January 2015: Shifting realities, a season of Aquarius and Mercury retrogrades

 

Happy New Year! As we enter the first month of 2015, the Uranus-Pluto square has started the process of separating, but the energy is still disruptive, angry and changeable in the world. This transit will dominate the sky throughout 2015 for the third year, along with Saturn square Neptune, which will be 'set off' by Mars this month, and we will get a glimpse and a feel of what this new energy will be like as we move through the New Year.

The square between Uranus and Pluto has brought a repeat performance in many ways of the Grand Cross of April 2014. (A Grand Cross involves 4 planets while a square involves 2. Uranus square Pluto was part of the Grand Cross in April-the other planets were Jupiter and Mars)

It is mind boggling to think that this spring we saw the disappearance of Flight 370, and the sinking of the North Korean ferry, and in December as the Uranus-Pluto square makes its 6th appearance,  AsiaAir flight 8501 has crashed  along with another ferry disaster off the coast of Greece. But, then again, Uranus rules aircraft among other things. What a sad holiday season for so many.

We have seen the emergence of social unrest in the form of protesters in the "I can't breathe movement,' named after Eric Gardner who was killed by police in NYC. We have also seen the retaliatory shootings of 2 police officers, cheap oil and the devaluation of the Ruble, a major hacking of Sony pictures that involved North Korea and many other disruptive events in the world to name a few at the time of this post, and I am certain there will be more to come after this blog is posted.

Uranus will square Pluto again in March 2015, this time at 15 degrees of Aries-Cancer. This will be the final exact pass of this powerful transit, but the energy of these most powerful planets will continue into 2016.

January 15-19 will be a significant period as Mars squares Saturn and conjuncts Neptune setting off the energy of the Saturn/ Neptune square that is within orb at 2-5 degrees of Sagittarius-Pisces.

While this square will not become exact until November 2015, this period will show us the possibilities of this transit and we can start to get a feel for the energy which will show us that various areas of our lives and the collective will start to dissolve away, appear weak and inadequate and have to be changed. This can take form in many different areas of life (depending on where it falls in your personal chart) and in the world.

Groups of people will believe, perhaps know they have been mislead, and misleading energy can take the form of direct action from those in power. Lies can be revealed, entities and individuals subjected to scandal and loss of power and there can be great misdirection and failing to see the truth in different situations.

Confusion and frustration can play out as ineffective action toward terrorist groups and other situations in the world, and we could see issues with the sea, water, or the weather, especially water-related situations.

We may see a lengthy period of wet weather conditions  or weather/water related conditions In January-February and again November.

This is a transit of ineffective energy, and potential improper direction of energy, and/or lack of clarity and in some cases outright lies.

Situations can be muddled, and lack of resolution and ineffective action will be a theme of this period.

Hidden weaknesses will be revealed in people, things and situations depending on what this aspects individually.

If you have mutable planets from 0-10 degrees: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces- the Saturn-Neptune square will aspect your life in some area this year, depending on your chart. You will discover weaknesses and a lack of clarity in the area of your chart affected and some realities of the past will dissolve. This can be an uncomfortable period until something replaces it.

The key to overcoming this transit is recognizing what needs to be changed first of all, and taking direct action to move forward. As Saturn is involved we will have the ability to see the reality (Saturn) of what has in reality been an ongoing situation of confusion and not seeing clearly (Neptune), thus we have the ability to build a stronger base and vision in whatever area of our lives (natal chart) this transit will affect.

Some of those who will be affected this month or next will be those with Neptune in the early degrees of Sagittarius born January-May 1970, and November 1970-Febuary of 1972, or those born with a Sun, or other personal planets from 0-6 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.

January 1, Mars opposes Jupiter and this transit has the potential to blow many things out of proportion.  Extravagance can be part of the theme, wasted resources, and over confident attitudes. For some, this can turn out well as it is expansive, but guard against over doing in all ways. We will see issues with foreign individuals and countries and Mars in Aquarius can be war like and pompous.

