenment, seclusion, confinement, institutions, hidden enemies, self-undoing and your subconscious mind.  Saturn can have quite a wet blanket effect as the lord of karma.  He's also all about responsibility, discipline, maturity, hard lessons, ambition and structure.  If you've been neglecting this part of your life in any way whatsoever this could be what will make the most difference at this time, acknowledging a higher power as well as your higher self for guidance pursuing your goals.

The Full Moon on January 15 is in Cancer, your aforementioned 8th house of transformations and so forth.  This often indicates an ending, culmination or shift to a new phase.  Saturn is tied into the lunation in a favorable way, once again encouraging adequate attention to the spiritual side of life.  Mercury has moved into Aquarius, your 3rd house of thoughts, ideas, siblings, neighbors and local travel where he is accidentally dignified, which can assist you with sorting things out.  Venus is still retrograde and thus prodding you about what you value most and the square with Mars in your house of friends and goals suggests a conflict.  Think about your friends and group associations and what you motivation is.  If you truly resonate with them then that is great but if it's an effort toward social climbing or some ego-related scheme then it deserves a closer look.

This month has a second New Moon on January 30 which occurs in Aquarius, your 3rd house of thoughts, ideas and so forth noted earlier.  This brings new energy to this part of your life and the quincunx to Jupiter suggests that it can be life-changing in some way.  Venus and Pluto are conjunct in your 2nd house which should really help your identify once and for all what you value most in life.  Pluto suggests you may need to purge a few things, especially if they're on the materialistic side.  If you've been blowing money for show that may be another thing to think about.  Being generous is something that Sagittarius usually is but if it has something else behind it then give that some thought as well.  Pluto and Venus are opposing Jupiter which suggests there is a tug-o-war in progress between what you value and seeing life in an entirely different way.

A new year is always an excellent time to assess what you've accomplished in the past year and what you hope to achieve in the coming twelve months.  Saturn, as ruler of your 2nd house of values and possessions in your 12th house suggests identifying at the deepest, spiritual level where your values lie and examining them closely.  What you find may help you decide what goals you want to pursue this coming year.

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