Last Week in Astrology Archives Jan/17

Last Week in Astrology

January 1 to 7, 2017

A FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Thursday, January 5, 2017, at 2:47 PM EST. On Thursday afternoon, a First Quarter Moon occurs, when the Sun in Capricorn forms a square with the Moon in Aries. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 15 degrees and 40 minutes of Aries square the Sun at 15 degrees and 40 minutes of Capricorn, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 14 to 18 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

A NEW MOON occurred on Thursday, December 29th, 2016, at 1:53 AM EST. Early Thursday, a New Moon occurred when the Sun and Moon aligned in the sign of Capricorn. This lunation symbolizes a new beginning in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn. It’s a time during which we can focus on some of the constructive traits of the sign of the Goat–tenacious, resourceful, disciplined, wise, ambitious, prudent, constant–and consider how to positively incorporate these qualities into our lives. Now, we can focus on practical and attainable long-term goals, work on developing maturity and common sense, prepare for the future, make commitments and recognize responsibilities, and nurture our dreams in a realistic manner.

With this potent Capricorn energy, we have the chance to create some serious order in our lives. It’s time to make some solid plans and to set the stage for reaping the rewards from our new beginnings, as little or big as they may be, in approximately two weeks’ time after the Full Moon occurs.

One of Capricorn’s “lessons” is acceptance of the concept that reasonable boundaries and rules actually do offer us freedom–freedom from worry and chaos, for example. Setting goals for ourselves allows us to focus on what really matters.

New Moon Chart – December 29, 2016, New Moon in Capricorn

This phase of the Moon occurred at 7 degrees and 59 minutes of Capricorn, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 4 to 12 degrees of the Cardinal signs most significantly (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn).

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Dec 29, 2016 1:53 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Jan 5, 2017, 2:47 PM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Jan 12, 2017, 6:34 AM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Jan 19, 2017, 5:13 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Jan 27, 2017, 7:07 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

The Sun is in Capricorn; Mercury is in Capricorn until the 4th when it retreats into Sagittarius; Venus is in Aquarius until the 3rd when it enters Pisces; Mars is in Pisces.

The Sun is in Capricorn from December 21-January 19. We are motivated by feelings of responsibility, ambition, and respect for law and order. Capricorn derives much satisfaction in completion and accomplishment. Standards, structures, and an appreciation for order are Capricorn themes. Capricorn wants tangible results, knows what is feasible and what is not, and is most comfortable working within an established framework and known boundaries or limits. Working towards a long-term goal is most satisfying with this influence.

Mercury is in Capricorn from December 2-January 4. 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.

Mercury is in Sagittarius from January 4-12. When Mercury is in Sagittarius, our thinking shifts from a need to plumb the depths of any given situation to the desire to learn about a wide range of topics. Ideals are sought, our thinking is more optimistic, and our faith increases. We are more equipped to believe and to persuade. What is fair or unfair concerns us most now. However, we are not always very precise under this influence.

Venus is in Aquarius from December 7-January 3. We move towards unconventionality, independence, and freedom as themes in our social relationships under this influence. Aquarius can be just as faithful as Capricorn, but it has to be on its own terms! Experimental relationships are more intriguing now. Being friends as well as lovers is important to us during this cycle. Allowing one another freedom of expression, and treating others fairly, unselfishly, and impartially, are themes now.

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!

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 is Retrograde from December 19th, 2016, to January 8th, 2017, in Capricorn and Sagittarius.

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 is 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 Aquarius from December 7-January 3. While Venus was in Capricorn, we valued enduring connections, reliability, and faithfulness. We took expressing our feelings seriously, and we also took our sweet time warming up to others! Generally, we kept our “cool” in relationships. With Venus now in Aquarius, we still keep our “cool” in relationships, but in a detached and impersonal sort of way, however. Unconventional set-ups become more appealing. Bringing the spirit of friendship into romantic relationships is a positive use of Venus in Aquarius energy. Relationships that fairly scream “alternative” appeal to us now. It’s all about being open-minded and somewhat detached with Aquarius energy dominating the love arena. With Venus in Aquarius, it’s best to go into dates with new people casually, with no expectations and no strings. Melodrama and emotionalism simply won’t work. We may also find ourselves attracted to, or attracting, people who are not our “type.”

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: Venus forms a sextile with Mercury on Monday and Tuesday, helping us to express ourselves well, even with Mercury retrograde. This influence favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners. Romantic overtures, expressions of love and affection, making new social contacts. This is a time when promises, pledges, and clarifications (usually very positive!) are made in love relationships. A semi-square between Venus and Pluto on Wednesday and Thursday can stimulate lingering resentment or jealousy, however.