January 3, the Sun conjuncts Pluto and squares Uranus setting off the Uranus-Pluto square. This is a dangerous transit and rash or impulsive actions should be avoided. It is indicative to unexpected upsets and power struggles and explosive situations personally and in the world.

Sun-Uranus transit tend to be impulsive and unexpected, and Sun-Pluto transits controlling, obsessive and indicative of emotionally biased actions and power struggles.

If used constructively this can be a time of  creative transformation, but many will lean toward the negative aspects and over react in many ways. Some things will come to an end and cease to exist and this can include relationships, businesses, and all other forms of connectiveness.

Vengeance will be a theme as Pluto is involved and we will see upheaval and revolts in the world (Uranus), hostile speech and actions and we are once again in a dangerous time. But, we have traveled this path before.

Also on January 3, Venus enters Aquarius putting two planets in the sign that rules groups, companies and the collective. As Venus in this sign is ruled by Uranus, expect love relationships and social interaction to become more quirky, and prone toward unexpected situations, and it is more prone toward fun and unusual connections than stability.

The past week has been a difficult and tumultuous time and the full moon on January 4, falls in Cancer the most emotional of signs. This sign can be prone to overacting, especially on the heels of Sun-Uranus-Pluto.

Emotional outbursts can be expected in some quarters with this configuration. The key is calm, and in it is best to not react to this energy but rather search for the answers within before committing to a volatile course that could create permanent change and damage. Many people will still be in a home centered mood, and home, comfort and security will be a central theme.

This is a significant moon as it (and Sun-Uranus-Pluto T-square) falls within a degree of Americas Sun in the the seventh house of open enemies, and square America's Saturn. It will be a significant time full of tensions in the US.

January 4, Mercury also enters Aquarius and thinking and communicating will become more erratic and impulsive. You could come up with unique and interesting solutions and ides that would otherwise not be considered. This starts the shadow period of Mercury retrograde which occurs in several weeks. Best to wrap things up during this time and look toward February for starting new projects.

January 5, Mercury sextiles Saturn and this is a positive transit good for all types of communication and seriously considered thinking and the volatile energy of the past week will start to shift into a calmer period.

January 12, Mars enters Pisces, the 12th sign of the zodiac until February 19, and Mars in this sign is not very aggressive. There will be a bigger focus on spirituality and compassion. As Mars is in the sign that rules the ocean we could see water related events, or even battles or confrontations at sea. It is not good for military confrontations and with Mars in this sign the aggressor could well be the loser.

January 13, Venus and Mercury sextile Uranus and this is a positive transit for love, communication and money. You may come up with an original solution to a problem.

January 15, Mars squares Saturn and this marks the start of the Saturn-Neptune square as it is set off by Mars. This is a difficult, frustrating and irritating transit, and the definition of Mars-Saturn is repressed or restrictive action. Mars-Saturn can have a cruel undertone and this is not the time to push an agenda, or be the aggressor.

January 19, Venus opposes Jupiter and this is a basically positive transit as Mars aspects Saturn and Neptune. It can result in social activity, but take away drive and ambition. While pleasant,  it may help, but is not match in overcoming the strong Mars energy.

January 19, Mars conjuncts Neptune, and this transit will be tiring, confusing and in many cases depressing, with a tendency toward self destructive actions in some people. We could see issues with water on the sea, or relating to the weather. This is not a good day to begin any new project as confusion will rule the day. The highest and best use of this energy is in helping others, spiritual pursuits or creative activities.

January 20, the Sun enters Aquarius and we are in the Aquarius season!

January 20, a new moon occurs at 0 degrees of Aquarius, ruler of the 11th house of groups and organizations.

January 21, Mercury turns stationary retrograde for the next several days at 17 degrees of Aquarius. This is the critical period in the retrograde where Mercurial energy changes, slowdowns, glitches and delays occur. Don't get married, buy high ticket items or start new projects during this time. If you do so, do this at your own peril as at the very least things will change, and may not pan out as expected.

January 22, the Sun sextiles Saturn, and this is a great transit for accomplishing practical matters.

