This Week in Astrology January 14-20

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

January 14-20, 2024

There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we become aware of how our actions affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever project or initiative we began around the New Moon is now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 27 degrees and 32 minutes of Aries square the Sun at the same degree of Capricorn, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 26 to 30 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

This chart wheel includes additional points, such as Sedna, Chiron, and the four major asteroids.

Previous: New Moon

The NEW MOON occurs on Thursday, January 11th, 2024, at 6:57 AM 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 on Thursday morning.

The New Moon is exact on January 11th, when the Sun and Moon align in the sign of Capricorn. This lunation symbolizes a new beginning in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn.

New Moon in Capricorn Chart: January 11th 2024

This phase of the Moon occurs at 20 degrees and 44 minutes of Capricorn, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 17 to 25 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

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.

This lunation harmonizes beautifully with Uranus, pointing to strong intuition and a good feeling of progress, as well as a healthy relationship with change.

This second chart wheel includes additional points, such as Sedna, Chiron, and the four major asteroids.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Jan 11, 2024,
6:57 AM, Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Jan 17, 2024, 10:52 PM, Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Jan 25, 2024, 12:54 PM, Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Feb 2, 2024, 6:18 PM, Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Feb 9, 2024, 5:59 PM, Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Capricorn until January 20th, when the Sun moves into Aquarius; Mercury is in Capricorn; Venus is in Sagittarius; Mars is in 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.

The Sun is in Aquarius from January 20-February 18. During this cycle, we are motivated by our hunger for knowledge, experience, and originality. Innovation is more important to us than convention. We become more aware of what is outdated in our lives, and strive to find new perspectives and new ways to do things. The class distinctions, structure, and order that Capricorn finds appealing now seem to be too rigid. The freedom of the individual becomes far more significant to us. We strive to free ourselves from some of the restrictions, inhibitions, and limitations that now feel constraining rather than safe.

We recognize those things that are obsolete or outdated, and we’re ready to change the world with new ideas and methods. We might often let our heads rule over our hearts during this cycle, preferring an objective, impersonal, and rational approach to life.

Mercury is in Capricorn from January 13-February 5. [Mercury was in Capricorn recently–from December 1-23, 2023, but retreated into Sagittarius due to Mercury’s retrograde motion.] 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. Our survival instincts are strong–we’re interested in what will benefit us in the long term.

We’re not interested in the fluff, preferring to get right to a point or the bottom line. Communication can be somewhat guarded or cautious, and similarly not very floral or expressive. We gravitate to concrete subjects and information that’s logical, useful, and well-organized. We may prefer a methodical approach to studying. Our fantasies may be well-considered and possible, with realistic overtones.

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. At times, we might lack humor, or we’re inclined toward sarcasm when joking. We can be quite stubborn with our ideas and methods.

We can use this period to make solid, realistic plans and get organized. It’s a favorable time to advise, teach, or guide. Generally, we’re more concerned than usual with our reputation or responsibilities. Our dependability can reap rewards. We love to plan ahead and map out our next steps. Changes of schedule can be most disconcerting during this cycle.

Our reactions are sensible, cool, and level-headed while Mercury is in Capricorn.

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 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: On Sunday, we can be uncertain how to integrate our needs for companionship with the desire to be free or independent. Monday can also be restless. We seek a little more meaning or excitement from our relationships, pastimes, and pleasures. Our humor is strong, we may be inspired by our interactions, and we’re open to change. However, we may be restless or not appreciative of what we have, feeling that the grass may be greener elsewhere.

The tendency to project our fantasies, whether these are positive or negative, onto others or relationships is strong on Thursday and Friday. Watch for deception and self-deception now.

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 trine Chiron January 10-11. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings.

Venus parallel the Sun January 13. A strong desire for harmony and comfort fill us now. We may be moved to express our affections.

Venus quincunx Uranus January 14. Impulsive spending, peculiar attractions, fear of commitment, freedom vs. intimacy issues. We might question whether we need more excitement in our relationships, or whether we need freedom from them; yet we don’t feel confident enough to rock the boat.

Venus sesquiquadrate Jupiter January 15. 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 square Neptune January 18-19. Relationship ups and downs characterize this transit–a time when romantic mirages are more than likely. We see what we hope to see, rather than what really is. The “highs” of a relationship begun under this energy may be thrilling, but the accompanying “lows” are bound to set in, and they can be extremely draining. Be careful not to set yourself up for disappointment.

Venus sesquiquadrate Uranus January 26. 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 sextile Saturn January 27-28. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships. Relationships begun under this influence possess a distinctly practical theme, almost as if the partnership is a business endeavor.

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 Monday, January 15th, from 11:33 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aries at 11:49 PM EST (a brief void period).

VOC Moon on Thursday, January 18th, from 3:03 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus at 3:13 AM EST (a brief void period).

VOC Moon on Saturday, January 20th, from 8:58 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Gemini at 8:59 AM EST (a very brief void period!).

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 waxing this week, which is generally considered favorable 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 on Monday, January 15th, from approximately 8:50 AM EST to 11:30 PM EST, while the Moon is in Pisces. Another (long) window occurs from Thursday, January 18th, at approximately 3:15 AM EST, until Saturday, January 20th, at approximately 8:55 AM EST, while the Moon is in Taurus.

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:

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: January 14th to 20th, 2024

This Week’s Aspects

Venus quincunx Uranus. Impulsive spending, peculiar attractions, fear of commitment, and freedom vs. intimacy issues may be themes now. We might question whether we need more excitement in our relationships (or leisure activities), or whether we need freedom from them; yet we don’t feel confident enough to rock the boat.

Sun sextile Neptune. We’re at the right place at the right time, probably because our hunches are more likely to be correct and we are “tuned in”. We are inspired, and charitable acts now will serve to lift our spirits like no drug can. A good time for self-improvement programs or efforts. Instinctual judgment is enhanced under this influence. We are able to see matters, and people, from a different perspective–one that allows for, and even finds beauty in, differences.

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.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus. We can have flashes of insight, but tend to be scatterbrained. Our ideas and communications may not be well-received because they don’t seem to others to carry weight. Our minds are not peaceful or harmonious under this influence, and irritable tempers, sarcastic speech, and dogmatism are negative expressions of this energy. However, fresh and creative ideas may come to us now.

Mercury sextile Saturn. A good time to get organized, to do detail work, and to prepare for the future. Decisions made now tend to be practical and well thought out. Work done now will have tangible results in the future.

Mercury trine Jupiter. Looking for meaning in mundane affairs, positive thinking, insights, cooperation–these are themes of this influence. Our ideas are big and our intentions noble. We might receive good news or offers now. We prefer to think about the big picture rather than becoming bogged down with details. This transit favors short trips, writing, teaching, studying, submitting applications and forms, accurate diagnoses and observations (all things equal).

Venus square Neptune. Relationship ups and downs characterize this transit – a time when romantic mirages are more than likely. We see what we hope to see, rather than what really is. The “highs” of a relationship begun under this energy may be thrilling, but the accompanying “lows” are bound to set in, and they can be extremely draining. Be careful not to set yourself up for disappointment. The same goes for finances – what appears to be a great buy is likely to turn out to be a financial drain or money pit. Lines can blur when it comes to pursuit of pleasure, as we can convince ourselves to believe what we want to believe.

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

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.

JANUARY 14

Venus forms a quincunx to Uranus this morning, and it may not be easy to integrate our needs for companionship or closeness with our desire for freedom and independence. There is a sense that we can only have one or the other. Temporarily, we don’t feel confident enough to rock the boat, but taming rebelliousness makes sense now. Fortunately, Venus harmonizing with the Moon’s Nodes later today can motivate us to seek and create harmony. We might recognize that cooperation brings us closer to our goals. We could feel lucky in love or business, and we might make a fortunate connection.

JANUARY 15

The Moon spends most of the day in the sign of Pisces, aligning with Neptune and harmonizing with the Sun as it hooks into the accepting energy of today’s Sun-Neptune sextile. This influence helps us tune into our imaginations and intuition. Instinctual judgment is enhanced. We see things from a perspective that celebrates our differences. We take things as they come, finding meaning in our experiences more readily than usual. This influence sets an excellent mood for respecting our intuition. We’re tuned in, inspired, and charitable. What feels like serendipity experienced now may have to do with a good sense of timing and a feeling of being in sync with the universe. Emotional or mental refreshment helps us gain perspective.

Adding a layer of restlessness to the later day’s astrology is a Venus-Jupiter minor square. With this transit, we seek a little more from our pleasures, money, or relationships. Channeled well, this transit can encourage us to improve our situation but otherwise might lead to over-indulgence, immoderation, or exaggeration. High expectations can leave us vulnerable to ups and downs. The Moon enters Aries at 11:49 PM EST, and we’re gearing up for action. The Aries Moon is forthright and enterprising.

The Moon is void from 11:33 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aries at 11:49 PM EST.

JANUARY 16

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Aries, and we want to move ahead, come in first place, innovate, and initiate. We seek a fresh start on an emotional level. It feels more straightforward to take action now. A push for considering our emotional needs happens today. The Moon’s square to Mars fires up our feelings and stirs us into action, although it may also prompt missteps. Rising ambitions can seem to interfere with our personal goals. Impatience or hot tempers are a potential downfall. While we can be driven to organize, plan, and work hard these days, around the Moon-Mars square this afternoon, we can be temperamental, battling a simultaneous desire to do our own thing. This transit may pit our sense of independence against duty.

JANUARY 17

Venus is quintile Saturn this morning, and we’re inclined to maneuver and plan tastefully. We may be showcasing our reliability and loyalty. However, with Mercury’s sesquiquadrate with Uranus midday, there could be minor missteps or surprising turnarounds. While our minds are open to possibilities, there can be some mental disorganization to manage.

But as the day advances, we approach a Mercury-Saturn sextile, and if we’re feeling tense, reasoning things out logically and step by step can be beneficial and even soothing. This aspect promotes a deliberate and efficient approach to the world around us. We see the benefits of organizing, making lists, attending to details, and making sound judgments and decisions. We gravitate toward practical thoughts and conversations. It’s also easier to direct our mental energy into something constructive. This transit helps ground our thinking and expectations. We seek to be mentally prepared, desiring more order in our lives.

A First Quarter Moon occurs tonight at 10:53 PM EST when the Sun in Capricorn forms a square to the Moon in Aries. There can be stress, clashing, and discord, but also great energy, motivation, and growth. We can feel more ambitious and competitive. We want to get something going, but we may not know the next step or the exact direction we want it/us to take.

JANUARY 18

Mercury’s sextile to Saturn early today inspires mental clarity and a practical focus. This is the third and final pass after Mercury and Saturn returned to this aspect while Mercury was retrograde on December 21st. We are mentally prepared, desiring more order and organization in our lives. The Moon leaves Aries and enters Taurus at 3:13 AM EST, and energies are patient, warm, and indulgent. The Moon aligns with Jupiter and harmonizes with Mercury, hooking into the energy of a Mercury-Jupiter trine that perfects early tomorrow. We’re reaching for our joy and seeking to grow, develop, and improve, primarily through embracing our desire for comfort, security, and groundedness.

Mercury’s trine to Jupiter improves our outlook further. This transit first occurred on December 7th and, while Mercury was retrograde, happened again on December 18th. Now, we’re arriving at some helpful conclusions, or information unblocks so we can make a decision. This transit boosts our optimism and faith. Curiosity is stirring. We might gain a positive outlook through conversations and a sense of hope or trust in the future. Big-picture thinking benefits us. We seek more meaning to our projects and experiences. Our ideas are big, and our intentions are noble. We might receive good news or offers now.

The Moon is void from 3:03 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus at 3:13 AM EST.

JANUARY 19

Today’s Taurus Moon is an even-tempered position, and the focus can be on seeking comfort, harmony, familiarity, security, and pleasure. Mercury’s trine to Jupiter in the early morning boosts our optimism. We’re getting our message across well. However, Venus forms a square to Neptune, casting a veil over our needs, wants, and perceptions. We may be dreaming up the ideal, which can clash with reality. We can lack some discrimination, particularly regarding people we care about, our relationships, and material things. We should try to separate fact from fiction to avoid setting ourselves up for disappointment. What appears to be a great buy or something we need may turn out to be useless to us, or worse, a financial drain or money pit. Lines can blur when it comes to pursuing pleasure, as we can convince ourselves to believe what we want to think. We’re likely too close to the situation! Examining discontent experienced now may be an opportunity to identify where we’ve neglected our spiritual, idealistic, romantic, or imaginative needs.

JANUARY 20

Both the Sun and Pluto enter Aquarius today, but first, they align in the sign of Capricorn this morning. We seek more intensity in our lives and relationships with this conjunction of the Sun and Pluto. We’re persistent, and the need to gain more control over our lives can feel pressing. We are strong-willed, resourceful, and focused, and we may benefit by keeping things to ourselves and not rushing forward prematurely. This influence brings the desire for self-mastery to our attention. A minor crisis might alert us to an area of life that requires work, improvement, and transformation. We should guard against temperamental behavior and decision-making. Some paranoia or extremes of thinking could be behind this. The focus should be on recycling, updating, revising, and eliminating so that we can grow. Because this is the last Sun-Pluto alignment in the sign of Capricorn, what we do now can symbolize plowing the way so we can move on.

The Sun heads into the sign of Aquarius today for a stay until February 18th. During this cycle, we are motivated by our need for knowledge, experience, and originality. Innovation is more important to us than convention. Our attention turns to what’s outdated in our lives, and we strive to find new perspectives and methods. The structure and order that Capricorn found appealing now seem too rigid. The freedom of the individual becomes far more significant to us. We strive to free ourselves from some of the restrictions, inhibitions, and limitations that now feel constraining rather than safe in the month ahead. However, we can be unreliable, unpredictable, or too rebellious for our own good when the Sun is under strain.

Pluto enters Aquarius today, where it will transit in the short term until September 1st. Note that Pluto has been transitioning into Aquarius since last year. It won’t stay in Aquarius consistently until its ingress into the sign in November 2024, but today, Pluto once again begins another transit of early Aquarius. Pluto’s transit of Aquarius comprises March 23, 2023, to June 11, 2023, from January 20, 2024, until September 1, 2024, again from November 19, 2024, to March 8, 2043, at which point it will weave in and out of Aquarius and Pisces. In all, Pluto will spend between 19 and 20 years in Aquarius.

While Pluto is in Aquarius, we take social structures and politics especially seriously, and we seek major reform in these areas. Unusual, intense, or dramatic happenings are possible with friends and networks. During this long-term cycle, we are likely to confront issues of control and power related to individuality, equality, friendships, and group associations. We can be on a quest to distinguish ourselves for our progressiveness, scientific minds, ideals, humanitarianism, or unique qualities. It’s also a time when we seek to change and overhaul society through science, inventions, and the mind/ideas.

The Moon is void from 8:58 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to the Sun), until the Moon enters Gemini at 8:59 AM EST (a very brief void period!).

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 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.

When the Moon is in Aries

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

People can be more self-motivated and also self-focused while the Moon is in Aries. It's a competitive rather than cooperative time. Accidents and tempers flaring are more likely than usual. This period is one of more personal courage.

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

When the Moon is in Taurus

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

While the Moon is in Taurus, people can be emotionally constant but inflexible. It's a time of stronger focus on personal needs and comfort levels, and a period of more common sense and attention to practical matters.

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, spirited, 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, cafes, light and airy meetings, short trips.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

: 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 in Astrology Calendar: March 31st to April 6th, 2024

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: April 7th to 13th, 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.

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

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

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 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…

Pluto in Aquarius Reform, revolution, a rejection of the past and a focus on the future: these are the signatures of the new phase now beginning in your life. Tradition becomes irrelevant, and the conventional wisdom is revealed as dogma or outright nonsense – and what’s the difference, really? Radical changes in all things social and intellectual.

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

What’s In Your Forecast?

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

This Week in Astrology: January 14 to 20, 2024