This Week in Astrology: January 29 to February 4, 2023

This Week in Astrology: January 29th to February 4th, 2023

 

January 29-February 4, 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 FIRST QUARTER MOON occurred on Saturday, January 28th, 2023, at 10:19 AM EST. (Last week)

The First Quarter Moon occurred last week on Saturday morning, when the Sun in Aquarius formed a square with the Moon in Taurus. There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we are made 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 can be a time of stress, clashing, and discord, but also of high energy, motivation, and growth.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 8 degrees and 26 minutes of Taurus square the Sun at the same degree of Aquarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 6 to 10 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

Next, the Full Moon will occur next week on Sunday, February 5th, 2023, at 1:28 PM EST, in the sign of Leo.

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(Times are Eastern)

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

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 We become more aware of what is outdated in our lives, and strive to find new perspectives and new ways to do things.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We recognize those things that are obsolete or outdated, and we’re ready to change the world with new ideas and methods.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 recent 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 Pisces from January 26-February 20. Venus in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach, as there is a longing for something that is difficult to define and hard to satisfy. Borders and boundaries blur under Venus in Pisces. The shadow side of this position is allowing ourselves to be deceived because we want to believe, as well as evasiveness. We should watch for falling in love with an idealized image of something or someone. It’s also important to watch for avoidant or indirect behavior.

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

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

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

Mars is in 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.

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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 Pisces from January 26-February 20. Like Aquarius, Pisces love is universal. However, Pisces draws no bounds in love. With Venus in Pisces, we have compassion (and perhaps attraction) for those who are left out, overlooked, or victimized. We are self-sacrificing, and we have a hard time setting up borders. The walls go down, we have a hard time saying no (especially if our compassion is engaged), but we are also prone to avoiding all that makes us feel uncomfortable.

Wishful thinking is one expression of Venus in Pisces. We can too easily believe what we want to believe. People can be hard to pin down, and love is hard to define under this influence. Pisces never sees the world in black-and-white terms. Rather, Pisces sees all the colors of the rainbow. With the goddess of love in Pisces, our love is all-embracing, we are able to forgive and understand, we are seducible and seductive, and we show compassion to our partners.

Venus in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach nevertheless, as there is a longing for something that is hard to define and hard to satisfy. Borders and boundaries blur under Venus in Pisces. The shadow side of this position is allowing ourselves to be deluded, as well as evasiveness.

This week: On Thursday, we’re also anxious to grow and improve, and we may draw in situations that help us do just that. Watch for impulsiveness and impatience on Saturday. Someone may be pushy or crude when we crave something more refined or subtle, or someone is being subtle when we crave a more straightforward approach.

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

Venus in Pisces A martyr complex, a love for the underdog, a search for your soul mate: such are the experiences associated with the new cycle you’re now just beginning. A yen for soul-stirring romance, a weakness for the weak, and a tendency to idealize people and relationships … very aesthetic, very other-worldly.

Venus semi-square Chiron January 24. Love cannot be forced. This is not a commitment-friendly transit, as we may feel alienated for no apparent reason and unwilling to give of ourselves.

Venus sextile North Node February 2. There is a stronger desire to connect to and belong with others at this time. We are more obliging and sociable.

Venus square Mars February 4. Passions run high under this influence. Sexual tensions and competitiveness are possible, and there can be conflicts that arise from distinct differences between romantic and sexual needs. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating, creative, passionate, and invigorating.

Venus semi-square Pluto February 6-7. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.

Venus sextile Uranus February 7. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time, and we happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, January 30th, from 12:52 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini at 3:35 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, February 1st, from 6:58 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Cancer at 3:11 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Saturday, February 4th, from 1:19 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo at 3:49 AM EST.

January 2023:

February 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 waxing this week, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, but with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, there are no clear windows of opportunity this week.

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  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
Feb  3, 2023, 2:15 PM, Ceres Retrograde
Feb  7, 2023, 11:43 PM, Vesta enters Aries
Feb 11, 2023, 6:22 AM, Mercury enters Aquarius
Feb 16, 2023, 9:31 AM, Pallas Direct
Feb 18, 2023, 5:34 PM, Sun enters Pisces
Feb 20, 2023, 2:55 AM, Venus enters Aries
Mar  2, 2023, 5:52 PM, Mercury enters Pisces
Mar  7, 2023, 8:35 AM, Saturn enters Pisces
Mar 11, 2023, 11:16 AM, Juno enters Taurus

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

Sun trine Mars. Energy and vitality are strong. Natural confidence that doesn’t come across as offensive. A good time to take the initiative. Favors physical activity. Effective decision-making is possible now.

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.

Sun sextile Chiron. An opportunity to find a sense of purpose or a “mission” arises now, increasing our confidence. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong. Problem solving is favored.

Sun square Uranus. We can’t expect much of anything when the Sun squares Uranus, except the unexpected! Disrupted routines and plans are in order, which help to stimulate the adoption of new approaches. During this transit, we feel the need for action, but if we don’t know where we’re headed, we might take the wrong turn. Unexpected changes in plans or events can test our patience, and we might feel a bit out of control. However, they could stimulate us to try new approaches and they certainly act to cut boredom. This transit could offer us the drive to do something new, but avoid making hasty major decisions for the time being.