January 27, Venus enters Pisces and this will be a more romantic Venus, great for Pisces, and the other Water and Earth signs. Mercury also sextiles Uranus and there can be an air of brilliance with this transit, and much intellectual activity and communication.

January 30, Venus squares Saturn and this is a negative transit for love and your social life, as well as some financial transactions. Some relationships may end or hit turbulence. The Sun also conjuncts Mercury and this is 'willful energy,' and can be agitating, especially as Mercury is retrograde, and delays and obstacles may well crop up.

The Uranus-Pluto square Part 11: Important dates- December 29-January 5, 2015

Uranus and Pluto are in a square that began to separate on December 23, as Pluto moved to 13 degrees. But, the energy of this powerful square is far from over, and will continue in an intense manner well into January and into early 2016.

If you have read my previous blogs you know this aspect is bringing major changes to the world, and if it aspects your personal chart, it is bringing major changes in your own life. To some degree we are all affected by this transit, but especially those with personal planets in Cardinal signs-Aries, Libra, Cancer and Capricorn between 11-15 degrees of these signs.

In my last blog I noted important dates involving this powerful square. To recap those dates: December 20, Venus squared Uranus and was conjunct Pluto, December 24, Mercury squared Uranus, and December 25, Mercury was conjunct Pluto. If significant events occurred in your life on these dates (give or take a couple of days) it is likely the Uranus-Pluto square was 'set off' in your personal chart.

So far in the world over the last week or so, several police officers have been shot by hate groups, another plane is missing, and another ferry disaster occurred off the coast of Greece to name a few incidents. It is mind boggling how this mirrors the grand cross of April and we will see more before things calm down in the world.

Dates to be aware of include:

January 1, 2015: Mars opposes Jupiter. Situations can get blown out of proportion quite easily on this day, and we will see large events in the world involving foreign people and situations.

January 3, The Sun squares Uranus and conjuncts Pluto, setting off the Uranus-Pluto square, which means if this aspects your chart, events can be significant--go back and look at the previously mentioned dates.

Sun-Uranus transits deal with the unexpected. The Sun can make things seems personal, and some situations and relationships can end. We can expect to see and hear unexpected events in the world and Uranus rules aircraft, and we could see weather related circumstances.

Sun-Pluto transits deal with sex, power struggles, bullies and those who force their will on others. Pluto rules the breakdown of situations, and nuclear materials (in the world).

January 4, a full moon occurs at 14 degrees of Cancer, and this is the most emotional of signs for a full moon. Take a deep breath if you feel stressed and remember that a full moon can heighten emotions, especially this one. This full moon sets off the Uranus-Pluto square and if your chart is being aspected expect events that can be significant.

Cancer rules the homeland, and the US is a Cancer country. In the world we can expect hostilities to occur around this moon, and as it aspects Vladimir Putin's Sun, we can expect to hear news of him, and the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine.

Here is wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year and a positive and Happy 2015!!!!!

 

 

 

New Moon in Capricorn December 21

Mercury has moved into Capricorn, joining the Sun, (December 21)  Venus, Pluto and we have a new moon in the same sign December 22, peaking at 8:36 P.M., EST, at 0 degrees.  This puts 5, or half the planets, that include luminaries in the conservative sign of Capricorn. Can you see things are slowing down now?

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, and Saturn can be both austere and full of riches. Things, people and situations will become more serious and we must "get real," and will as Mercury rules our thinking and communications (in Capricorn). Saturn is about reality and the more stable your life is the more you will feel the riches, and the same goes for the other direction- The less stable your life is the more lack or austere you may feel during this period.

Either way, we will be dealing with reality which isn't bad, and its where we should be. My advice is to see and focus on the riches in your life outside of money. Money only buys so much, and our true riches lie in family, friends, love of humankind and good health. These things are not only life's greatest riches, they are all free to the taker.

With the new moon in Capricorn many will be trying to wrap up business before taking a holiday.  Capricorn rules the 10th house of business and priorities. It falls on the 10th/4th house axis putting a focus on home, family, business and priorities.

