This Week in Astrology: January 15 to 21, 2023

This Week in Astrology: January 15th to 21st, 2023

 

January 15-21, 2023

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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 Saturday, January 21st, 2023, at 3:53 PM EST.

The New Moon in Aquarius on Saturday marks the beginning of a new cycle–the Capricorn New Moon cycle ends, and the Aquarius New Moon cycle begins. In the sign of Aquarius, the focus is on friendship, brotherhood, group activities, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, humanitarian efforts, or joining a group. New beginnings regarding any or all of these matters are possible now.

This is a time for solving problems that require thinking “outside of the box.” We look to the future with a brand new, positive, and hopeful vision, frequently brainstorm and socialize, and focus on extending a friendly hand, receiving support, and expressing platonic love for those around us. It’s a time to give our emotions and passions a “break” as we develop more objectivity and some detachment from past haunts. We might learn how something (or someone) works or revitalize ourselves through new experiences or simply different ones.

This cycle encourages us to reach out to people in our social circle and community. It’s a time to recognize the value of our friendships and social networks. We might also acknowledge that some level of detachment and distancing ourselves from our habits and attachment to the past will help us break away from destructive behaviors that are holding us back.

With this potent Aquarius energy, we have the chance to make progressive changes in our lives. For some of us, circumstances are such that we need to pay more attention to these matters.

This New Moon harmonizes with Jupiter and separates from a conjunction with Pluto. We’re ready to make renovations and improvements to our lives now.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 1 degree and 33 minutes of Aquarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 28 to 30 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) and 0 to 6 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

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

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Capricorn until the 20th, when it enters Aquarius; Mercury is in Capricorn; Venus is in Aquarius; Mars is in Gemini.

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 December 6-February 11. [This transit is longer than usual due to the upcoming Mercury retrograde cycle, occurring entirely in the sign of Capricorn, from December 29, 2022-January 18, 2023.] 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 Aquarius from January 2-26. 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.

Mars is in Gemini from August 20, 2022-March 25, 2023. [This is much longer than usual due to a Mars retrograde cycle from October 30, 2022-January 12, 2023.]

In Gemini, Mars is versatile and flexible but not especially determined or focused. We should watch for becoming so scattered that we’re ineffective. However, it’s an excellent period for diversifying our interests and understanding the power of our communications.

It’s an excellent time for strategizing and devising useful tactics to achieve our desires and goals. We’re resourceful and clever, and we know how to use words effectively.

Perhaps most notable during this period is our tactical skills. We know how to maneuver things to get our way. We use words to charm and express anger. We’re very talkative, and animatedly so, when passionate and enthusiastic about a topic.

Mars is retrograde from October 30, 2022, to January 12, 2023.

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Jupiter is in Aries.

Jupiter was in Aries from May 10 to October 28, 2022 before it retreated into Pisces. This was part one of two, with the second and final part occurring from December 20, 2022, to May 16, 2023. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Aries.

 

Saturn transits Aquarius from March 21 to July 1, 2020, and from December 17th, 2020, until March 7, 2023. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aquarius.

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.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Aquarius from January 2-26. 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.”

This week: On Tuesday, we are seeking 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.

On Thursday, questions of individuality, freedom, and restriction can emerge in our relationships. Saturday is a little iffy for conversations. Although Mercury is no longer retrograde at this point, we’re still not great at expressing what’s in our hearts. There can be some missteps or awkward moments socially.

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 sextile Chiron January 12. Love has the power to heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings and more willing to act upon them.

Venus square Uranus January 14. 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 semi-square Jupiter January 17. 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 contra-parallel Uranus January 19. Questions of freedom, change, specialness, and experimentation are raised in our relationships.

Venus semi-square Mercury January 21-22. Communications between lovers are superficial and unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. Superficiality in romantic expression may exist now.

Venus conjunct Saturn January 22. Affections stabilize and mature. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. An air of formality is brought to personal and social relationships. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships comes now. A sense of duty may lead us to sacrifice a personal pleasure for a cause or for a loved one; thus we may have to abstain from personal gratification for the time being. Problems in personal relationships that have been swept under the carpet may surface now, and we are ready to face them. Dissatisfaction with loved ones becomes more glaring. Renewed ties to old friends or lovers are possible, or a new sense of responsibility in existing relationships.

Venus parallel Saturn January 22-23. We may express our affection sparingly, but also responsibly and in practical ways. Relationships begun under this influence often feel burdensome over time, but they may last longer than most.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, January 15th, from 3:40 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 7:09 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, January 17th, from 9:28 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 12:35 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Thursday, January 19th, from 5:10 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 2:13 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Saturday, January 21st, from 10:53 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 1:30 PM EST.

January 2023:

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 the 21st, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, but with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waxing this week after the New Moon on the 21st, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, also with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week on Tuesday, January 17th, from approximately 4:00 AM to 9:25 AM EST, while the Moon is in Scorpio. Note that Mercury is retro until the 18th.

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:

Oct 30,
2022, 9:26 AM Mars Retrograde
Nov 16, 2022, 1:08 AM Venus enters Sagittarius
Nov 17, 2022, 3:42 AM Mercury enters Sagittarius
Nov 20, 2022, 4:18 PM Vesta enters Pisces
Nov 22, 2022, 3:20 AM Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 23, 2022, 6:02 PM Jupiter Direct
Nov 30, 2022, 3:36 AM Pallas Rx
Dec  3, 2022, 7:15 PM Neptune Direct
Dec  6, 2022, 5:08 PM Mercury enters Capricorn
Dec  9, 2022, 10:54 PM Venus enters Capricorn
Dec 18, 2022, 6:27 PM Ceres enters Libra
Dec 20, 2022, 9:32 AM Jupiter enters Aries
Dec 21, 2022, 4:48 PM Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 23, 2022, 4:31 AM Chiron Direct
Dec 29, 2022, 4:32 AM Mercury Rx
Jan  2, 2023, 9:09 PM, Venus enters Aquarius
Jan 12, 2023, 3:56 PM, Mars Direct
Jan 13, 2023, 1:31 AM, Juno enters Aries
Jan 18, 2023, 8:12 AM, Mercury Direct
Jan 20, 2023, 3:29 AM, Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 22, 2023, 5:58 PM, Uranus Direct
Jan 26, 2023, 9:33 PM, Venus enters Pisces

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

See also: The Astrology of 2023 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury semi-square Saturn. Red tape, re-doing tasks we thought we had finished, problems getting from point A to point B, delays in communication, negative thinking, hyper-sensitivity and criticism–these are all potentials now. The energy is best used for focusing on fixing errors rather than harping on how irritating they are!

Mercury quincunx Mars. What we do and what we think or say are different. Instead of listening to what others have to say, we end up interrupting them and making assumptions. This is not a good day to make important decisions, as our thinking simply isn’t clear.

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

Sun 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.

Mercury quincunx Mars. What we do and what we think or say are different. Instead of listening to what others have to say, we end up interrupting them and making assumptions. This is not a good day to make important decisions, as our thinking simply isn’t clear.

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs. See also Transit to Transit aspects.

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

See also: The Astrology of 2023 – 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.

JANUARY 15

The Moon continues its transit of Libra until 7:09 AM EST, and we seek to negotiate and mediate. We crave peace, cooperation, and harmony. We aim to be diplomatic. From 7:09 AM 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. With the Moon’s sextile to Mercury tonight, it’s an excellent time to gather information and do some research.

The Moon is void from 3:40 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 7:09 AM EST.

JANUARY 16

The Moon transits perceptive, deeply feeling Scorpio all day. While it’s not always easy to get a good “read” on others today with the Moon’s opposition to Uranus and square to Venus, it’s a fine time for exploring the layers of situations. As the day advances, we approach a Mercury-Mars quincunx, pointing to the potential for too-quick judgments, statements, and decisions. Anxiousness to put something behind us can lead to rushing decisions. This potential is greater due to Mercury’s current and Mars’s recent retrograde. We can experience aggravation if we’re not understood or can’t seem to get where we want to go fast enough. What we do and what we think or communicate can be at odds. Instead of listening to others, we may interrupt them and make assumptions. It’s not a good time for making important decisions, and we should watch for impatience. Mercury is heading to a station on the 18th, and this aspect will form again shortly after it turns direct–on the 20th. Effectively, this transit influences us until the 20th.

JANUARY 17

Venus forms a semi-square to Jupiter today, and we can feel some discontent with our relationships or entertainment. The tendency to overdo is present, although not overpowering. Ideally, we tap into a need for change and improvement and tame our impulses to go overboard. With Mercury stationing direct tomorrow, watch for confusing directions or communications today. The Moon is in passionate Scorpio until 12:35 PM EST, after which it transits Sagittarius, stirring a need for meaning, truth, and adventure.

The Moon is void from 9:28 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 12:35 PM EST.

JANUARY 18

Mercury stations and turns direct today after retrograde motion since December 29th. Over the coming weeks, recent problems with communications and decision-making should begin to improve. The answers we’ve been waiting for can arrive, and plans or projects that have stalled might now resume. However, we can be flooded with energies that are hard to make sense of during today’s shift. Thus, we might avoid critical decision-making for the time being, if possible. It’s a better day to take in than to take action. It’s also a good idea not to rush conversations and observations. Still, the Sun forms its yearly alignment with Pluto, and we seek more intensity from our lives and relationships. 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 very well 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.

JANUARY 19

The Moon continues its transit of free-spirited Sagittarius until 2:13 PM EST, after which it travels through responsible Capricorn. We’re especially interested in what’s true and just with the Sagittarius Moon. We set our sights high during this transit, but if too high, the Moon’s square to Neptune this morning can burst our bubble. Optimism is one of the positive traits of this position; neglecting to see the essential details of a plan is a weakness. With the Capricorn Moon, we pay more attention to our long-term goals and responsibilities. We crave results, preferring to see the reality of a situation. Our attention turns to our more practical drives and goals, although there can be distractions with the Moon’s square to Jupiter this evening.

The void Moon occurs from 5:10 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 2:13 PM EST.

JANUARY 20

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. Mercury, while still retrograde, formed a quincunx with Mars on the 17th. Today, direct Mercury meets Mars through the same aspect, and there can be misjudgments and a disconnect between our desires or actions and what we say or think.

JANUARY 21

The Moon continues its transit of solid Capricorn until 1:30 PM EST, when it moves into Aquarius. The New Moon occurs early in the sign of Aquarius today at 3:55 PM. This lunation motivates or prompts us to start fresh with friendship, group activities, social pursuits, group projects, happiness pursuits, trying something new, or humanitarian efforts. We’re looking to the future with a new vision, and we’re doing more brainstorming and socializing. It’s an excellent time to see the value of developing more objectivity and a bit of detachment. This New Moon harmonizes with Jupiter and separates from a conjunction with Pluto, and we’re ready to renovate and improve our lives now.

The Moon is void from 10:53 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Pluto), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 1:30 PM EST.

 

If it’s your birthday today, see our feature, If Today is Your Birthday Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year.

Moon Signs This Week:

When the Moon is in 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.

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.

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 2023 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits