This Week in Astrology: January 3 to 9, 2021

This Week in Astrology: January 3 to 9, 2021

 

January 3 to 9, 2021

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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 Wednesday, January 6th, 2021, at 4:37 AM EST.

The Last Quarter Moon is exact when the Sun in Capricorn forms a square with the Moon in Libra early Wednesday.

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

This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes descent into unconsciousness. Still, we have a more mature grasp of our situation. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. We might ponder the revelations we may have had last week, considering what they mean to us and what we might do about them.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 16 degrees and 17 minutes of Libra square the Sun at 16 degrees and 17 minutes of Capricorn, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 14 to 18 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Capricorn; Mercury is in Capricorn until the 8th when Mercury enters Aquarius; Venus is in Sagittarius until the 8th when Venus enters Capricorn; Mars is in Aries until the 6th when it enters Taurus.

The Sun is in Capricorn from December 21, 2020-January 19, 2021. We are motivated by feelings of responsibility, ambition, and respect for law and order. Capricorn derives much satisfaction through 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.

Mercury is in Capricorn from December 20, 2020-January 8, 2021. 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. 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.

Mercury is in Aquarius from January 8 to March 15. [This is an extended stay due to an upcoming retrograde cycle from January 30-February 20.] When Mercury is in Aquarius, we are hungry for knowledge and open to new and original ideas. We begin to think outside of the box, and our thinking becomes more progressive and objective. Our communication and thought patterns are spontaneous, somewhat fragmented, and liberal. This is a time when inventive thinking is at a peak.

Venus is in Sagittarius from December 15, 2020-January 8, 2021. 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, as well as 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 things that take priority with Sagittarius.

Venus is in Capricorn from January 8 to February 1. 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 is increased. 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.

Mars is in Aries from June 27, 2020, to January 6, 2021. [This was longer than usual due to the retrograde of Mars from September 9-November 13, 2020.] Mars feels at home in one of the signs that it rules, Aries, and therefore its power is boosted. Our energy is spontaneous, forward-looking, and even courageous under this influence. Our competitive spirit is well-developed, and our goal is to win! We are active, single-minded, and confident. Our actions are direct–we instinctively find the fastest way to get from point A to point B. The shadow side of Mars in Aries is a tendency to be impatient, arrogant, impulsive, short-lived, unreflective, and self-centered.

Mars is in Taurus from January 6 to March 3, 2021. We are determined, stubborn, and resolute during this cycle. Mars in Taurus can be passive, and is at its strongest when resisting or defending something! In stark contrast to the impulsive Mars in Aries cycle, we tend to pursue our goals by plodding along patiently. Our goal is longevity and long-term satisfaction.

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Jupiter entered Aquarius on the 19th. Read more about the Jupiter in Aquarius transit.

Saturn entered Aquarius on December 17th. Saturn transited 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 how 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. 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. 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. Income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Sagittarius from December 15, 2020, to January 8, 2021. 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.”

Venus is in Capricorn from January 8 to February 1, 2021. 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 at times. However, this cycle offers us an 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 feel more grounded and secure in the long run.

This week: On Sunday, the 3rd, our pride is invested in our relationships, charm, and ability to harmonize and get along.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, we’re using our words to harmonize, connect, persuade, and attract.

On Friday and Saturday, we can find ourselves in a great position to directly, confidently, and pleasingly (or attractively!) pursue our desires. Sexual attraction, romantic activities, and fertility are favored. Occurring in Earth signs, earthy sensuality can be most appealing. This is one of the best times to spice up a relationship.

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 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 1. 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 parallel the Sun January 2-3. A strong desire for harmony and comfort fill us now. We may be moved to express our affections.

Venus parallel Mercury January 5-6. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.

Venus trine Mars January 8-9. Attraction, romantic activities, and fertility are favored. This is one of the best times to enhance a relationship. Excellent time for starting a new relationship, all things equal.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, January 4th, from 4:34 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Venus), until the Moon enters Libra the next day, Tuesday, January 5th, at 12:42 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Thursday, January 7th, from 12:54 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Venus), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 3:53 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Friday, January 8th, from 8:58 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius the next day, Saturday, January 9th, at 6:15 AM EST.

January 2021:

Timing with the Moon – Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives

The Moon is waning this week, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a short window of opportunity occurs on Thursday, January 7th, from approximately 12:30 AM to 12:50 AM EST, while the Moon is in Libra.

Another window occurs from Thursday, January 7th, at approximately 4:15 PM EST, until Friday, January 8th, at approximately 8:55 PM, while the Moon is in Scorpio. Caveat: Mercury is applying to a square to Mars.

See also the following articles and tables: Timing with the Moon and Opportunity Periods with the Void Moon for times and techniques.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Nov 28,
2020, 7:37 PM  Neptune Direct
Dec  1, 2020, 2:51 PM  Mercury enters Sagittarius
Dec  7, 2020, 7:12 AM  Pallas enters Aquarius
Dec 15, 2020, 11:21 AM  Venus enters Sagittarius
Dec 15, 2020, 5:17 PM  Chiron Direct
Dec 17, 2020, 12:04 AM  Saturn enters Aquarius
Dec 18, 2020, 12:25 PM  Juno enters Sagittarius
Dec 19, 2020, 8:07 AM  Jupiter enters Aquarius
Dec 20, 2020, 6:07 PM  Mercury enters Capricorn
Dec 21, 2020, 5:02 AM  Sun enters Capricorn
Jan  6, 2021, 5:27 PM  Mars enters Taurus
Jan  8, 2021, 6:59 AM Mercury enters Aquarius
Jan  8, 2021, 10:41 AM  Venus enters Capricorn
Jan 14, 2021, 3:36 AM Uranus Direct
Jan 19, 2021, 3:57 AM Vesta Retrograde
Jan 19, 2021, 3:40 PM Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 30, 2021, 10:51 AM Mercury Retrograde
Feb  1, 2021, 9:05 AM Venus enters Aquarius
Feb 18, 2021, 5:44 AM Sun enters Pisces
Feb 20, 2021, 7:52 PM Mercury Direct
Feb 21, 2021, 12:21 AM Ceres enters Aries
Feb 25, 2021, 8:11 AM Venus enters Pisces
Mar  3, 2021, 10:29 PM Mars enters Gemini
Mar  7, 2021, 4:04 PM Pallas enters Pisces
Mar 15, 2021, 6:26 PM  Mercury enters Pisces
Mar 20, 2021, 5:37 AM Sun enters Aries
Mar 21, 2021, 10:16 AM  Venus enters Aries

 

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).
See also: The Astrology of 2021 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Jupiter semi-square Neptune. We may be misled easily under this influence–by others, or by our own unrealistic or inflated expectations. An inability to focus on important and realistic details, some disorganization, and extravagance or exaggeration are indicated. Routine seems to be particularly unsatisfying now. This is a time when we easily take a detour from a practical path. It can also be a time when we are disillusioned by something (or someone). Spiritual inspiration is a potential.

Mercury conjunct Pluto. Mental activity can be intense at this time. We may uncover valuable information or gain understanding. Thoughts, ideas, and communications are more intense and focused. We are more able, and motivated, to find hidden meanings and to “cut to the chase”. Efficiency and relevancy become important to us. Our minds are investigative and probing, and we may be bent on revealing truths. Our persuasive powers, strategic thinking, and observational skills increase, but we may also be suspicious, manipulative, obsessed, or we might be involved in frustrating mental battles if we handle this transit improperly.

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.

Mercury square Mars. Impatience, hastiness, and disagreements characterize this transit. This is an unfavorable time for any kind of meeting, starting a new project, and business proposals. We can be irritable and say all the wrong things. We may be competing for the floor when it comes to expressing our ideas, thoughts, and opinions, making it difficult to engage in healthy dialogue. Mental agitation could dominate. We may stir up controversy with what we say, or how we say it.

Venus trine Mars. Romantic activity, sexual attraction, creative action and self-expression in business and the arts, active participation in social functions, and creative initiative are favored under this influence. It’s easy to act upon our social and romantic needs successfully.

Mercury conjunct Saturn. Our ability to concentrate and focus is enhanced now. There could be an increased need for solitude in order to think or work. Travel for business purposes is possible. Thinking in realistic and practical terms, and the need for tangible results for our efforts, is indicated. We might receive serious news or practical advice, or engage in an important conversation. This can mark the start of a new project that involves communications, such as writing, speaking, reporting, etc.

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 – or the Transits for Here and Now chart.

See also: The Astrology of 2021 – Overview.

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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 3

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Virgo, harmonizing with the Capricorn Sun this evening. We seek to bring more order to our lives and be of service or help to others under the influence of a Virgo Moon. This can be a time when showing our reliability and backbone brings rewards. Transits today encourage cooperation and focus. We can feel pleasantly motivated to take care of business, get organized, or attend to important details. The Sun is parallel Venus today, and we seek balance and harmony, preferring to attract rather than pursue and compromise instead of fight. We’re putting more pride in our relationships and ability to compromise. Guiding, sharing, and helping are themes.

JANUARY 4

Jupiter forms a semi-square to Neptune early today, and our idealism comes to the fore. We’re hopeful but perhaps looking in the wrong places for inspiration. Unrealistic or inflated expectations can mislead us–people can lead us astray, too. We might gloss over essential and realistic details, or disorganization can trip us up. It’s best to tame expectations and watch for self-deception. However, as the day advances, we can become quite concerned with getting to the truth or the bottom of a matter, perhaps too insistently. We might uncover valuable information or gain insight into a topic that’s important to us–indeed, we’re more determined than usual to find solutions. It’s a time for unearthing hidden meanings, although if this goes too far, we may be obsessed, manipulative, or paranoid. Battles of words can ensue. Increased tension or worry may motivate us to make useful changes, however. The Moon spends the day in perfectionistic Virgo, further encouraging us to find and fix problems.

The void Moon occurs from 4:34 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Venus), until the Moon enters Libra tomorrow, Tuesday, January 5th, at 12:42 AM EST.

JANUARY 5

The Moon finishes its transit of Virgo at 12:42 AM and enters Libra. The Moon in Libra is fair, balanced, and compromising. Its trines to Saturn and Jupiter this morning are steadying and clear-headed. We can visualize what we want to do, and our sense of form and design is strong. With Mercury parallel Venus and a Libra Moon, we’re particularly diplomatic today. We’re inclined to discuss relationships and affections, perhaps analyzing them. There’s a notable willingness to share our ideas and feelings and to accommodate others.

The void Moon continues until the Moon enters Libra today at 12:42 AM EST.

JANUARY 6

The Last Quarter Moon occurs in the sign of Libra this morning, and this phase of the Moon points to a possible crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we begin to see what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon when something new is born again. It’s not the best time to start a significant project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes descent into unconsciousness. We might begin to finish up the details of whatever we conceived at the last New Moon. We’re arriving at a more mature view of a project or situation. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Libra, and we’re significantly invested in our relationships, motivated to create a balance. The Moon’s square to Pluto and a Sun-Pluto parallel suggests a tendency for more intensity from our lives and relationships. The need to gain more control over our lives can feel pressing, and we should guard against temperamental behavior and decision-making. Mars ends its lengthy transit of Aries, entering Taurus today for a stay until March 3rd. We might go to great lengths to protect what’s ours and to build our feelings of security and comfort during this cycle. With this position, we are determined, stubborn, and persistent. Mars in Taurus can be a relatively passive influence but full-on when resisting or defending something! In stark contrast to the impulsive Mars-in-Aries cycle, we pursue our goals by plodding along patiently. We’re looking for long-term satisfaction, although we can be particularly focused on creature comforts.

JANUARY 7

The Moon continues its transit of Libra until it enters Scorpio at 3:53 AM EST. The Moon in Scorpio is persistent, passionate, and perceptive. However, it can feel on edge as the Moon opposes Mars, squares Saturn and Jupiter, and then opposes Uranus today. There can be some resistance to our needs and desires, and we can feel held back or pulled in different directions. Mercury and Venus will both change signs tomorrow, adding to a sense that we’re not settled. We seek to probe deeply into topics and understand things rather than scratch the surface today with the Scorpio Moon and Mercury and Pluto forming a parallel aspect.

The void Moon occurs from 12:54 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Venus), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 3:53 AM EST.

JANUARY 8

The Moon spends the day in observant, deep-feeling Scorpio. Both Mercury and Venus change signs today. Mercury heads into the sign of Aquarius, where it will transit for longer than usual–until March 15th–due to an upcoming retrograde cycle starting on the 30th. When Mercury is in Aquarius, we are hungry for knowledge and open to new and original ideas. Our thinking is progressive and objective. Our communication and thought patterns are spontaneous and liberal, and perhaps somewhat fragmented. Venus moves into Capricorn today, and until February 1st, we are more likely to form connections with people who support our ambitions. We value enduring relationships, reliability, and faithfulness. We take expressing our feelings seriously and could take our time warming up to others. The Sun forms a sextile with Neptune late morning, and we take things as they come, finding meaning in our experiences more readily than usual. This influence stimulates our imagination and sets an excellent mood for respecting our intuition. We’re tuned in, inspired, and charitable. We see things from a perspective that celebrates our differences. 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. However, as the day advances, tonight’s Mercury-Mars square can agitate. We should watch for hasty communications and skipping steps. We can find ourselves too quickly in disagreement with others, most likely because we’re communicating ineffectively or impatiently. We may be competing for the floor when expressing our ideas, thoughts, and opinions, making it difficult to engage in healthy dialogue.

The void Moon occurs from 8:58 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Pluto), until the Moon enters Sagittarius tomorrow, Saturday, January 9th, at 6:15 AM EST.

JANUARY 9

The Moon continues its transit of Scorpio until it heads into Sagittarius today at 6:15 AM EST. The Sagittarius Moon is enthusiastic, confident, and forward-looking. This morning, Venus forms a trine with Mars, encouraging friendly competition. Our timing is natural in our relationships, with business affairs, and in the arts. This transit spurs us on and encourages the pursuit of our desires. It’s easy to act upon our social and romantic needs. We might bring more creativity to the work we do or the services we provide. It may be time to take a creative approach to our relationships and projects, and we’re particularly resourceful. This transit supports flow and ease in close personal interactions without sacrificing engagement. We can make connections that prove fruitful and fortunate, and business relationships and pursuits can prosper. We are also more interactive and charming than usual. Later today, Mercury forms a conjunction to Saturn, and we’re inclined to think and communicate about serious matters, responsibilities, obligations to others, and worries or grievances as the day advances. Our ability to concentrate is enhanced now, possibly because circumstances call for it. There could be an increased need for solitude to think or solve problems. This is a time for seeing things realistically or for their practical value, and we seek tangible results. This aspect can mark the start of a new project that involves communications, such as writing, speaking, or reporting. There might be a verbal or written commitment made now, or we could experience a form of a reality check.

The void Moon continues until the Moon enters Sagittarius today at 6:15 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.

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.

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 2021 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits