Last Week in Astrology Archives Jan 22-28

Last Week in Astrology

January 22 to 28, 2017

The New Moon occurs on Thursday evening, marking the beginning of a new cycle. In the sign of Aquarius, friendship, brotherhood, group activities, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, humanitarian efforts, or joining a group will be a strong focus on a personal level. New beginnings regarding all of these matters are possible now.

This is a time during which we should solve problems that require thinking “outside of the box”; look to the future with a brand new, positive, and hopeful vision; brainstorm and socialize; focus on extending a friendly hand, receiving support, and expressing platonic love for those around us; give our emotions and passions a “break”, as we develop more objectivity and some detachment from past haunts; learn how something (or someone) works; revitalize ourselves through experiences that are new or simply different; reach out to people in our social circle and in our community, and recognize the value of our friendships and social networks; recognize that some level of detachment and distancing ourselves from our habits and attachment to the past will help us break away from destructive behaviors that are holding us back. With this potent Aquarius energy, we have the chance to make progressive changes in our lives. For some of us, circumstances are such that we need to pay more attention to these matters.

New Moon in Aquarius on January 27, 2017 – Chart

This phase of the Moon occurs at 8 degrees and 15 minutes of Aquarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 4 to 12 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Jan 27, 2017, 7:07 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Feb 3, 2017, 11:19 PM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Feb 10, 2017, 7:33 PM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Feb 18, 2017, 2:33 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Feb 26, 2017, 9:58 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

The Sun is in Aquarius; Mercury is in Capricorn; Venus is in Pisces; Mars is in Pisces until the 28th, when it enters Aries.

The Sun is in Aquarius from January 19-February 18. During this cycle, we are motivated by our hunger for knowledge, experience, and originality. Innovation is more important to us than convention. We become more aware of what is outdated in our lives, and we strive to find new perspectives and new ways to do things. The class distinctions, structure, and order that Capricorn finds appealing now seem to be too rigid. The freedom of the individual becomes far more significant to us. We strive to free ourselves from some of the restrictions, inhibitions, and limitations that now feel constraining rather than safe.

Mercury is in Capricorn from December 2-January 4 and then January 12-February 7. When Mercury is in Capricorn, our thinking is methodical and our focus is sober and practical. It is easier to concentrate on the task at hand under this influence. Our conversations may be quite realistic or focused on business/practical matters. Our thought patterns and communication styles become more logical, orderly, and organized. We are more able to sort out what is relevant and essential. Realism enters the picture, our speech is no-nonsense, and precision becomes important to us. We need to be wary of becoming too rigid in our thinking. We may come across as cold or harsh. For some, there is a fine line between realism and pessimism.

Venus is in Pisces from January 3-February 3. Pisces never sees the world in black-and-white terms. Rather, Pisces sees all the colors of the rainbow. With the goddess of love in Pisces, our love is all-embracing, we are able to forgive and understand, we are seducible and seductive, and we show compassion to our partners. Venus in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach nevertheless, as there is a longing for something that is hard to define and hard to satisfy. Borders and boundaries blur under Venus in Pisces. The shadow side of this position is allowing ourselves to be victimized or deluded, as well as evasiveness.

Mars is in Pisces from December 19-January 28. We tend to feel less motivated to go after traditional goals, and more motivated to pursue spiritual or emotional drives during this cycle. We dislike confrontation during this trend. Our output is variable rather than straightforward, and our energy is similarly up and down. We may put others’ needs ahead of our own, and our more idealistic side comes to the fore. During this cycle, going after what we want becomes less straightforward and more complicated!

Mars is in Aries from January 28-March 9. Mars feels at home in one of the signs that it rules, Aries, and therefore its power is boosted. Our energy is spontaneous, forward-looking, and even courageous under this influence. Our competitive spirit is well-developed, and our goal is to win! We are active, single-minded, and confident. Our actions are direct–we instinctively find the fastest way to get from point A to point B. The shadow side of Mars in Aries is a tendency to be impatient, arrogant, impulsive, short-lived, unreflective, and self-centered.