Venus leaves conservative Capricorn on January 3, followed by Mercury on January 5, and the energy will start to switch once again.

December 2014: A new era: Saturn enters Sagittarius

Major changes occur this month as the planet of responsibility, restriction and karma enters the sign ruled by Jupiter. The last time Saturn entered Sagittarius was November 18, 1985-November 12, 1988. Saturn enters Sagittarius December 23,  and makes its first pass through this sign, retrograding back into Scorpio on June 16, 2015 where it will remain until September 18, 2015. On September 19, it moves back into Sagittarius until December 20, 2017.

If you are a Sagittarius and your Sun or ascendant is 0-8 degrees this will be a significant year for you as Saturn will conjunct your Sun for the first time in 30 years. This is seldom easy and often deals with issues connected to males, or the male side of the family-especially in the case of a woman. When Saturn conjuncts your Sun endings can occur, but so can new beginnings. At times Saturn can bring great rewards, but if this is the case it will be accomplished with a lot of hard work. As Saturn crosses your Sun, an individual often re-creates himself in some way.

If you are an Aries or Leo at the same degree as mentioned above, Saturn will trine your Sun.  Saturn trine Sun periods are connected with stability, and it is important you use this period to build yourself-career or anything else up during this time. Things will flow smoothly, overall but the more effort you put in, the greater your stability will be in the future.

If you are a Libra or Aquarius (same degree) Saturn will sextile your Sun and this too is a positive transit, but not without hard work. Saturn always requires work!

If you are a Gemini (0-8 degrees) Saturn will oppose your Sun this year. Look for problems that come from other people, probably connected to those you consider partners, and watch your health. Some things may come to an end.

If you are a 0-8 degree Virgo or Pisces Saturn will square your Sun this year and squares relate to difficulties, endings or delays. You may find yourself unusually tired. The best course of action is to wait for this transit to pass and know the dawn will come, and things will once again change. Your obstacles could involve matters connected with home or career.

If you are a Capricorn, Cancer or Taurus, Saturn makes no major aspects to your Sun this year.  

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 If you remember or studied anything about finance, you will remember this date: October 19, 1987, otherwise known as Black Monday. On this day stock markets around the world crashed shedding a huge value in a short time-the DJIA dropped 508 points. Saturn was at 17 degrees of Sagittarius-halfway through the cycle- and the Sun opposed Jupiter on this day, while Venus was conjunct Pluto. Jupiter and Venus are the significators of money and Saturn in Jupiter's sign does not bode well for the stocks. Astrologer Mitch Lewis wrote, "As I said in last month’s newsletter: Saturn in Sagittarius is a very bearish marker for the equities. This doesn’t imply another crash is coming, rather a slow sideways movement. It isn’t as dramatic as Saturn opposite Uranus that we had when the markets crashed in 2008. This just usually means a slow down in world growth and a limit to new markets and expansion of all sorts."

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This however is only one probability of Saturn, as it transits through this sign over the next two and a half years.  While Saturn is in Sagittarius we will be concerned with and review all ninth house matters: our basic view of the world, education, medicine, and our foreign partners and connections. The planet Jupiter rules growth and expansion, governments, religion, laws and money and wealth, and young men.

By February 2015, Saturn will be within orb of its first square to Neptune, the planet of illusion, confusion and delusion. I have written about this transit and will write more in the future. I think of this square as dissolving realities, and see this as a transit that will dissolve or change many things in the world and in our lives, especially if it is aspecting your personal chart.

If you have mutable planets at 2-5 degrees of Sagittarius, Pisces, Virgo or Gemini, you will be affected by this transit. Otherwise you will see events play out in the world, but will be affected to a lesser degree.

Neptune aspecting a personal planet dissolves situations, and can confuse the matter. I often see Neptune transit in very confusing relationships. Saturn, on the other hand can delay, destroy, end the situation or cause it to view a situation with reality-which isn't all bad! This is quite a transit, and the end result can be looking at many situations involved with new eyes. One thing is for sure-some situations we have know as personal realities, as well as our societal structures  will dissolve into something else. Certain things will fade to make room for the new.

Neptune rules religion, drugs/alcohol, theatre, psychics, the ocean, illusion, delusion and confusion among other things. As Saturn squares this planet some of the situations we could see during this cycle include:

-the dissolving of old structures in our lives and the world that can lead to a period of uncertainty before enlightenment. On a personal level this can take the disappearance of things, situations and even people.

-Clashes over practical issues versus ideologies

 -Issues around irresponsible sex, and or disease

-A rise in religion, especially fundamentalist types of religion. This will be met with resistance from others.

-A rise in agnostic believers.

-changes in governments and laws

-changes in the British royal family

-depression, a rise in alcoholic behaviors or drugs

-changes in pot laws and other drugs

-changes in the medical and educational arenas

-problems with water and the oceans

- groups of disenfranchised people around the world

-changes in disease such as Ebola and potential cures/other diseases can emerge

-changes-news about oil/gas, nuclear and chemical weapons and governments that use them

-changes in basic societal thinking that will affect the collective

-disenchantment in US

By the end of 2015 Neptune is exact in its square to Saturn at 7 degrees Sagittarius/Pisces. In June of 2016 we will once again have a Grand Square in mutable signs involving Neptune, Saturn and Jupiter that works off the energies of all three planets, somewhat similar to the Grand Cross of 2014.

Now, back to the other major transit in December, the Uranus-Pluto square. Uranus and Pluto are in a square at 12 degrees Aries-Capricorn. This is the 6th such square since this configuration began several years ago. The most recent such configuration was in April with the Grand Cross that involved 3 planets. Many events occurred at that time, including the rise of ISIS and Russia-Ukraine situation.

This is an angry, disruptive energy in many respects and we will see many changes occur similar to April and this transit occurred in 1934 and again in a conjunction the mid-1960's. Pluto is the planet of absolute change and regeneration and Uranus is the planet of freedom, rebellion and sudden unexpected changes. We are living in historic times as society and our lives (if this aspects your personal chart) continue to changing. Events that began during April's Grand Cross may well come back again, and at the time of this post the Ukraine is once again in the spotlight, for example.

The square between Uranus and Pluto becomes exact on December 15. Some astrologers consider this the moment of crisis, but in my experience the outer planets do not have to be exact to bring on a crisis. Take for example the destruction in Ferguson, MO on November 25-26 and protests that spread throughout the country.  In this case the protests are about more than Michael Brown, but the inordinate number of black males that are arrested nationwide.

Situations and events will amp up in our lives and the world further as Uranus turns direct on December 21, the winter solstice. This will set off the energy of the Uranus-Pluto square, and we will likely see an increase in the volatility around the world. Uranus rules rebellions, and is connected with freedom and explosive situations. It also rules technology, lightening and aircraft. Pluto rules bullies, plutonium, and power structures. No doubt we will hear more news relating to the Iranian nuclear situation.

On this same day, we also have a new moon in Capricorn and the Sun enters Capricorn. By December 22, the new moon will conjunct Pluto and square Uranus and this could be a significant time as the NM sets off the Uranus-Pluto square.

Of course this square will also bring about many events and change in our personal lives. As this square comes together those individuals most affected will have Cardinal signs-Aires, Libra, Cancer and Capricorn at 11-14 degrees. Eventually each Cardinal sign will experience an aspect from both Pluto and Uranus. Change is in the air for the cardinal signs no matter what. Not only will there be change, the change will come in the most pivotal areas of life: work, home relationships and personal changes involving ourselves and our purpose in life.

As the slower moving planets enter Capricorn this month, we will see each one eventually set off this powerful square, so the end of the year going into early 2015 is quite significant.

Other transits of interest include:

December 1, Mars sextiles Saturn and this is a positive aspect, especially for any type of work. Much may be accomplished on this day.

December 4, Venus trines Jupiter and the Sun trines Uranus and this is a positive pair of transits. This is great for romance, socializing and over-indulging, although you may have to pay the piper later.

Also on December 4, Mars enters Aquarius through January 12. Aquarius rules the 11th house of the collective and the planetary rulers are Saturn and Uranus. In the world Mars in Aquarius can bring war and clashes and is prone toward revolutionary sentiments. On a personal level Mars in this sign may bring about a desire for more freedom and a desire to socialize more. This will be far different than Mars in the conservative Capricorn cycle, which we have just finished.

December's full moon falls on December 6, at 7:27 A.M., at 14 degrees of Gemini. Gemini rules communication of all sorts, and the intensity of the full moon may push you toward things you have been wanting to say. As with all full moons, emotions are heightened, so use caution in what you communicate, and more importantly how you communicate.

December 8, the Sun conjuncts Mercury which heightens communication, but can seem 'willful,' and Jupiter turns stationary retrograde.

Jupiter retrogrades for about four months every year. during the retrograde period Jupiter's beneficial rays are not as powerful. Growth does not generally occur as rapidly as during the period Jupiter is direct, but there can be more personal growth on the inside during this time. Jupiter will turn direct again on April 8, 2015.

December 10, Venus enters Capricorn. Love energy changes again, and while Venus in Sagittarius is about freedom, Venus in Capricorn leans toward more serious matters, and commitments. This will be great for Capricorn and works well for all earth signs.

December 12, Mercury trines Jupiter and this is positive for communication and expanding ideas.

December 14, the Sun trines Jupiter and this is a positive, upbeat transit. Venus sextiles Mercury also and this can be creative or romantic, but keep your communication clear, and don't let your imagination run away with you.

December 15, the Uranus-Pluto square is exact, amping up the energy of this powerful transit. We will likely see events relating to this transit playing out in the world, in or around this day.

December 16, Mercury enters Capricorn, changing Mercurial energy once again. Communication will take on a more serious tone, and a little more restrictive.

December 20, Venus squares Uranus and conjuncts Pluto. This is one of the most pivotal days of the month as Venus sets off the Uranus-Pluto square. Relationship/money issues can emerge if this aspects your personal chart. Venus-Pluto is obsessive and prone to jealousy. Venus-Uranus relates to changes in relationships, and some relationships will end. Issue previously hidden can emerge, and there can be a 'fated' quality to this. In the world this will relate to potential money issues, news of violence and this is prone to violence toward women, issues of domestic abuse and issues concerning sex, and the financial markets.

December 21, December's new moon occurs at 0 degrees of Capricorn, and the Sun enters Capricorn at 6: 36 P.M.. EST.  Capricorn is ruled by Saturn the planet of business and responsibility. Welcome to official winter. We are now in the Capricorn season!

Also on December 21, Uranus turns stationary direct. This will be a significant transit, amping up the energy of the Uranus-Pluto square and we will see significant events in the world around this time, and in our lives if we have cardinal signs at 12-14 degrees. (Libra, Aries, Cancer and Capricorn) Uranus is the planet of revolts, revolutionary sentiments and freedom.

December 23, Saturn enters Sagittarius at 11:33 A.M.,  for the first time in 30 years.

December 24, Mercury squares Uranus setting off the Uranus-Pluto square. Events in the world will be large and unexpected. Use caution while traveling with this transit and expect to hear unexpected news that could concern transportation or relatives. Plans could change.

December 25, Mercury conjuncts Pluto setting off the Uranus-Pluto square, and events that began a day or two ago will continue in the collective. Mercury-Pluto involves media, arguments, and trying to get to the bottom of a given situation. We could hear news involving transportation or travel and use caution. Arguments will abound and this is an obsessive transit. Mercury rules travel and communication, young people and relatives. This Christmas season could prove to be a significant if not dangerous time in the world. Use caution.

December 26, the Sun sextiles Neptune. This is a transit that could inspire compassion and creativity. Look at things clearly, not as you wish them to be.

Happy Holidays!