Venus square Mars. Passions run high under this influence. Sexual tensions and competitiveness are possible, and there can be conflicts that arise from differences between romantic and sexual needs. Be wary of making impulse purchases. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating, creative, and invigorating.

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 29

The Sun harmonizes with Mars, energizing us and supporting activity, initiative, and enterprise. Mars was recently retrograde but is now picking up speed after turning direct on the 12th. Today’s Sun-Mars trine helps boost our motivation. Energy and vitality are strong. We want to put plans into motion, take the lead, and get busy. Our sense of timing is good, and belief in ourselves comes naturally. This can be a good time to do what we love, follow our passions, or pursue a pleasure more heartily than usual. Mercury’s trine to Uranus reinforces a theme of looking forward. With this mind-opening aspect, we seek answers that aren’t the most obvious, and we can get to some exciting places on a mental level. 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. Mercury, too, was recently retrograde, and we might now get answers, solutions, or green lights for delayed projects and pursuits.

JANUARY 30

The Moon continues its transit of deliberate Taurus until it heads into Gemini at 3:35 AM EST. We’re moving from wanting to keep things steady to a desire to connect and communicate. The Gemini Moon, lasting until Wednesday afternoon, encourages us to diversify, put our feelers out, and pick up new ideas or tips. We’re more interactive and versatile with this Moon, although we can also be jumpy or inconsistent. With the Moon’s alignment with Mars tonight, we’re excitable, ready for debate, competitive, and courageous. Our thoughts might race, and we can be very quick (possibly too fast) to respond and react.

The Moon is void from 12:52 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini at 3:35 AM EST.

JANUARY 31

The Moon spends the day in Gemini, and we seek variety or mental engagement. We’re communicative, connected, and curious. Venus forms a semi-sextile to Jupiter, and finding a balance between what we want to do and what we think we should do is not straightforward. We could feel torn between two drives, seeing-sawing between alternatives. It can be difficult to settle on a plan temporarily.

FEBRUARY 1

The Moon continues its transit of Gemini until 3:11 PM EST, after which the Moon is in Cancer. With the Moon in Gemini, we play with ideas and make plans. While we start the day craving more interconnectivity, as the day advances, we seek familiarity. With the Cancer Moon, we get in touch with our emotional needs. The Sun forms a sextile to Chiron, and we might find a sense of purpose or a “mission,” increasing our confidence, possibly through our communications and connections. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and people is strong and healthy now. Problem-solving is favored.

The Moon is void from 6:58 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Cancer at 3:11 PM EST.

FEBRUARY 2

The Moon continues its transit of Cancer all day, and we’re primarily concerned with our feelings and attachments. This Moon encourages us to center ourselves and let go of overthinking. Home, family, and familiar settings or situations appeal more than usual now. Still, a gentle challenge can be beneficial. Venus forms a sextile to the true North Node of the Moon, facilitating cooperation and positivity in our social lives. We want to grow and improve and may draw in situations that help us do just that.

FEBRUARY 3

The Moon spends the day in careful Cancer. However, a Sun-Uranus square can destabilize some parts of our lives temporarily, or it can highlight problem areas that already exist. Changes we make now may feel out of character or abrupt. Disrupted routines and plans are likely, and while they can be unsettling at first, they can also stimulate the adoption of new approaches. Our strong desire for independence or to break the rules could impair our judgment. Even so, if we’re willing to learn from our mistakes, we might adopt a more mindful approach to making necessary changes. We should watch for irresponsibility in our rebellions and guard against temperamental behavior and decision-making. Disruptions can pull up buried frustrations, which we should probably examine more closely–it can certainly be a time to learn something new about ourselves.

FEBRUARY 4

The Moon leaves Cancer and enters Leo at 3:49 AM EST. The Leo Moon encoourages us to pursue our joy. We’re proud and affectionate under this influence. Venus forms a square to Mars today, and competitive energy is with us. We can feel some tension or dissatisfaction. This transit awakens different urges and desires, but they may only be whims or distractions. Disagreements are possible as differences and contrasts stand out more than usual. A passive or soft approach may irritate, but an aggressive approach can be grating, too–we seem to have poor timing. We can be temperamental and sensitive. What we value and what we desire can be at odds. Ideally, discontent prompts creative improvements and changes. Be wary of making impulse purchases and relationship decisions under these conditions.

The void Moon occurs from 1:19 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Pluto), until the Moon enters Leo at 3:49 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 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.

When the Moon is in Cancer

 The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.

When the Moon is in Leo

The Moon in Leo speaks to our "inner child". It's a warm, generous, whole-heartedly loving position. Pride keeps us from pettiness, but it can also prevent us from opening up and revealing how we are truly feeling. We are on stage, our feelings are grand, and we appreciate some drama in our lives. We are easily threatened by anything that seems to be impersonal. This is a time when we seek attention--when we want to stand out for our special qualities. It's a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well.

The Moon in Leo generally favors the following activities: Creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.

 

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