January 2021: A Brave New World

 

We have finally made it to 2021! Saturn and Jupiter have left heavy Capricorn and we are in a bold new time with both of these powerful planets in the sign of Aquarius. While there is no general astrological consensus on exactly when we enter the true Age of Aquarius, we are now in a time when the themes, ideas and ways of life will shift toward (Aquarius) the sign that rules the collective, or all of us. Over the next two and a half years we will be focused on matters that affect us all, and finding our own place in the collective.

Aquarius is ruled by both Saturn and Uranus and the Democratic Party is ruled by Saturn. Democratic Presidents have been elected or served terms during the previous Saturn in Aquarius periods over the past century.  Decisions and plans made at this time will be bold, futuristic and geared toward the general population as opposed to specific individuals and vast corporations. This does not mean however, that everything will go smoothly or as planned at all times. 

During 2021 Saturn will square or clash with Uranus three times creating upheaval, unexpected events and unusual twists and turns. In 2020, Saturn conjunct Pluto resulted in the worldwide spread of Covid, political turmoil and questions of abuse of power. In 2021 we will be dealing with change, unexpected events, the climate, money and financial markets and any other number of issues that may arise, often out of the blue, which is the nature of Uranus. The first of these powerful aspects will occur in February and the affects may become apparent as we approach the end of January. This is not all bad however, as in times like these we often see new inventions, projects and come up with better ways of dealing with many different things.

During January Jupiter will square Uranus, Uranus will turn direct and (Mars) the planet of action will enter Taurus. Venus, the planet of love and values will transit through Sagittarius and Capricorn. The Sun will move through Aquarius and then Pisces. We will experience a new moon in Capricorn and a powerful full moon in Leo.

Jupiter squares Uranus

Jupiter is the planet of gain and expansion and it will clash with Uranus this month. It is exact in its square on January 17^th but we will feel the effects before and after this date. Uranus turns direct on January 14^th, making this transit even more powerful. When Uranus turns direct, it typically coincides with major world events that can seem very unpredictable and out of the blue. January 20-21st stand out as Mars joins these two planets as it conjuncts Uranus and squares Jupiter making the few days around this a very dangerous and explosive period. Use care as accidents could occur.

This transit is by no means all negative, and unexpected and significant opportunities can come up. Some astrologers believe this period coincides with growth and awakening of the human consciousness furthering the evolution of man. This transit occurred at the time of the 1969 Moon landing as well as the French Revolution.

Jupiter square Uranus is especially powerful January 15-20^th. This is revolutionary and unpredictable energy and courts, religion, money, laws and fanatics could be front and center at this time. We could also see issues with the internet, hacks or problems with electronic communication.

We could experience sudden changes in life direction or fortune. This is a true gamblers transit and it can go either way in terms of gain or loss, but it is a gamble regardless. Energies may seem exuberant to some but it is a time to keep your feet planted on the ground. There can be an urge to break free from anything that seems oppressive and some relationships may end at this time, or other situations that have held you back could end. Extravagance and erratic behavior could lead to loss. You could experience great flashes of insight and if this is the case it is important to make a note of it, as it will disappear as quickly as it came. You may also find yourself more suggestible to weird or unusual ideas. The last time we saw this transit was 2007, preceding the 2008 bank crash and Great recession. When it occurred 14 years earlier we saw the first bombing of the World Trade Center by Islamic Fundamentalists.

Mars enters Taurus

Mars enters Taurus January 7^th after a long 6 month stay in Aries. Mars in Aries has inspired a great deal of anger and aggravation, especially as it has clashed with Pluto, Jupiter and Saturn on multiple occasions. Mars is the planet that rules our actions, sex lives and anger and it will remain in Taurus until March 4^th.

Mars in Taurus will be considerably different from Mars in Aries. Taurus is an earth sign ruled by the planet Venus, so our energies and action will change considerably but this does not mean we aren’t still going to see periods of anger and volatility in January. Planet Venus not only rules love and money, but our values as well, and it is likely we will see many conflicts over what we value and how we approach our personal and collective values in January which is of course, Inauguration month.

Mars will make some serious clashes with Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius, along with Uranus in Taurus. During these times stubbornness and inability to bend may be a problem, and we could experience anger and frustration ourselves, and it will play out on the world stage.

There can be an earthy type of sensuality to Mars in this sign, after all Taurus is ruled by Venus. We will be more inclined to look for material and physical comfort and be attracted to beautiful things of lasting value as Taurus likes fine things and luxury as well as value for the money.

As Taurus rules the 2^nd house of money, there will be a greater focus on making and keeping money, and we will be focusing on practical matters as long as Mars is in this sign. Mars in Taurus is prone to determination and reaching goals in a slow but steady manner.

Mars in Taurus will work best for the other earth signs-Virgo and Capricorn. It can work well for Cancer, and Pisces. This period will bring more stress to Scorpio, as Mars in Taurus will oppose Scorpio, or any Scorpio planets placed in the chart. Mars in this sign will also be more difficult for the other fixed signs: Leo and Aquarius as Taurus creates a challenge to these signs along with more obstacles and blocks. None of this however, will be anything that cannot be overcome with patience and fortitude and it will soon pass.

Mars makes a number of stressful aspects in January and after these transits have passed we will see more of the laid back and steady side of Mars in Taurus.

The most significant Mars dates

January 13^th, Mars clashes with Saturn which is tiring, frustrating energy. It will play out in terms of world events, but may create a great deal of frustration if not delays, in our own lives. It is best to relax and know this energy will soon pass, and the blockages we feel at this time will improve quickly.

Mars joins the Jupiter-Uranus square on January 20^th when it conjuncts Uranus. This can make for an explosive day, with things going differently than planned.  This can produce excitement, but it can also be indicative of sudden changes, outbursts of temper and a danger of accidents, explosions and sudden change. Surprise attacks are something to watch out for.  Inauguration Day in the US will be volatile day.

January 23^rd, Mars squares Jupiter. This can be indicative of blowing things out of proportion. Alternatively, this transit can confer real courage and a desire to step up to the plate and do what is necessary if a crisis of some type occurs

 Mercury enters Aquarius

The planet of communication enters Aquarius January 8^th switching Mercurial energies once again. It will remain in this sign until March 15, due to its upcoming retrograde. Mercury rules our mind, thinking, and the way we communicate with others and process information. During Mercury’s transit through Aquarius we may all be a little more open minded and receptive to new ideas than normal.

Aquarius is known for its quirky, wild and weird side as well as its intellectual, inventive and eccentric nature. Aquarius is associated with the 11^th house in astrology which rules the collective, as well as groups and organizations. The planetary rulers of Aquarius are Saturn and Uranus.

Uranus rules new, cutting edge types of concepts and with Mercury in this sign you may be able to expand your ideas and approaches and come up with more original ways of focusing on life. In this way you may be able to benefit from Mercury’s transit through this most intellectual and logical of signs. Go bold this month as Uranus is known for producing cutting edge types of innovations. If you can tap into this energy, you could have flashes of intuition that could lead to new ways of looking at things and new approaches. Uranus-Aquarius is associated with concepts that may seem off the grid in the moment, but later result in innovations that become the future norm. The internet for example, is a Uranian concept. Who thought 40 years ago it would be what it is today?

 The planet of love enters Capricorn

Venus enters Capricorn January 8^th leaving Sagittarius behind for another year.

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the planet of structure, work and responsibility and this will color our love interests over the next three weeks. Venus in this sign will work best for Earth and Water signs.

Venus in Capricorn gives love and social activities a more traditional, perhaps enduring and committed flavor. The focus will shift from fun and good times (Sagittarius) to the more practical side of love, which is of course necessary if there is to be a future together.

Sometimes there can be a desire for social prestige and attraction to those in positions of authority. We may experience ambition for wealth and status and may be attracted to those we meet in connection with work or in places of commerce.

Love and friendships may take on a more committed or serious tone during this period. Many will be looking for ways to make our lives and loves more real in a tangible sense.

Venus in Capricorn is interested in the real side of love and romance. Our focus may shift to a more traditional outlook and concerns with questions like where would we live and how do we pay for it if things work out.

 While Venus is in Capricorn a successful partner will sweeten the deal. Romance can be overshadowed by responsibility which will generally come first while Venus transits this sign.

Basically, Venus-Capricorn takes a more mature approach to relationships and love like past times when our relationships were bound by rules. Love must be earned while Venus is in this sign. Relationships will be built on a willingness to work together through difficult times, as Saturn understands the true meaning and value of commitment. Venus will reward hard work in relationships by defining obstacles and making the commitment together to resolve them.

Venus in a Saturn ruled sign may not sound appealing to some, but it projects its own type of warmth, stability and security. After the initial honeymoon period, practical concerns have a place if the relationship is to endure. Now is the time to focus on this side of your relationship and make it more substantive, lasting and real. Love energy will change once again when Venus enters Aquarius February 1^st.

New Moon in Capricorn January 13^th

This month’s New Moon falls in Capricorn and the lunar peak occurs at 12:00 AM, EST. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn and is connected to work, responsibilities, obligations and structure, and it is likely we will be focused on these matters.

This Sun and Moon conjunct Pluto creating intense, sometimes obsessive feelings, revelations, and thoughts of the past and at times past lovers may re-appear. Sun-Pluto can relate to power struggles, issues over money or sex, and intense or obsessive thinking.

January is a volatile month in general and this powerful Capricorn moon will be no different.  We will likely see issues relating to control, power, politics and Pluto tends to rule crime, the criminal element and hidden issues can often come to light on a Moon like this.

We will have a chance to create order in our lives at this time, as well as change and transformation. Ambition may be stimulated and new moons represent new beginnings.

Mars has entered its square to Saturn however, so we may face or encounter anger, frustration and blocks. This can also be a mentally and emotionally draining period. This period will however pass within a few days and we can gain momentum as we move forward.

