Last Week in Astrology Archives Jan 17

Last Week in Astrology – Archives

January 8 to 14, 2017

A FULL MOON occurs on Thursday, January 12, 2017, at 6:34 AM EST. On Thursday morning, a Full Moon occurs when the Cancer Moon exactly opposes the Capricorn Sun. The Cancer-Capricorn polarity deals with the balance between the private life, domesticity, the need for a home base, and nurturance (represented by Cancer) versus the public life, career, reputation, and accountability (represented by Capricorn).

Attachments and love are ruled by Cancer, while achievements and rewards/punishments are ruled by Capricorn. In some ways, this polarity deals with the balance between unconditional love and conditional love. The Cancer Moon encourages us to value our home base and our roots, while Capricorn persuades us to consider our sense of duty and responsibility along public lines. While Cancer may be content to be dependent, Capricorn urges us to be grown-up and responsible. Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, a balance should be found between the two energies, and this is what the Full Moon invites us to do.

This Full Moon is about balancing our commitment to our career and families. Something has been building inside of us, and now is the time when the energy of the cosmos fairly demands that we let it out. Over the next two weeks, we will discover what this means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings. We need to express them.

The Moon turns an ongoing T-square involving Jupiter, Pluto, and Uranus into a Grand Square, and Mars supports the lunation. Something is exposed or illuminated, prompting us to get in touch with those things in our personal lives that we may have been neglecting or putting off. With so much attention to our relationships, careers, and personal plans, a push for considering our emotional needs occurs now. Not everyone is going to be on board with what we want to do, and mediation may be helpful or necessary before moving forward.

The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time–a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

Full Moon in Cancer – January 12, 2017

This phase of the Moon occurred at 22 degrees and 27 minutes of Cancer opposite the Sun at 22 degrees and 27 minutes of Capricorn, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 20 to 24 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 Sagittarius until the 12th when it enters Capricorn; Venus is in 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 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.

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!

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 ends 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 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 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 Sunday and Monday, we can be restless and may be torn between wanting comfort and togetherness and desiring a little more freedom and independence. The same type of energy but more manageable occurs on Friday and Saturday. On Wednesday and Thursday, we’re especially sensitive to and aware of beauty and spirituality. We’re seducible and can be seductive. This can be a psychically open time, but also a period when we may be seeing what we want to see rather than what is.

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 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.

Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter January 9. We experience a strong desire for more pleasure in our lives, which can be excessive. Take care not to overstate your feelings or to set up unrealistic expectations in your partnerships.

Venus parallel Neptune January 11. Heightened sensitivity to, and awareness of, beauty and spirituality. We are easily influenced, seducible and seductive, and given to strong powers of imagination. We are more attuned to the world of beauty and romance. Gentleness with others is the best way to harness this energy. A “magical” time on a romantic and social level, but it could also be a confusing or illusory influence as well. Psychic openness and compassion.

Venus conjunct Neptune January 12. New and fresh beginnings on romantic levels characterize this transit. Heightened sensitivity to, and awareness of, beauty and spirituality. We are easily influenced, seducible and seductive, and given to strong powers of imagination. We are more attuned to the world of beauty and romance. Gentleness with others is the best way to harness this energy. A “magical” time on a romantic and social level, but it could also be a confusing or illusory influence as well. Psychic openness and compassion.

Venus contra-parallel Uranus January 13-14. Questions of freedom, change, specialness, and experimentation are raised in our relationships.

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.

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 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.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, January 10th, from 4:39 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mercury), until the Moon enters Cancer at 5:49 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Thursday, January 12th, from 6:35 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to the Sun), until the Moon enters Leo at 7:08 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Saturday, January 14th, from 10:18 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Virgo at 10:53 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 until the Full Moon on the 12th — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waning this week after the Full Moon on the 12th — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs from Thursday, January 12th, at approximately 7:10 PM EST, until Saturday, January 14th, at approximately 10:15 AM EST, while the Moon is in Leo.

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
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 8 to 14, 2016

This Week’s Aspects

Venus semi-square Uranus. Unusual attractions (to people and things) can have us acting on a whim. We may deal with freedom versus closeness issues in our relationships. Avoid impulse buys at this time, and hold off on decision-making with regards to finances. Some instability, restlessness, and rebelliousness is probable in romantic relationships. We may not see eye to eye with a loved one, and we could be taken off guard by unexpected events. This is not a favorable aspect for beauty treatments because they could have unexpected results.

Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter. We might take great strides to get noticed. Avoid impulsive buying. Problems in our personal life likely won’t get resolved under this influence. Avoid hasty (or haughty!) decisions. We might overstate our feelings or promise more than we can deliver, and the tendency to overdo is strong.

Sun square Uranus. We can’t expect much of anything when the Sun squares Uranus, except the unexpected! Disrupted routines and plans are in order, which help to stimulate the adoption of new approaches. During this transit, we feel the need for action, but if we don’t know where we’re headed, we might take the wrong turn. Unexpected changes in plans or events can test our patience, and we might feel a bit out of control. However, they could stimulate us to try new approaches and they certainly act to cut boredom. This transit could offer us the drive to do something new, but avoid making hasty major decisions for the time being.

Mars sextile Pluto. We are able to successfully focus on our goals, to take decisive action, and to go after what we want without stepping on others’ toes under this influence.

Sun sextile Chiron. An opportunity to find a sense of purpose or a “mission” arises now, increasing our confidence. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong. Problem solving is favored.

Sun square Jupiter. We may feel vague restlessness and discontent with life as it is. We want more, but perhaps too much. Overestimation and exaggeration. Elevated moods, but unstable ones, as they may not be based on reality. Channeled well, this energy can represent creative power.

Venus conjunct Neptune. New and fresh beginnings on creative levels characterize this transit. Heightened sensitivity to, and awareness of, beauty and spirituality. We are easily influenced, seducible and seductive, and given to strong powers of imagination. We are more attuned to the world of beauty and romance today. Gentleness with others is the best way to harness this energy. A “magical” time on a romantic and social level, but it could also be a confusing or illusory influence as well. Psychic openness and compassion.

Sun semi-square Neptune. Our willpower is low as we stray from our goals and temporarily lose focus. It’s difficult to formulate — or stick to — clear goals during this transit. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on matters that require straightforward, factual thinking today. It can be difficult knowing where or how to direct our willpower under this influence. It’s also a challenge knowing where we stand with others. Avoid such things as scheduling surgery, important appointments, job interviews, or launches of new projects at this time.

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 8

Since December 19th, Mercury has been retrograde, and today, the planet of communication switches gears as it moves direct. This means that in the coming days and weeks, problems with communications and decision-making we may have encountered during Mercury’s retrograde cycle will clear up. We’ll be able to apply our observations and new perspective to our lives going forward. We might be flooded with energies that are hard to make sense of today, however, and thus important decision-making should be avoided for the time being, as our thinking can be skewed and illogical. It’s a better day to take in rather than take action. Venus and Uranus form a semi-square aspect this morning, and this can awaken our needs for independence and excitement, perhaps erratically as they clash with our desire for closeness and comfort. With the Moon void until 5:08 PM EST and not forming any major aspects to the major planets, it’s even more important to avoid brand new beginnings and commitments. The Moon continues its transit of Taurus until 5:08 PM, after which it spends time in Gemini.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Gemini at 5:06 PM EST.

JANUARY 9

The Moon is in inquisitive Gemini all day. There can be more movement in our life or a sense that there is with increased mental activity. Our emotions are in a state of change and flux. There is a strong need to communicate and to express our ideas. Siblings, relatives, or neighbors and community involvement are especially important to our emotional well-being under a Gemini Moon. There can be some restlessness and fickleness now. The Moon forms squares with Venus, Neptune, and Mars, and we can find ourselves nervous and over-thinking things. We may end up wasting our time more often than not today. With Venus in minor challenging aspect to Jupiter, impulsiveness, haste, and haughtiness should be watched for, particularly when it comes to relationships and pursuit of pleasure.

JANUARY 10

The Sun forms a square to Uranus this morning, stimulating rebellious feelings. We could be feeling dissatisfied if faced with old routines or limiting circumstances. We should guard against temperamental behavior and decision making. Disrupted routines and plans are possible, and these ideally lead to the adoption of new approaches. This transit could offer us the drive to do something new. We’re also moving towards a Mars-Pluto sextile, exact early tomorrow, which can encourage increased focus as the day advances. We benefit from a patient and deliberate approach rather than pushing for immediate action. We are intelligent and strategic when it comes to finding ways to pursue our desires and goals. The Moon continues to transit Gemini until 5:49 PM EST, after which it moves through Cancer.

A void of course Moon occurs from 4:39 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mercury), until the Moon enters Cancer at 5:49 PM EST.

JANUARY 11

A Mars-Pluto sextile perfects early into the day, and we can successfully focus on our goals. We feel particularly equipped to take decisive action. The Sun forms a sextile to Chiron this morning, and an opportunity can arise to feel a sense of mission or purpose, to grow and learn from our experiences, and to solve problems by looking at things in a more holistic way. The Moon is in Cancer all day, moving towards Full, and emotions are building. The Sun reaches a square to Jupiter tonight, further increasing the tendency for drama, exaggeration, and big feelings. While this influence can stimulate optimism and elevated moods, this state of mind is a little fragile as it may be overblown and unrealistic. In an effort to attach more meaning to our lives, we might come up with new ideas and possible paths, but we could also overestimate our capabilities. We would do well to remind ourselves that bigger isn’t necessarily better.

JANUARY 12

A Full Moon occurs this morning in the sign of Cancer. The Cancer-Capricorn polarity deals with the balance between the private life, domesticity, the need for a home base, and nurturance (represented by Cancer) versus the public life, career, reputation, and accountability (represented by Capricorn). Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, a balance should be found between the two energies, and this is what the Full Moon invites us to do. This Full Moon is about balancing our commitment to our career and families. Something is exposed or illuminated, prompting us to get in touch with those things in our personal lives that we may have been neglecting or putting off. With so much attention to our relationships, careers, and personal plans, a push for considering our emotional needs occurs now. Not everyone is going to be on board with what we want to do, and mediation may be helpful or necessary before moving forward. Mercury re-enters Capricorn today after it retreated into Sagittarius while retrograde. Venus and Neptune come together in the sign of Pisces, and our sensitivity to beauty and spirituality is heightened. We are easily influenced, seducible and seductive, and given to strong powers of imagination. This is a time of psychic openness that should be directed into proper, healthy channels.

A void of course Moon occurs from 6:35 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to the Sun), until the Moon enters Leo at 7:08 PM EST.

JANUARY 13

The Moon is in Leo all day, connecting with planets only via minor aspects. Warmth, generosity, pride, and a sense for the dramatic are hallmarks of a Leo Moon. Creativity blossoms and we take pride in our accomplishments. Satisfaction comes from positive feedback from others. We are willing to put in extra effort to make our lives secure today. We can be feeling positive about our work, obligations, and commitments, which are seen as purposeful activities. This can be a time for finding wisdom in traditional methods and strength in attention to our practical needs. Our judgment is sound, and we are more disciplined and efficient than usual. Timing is right, and we might be making strong decisions related to work or long-term projects.

JANUARY 14

The Moon is in Leo most of the day, until 10:53 PM EST, when it enters Virgo. The Leo Moon is proud, romantic, and generous. The Sun is semi-square Neptune, and we may reach a small roadblock. We might temporarily lose focus or question/stray from our plans and goals. This is a time for checking in with our intuition and ideals, which may be conflicting with our material desires and goals. The Moon’s move into Virgo tonight stimulates the desire to get busy and organized.

A void of course Moon occurs from 10:18 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Virgo at 10:53 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 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.

When the Moon is in Gemini

Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.

The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, short trips.

When the Moon is in Cancer

The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.

When the Moon is in Leo

The Moon in Leo speaks to our “inner child”. It’s a warm, generous, whole-heartedly loving position. Pride keeps us from pettiness, but it can also prevent us from opening up and revealing how we are truly feeling. We are on stage, our feelings are grand, and we appreciate some drama in our lives. We are easily threatened by anything that seems to be impersonal. This is a time when we seek attention–when we want to stand out for our special qualities. It’s a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well.

The Moon in Leo generally favors the following activities: Creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.

When the Moon is in Virgo

We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In an urge to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice the smaller parts that make up the whole, and instead of letting nagging details bother us, we might work on ironing them out so that we can feel more confident moving ahead.

The Moon in Virgo generally favors the following activities: Mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.

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 8-14, 2017