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

Venus in Aquarius A love for the unusual, a distaste for stodgy old rules and conventions, a feeling that you’re above the petty bourgeois stuff and nonsense: that’s what a new cycle brings into your life now. (“I love humanity; it’s people I can’t stand!”) Unconventional romantic and social connections are likely at a time like this.

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 semi-square Mercury December 27. Communications between lovers may feel superficial or unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. We may be especially sensitive to what’s being communicated now.

Venus sextile Mercury January 2-3. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners. Romantic overtures, expressions of love and affection, making new social contacts. This is a time when promises, pledges, and clarifications (usually very positive!) are made in love relationships.

Venus semi-square Pluto January 4-5. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.

Venus semi-square Uranus January 7-8. Uncertainty about the desire to be close to someone. Freedom versus closeness. A desire to experiment in the romance department may be fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying or frustrating.

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 Monday, January 2nd, from 3:00 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Venus), until the Moon enters Pisces at 4:58 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, January 4th, from 11:15 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mercury), until the Moon enters Aries at 11:20 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Friday, January 6th, from 1:42 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mercury), until the Moon enters Taurus at 3:18 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Saturday, January 7th, from 9:23 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Sunday, January 8th, at 5:06 PM 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 waxing this week — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs on Friday, January 6th, from approximately 1:30 AM to 1:40 PM EST, while the Moon is in Aries. Another window occurs from Friday, January 6th, at approximately 3:20 PM EST, until Saturday, January 7th, at approximately 9:20 PM EST, while the Moon is in Taurus. Note that Mercury is retrograde during both windows.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Nov 19, 2016 11:38 PM   Neptune
Direct
Nov 21, 2016 4:22 PM   Sun enters Sagittarius
Dec 1, 2016 4:53 AM   Chiron Direct
Dec 2, 2016 4:18 PM   Mercury enters Capricorn
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

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 – January 1 to 7, 2017

This Week’s Aspects

Mars conjunct Neptune. Our impulses and desires may be confusing, peculiar, hard to explain, or difficult to understand now. Not content with our regular routines, we tend to crave more drama, glamor, or meaning now. Concentration on practical concerns and affairs may be lacking. We act on our intuition now, sexual fantasies are strong, we strive towards all that is boundless, and our creative impulses are potent. We are less tense and driven, and more relaxed. “What will be, will be” is the attitude now. Inspiration can be found now. This transit favors dancing, swimming, photography, arts, and entertainment.

Mercury sextile Venus. It’s easy to make social connections under this influence. This transit favors diplomacy, charm, social graces, negotiations, presentation of ideas, romantic overtures, teaching, business deals, publishing, commerce, public relations, and joint ventures or partnerships. It is often a time when promises and clarifications are made in love relationships.

Venus semi-square Pluto. This influence can point to some underlying tensions in social interactions (looking for an ulterior motive or an agenda, suspiciousness) and relationships (possible jealousies). Passions run high and hot, but there’s a hidden agenda. Feelings of jealousy and possessiveness run so close to the surface that others can almost feel the heat, and they are in direct proportion to our fear of losing something or someone dear to us. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be characterized by these energies. Sometimes, this transit correlates with unreciprocated feelings in love or romantic disappointment. Often, financial matters come to the fore. Manipulation can color relationships now. Avoid power plays with friends and lovers.

Sun conjunct Pluto. We are strong-willed and focused under this influence. The need to gain more control over our lives motivates us. We benefit now from strategy and keeping things to ourselves for the time being.

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 1

Mars and Neptune come together in the sign of Pisces very early today. Our impulses and desires may be confusing, peculiar, hard to explain, or difficult to understand now. Not content with our regular routines, we tend to crave more drama, glamor, or meaning now. Concentration on practical concerns and affairs may be lacking. We act on our intuition now, fantasies are strong, we strive towards all that is boundless, and our creative impulses are potent. We are less tense and driven, and more relaxed. “What will be, will be” is the attitude now. This transit favors dancing, swimming, photography, arts, and entertainment. The Moon is in Aquarius all day, stimulating our humanitarian impulses as well as an enterprising spirit as the Moon connects harmoniously with Saturn, Jupiter, and Uranus.

JANUARY 2

The Moon continues its transit of Aquarius until 4:58 AM EST when it enters Pisces. With the Moon in Pisces, we are especially spiritually aware and sensitive. Boundaries dissolve, and our idealistic side emerges. We can also be evasive and shy away from conflict, especially confrontation under this influence. We are inclined to daydream and perhaps stray from our routine a little. Decisions or commitments may not be easy under this influence, but tapping into our intuition is. The Moon aligns with Neptune tonight, and we’re looking at the world through a more compassionate lens. We quickly tune into the vibrations around us, and we’re psychically open now.

A void of course Moon occurs from 3:00 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Venus), until the Moon enters Pisces at 4:58 AM EST.

JANUARY 3

Venus enters Pisces early today, where it will transit until February 3rd. 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. We are open and creative and have an intuitive approach to money, personal possessions, the pursuit of pleasure, and art. The Moon continues to transit Pisces all day. Retrograde Mercury forms a sextile with Venus today, and this stimulates a desire to cooperate, compliment, encourage, and express our affections. We might also tend to analyze our relationships, particularly past ones.

JANUARY 4

Retrograde Mercury retreats into Sagittarius today where it will stay for a short time only – until January 12th. Mercury continues to retrograde until the 8th and then moves forward in the late degrees of Sagittarius until it enters Capricorn on the 12th. When Mercury is in Sagittarius, our thinking is idealistic and optimistic. We are most concerned with truth, justice, and fairness. However, we are not always very precise under this influence. We may be reviewing or reassessing our beliefs, opinions, studies, travel plans, published works, or legal documents now. The Moon continues to transit Pisces, forms a square with Mercury this morning, and then enters Aries at 11:20 AM EST. Misunderstandings can occur in the hour surrounding the Moon’s square to retrograde Mercury, newly in Sagittarius, as our feelings and words are a mismatch. The Aries Moon is assertive and enterprising. We have a strong desire to start over or begin something new.

A void of course Moon occurs from 11:15 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mercury), until the Moon enters Aries at 11:20 AM EST.

JANUARY 5

Early today, Venus is semi-square Pluto, and there can be underlying tensions in social interactions (looking for an ulterior motive or an agenda, suspiciousness) and relationships (possible jealousies). There is a tendency to question others’ motives. Manipulation can color relationships now. Avoid power plays with friends and lovers. This afternoon, a First Quarter Moon occurs when the Sun in Capricorn forms a square with the Moon in Aries. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles. The Moon is in Aries all day, in challenging aspect to the Sun and Pluto, and in alignment with Uranus. There can be tensions and conflicts if we feel boxed in or limited by others or circumstances.

JANUARY 6

The Moon continues its transit of Aries until 3:18 PM EST, harmonizing with retrograde Mercury early afternoon and helping us to communicate our intentions with our message. The Moon enters Taurus, and we feel life slowing down just enough that we can savor the moments from 3:18 PM forward. However, the Sun is moving towards its annual alignment with Pluto, exact early into the day tomorrow. The need to gain more control over our lives can feel pressing now, and we should guard against temperamental behavior and decision making. We are strong-willed and focused under this influence. We benefit most by keeping things to ourselves and not rushing forward prematurely. We are resourceful, determined, and ambitious.

A void of course Moon occurs from 1:42 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mercury), until the Moon enters Taurus at 3:18 PM EST.

JANUARY 7

The Sun forms a conjunction with Pluto very early into the day, bringing the desire for self-mastery to our attention. There can be a small crisis that alerts us to an area of life that requires work, improvement, and transformation. The need to gain more control over our lives motivates us, although there can be some paranoia or extremes of thinking behind this. Focus should be on recycling, updating, revising, and eliminating so that we can grow, rather than starting something new or adding more to our plates. The Moon continues its transit of steady Taurus all day, and this helps to soothe and calm us down. Mercury moves to a direct station, exact tomorrow morning, and this shift can point to some disorientation and crossed wires.

A void of course Moon occurs from 9:23 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Sunday, January 8th, at 5:06 PM EST.

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 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.

When the Moon is in Pisces

We are not inclined to want to face reality while the Moon is in dreamy, impressionable Pisces. It can be a wistful, sensitive, intuitive, and compassionate time. We are especially imaginative, and our intuition reigns under this influence. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges and blends. It’s a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy description.

The Moon in Pisces generally favors the following activities: Imaginative undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, inner development, music and drama, going on a retreat, activities involving water.

When the Moon is in Aries

We’re motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to start something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.

The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.

When the Moon is in Taurus

We are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax, resist change, and “stop to smell the roses”. Life slows down a little, and we get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under this influence.

The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially long-term relationship, music, home decor.

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

Sun in Capricorn You see what’s wrong and you know what to do now: the time has come to make it real, and it’s a lot bigger than any one person. This means cooperation and organization, authority and discipline, responsibility – and all these things are what it takes to get you where you know you must go. But take care! If your vision is only for yourself, what you create cannot last: it must be for some greater good. Ambition, practicality, and achievement are admirable, but they are means to an end – not ends in themselves.

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.

Mercury in Sagittarius A time of expanding your mental horizons is at hand. Religion, philosophy, law, and education are some of the things that may have special importance for you now. Being in touch with faraway people and places satisfies an intellectual yearning – curiosity will take you anywhere and maybe everywhere.

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.

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Last Week in Astrology Archives January 1-17/17