The best use of this energy is to focus on what you would like to change or create in the New Year. With the powerful and determined Capricorn energy you can make great strides forward if you use patience and good judgment, so this moon will have its rewards.

The Aquarius season is on

The Sun leaves hard driving Capricorn and enters Aquarius January 19^th and will remain in this sign until February 18^th. Aquarius is connected sudden and unexpected events, freedom, and a love of doing things our own way, or just different from the norm. It’s time to throw off the shackles and lighten up.  

With the Sun in this sign we desire new experiences and freedom. That freedom can take many different forms including the right to be exactly who we are and tolerance is one of Aquarius’s greatest gifts. Alternatively, this could mean something as simple as a new hairstyle, way of dress, new restaurants, or even a new route to work. It’s all up to you how far you take this energy.

Non-conformist Aquarius is the sign of the entrepreneur who makes a success of doing things his or her way as well as the downtrodden outcast, the intellectual, and the freedom fighter. During this time we will experience a month of ditching what is tried and true to make room for the new, the unusual and the experimental.

Aquarius is a humanistic sign and is connected to the 11^th house of the collective. We don’t have to go solo with the Sun in this sign and are typically happy to be a part of a group as long as we don’t have to conform to group norms or lose our own identities in the process.  So go ahead, be yourself and have some fun. The Sun in Aquarius can make for a magical month of new discoveries.

January’s powerful Full Moon in Leo

This month’s full moon falls on January 28, at 9 degrees of Leo. Leo rules the 5^th house of love; children, fun and entertainment, and this may be a good night to let your hair down a little, but with some precautions. Leo is associated with the Sun; the ruler of the heart, both metaphorically and literally. This will be an action packed, temperamental moon and we can expect to see grand-standing and plenty of antics from the theatre of life. Those who feel ignored at this time may make sure we know they are there.

The Moon opposes the Sun, Jupiter and Saturn all in Aquarius. Moon-Sun oppositions relate to our interactions with others, in particular those closest to us and at times tensions can flare if there is friction. Sun-Jupiter is typically pleasant but things can get blown out of proportion and Sun-Saturn relates to work, restrictions and responsibilities and at times it can be depressive and indicative of endings but some of the other planets involved can help with this. The Sun is conjunct Jupiter which is connected to expansion, and typically positive. With the Moon’s opposition to 3 planets in Aquarius we may hear of legal or court matters, religion, medicine and new approaches to old ways of doing things.

Venus conjunct Pluto can be connected to obsessive thoughts and feelings directed toward relationships, love, money and sex. Matters may become deep, intense and there could be issues of control, or certain things may be revealed at this time. At the very worst this transit can be indicative of violence and volatile feelings or actions. Some relationships could end, and others could be transformed for the better with a great deal of work. Nothing will be superficial on a transit like this.

The Leo moon will square Uranus and Mars. This is the most significant and volatile aspect this moon makes. The combination of these three planets can be indicative of angry and explosive situations and events. Moon-Mars relates to women and anger, or emotional anger. Add Uranus to the mix and we have a truly explosive and unpredictable 24-48 hour period with the powerful full moon in Leo. Accidents can be a possibility as well, so take care.

Mercury retrogrades

Mercury turns retrograde January 30, at 26 degrees of Aquarius and this is our first quarter retrograde. Mercury retrogrades 3 or 4 times a year. The shadow period of this retrograde will start on January 15^th, which is when we begin to notice changes in Mercurial energies. If you are looking to finish something up before the retrograde this month, it would be ideal to do so by this date. If not, wrap things up as far from the retrograde as possible. Each year Mercury retrogrades in a certain element, and in 2021 the element is Air. Our thinking, speaking and communication with others will be affected more than normal during the retrograde periods.

Retrograde Mercury is the phenomenon that causes delays, glitches, breakdowns in computers and equipment, relationships, slowdowns and brings hidden factors to the surface. It is however part of a natural cycle, and this period is meant to recess, redo and reconsider plans and situations in our lives.

Plans can be put on hold, miscommunication can occur, relationships can end or change, and cars, computers and other machinery can break down at the most inopportune moment.

When planets retrograde, their effects on humans are different than when in direct motion. Thinking is deeper, situations often appear to go underground for a time, or change altogether, and sometimes our focus shifts. Mercury retrograde is the most talked about retrograde, because it is a fast moving planet that controls our thinking, speech, travel, and cognitive skills.

 Mercury retrograde is a wild card. Sometimes, relationships can be fixed and problems brought out into the open if they are worth saving. Expect delays, changes of plans and try and not have your schedule set in stone.  In other words, prepare to be flexible.  Make sure you are direct and to the point in your communication with others.  If you don’t understand what someone is telling you, by all means ask for clarification.

After Mercury turns direct again (February 21) we will go through another significant period of Mercury in Aquarius until mid-March. After Mercury turns direct, we may find ourselves back at the same point we were in late January when it turned retrograde, but this time all systems are on go!