This Week in Astrology: December 29, 2024 to January 4, 2025

This Week in Astrology: December 29, 2024-January 4, 2025

 

December 29th, 2024 to January 4th, 2025

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On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and by aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends

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The NEW MOON occurs on Monday, December 30th 2024, at 5:27 PM EST. 

The New Moon in Capricorn marks the beginning of a new cycle. The Sagittarius New Moon cycle ends and the Capricorn New Moon cycle begins.

The New Moon is exact on December 30th when the Sun and Moon align 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.

The New Moon Chart:

This phase of the Moon occurs at 9 degrees and 44 minutes of Capricorn, affecting planets at approximately 6 to 14 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) the most.

This second chart wheel is of the same astrological event, the New Moon, but the wheel has additional points, such as Chiron, Eris, and the four major asteroids.

NEXT WEEK:

The FIRST QUARTER MOON will occur on Monday, January 6th 2025, at 6:56 PM EST. 

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Capricorn; Mercury is in Sagittarius; Venus is in Aquarius until January 2nd, when it enters Pisces; Mars is in Leo.

The Sun is in Capricorn from December 21-January 19. While the Sun is in Capricorn, 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.

We take a conservative approach to most matters during this month-long transit. Taking risks or making impulsive moves doesn’t suit us. We move ahead gradually but steadily and prosper by playing the long game–patiently working toward our objectives and taking care of our future. It’s a time when we expect eventual success by embracing step-by-step methods.

Mercury is in Sagittarius from November 2, 2024-January 8, 2025 [Lengthier than usual due to a Mercury retrograde cycle that occurs entirely in the sign of Sagittarius from November 25th to December 15th]. 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. We seek ideals, our thinking is more optimistic, and our faith increases. We are more equipped to believe and to persuade. What is fair and unfair concerns us most now. However, we are not always very precise under this influence.

We’re more inclined to ask questions and seek answers during this forward-looking cycle. We might often wax philosophical, and we enjoy wrapping our minds around new concepts and ideas. Still, the details are not as interesting to us now, as we prefer to envision the big picture.

On the downside, we can be inconsistent and lack attention to details. While frank and open, we can also be tactless during this period. We’re generous with our communications and input, and we’re humorous and friendly at this time.

Venus is in Aquarius from December 7, 2024-January 2, 2025. 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.

We treat people as equals and take our friendships, causes, and interests seriously. We prize intellectual stimulation and companionship. Income boosts come through innovative ideas. We can remake traditions and approach things unconventionally. Being true to ourselves is of the utmost importance in our relationships. Venus-in-Aquarius is a friendly but aloof period.

Venus is in Pisces from January 2-February 4, 2025 [and later, March 27-April 30. 2025]. Venus in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach, as there is a longing for something that is difficult 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 deceived because we want to believe, as well as evasiveness. We should watch for falling in love with an idealized image of something or someone. It’s also important to watch for avoidant or indirect behavior.

Venus is exalted in Pisces and does well in the sign. It’s devoted, compassionate, exceptionally giving, and capable of sacrifice. We might refer heavily on our intuition with our finances and love life during this cycle. We gravitate to–and appreciate–unusual, tossed aside, poetic, artistic objects, situations, and people. We seek activities that move, inspire, or touch us.

Money may slip through our fingers, or we could ignore or overlook some of the practical elements of our lives now. However, finances improve if we connect with our otherworldly talents, imagination, desire to heal and serve, or sense of mission.

This transit is not particularly strong for resolve or determination, but it’s good for adaptability and increased understanding or acceptance.

Mars is in Leo from November 3, 2024, to January 6, 2025, and then April 18-June 17, 2025. [Why so long and in two steps? Mars transits Leo, but then turns retrograde on December 6th, 2024. While retrograde, Mars returns to Cancer (on January 6th, 2025). Mars turns direct on February 23rd and then enters Leo again on April 18th.] In Leo, Mars is proud, self-confident, and grand. We are spirited and have grand goals. We go after what we want in a direct, self-assured manner, desiring dramatic results. We prefer not to worry about details, and take the least complicated route to our goals. The sex drive is strong, and passion for life is high.

Mars in Leo can awaken a competitive spirit or drive. We’re more willing to take risks to get what we want. We also tend to make a splash, and we want to be in the driver’s seat. This transit is passionate, ardent, and dramatic. We seek to appear strong and prefer to be in the lead or the center of attention. We can be particularly angry if we feel disrespected or in an undignified position.

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Jupiter is in Gemini.

Jupiter began its transit of Gemini on May 24th, 2024, and continues its transit of the sign until June 9th, 2025. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Gemini.

Saturn transits Pisces from March 7th, 2023 until May 24th, 2025, and Sep 1st, 2025, to Feb 13th, 2026. Read about Saturn’s transit of Pisces. Saturn will enter Aries on May 24th, 2025.

Uranus is in Taurus.

Uranus transits Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and then from March 6th, 2019, until 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn to free ourselves from certain material constraints. Innovative ways to make ourselves comfortable emerge. We’re less inhibited about expressing sensuality, self-love, body love, and pampering. Above all, we’re challenging what we previously valued during this cycle.

There can be abrupt changes with money, valuables, possessions, and income that lead to a reshuffling of priorities or values. Income might come from non-traditional sources or ventures. In general, we’re bringing progressive ideas to the world of business. New ways of doing business, as well as making, viewing, and handling money, are likely. Our income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Pluto is in Aquarius. Read about Pluto’s transit of Aquarius. Note that Pluto finally completed its journey through Capricorn on November 19th, 2024, from which time Pluto will stay in Aquarius for many years to come.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Aquarius from December 7, 2024, to January 2, 2025. 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. 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 may be better to approach dating casually, with no expectations and no strings. Melodrama and emotionalism are not in favor. We may also find ourselves attracted to–or attracting–people who are not our usual “type.”

Venus is in Pisces from January 2 to February 4, 2025. 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 deluded, as well as evasiveness.

This week: On Friday, there can be some awkwardness as our needs and desires don’t seem to mesh. Our romantic sensibilities and our desires are at odds with one another, and problems (especially misunderstandings) in romantic and sexual relationships may result. While it’s usually a small hiccup in an established relationship, this is a less-than-ideal transit under which to begin a new relationship.

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 square Uranus December 27-28. We might have to deal with issues of freedom versus intimacy during this period. Peculiar or impulsive attractions are exciting, but unlikely to last very long. Treat them as passing fancies, and enjoy them while they last–but try to hold off on making any big decisions with regards to love today.

Venus quincunx Mars January 3. When we attempt to be friendly, we seem to miss the mark. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging. Our romantic sensibilities and our desires are at odds with one another, and problems (especially misunderstandings) in romantic and sexual relationships may result. This is a less-than-ideal transit under which to begin a new relationship.

Venus semi-square Chiron January 6. Love cannot be forced. This is not a commitment-friendly transit, as we may feel alienated for no apparent reason and unwilling to give of ourselves.

Venus contra-parallel Chiron January 11-12. Others, and especially partners and love interests, have something to teach us. This is a time for identifying vulnerable areas.

 

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, December 29th, from 6:35 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 11:38 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, January 1st, from 1:03 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 5:50 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Thursday, January 2nd, from 11:13 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Pisces the next day, Friday, January 3rd, at 10:22 AM EST.

December 2024:

 

January 2025:

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

It’s important to note that there are more factors to consider in addition to the windows listed below. The following windows are starting points. For example, you generally don’t want to elect a new venture when a very challenging aspect is applying, and it’s preferable to elect a time when a particularly positive aspect hasn’t yet perfected (is applying rather than separating).

The Moon is waning this week until the New Moon on Monday, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, although with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). After the New Moon on Monday, the Moon is waxing, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, also with some exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week at the Cazimi Moon on Monday, December 30th, from approximately 5:00 PM to 5:55 PM EST, while the Moon is in Capricorn. Note that Mars is retrograde during this period.

See also the following articles and tables: Timing with the Moon and Opportunity Periods with the Void Moon for times and techniques.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Nov  3
, 2024, 11:09 PM, Mars enters Leo
Nov 11, 2024, 1:26 PM, Venus enters Capricorn
Nov 15, 2024, 9:21 AM, Saturn Direct at 12 Pisces 42
Nov 19, 2024, 3:39 PM, Pluto enters Aquarius
Nov 21, 2024, 2:56 PM, Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 25, 2024, 9:42 PM, Mercury Retrograde at 22 Sagittarius 40
Nov 30, 2024, 5:35 PM, Pallas enters Capricorn
Dec  6, 2024, 6:33 PM, Mars Retrograde at  6 Leo 11
Dec  7, 2024, 1:13 AM, Venus enters Aquarius
Dec  7, 2024, 4:13 AM, Ceres enters Aquarius
Dec  7, 2024, 6:43 PM, Neptune Direct at 27 Pisces 08
Dec 15, 2024, 3:56 PM, Mercury Direct at  6 Sag 24
Dec 21, 2024, 4:20 AM, Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 29, 2024, 4:13 PM, Chiron Direct at 19 Ari 00
Jan  2, 2025, 6:09 PM, Vesta enters Scorpio
Jan  2, 2025, 10:24 PM, Venus enters Pisces
Jan  6, 2025, 5:44 AM, Mars Rx enters Cancer
Jan  8, 2025, 5:30 AM, Mercury enters Capricorn
Jan 11, 2025, 6:01 PM, True Node Rx enters Pisces
Jan 19, 2025, 3:00 PM, Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 27, 2025, 9:52 PM, Mercury enters Aquarius
Jan 30, 2025, 11:22 AM, Uranus Direct at 23 Tau 16

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).

See also: The Astrology of 2024 – Overview and The Astrology of 2025 – Overview.

Explore more astrological events in my calendar.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Sun sesquiquadrate Uranus. 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.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Mars. Impulsive communications and hasty decision-making. We can accomplish more if we are careful not to be too hasty and forget details. “Haste makes waste”.

Mercury trine Chiron. This is an excellent period for opening up communications with others, as we are more sensitive than usual and more willing to listen. Getting our point across is easier, as it’s not only about which words we choose to communicate, we intuitively express the meaning and intention behind the words. We can effectively use words to heal and comfort just now. We are also more open to new ways of looking at problems or at life in general.

Sun inconjunct (quincunx) Jupiter. The desire to experience something new or for more freedom to explore can amount to restlessness if we don’t know what it is we want. This is a time of adjustments, and perhaps of letting go of old habits, so that we can free ourselves up for different experiences.

Mars opposition Pluto. Power struggles, “all or nothing” energy, the desire to force one’s agenda meets with opposition and resistance. Do what you can to avoid a contest of wills. The desire to get the upper hand is strong, but it’s unlikely to happen under this influence. It would be wise to observe whatever powerful feelings that confrontations or conflicts arouse under this influence, as this transit has a way of pulling out suppressed matter, or emotional “slush”. Passions run high, and so does sexual energy.

Mercury quincunx Uranus. It is difficult to get a point across without rubbing people the wrong way or misrepresenting ourselves. Uncertainty reigns today. Avoid making hasty decisions that you will later regret. Impulsiveness, disorganization, unreceptive to practical advice and/or your ideas are not well-received.

Venus quincunx Mars. When we try to be friendly, we seem to miss the mark. Attempting to satisfy romantic needs and assertive/sexual needs simultaneously can be challenging. Our romantic sensibilities and our desires are at odds with one another, and problems (especially misunderstandings) in romantic and sexual relationships may result.

Sun sextile Saturn. We feel grounded and stable. It’s easy to stick to a specific task and make headway. Productivity may be slow, but it’s steady. We are taking into account practical considerations and we are especially aware of the element of time. We are more able to discipline ourselves and put our egos aside in order to get the job done.

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. Explore Transit to Transit aspects.

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

See also: The Astrology of 2024 – Overview and The Astrology of 2025 – Overview

Astrology Chart of Today/Now in my Free Report section shows the current chart with interpretations.

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

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

See also the Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trend overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

DECEMBER 29

Chiron stations and turns direct today, after retrograde motion since July 26th. With this shift, we can feel vulnerable–emotional truths about matters we’ve been avoiding or confused about are beginning to emerge now and in the coming weeks. These may not always be comfortable, but they can motivate us to take appropriate action. The Sun forms a sesquiquadrate with Uranus today, suggesting we want to make a move, but we may not know where to begin or where to go with our intentions. While unexpected changes in plans or events can test our patience, they might also bring on new approaches, leading to useful, instructive, or interesting detours. We should also watch for rushing things, impatience in speech and movements, and abrupt or insensitive commentary with Mercury and Mars forming a minor square. However, mental tension can stir us into action, which can be constructive if channeled well. We can accomplish more if we’re careful to pace ourselves today. It’s best to put in the effort to respect and validate others when expressing what we need and want.

The Moon is void from 6:35 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 11:38 PM EST.

DECEMBER 30

The second New Moon in December occurs today at 5:27 PM EST, this time in the sign of Capricorn and symbolizing a new beginning. With this potent energy, it makes sense to 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. It’s a time to 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 realistically nurture our dreams. We have the chance to create some serious order in our lives! Making concrete plans can be satisfying in the week ahead. We might develop reasonable boundaries and rules that offer us freedom from some worry and chaos. A sextile between Pluto and the North Node of the Moon intensifies our passion to make a difference, a change, or a connection. We can feel strongly connected to people or groups through a shared cause or desire for transformation.

We’re also approaching a Mercury-Chiron trine that opens our minds to learning from one another. This influence aids with communicating our feelings constructively. We’re relaying our messages in relatable, accessible ways. Good energy is with us for discussing or giving more thought to sensitive topics. We’re especially alert, observant, and willing to understand. It’s easier than usual to communicate our message now, although this is less about getting the exact wording and more about conveying our intentions. We might discover new ways to approach problems.

DECEMBER 31

With the Mercury-Chiron trine early today, our good intentions pave the way for warm, healthy conversations. We’re engaging in discussions and learning from past experiences. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Capricorn, encouraging our attention to our practical priorities. We crave results, preferring to see the reality of any given situation. With this Moon transit, we pay stronger attention to our responsibilities and the structures in our lives. This evening, an innovative spirit follows us, even with the innate conservatism of the Capricorn Moon, as the Moon forms a trine with Uranus.

JANUARY 1

Today’s Capricorn Moon until 5:50 AM EST sensitizes us to our ambitions, goals, and sense of control. We’re goal-oriented, mindful, and careful under this transit. The Moon in Aquarius from 5:50 AM onward stirs our progressive, inventive, and innovative side. There can be some pressure around the Moon-Pluto alignment and Moon-Mars opposition that excite our passions, especially through our interactions. We should watch for impulsive decisions and actions. However, we can feel a deeper kinship with others through a shared struggle, power imbalance, or belief in a cause as the Moon aligns with Pluto and harmonizes with the North Node, highlighting the energies of the Pluto-Node sextile.

The Moon is void from 1:03 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 5:50 AM EST.

JANUARY 2

 

The Moon is void from 11:13 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Pisces the next day, Friday, January 3rd, at 10:22 AM EST.

JANUARY 3

 

The Moon is void until the Moon enters Pisces today at 10:22 AM EST.

JANUARY 4

 

 

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 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.

When the Moon is in Pisces

 We may not 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.

 

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

 

 

What’s In Your Forecast?

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

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BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT

See also:

The Astrology of 2024 – Overview

The Astrology of 2025 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits