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

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

 

January 28-February 3, 2024

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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 LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Friday, February 2nd, 2024, at 6:18 PM EST. 

On Friday, the Last Quarter Moon is exact when the Sun in Aquarius forms a square with the Moon in Scorpio.

The Last Quarter Moon phase points to some sort of crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of the recent 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–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 a descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. We might consider what our recent revelations mean to us, and what we might do as a result.

It’s better to review and sort than to push something new. Until the New Moon, we might take inventory, tie up loose ends, and let go if necessary.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 13 degrees and 36 minutes of Scorpio square the Sun at the same degree of Aquarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 12 to 16 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Aquarius; Mercury is in Capricorn; Venus is in Capricorn; Mars is in Capricorn.

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 We become more aware of what is outdated in our lives, and strive to find new perspectives and new ways to do things.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 Capricorn from January 23-February 16. Getting serious about our finances and boosting our relations with business partners and/or co-workers will be easier than usual under this influence. Our talents for creating artistic structure and form are enhanced, and our ability to form connections with people who support our ambitions increases.

We value enduring connections, reliability, and faithfulness. We take expressing our feelings seriously, and we take our time to warm up to others. We generally keep our “cool” in relationships. We’re steadfast and seek genuine, perhaps old-fashioned connections. It’s not a time for PDA, and we can be somewhat guarded and reserved with expressing our feelings or revealing our relationships.

The underdog who works hard can have their time in the sun now. We value slow and steady effort and long-term prospects. Reliability in others is most attractive.

This cycle favors getting along well with higher-ups, conservative business goals and ventures, long-term investments, and matters related to pension.

Mars is in Capricorn from January 4-February 13. 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.

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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 retrograded back into Capricorn, and was in Capricorn until January 20th, 2024. Pluto is in Aquarius from January 20th to September 1st, when it will retreat into Capricorn once again. Note: Pluto is slow-moving!

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Capricorn from January 23-February 16. Venus in Capricorn is a cycle in which security and stability in our relationships are paramount. We are more cautious with our emotions and somewhat skeptical of both our own feelings and others’ expressions of affection. Longevity is important to us under this influence.

There is a formality to Capricorn that can make personal expressions seem awkward and forced. However, this cycle offers us the opportunity to consider some of the practical issues of our relations and to work on making our partnerships work in the real world. A dose of realism in our personal lives can help us to feel more grounded and secure in the long run.

This week: On Sunday, it’s a great time to show our love through our actions, commitment, and reliability or loyalty.  We have excellent energy with us for growing through our interactions and growing a relationship. Increased cheerfulness, trust, and confidence are likely in love and social matters.

On Wednesday and Thursday, we are more communicative and diplomatic. We’re inclined to talk about our feelings, connections, affections, and relationships.

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

Venus in Capricorn Marry for money and then learn to love ’em: that’s what your heart tells you now, as a new cycle gets underway in your life. Does that sound cynical? Maybe so – but it does reflect the yearning you feel for security and stability now, and it suggests the kind of compromises you may be willing to make to accomplish these objectives.

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.

Venus trine Jupiter January 28. Harmony and good will reign under this influence. Expansive feelings in love, and a feeling that anything is possible if we set our sights high enough, are experienced now. We are friendly, big-hearted, sociable, and optimistic. It is easy to make social contacts under this influence. Cheerfulness, trust, and confidence in love and social matters.

Venus parallel Mercury January 31-February 1. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.

Venus square Chiron February 4-5. Not a commitment-friendly transit. We are somewhat fearful of investing ourselves emotionally in a relationship.

Venus semi-sextile the Sun February 4-5. We may feel that our quest for pleasure, affection, love, or comfort is at odds with what we think we should be doing, which can lead to mild tension or feelings of guilt, and perhaps some indecision. Seeking to fulfill both of these needs without doing so at the expense of the other makes sense, but isn’t straightforward at this time.

Venus square Moon’s North Node February 5-6. Social niceties go by the wayside, and we may be working at cross-purposes with our relationships or relationship goals. There can be a lack of agreement, dissatisfaction stirred up, and a sense that our relationships are preventing our growth.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, January 29th, from 6:20 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Neptune), until the Moon enters Libra the next day, Tuesday, January 30th, at 3:04 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Thursday, February 1st, from 4:03 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mercury), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 3:37 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Saturday, February 3rd, from 10:25 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mercury), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Sunday, February 4th, at 1:28 AM EST.

January 2024:

February 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 on Saturday, February 3rd, from approximately 6:00 AM to 10:20 PM EST, while the Moon is in Scorpio. No planets are retrograde during this window.

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 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
Feb 13, 2024, 1:05 AM, Mars enters Aquarius
Feb 16, 2024, 11:05 AM, Venus enters Aquarius
Feb 18, 2024, 11:13 PM, Sun enters Pisces
Feb 23, 2024, 2:29 AM, Mercury enters Pisces
Mar  9, 2024, 11:03 PM, Mercury enters Aries
Mar 11, 2024, 5:50 PM, Venus enters Pisces
Mar 19, 2024, 11:06 PM, Sun enters Aries
Mar 22, 2024, 7:47 PM, Mars enters Pisces
Mar 29, 2024, 9:18 AM, Pallas Retrograde at  8 Sag 36
Mar 31, 2024, 6:56 AM, Vesta enters Cancer
Apr  1, 2024, 6:14 PM, Mercury Retrograde at 27 Ari 13

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

See also: The Astrology of 2024 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Venus sextile Saturn. Affections stabilize and mature. Relationships are stabilized and steady, although feelings are expressed reservedly, formally, or sparingly. A new sense of realism in existing partnerships comes now. Small advances can be made in business and in partnerships. Support from older people or authority figures may come by way of solid advice or tangible help. Renewed ties to old friends are possible, or a new sense of responsibility in existing friendships.

Mercury trine Uranus. This is an opportune time to attend meetings and other organized group activities, to communicate online, and to take part in activities involving computers, scientific projects, and metaphysics. Unexpected gains may be realized through such mediums. The intuition is strong, and insights seem to come from “out of the blue”. Original, creative ideas are easy to come by.

Venus trine Jupiter. Friendliness and optimism characterize this transit. We are big-hearted and our feelings are expansive. The outlook is cheerful and hopeful and the atmosphere is cooperative. This is a sociable, perhaps lazy and self-indulgent, time. We easily find meaning in our social connections. We are more open and trusting of friends and lovers. Integrity and loyalty are favored. A favorable influence for winning people’s trust. Speculation, advertising, publishing, and travel are favored.

Mars trine Uranus. Bursts of energy and creativity. We are willing to take risks, possess personal courage, and can readily effect positive changes in our lives. We are naturally bold and assertive, willing to experiment, and conscious of a need to act independently. Our ideas may be ground-breaking, and at the very least progressive. A strong desire to make things happen is with us now.

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!

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

Mars semi-square Saturn. We are called upon to solve problems, or our plans and efforts meet with resistance. Circumstances seem to block our efforts to assert ourselves. Patience is necessary now, although frustration is very likely. It can feel like more effort than usual is required to complete tasks.

Mercury sextile Neptune. Intuition runs high; we are more sensitive artistically; imagination is stirred; and we have an increased appreciation for subtleties. We are inspired and we are able to inspire others with our words.

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

Daily Trends Calendar

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

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

See also: The Astrology of 2024 – Overview.

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 28

Today’s transits particularly favor innovations with our careers, money matters, and practical affairs. Mercury’s trine to Uranus encourages inventiveness. With this mind-opening aspect, we seek answers that aren’t obvious, and we can get to some exciting places mentally. We’re expressing ourselves in different or unique ways rather than falling back on old habits of thinking and communicating, and it’s successful. Conversations can be gently provocative, leading to new ideas and perspectives. Insights or creative ideas come suddenly, unexpectedly, and brilliantly! Also today, the Benefics Venus and Jupiter form a trine, generating friendly energy, encouraging our desire for the ideal, and lifting our spirits. This transit helps to both soften and strengthen us. We are big-hearted, and our feelings are big, begging for expression. Gestures tend to be thoughtful, and we’re particularly hopeful, cheerful, and cooperative. It can be a somewhat lazy or self-indulgent time. Our tolerance for rudeness or crassness decreases. We are incredibly open and trusting of others, expecting the best, and both integrity and loyalty are favored.

JANUARY 29

Today’s Virgo Moon is productive, especially as it harmonizes with Mars, Uranus, and Mercury, highlighting the recent Mercury-Mars alignment and these planets’ trines to Uranus. We’re innovative and practical at the same time. Mars and Uranus harmonize today, and we’re looking to branch out and explore our more adventurous side. We more easily let go of grudges or baggage in the name of progress. This combination encourages us to get out of a rut, innovate, or entertain new methods. It nudges us to move out of our usual bounds or comfort zones. We are in tune with our desire to make positive changes and improve our lives. We want to feel freer in thought and action, to move forward, and to live our lives on our own terms. We are willing to take a few risks or feel more courageous than usual now. A strong desire to make things happen is with us, but we may not tolerate routine or monotony.

The Moon is void from 6:20 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Neptune), until the Moon enters Libra tomorrow, Tuesday, January 30th, at 3:04 AM EST.

JANUARY 30

Mercury’s semi-square to Saturn this morning points to potential delays or miscommunications. We may need to manage some inconveniences in our transit or communications. Drawing on patience is essential, as minor edits can ultimately benefit us. A Mars-Pluto parallel aspect, however, can help strengthen our resolve or focus. With this influence, we want to make profound changes rather than remain idle or stagnant. The Moon leaves Virgo and enters Libra at 3:04 AM EST, and the Libra Moon brings kind, cooperative, and fair energy to the day. We’re accommodating and willing to meet others halfway. A semi-square between the Sun and Neptune tonight suggests some indecision or listlessness. Our willpower may be low as we stray from our goals and temporarily lose focus. This aspect serves as a small reminder to consider our need for downtime, fantasy, or spirituality.

The Moon continues its void period today until it enters Libra at 3:04 AM EST.

JANUARY 31

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. This transit brings relationship-focused, friendly, and considerate energy to the day. Mercury and Venus head toward a parallel, further reinforcing our willingness to share our ideas and feelings and to accommodate others. Still, with the Moon aligned with the South Node, we could be falling back on depending on others at the expense of our self-confidence. The Moon’s square to Mars can fire up our feelings and perhaps disruptively stir our need for action, activity, and challenges.

FEBRUARY 1

The Moon continues its transit of Libra until 3:37 PM EST. Libra seeks balance, and we can be especially sensitive to anything that seems out of whack under this influence. The Scorpio Moon from 3:37 PM onward urges us to uncover our power. It’s an excellent time to rid ourselves of old fears and limiting habits. We’re interested in discovering deeper truths and motives. Avoiding manipulative tactics, brooding, and suspiciousness helps us make the best of these energies. Still, with the Moon’s square to Pluto this afternoon, our fear of betrayal, whether from the universe or a person, can lead to distrust. Because we head toward a Mars-Saturn semi-square, it’s best to slow down in the face of obstacles, as trying to move too fast can create more resistance. Since circumstances seem to block our efforts to assert ourselves, patience is necessary.

The Moon is void from 4:03 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mercury), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 3:37 PM EST.

FEBRUARY 2

Mercury’s sextile to Neptune this morning stirs our imagination. We can experience a sense of knowing and understanding with minimal explanation or instruction. Intuition is highlighted or awakened, and we creatively apply it to practical matters. We appreciate subtleties, aiding our understanding of others and situations. We are more readily inspired and might inspire others with our words. There is psychic openness in our interactions, and our communications are notably gentler or more compassionate. It’s a strong time to forgive and release.

The Last Quarter Moon occurs this evening at 6:18 PM EST, when the Sun in Aquarius forms a square with the Moon in Scorpio, pointing to a crisis of consciousness. It’s a time to consider what our recent revelations mean to us and what we might do as a result. This Quarter Moon signals the need to review and sort rather than push something new. Until the New Moon on February 9th, it’s a better time to tie up loose ends, take inventory, and let go if necessary.

FEBRUARY 3

With a Scorpio Moon all day, we’re deliberate, strategic, perceptive, and emotional. We’re seeking harmony and favoring compassion today. It’s an excellent time to gather information and do some research. A creative quintile between Venus and Neptune boosts our ability to solve interpersonal problems and is strong for intuitively understanding and getting along with others. It presents a fine time for relaxing escapes. We appreciate subtleties and nuances more than usual.

The Moon is void from 10:25 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mercury), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Sunday, February 4th, at 1:28 AM 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 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

 

 

What’s In Your Forecast?

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

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BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT

See also:

The Astrology of 2024 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits