This Week in Astrology Dec 31-Jan 6

This Week in Astrology: December 31st to January 6th, 2024

December 31, 2023-January 6, 2024

The Last Quarter Moon phase points to a mini-crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we disperse our knowledge and come to a point when we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t. This is in preparation for next week’s New Moon, when something new is born once again.

This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes descent into unconsciousness. Still, we have a more mature grasp of our situation. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon.

We might ponder the revelations we may have had last week, considering what they mean to us and what we might do about them.

Last Quarter Moon Chart: January 3, 2024

This phase of the Moon occurs at 13 degrees and 15 minutes of Libra square the Sun at the same degree of Capricorn, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 11 to 15 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

Previous: Full Moon

Full Moon

The FULL MOON occurs on Tuesday, December 26th, 2023, at 7:33 PM EST.

A Full Moon occurs when the Sun in Capricorn forms an opposition to the Moon in Cancer on Tuesday. 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.

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 most enjoy attaching to the home and family, Capricorn urges us to attend to the responsibilities to the outside world. 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.

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 these days, a push for considering our emotional needs occurs now.

This is a time to clear up past patterns that have been holding us back from personal fulfillment, particularly those that are home or family-centered or that revolve around our work-home balance and attitudes toward comfort and responsibility.

This Wolf Moon harmonizes with Jupiter and Saturn, and we’re ready to produce. Our revelations are pivotal and growth-oriented, even if we’re temporarily focusing on the past.

Full Moon in Cancer Chart: December 26, 2023

This phase of the Moon occurs at 4 degrees and 58 minutes of Cancer opposite the Sun at the same degree of Capricorn, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 1 to 9 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

This Full Moon’s harmony with Saturn and Jupiter suggests a strong ability to make things work for us. We’re resourceful. However, with retrograde Mercury conjunct Mars and square Neptune, we should also watch for misinformation.

Full Moon in Cancer chart with additional points

This phase of the Moon occurs at 4 degrees and 58 minutes of Cancer, opposite the Sun at the same degree of Capricorn, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 1 to 9 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn).

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Dec 12
, 2023, 6:32 PM, Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Dec 19, 2023, 1:39 PM, Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Dec 26, 2023, 7:33 PM, Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Jan 3, 2024, 10:30 PM, Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Jan 11, 2024, 6:57 AM, Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Capricorn; Mercury is in Sagittarius; Venus is in Sagittarius; Mars is in Sagittarius until January 4th, when Mars enters Capricorn.

The Sun is in Capricorn from December 21-January 20. 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 December 23-January 13. [Mercury retreats to Sagittarius on December 23rd due to Mercury’s retrograde motion from December 13, 2023, to January 1, 2024.] 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 Sagittarius from December 29-January 23. Moving from Scorpio to Sagittarius, romantic energy shifts from intense to buoyant. Sagittarius, of course, has its intense moments, considering it is a fire sign. However, its energy is considerably less focused; and, while Scorpio is most concerned with intimacy with a specific person, Sagittarius’ love is of a more universal kind.

Romantic adventures and a straightforward–even blunt–approach to love are on the agenda. Gone are the intricacy and complexity of Venus in Scorpio. Truth and higher meaning are the priorities with Venus in Sagittarius.

We’re idealistic in our relationships during this cycle. It’s more critical than usual that our partners and companions support our dreams, goals, freedom needs, beliefs, and vision. We value intellectual rapport more than usual during this period.

Openness with our feelings can sometimes backfire, but for the most part, it can be refreshing. We tend to more spontaneously enjoy ourselves or throw ourselves into pleasure, art, cultural interests, and special interest topics at this time. We can especially enjoy travel, learning, the outdoors, or animals.

With money, we can be a little reckless or careless, but also faithful and optimistic. Some element of luck or good karma can be involved with our finances. Benefits, whether material or spiritual, can come through publishing, foreign or religious connections, travel, education, or legal matters.

Mars is in Sagittarius from November 24, 2023-January 4, 2024. With a Sagittarius Mars, our actions are motivated by our ideals. We are bothered by routine, quickly becoming restless if we feel confined. Our love of adventure and of conquest is strong–this is the position of wanderlust. We start projects or challenges with gusto, although we may tend to abandon them rather quickly. This may be because we set our sights too high! There is a tendency to jump in and think about it later. Part of us resists directions, instructions, and planning ahead.

We are spontaneous, direct, and passionate about our beliefs with Mars in Sagittarius. It’s a playful, fun-loving, and optimistic energy. We have strong morals, and we’re champions for the truth. We’re also ready for a hearty debate. Given the space to find our own way, we can move mountains. In fact, we enjoy stretching our limits. It’s an inspiring, forward-looking period when we follow our hearts and positive visions of the future.

Mars is in Capricorn from January 4-February 13, 2024. Mars in Capricorn is deliberate, persistent energy. We consider the future and the consequences before taking action during this cycle. Our energy is reliable, careful, reserved, and faithful. We are slow to anger but can be quite cold and irritable if frustrated.

Skepticism and realism are themes. We are thorough and precise. Orderliness, discipline, self-reliance, and planning well can be in focus. We dislike waste, sloppiness, and excess. Our ambitions are clear, and our actions are measured and careful. We need to feel that we’re in control and on top of things. The shadow side of Mars in Capricorn is rigidity, negativity, or dryness.

Jupiter is in Taurus.

Jupiter begins its transit of Taurus on May 16th, 2023, and it will continue its transit of the sign until May 25th, 2024. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Taurus.

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.

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 transitions from Capricorn to Aquarius in 2023 and 2024. Read about Pluto’s transit of Aquarius. Pluto has retrograded back into Capricorn, and is in Capricorn until January 20th, 2024.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Sagittarius from December 29-January 23. As Venus moves from Scorpio to Sagittarius, romantic energy changes from intense to buoyant. Sagittarius, of course, has its intense moments, considering it is a fire sign. However, its energy is considerably less focused; and, while Scorpio is most concerned with intimacy with a specific person, Sagittarius’ love is of a more universal kind. Romantic adventures and a straightforward–even blunt–approach to love are on the agenda. Gone are the intricacy and complexity of the Venus-in-Scorpio phase. Truth and higher meaning are focal points for Sagittarius.

Venus in Sagittarius is forward-looking, not very specific, outgoing, and energetic. Freedom is most important in our love relationships now. We take a happy and enthusiastic approach to love, and we might find too much intensity or seriousness depressing. We have a taste for the exotic as well as for adventure with Venus in Sagittarius.

This position’s shadow side is restlessness, the inability to “settle down,” and endless searching for something bigger and “better.”

This week: Sunday and Monday hold strained energy for love connections. We can reach an impasse or face an obstacle. There can be a checkpoint moment for our relationships. Temporarily, we fear the worst and see the flaws. There can be some emotional distance or blockage, and ideally, it’s a time for reaching a new level of maturity and realism in your relationships. Relationship goals can very much clash with social life goals now.

On Wednesday, our desire for the pleasures of life is strong, but we tend to overshoot. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and pleasures.

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

Venus in Sagittarius A yearning for adventure and far horizons stirs in you now. To roam, to wander and wonder, to seek freedom and go where no one has gone before – these things are deep and powerful longings. A time of romantic crusades, a universal love that might not be too particular.

Venus sextile Pluto December 28-29. Subtly powerful and uplifting time for romantic/sexual relationships. New insights into relationships and love. Strong attractions.

Venus sesquiquadrate Chiron December 29. 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 square Saturn December 31-January 1. Feeling unsatisfied, isolated, and unloved. Personal relationships are likely to be strained as we express our affections cautiously and sparingly. If we believe we are not getting what we want in love, we attract negative situations and challenges in our relationships. This is not a good time to begin a new relationship–new ones begun now are likely to be stamped with themes of duty and restriction.

Venus quincunx Jupiter January 3. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is with us now, although our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs. Troubles in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between responsibilities and the desire for self-gratification.

Venus semi-square Pluto January 10. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.

The Moon & Timing

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 the 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 to determine 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 following tables incorporate the modern planets, but some astrologers do not count Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in void Moon calculations.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, December 31st, from 12:19 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Virgo at 6:54 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, January 2nd, from 6:36 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 7:47 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Friday, January 5th, from 6:41 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 7:40 AM EST.

December 2023:

Void Moon Dates & Times: Table for December 2023

January 2024:

Void Moon Dates & Times: Table for January 2024

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, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, although with some exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week from Saturday, December 30th, at approximately 10:45 AM EST, until Sunday, December 31st, at approximately 12:15 AM EST, while the Moon is in Leo. Note that Mercury is retrograde during this period.

Another window occurs from Saturday, January 6th, at approximately 9:30 PM EST, until Sunday, January 7th, at approximately 3:20 PM EST, while the Moon is in Scorpio.

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 4,
2023, 3:02 AM, Saturn Direct at 0 Pisces 31
Nov 8, 2023, 4:30 AM, Venus enters Libra
Nov 10, 2023, 1:25 AM, Mercury enters Sagittarius
Nov 19, 2023, 4:00 AM, Pallas enters Scorpio
Nov 22, 2023, 9:02 AM, Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 24, 2023, 5:15 AM, Mars enters Sagittarius
Nov 25, 2023, 12:11 AM, Ceres enters Sagittarius
Dec 1, 2023, 9:31 AM, Mercury enters Capricorn
Dec 4, 2023, 1:51 PM, Venus enters Scorpio
Dec 6, 2023, 8:22 AM, Neptune Direct at 24 Pisces 53
Dec 13, 2023, 2:09 AM, Mercury Retrograde at 8 Capricorn 29
Dec 20, 2023, 5:06 AM, Vesta Retrograde enters Gemini
Dec 21, 2023, 10:27 PM, Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 23, 2023, 1:17 AM, Mercury Retrograde enters Sagittarius
Dec 26, 2023, 10:09 PM, Chiron Direct at 15 Aries 27
Dec 29, 2023, 3:23 PM, Venus enters Sagittarius
Dec 30, 2023, 9:40 PM, Jupiter Direct at 5 Taurus 35
Jan 1, 2024, 10:07 PM, Mercury Direct at 22 Sagittarius 11
Jan 4, 2024, 9:58 AM, Mars enters Capricorn
Jan 12, 2024, 11:55 PM, Juno Retrograde at 21 Virgo 52
Jan 13, 2024, 9:49 PM, Mercury enters Capricorn
Jan 20, 2024, 9:07 AM, Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 20, 2024, 7:56 PM, Pluto enters Aquarius
Jan 23, 2024, 3:50 AM, Venus enters Capricorn
Jan 27, 2024, 2:35 AM, Uranus Direct at 19 Tau 05
Feb 5, 2024, 12:10 AM, Mercury enters Aquarius
Feb 6, 2024, 3:04 AM, Pallas enters Sagittarius
Feb 7, 2024, 6:08 AM, Ceres enters Capricorn
Feb 8, 2024, 4:43 AM, Vesta Direct at 21 Gem 45

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

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar: December 31st to January 6th, 2023

This Week’s Aspects

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

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

Sun square Chiron. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong, but may be hampered by a lack of confidence or a fear of being different. We might experience a lack of faith in our own decisions. We could too easily follow others’ leads due to self-doubt, or simply to please them and out of fear of asserting our own desires.

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.

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

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 31

With Chiron’s trine to Ceres today, we seek understanding, wanting to learn from missteps. We might discuss and learn from past experiences, love, attachments, family, and even rejection. We enjoy helping people, teaching, and growing through our connections. We’re also especially resourceful and creative about making the best of our circumstances under this transit. The Moon continues its transit of Leo until 6:54 AM EST, when it moves into helpful, particular, and conscientious Virgo. The Moon opposes Saturn in the early afternoon, and we can be frustrated by little things that go wrong or responsibilities that pull us away from our interests or tasks. Once past this, the day shapes up to be productive.

The Moon is void from 12:19 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Virgo at 6:54 AM EST.

JANUARY 1

We begin the new year with the Moon in Virgo–a helpful, dedicated, moderate, and detail-oriented theme. The Moon’s trine to Uranus helps us find easy, creative, and inventive channels for these energies.

Venus forms a square to Saturn this morning, inclining us to focus on the negative possibilities, which can be the first step before we get to a place of realism. We could feel unsatisfied, isolated, or unloved, which puts us on guard or defensive with our feelings and affections. Fears are most likely at the root of this. We may feel a little discouraged on a social level if we don’t receive the feedback we crave. Difficulties with socializing can occur if we are more sensitive to rejection than usual. There may be a lesson or reality check with matters of the heart, pleasure, or finances. Temporarily, we’re cautious and unlikely to be free or generous with money or our hearts.

Mercury stations and turns direct tonight after retrograde motion since December 13th. This direct turn means that in the coming days and weeks, problems with communications and decision-making encountered during Mercury’s retrograde cycle will likely clear up. We can apply our observations and new perspectives to our lives as we advance. Energies that are hard to make sense of can be prominent today, however, and thus, important decision-making should be avoided for the time being, as our thinking can be skewed, or we may not have all the information we need. All in all, it’s a better day to take in rather than take action.

JANUARY 2

The Moon continues its transit of Virgo until 7:47 PM EST, encouraging a closer look at the small jobs and details of our lives. The Moon’s square to Mars in Sagittarius can be distracting. Impatience isn’t easy to control. We may be working under stressful or hectic conditions, as we feel pressure to get things done quickly. The Moon-Pluto trine helps us focus, however. It’s easier to strategize under this influence. The Moon transits Libra from 7:47 PM forward, motivating us to harmonize.

The Moon is void from 6:36 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 7:47 PM EST.

JANUARY 3

This morning, a Venus-Jupiter quincunx is a minor aspect, but it can stir some restlessness and indecision about putting ourselves out there. A strong desire for the pleasures of life is in emphasis, although our eyes can be bigger than our stomachs. Challenges in relationships now are likely due to overblown expectations. It can be challenging to find a balance between what we want to do and what we think we should do. The Sun is quintile Neptune later today, and we’re gracious, giving one another the benefit of the doubt. It can feel especially good to put our faith in someone or something now, and we’re inclined to see the spiritual dimensions or imaginative elements of our pursuits. The Last Quarter Moon occurs at 10:31 PM in Libra, and this phase of the Moon points to a possible crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we begin to see what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon when something new is born again. It’s not the best time to start a significant project, but we might begin to finish up the details of whatever we conceived at the last New Moon. Ideally, we’re arriving at a more mature view of a project or situation.

JANUARY 4

Mars moves into Capricorn this morning and will transit the sign until February 13th. Mars in Capricorn is deliberate, persistent, and faithful energy. We consider the future and the consequences before taking action during this cycle. We are slow to anger but can be pretty cold if frustrated. The shadow side of Mars in Capricorn is rigidity or excessive materialism. The Moon spends the day in the sign of balanced Libra, motivating us to harmonize. We’ll go to great lengths to make things fair and to compromise if needed.

JANUARY 5

From 7:40 AM EST forward, with a Scorpio Moon, we’re observant, resourceful, and ready to get to the bottom of a matter. It’s a period of more emotional intensity and focus. The Moon’s transit of Scorpio stirs our interest in discovering deeper truths and motives. We’re deliberate, strategic, perceptive, and emotional. This Moon stirs our desire for intimacy. However, a Sun-Chiron square comes into influence, pointing to wavering confidence. We may doubt our inner guide and face situations that test our vulnerabilities. Some indecision is possible. This transit tends to stir up insecurity or uncertainty about our direction, convictions, or purpose. A dip in confidence or faith in our resolutions and principles can lead to following others’ leads, which can later be regrettable. A better approach would be to recognize our feelings of vulnerability.

The Moon is void from 6:41 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 7:40 AM EST.

JANUARY 6

The Moon spends the day in Scorpio, encouraging us to get in touch with our feelings and desires. While the early morning Sun-Chiron square does point to waning confidence levels, it’s temporary. The Moon harmonizes with the Sun and opposes Uranus today, hooking into the energies of change and improvement of the upcoming Sun-Uranus trine. Still, we could be a little emotionally uneasy with this Uranus opposition, concerned that others are pushing change upon us. Surprising events may be part of the picture now, mainly through our relationships and the illumination of a different perspective. Ultimately, there can be a boost to our intimate life and self-understanding. It’s a great time to dig up new information or uncover hidden things.

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 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.

When the Moon is in Libra

Creating order is the focus, not necessarily through tidying or organizing as was the case while the Moon was in Virgo, but rather through pleasing interactions with others and aesthetics in our environment. We tend to solve problems through diplomacy, and we are more able to put aside our own emotions in order to achieve the peace we crave. The tendency now is to avoid direct confrontations. Decisions do not come easily. Seeing both sides to any given situation is the main reason for hesitation. Fear of losing others' approval is another.

The Moon in Libra generally favors the following activities: Relationship and partnership issues, activities involving teamwork and cooperation, activities that involve self-examination, activities related to beauty.

When the Moon is in Scorpio

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

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

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: January 7th to 13th, 2023

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: January 14th to 20th, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: January 21st to 27th, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: January 28th to February 3rd, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: February 4th to 10th, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: February 11th to 17th, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: February 18th to 24th, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: February 25th to March 2nd, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: March 3rd to 9th, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: March 10th to 16th, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: March 17th to 23rd, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: March 24th to 30th, 2024

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 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.

Venus in Sagittarius A yearning for adventure and far horizons stirs in you now. To roam, to wander and wonder, to seek freedom and go where no one has gone before – these things are deep and powerful longings. A time of romantic crusades, a universal love that might not be too particular.

Mars in Sagittarius Ideology is a keynote of the new phase you have begun – the power of ideas and the power they wield over people. Religious, cultural, or philosophical controversies and crusades have a way of stirring your blood. Travel and adventure are compelling temptations as you dare to test your mettle and stretch your horizons.

Mars in Capricorn With this new cycle taking hold in your life now, taking charge and being in control become more important issues for you. You want to get things organized, and you have the initiative to do it. This is a time of ambition and responsibility, a time to keep your cool and pace yourself. Working hard is smart, but working smart is better.

Jupiter in Taurus A kind of Midas touch is signaled by the new cycle now dawning in your life. Prosperity and security take center stage in your thoughts; a gentle but committed conservatism brings you all kinds of good things. Take care of the material things, and the spiritual will take care of itself: that’s your orientation now.

Saturn in Pisces Making peace with the past, coming to terms with karmic debts: these are some of the issues that confront you as a new phase begins in your life. Failure to face these things can cause setbacks and put obstacles in your path. Learn to look beyond the narrowly personal and selfish or you’ll get in over your head.

Uranus in Taurus Practicality and ingenuity combine as powerful drives in your life now that you have begun a new cycle. Taking innovative concepts and making them real and practical is your strong suit; getting stuck in the mud is to be avoided at all costs. Financial savvy, inventiveness, worldly genius.

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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This Week in Astrology: December 31, 2023, to January 6, 2024