Saturn transits Sagittarius from December 23, 2014, to June 14, 2015, and then from September 17, 2015, to December 20, 2017. Read about Saturn’s transit through Sagittarius here.

Jupiter entered Libra on September 9th and will transit Libra until October 10, 2017. Read about Jupiter in Libra here.

Uranus entered Aries on March 11th, 2011. The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong with Uranus in Aries.

Mercury was Retrograde from December 19th, 2016, to January 8th, 2017, in Capricorn and Sagittarius. Mercury ended its retrograde on the 8th and is in its shadow period this week (until January 27th).

Mercury Retrograde December 19, 2016-January 8, 2017

01 Dec 2016 08:18 pm 28 Sagittarius 51′ Mercury Enters Rx Zone

19 Dec 2016 05:49 am 15 Capricorn 08Rx Mercury Stationary Retrograde

08 Jan 2017 04:40 am 28 Sagittarius 51′ Mercury Stationary Direct

27 Jan 2017 12:30 pm 15 Capricorn 08′ Mercury Leaves Rx Zone

Times are Eastern

Details: Mercury was retrograde from December 19th to January 8th.

Mercury is retrograde from December 19, 2016, to January 8th, 2017. Mercury’s shadow period begins December 1st and ends January 27th, 2017. Note that the shadow period begins before Mercury turns retrograde, when Mercury first passes over the degree that Mercury later returns to in retrograde motion.

The shadow period ends when Mercury again passes over the degree at which it first turned retrograde. The shadow period is different than Mercury’s storm period in astrology, which refers to the period when Mercury is moving especially slowly.

As the planet of communication, Mercury retrograde tends to breed a certain level of confusion. Mercury rules our “lower” mind–how we perceive and interpret information that we receive from our environment, and how we relay that information to others. Mercury has rulership over such things as speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, the mail and shipping, and so forth. All of these areas of life are affected when Mercury is functioning in a sluggish state. Decision-making is challenged during Mercury retrograde. Needless to say, it is not advised to sign contracts, engage in important decision-making, or launch a new business. Delays and challenges are more probable with Mercury retrograde. It’s a time when being careless with money, our personal information, or paperwork can be costly.

There is absolutely a positive side to Mercury Retrograde. This period is best used for re-organizing and reflecting. We look at the world a little differently–through different filters–and can come up with some very important inner revelations. It may be difficult to communicate them under this influence, but not everything needs to be rationalized. Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness, when meditation, benefiting from keeping a journal, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are favored. Minor breaks in the mechanical aspects of communication can actually re-connect us to other means of communication, such as when there is an unexpected power outage and we’re forced off the computer and television, finding different and often satisfying ways to entertain ourselves.

It is important to note that there is absolutely no reason to suspend projects or anything of the sort during the Mercury Retrograde cycle. It’s not an ideal time to start new ones or to sign contracts, simply because a change of mind is very possible once Mercury turns direct. However, it’s a fabulous time to do some “outside of the box” thinking. Acting on our ideas, however, might be best left for a Mercury Direct period.

Pay close attention to what you say and communicate in general, particularly around the days of Mercury’s stations (December 19th and January 8th), as well as around retrograde Mercury’s conjunction to the Sun on December 28th (midway between the start and end of the retro period). If you are itching to make a point with someone, especially, or if you are planning on “signing on the dotted line”, try to hold off. It is likely that you will have a change of mind once the station passes, and you can do some damage in the meantime. When a planet stations, its energies are very strong in our lives. When Mercury stations, communications have more impact, so that negative ones could have long-term implications at this time. However, if you are very clear within yourself and about what you are communicating, this can be a positive thing. Read more about Mercury retrograde.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Pisces from January 3-February 3. Like Aquarius, Pisces love is universal. However, Pisces draws no bounds in love. With Venus in Pisces, we have compassion (and perhaps attraction) for those who are left out, overlooked, or victimized. We are self-sacrificing, and we have a hard time setting up borders. The walls go down, we have a hard time saying no (especially if our compassion is engaged), but we are also prone to avoiding all that makes us feel uncomfortable. Wishful thinking is one expression of Venus in Pisces. We can too easily believe what we want to believe. People can be hard to pin down, and love is hard to define under this influence. Pisces never sees the world in black-and-white terms. Rather, Pisces sees all the colors of the rainbow. With the goddess of love in Pisces, our love is all-embracing, we are able to forgive and understand, we are seducible and seductive, and we show compassion to our partners. Venus in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach nevertheless, as there is a longing for something that is hard to define and hard to satisfy. Borders and boundaries blur under Venus in Pisces. The shadow side of this position is allowing ourselves to be victimized or deluded, as well as evasiveness.

This week: On Tuesday and Wednesday, Venus comes together with Chiron and we are open to romantic feelings, and more willing to act upon them. This is a good time to make a resolution to repair, heal, and improve relationships. A quincunx between Venus and Jupiter on Wednesday to Thursday can point to difficulties managing our expectations of others. On Friday, one of the least favorable influences for meeting new people or for making advances occurs – a square between Venus and Saturn. While it’s not an ideal time for new beginnings, it’s a time for learning more about our fears and inhibitions with regards to love and relationships. If we believe we won’t get what we want in love, we attract negative situations and challenges in our relationships.

Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:

Venus in Pisces A martyr complex, a love for the underdog, a search for your soul mate: such are the experiences associated with the new cycle you’re now just beginning. A yen for soul-stirring romance, a weakness for the weak, and a tendency to idealize people and relationships … very aesthetic, very other-worldly.

Venus parallel Jupiter January 13-14. We are charitable with others and have a stronger desire than usual to find meaning in our relationships. There may be some overstating or overindulgence now, however.

Venus sextile Pluto January 19-20. Subtly powerful and uplifting time for romantic/sexual relationships. New insights into relationships and love. Strong attractions.

Venus conjunct Chiron January 24-25. Healing energy is brought to love relationships, and a new cycle begins. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings, and more willing to act upon them. This is a good time to make a resolution to repair, heal, and improve relationships.

Venus quincunx Jupiter January 25-26. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is with us now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification.

Venus square Saturn January 27. Feeling unsatisfied, isolated, and unloved. Personal relationships are likely to be strained as we express our affections cautiously and sparingly. If we believe we are not getting what we want in love, we attract negative situations and challenges in our relationships. This is not a good time to begin a new relationship–new ones begun now are likely to be stamped with themes of duty and restriction.

The Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During Void of Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to stick to routine rather than to begin new projects. The last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is indicated here and is indicative of the “outcome” of the matter (whether that is a new project begun before the void period or the answer to a question in Horary Astrology). Void of Course in Horary Astrology: If you were asking a question and making a chart for the answer, as you do in Horary astrology, it is said that since the Moon is not looking forward to any more aspects in this sign, you would have to say that the answer is not forthcoming; any questions asked at this time would not come to pass. The Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in Horary Astrology.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on VOC Moon on Saturday, January 21st, from 8:26 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Sunday, January 22nd, at 5:46 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, January 24th, from 12:34 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mars), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 5:44 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Friday, January 27th, from 2:18 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 3:37 AM EST.

Void of Course Moon – January 2017

Void of Course Moon Table – January 2017

Timing with the Moon – Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives

The Moon is waning this week until the New Moon on the 27th — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waxing this week after the New Moon on the 27th — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, again with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs from Thursday, January 26th, at approximately 2:30 PM EST, until Friday, January 27th, at approximately 2:15 AM EST, while the Moon is in Capricorn. However, this window occurs just before the New Moon and as Venus and Saturn are moving towards a square, making it better for bringing a quick close to something rather than new beginnings.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Dec 7, 2016 9:51 AM   Venus enters
Aquarius
Dec 19, 2016 4:23 AM   Mars enters Pisces
Dec 19, 2016 5:55 AM   Mercury Retrograde
Dec 21, 2016 5:44 AM   Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 29, 2016 4:29 AM   Uranus Direct
Jan 3, 2017 2:46 AM   Venus enters Pisces
Jan 4, 2017 9:17 AM   Mercury Rx enters Sagittarius
Jan 8, 2017 4:42 AM   Mercury Direct
Jan 12, 2017 9:03 AM   Mercury enters Capricorn
Jan 19, 2017 4:24 PM   Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 28, 2017 12:39 AM   Mars enters Aries
Feb 3, 2017 10:51 AM   Venus enters Aries
Feb 6, 2017 1:52 AM   Jup Rx
Feb 7, 2017 4:35 AM   Mercury enters Aquarius
Feb 18, 2017 6:31 AM   Sun enters Pisces
Feb 25, 2017 6:07 PM   Mercury enters Pisces
Mar 4, 2017 4:09 AM   Venus Rx
Mar 9, 2017 7:34 PM   Mars enters Taurus
*** Daylight Saving Time begins ***
Mar 13, 2017 5:07 PM   Mercury enters Aries
Mar 20, 2017 6:29 AM   Sun enters Aries
Mar 31, 2017 1:30 PM   Mercury enters Taurus

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day.
See also: The Astrology of 2017 – Overview.

Note: Times given Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar for January 22 to 28, 2017

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury sextile Neptune. Intuition runs high; we are more sensitive artistically; imagination is stirred, and we have an increased appreciation for subtleties. We are inspired and we are able to inspire others with our words.

Venus conjunct Chiron. We have the chance to heal our personal relationships now, as we are more open to intimacy and commitment, as well as to learning from one another. We more easily see beauty in human weaknesses, and we are less inclined to see fault or to concern ourselves with fault. It’s a strong time for building trust in relationships, and for seeing potential in one another, although the process might feel painful! Insecurities are revealed and, ideally, cleansed. A new cycle of healing in love begins now.

Venus quincunx Jupiter. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is emphasized now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomach. Challenges in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification.

Sun semi-square Chiron. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong but may be hampered by a lack of confidence or a fear of being different.

Venus square Saturn. Gaining what we want is challenging under this influence, due to negative attitudes and the tendency to need more than what is possible. Difficulties socializing with others stem from an increased sensitivity to rejection as well as stiffness with the affections. Emotional distance in relationships. Avoid new financial undertakings, as they may prove to be “money pits” as time passes.

Sun semi-square Saturn. It’s hard to satisfy the ego today. We feel blocked by circumstances or others. It’s too easy to feel discouraged, but discouragement is a time waster. Gratitude isn’t forthcoming right now, so it’s best to wait it out rather than waste energy letting it get to you.

Last Week

This Week

Next Week

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs. See also Transit to Transit aspects.

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe.

What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on our site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

JANUARY 22

The Moon ends its transit of Scorpio and enters Sagittarius at 5:46 AM EST. The Moon in Sagittarius harmonizes with the Sun in Aquarius shortly before noon, and decisions come easily. We are optimistic and focused on what we can accomplish in the future. Later today, we might encounter minor, irritating challenges related to an overloaded schedule or involving divided attention to work and personal or family matters now. Alternatively, we may not be getting the support we want or need and have difficulty asking for it, and we might be best off looking for a compromise.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Sagittarius at 5:46 AM EST.

JANUARY 23

The Moon is in Sagittarius all day, and we require less prompting than usual to get moving and to experience life. Emotionally bored with the mundane, anything that breaks the routine is appealing now. A change of scenery may be in order. Even so, we have a stronger ability to direct our energies into meaningful activities today. Mercury forms a sextile with Neptune, and our imagination is stirred. We have an increased appreciation for subtleties. We are inspired, and we can inspire others with our words. There can be psychic openness in our interactions. We can experience a sense of knowing and understanding with minimal explanation or instruction. Intuition is highlighted or awakened.

JANUARY 24

The Moon transits Sagittarius until 5:44 PM EST, aligning with Saturn and reminding us of our responsibilities or limitations this morning. Impulsiveness may figure in as we become restless around midday. The Moon’s move into Capricorn at 5:44 PM suggests a cautious and sensible approach to our day. Venus and Chiron move towards alignment, exact shortly into the day tomorrow in the sign of Pisces, and we are drawn to problems, fears, and insecurities with a desire to repair them. We have the chance to heal our personal relationships now, as we are especially open to intimacy and commitment, as well as to learning from one another. We more easily see beauty in human weaknesses, and we are less inclined to see fault or to concern ourselves with fault. It’s a strong time for building trust in relationships, and for seeing potential in one another, although the process might feel painful! Insecurities are revealed and, ideally, cleansed.

A void of course Moon occurs from 12:34 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mars), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 5:44 PM EST.

JANUARY 25

Shortly into the day, Venus and Chiron align in the sign of Pisces. We’re attuned to our deepest vulnerabilities, and we’re willing to make sense of and accept them. The Moon continues its transit of responsible Capricorn where it will transit all day. Its alignment with Mercury this evening can be a good time for clarifying feelings. Venus and Jupiter move towards a quincunx, exact early tomorrow. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is emphasized now, although our eyes may be bigger than our stomachs. Challenges in relationships are likely due to overblown expectations. There can be timing that’s off, especially since we may be overshooting or overstating our feelings. It can seem difficult coming to a balance between responsibilities and pleasure-seeking, which appear to be mutually exclusive now, but if we look hard enough for a solution, we may be able to combine these things quite successfully.

JANUARY 26

The Sun forms a semi-square with Chiron, and the desire to learn and grow through experiences and others is strong but may be hampered by a lack of confidence or a fear of being different. The Moon is in Capricorn all day, and we’re especially resourceful and focused on performance. A New Moon will occur tomorrow in the sign of Aquarius – a time of new beginnings – making today most appropriate for tying up loose ends and putting things to an end. It’s best to wait for after the New Moon to launch brand new projects or endeavors.

JANUARY 27

The Moon ends its transit of Capricorn at 3:37 AM EST when it enters Aquarius. Venus forms a square to Saturn today, and there can be a reality check to deal with. Insecurities may cloud our judgment of worth and value for now. Gaining what we want is challenging under this influence, perhaps because we need more than what is currently possible. Difficulties socializing with others stem from an increased sensitivity to rejection as well as stiffness with the affections. The Moon is Balsamic until the New Moon in Aquarius at 7:08 PM. The New Moon launches a cycle in which new beginnings can occur with friendships, group activities or projects, social pursuits and humanitarian efforts. This is a time for looking to the future with a positive and hopeful vision, extending help to others, and expressing platonic love for those around us. We might focus on developing more objectivity and some detachment from past haunts, or we might revitalize ourselves through experiences that are new or simply different. With this potent Aquarius energy, we have the chance to make progressive changes in our lives. Mars is moving through the last degree of the zodiac all day and will enter Aries shortly into the day tomorrow. For now, watch for impulsiveness.

A void of course Moon occurs from 2:18 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 3:37 AM EST.

JANUARY 28

The Moon is in level-headed Aquarius all day. Mars moves into Aries early today, where it will transit until March 9th. Mars feels at home in Aries, and as Aries’ ruler, is in a commanding position. Our energy is spontaneous, forward-looking, and even courageous under this influence. Our competitive spirit is well-developed, and our goal is to win! We are active, single-minded, and confident. We instinctively find the fastest way to get from point A to point B. The shadow side of Mars in Aries is a tendency to be impatient, arrogant, impulsive, short-lived, unreflective, and self-centered. However, Mars in Aries is authentic, trail-blazing, enthusiastic, and straightforward. Although we’re gearing up for new beginnings under this influence, the Sun forms a semi-square to Saturn today, and there can be some self-doubt and difficulties satisfying the ego. Gratitude may not be forthcoming right now, but this teaches us to look for the intrinsic rewards for our actions.

If it’s your birthday today, see our feature, If Today is Your Birthday Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year.

Moon Signs This Week:

When the Moon is in Scorpio

Intensity is what the Moon in Scorpio is all about. Whether it’s passion, elation, sorrow, or desire, emotions are felt on a deeply personal level. We are motivated by the desire to get to the bottom of things, and we instinctively read between the lines. Superficiality won’t work for us now. The Moon in Scorpio urges us to uncover our own power, and it’s an excellent time to rid ourselves of old fears and limiting habits. It can be an intimate and passionate time. Avoid manipulative tactics, brooding, and suspiciousness.

The Moon in Scorpio generally favors the following activities: Taxes, accounting, intimacy issues, psychological examinations, research, self-examination, getting rid of old things.

When the Moon is in Sagittarius

The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don’t want to plan ahead, and prefer to “wing it”.

The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous activities that involve “winging it”, travel, higher education, starting publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.

When the Moon is in Capricorn

We become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We also instinctively are aware of the limitations of time. We are motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and manifestation are most important to us now. We are resourceful and don’t want to waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a very sober influence–even a depressing one. However, it can also be a productive time when we look reality in the eye.

The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments.

When the Moon is in Aquarius

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

This Week’s Planetary Positions By Sign (General Trends)

Sun in Aquarius This is a time when your path of self-development and expression becomes more and more unusual – setting you apart from the crowd and from all that is traditional. The new, the futuristic, the high-tech are the hallmarks of your lifestyle as the cycle gets underway. Ideas and technologies that change the way people live – not just one person, but many – are a major new focus in your life. Involvement with ideals and idealistic groups enhances your sense of purpose and mission.

Mercury in Capricorn Figuring out how to organize projects and people is apt to become a topic of special interest – and a challenge – at a time like this. Opinions are not enough for you now: they must be backed by authority or evidence, and above all, they must have practical worth and application. A period of intense study and thought.

Mars in Pisces There’s a martyr complex in the air, now that this new phase has begun in your life. How can you (or anyone) save the world? It’s a question you’ll probably ask yourself as this cycle continues. Defending the weak, undoing injustice, and tilting at windmills can be a big temptation. You might even win a few hands – but you’ll blister a couple if you’re not careful.

Jupiter in Libra The ties that bind, the harmonious integration of opposites, the perfect balance: these are the keys to your greatest opportunities now. Marriage and other close personal relationships tend to offer bright prospects, and you have a deep yearning to experience the fulfillment they can bring.

Saturn in Sagittarius The new phase now beginning in your life brings a need to break out of narrow concepts and legalistic philosophical or religious ideas. Remember: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.” Opportunities to broaden your mental horizons may not come with ease, but they are essential if you are to avoid a kind of spiritual stagnation.

Uranus in Aries A clean break with the past in some respects is signaled by the cycle you have just begun. What YOU need, YOUR freedom and independence, shattering old molds: these are the things that energize you and take priority in your life. Uniqueness and originality set you apart.

Neptune in Pisces Things spiritual and psychic take the driver’s seat of your imagination as you begin a new cycle. The fine arts and all manner of fantasies assume a larger-than-life importance. Surrendering to fate, karma, and other powers greater than merely mortal may be seen as the ultimate liberation. If all is Maya (illusion), what is the reality that gives rise to the world of appearances?

Pluto in Capricorn As this new phase dawns for you, the pursuit of social/political power and status has a way of seeming necessary and inevitable – and let nothing stand in its way. It starts out small but has bigger consequences than you’d think. Ambition, responsibility, a place for everyone and everyone in their place…

The interpretations in this box are from the Day Watch software.

What’s In Your Forecast?

Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.

Last Week in Astrology Archives Jan 22-28, 2017