This Week in Astrology: January 8 to 14, 2023

This Week in Astrology: January 8 to 14, 2023

 

January 8-14, 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 LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Saturday, January 14th, 2023, at 9:10 PM EST.

The Last Quarter Moon is exact when the Sun in Capricorn forms a square with the Moon in Libra on Saturday night.

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 24 degrees and 38 minutes of Libra square the Sun at the same degree of Capricorn, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 23 to 27 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; 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.

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 Sunday and Monday (the 8-9), there can be some disappointment, but a quick rebound. We’re making the best of a situation–we’re creative, interactive, and communicative. Sexual attraction, romantic activities, and fertility are favored.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, we can 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.

Thursday’s energies are warm and open–we’re readier to be vulnerable and learn from one another. However, Saturday’s Venus-Uranus square is divisive. We can be flighty with one another, unsure whether we want to be close to someone or free from ties temporarily.

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 Jupiter January 3-4. This aspect generates a happy, friendly, and optimistic attitude. People are a little more outgoing and sociable. Favors travel, education, and culture. Romantic opportunities. Harmony and good will.

Venus semi-square Neptune January 8-9. Romantic confusion as well as relationship ups and downs. Self-deceptions may come to light now.

Venus trine Mars January 8-9. Sexual 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.

Venus parallel Mercury January 9. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.

Venus square North Node January 10-11. 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.

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.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, January 9th, from 8:53 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Saturn), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Tuesday, January 10th, at 10:16 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Thursday, January 12th, from 6:07 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 9:57 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, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, but with 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 Thursday, January 12th, from approximately 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM EST, while the Moon is in Virgo, but it occurs at the station of Mars. Note also that Mercury is retrograde all week (until the 18th) and Mars is retrograde part of the week (until the 12th).

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 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 semi-square Neptune. Happiness is addictive under this influence. We tend to see what we want to see. Glossing over the more realistic points, details, and flaws of circumstances and of people provides us with instant gratification. However, it’s wise to hold off on making important purchases, or natalizing a relationship until the veil lifts. Take care with legal, financial, and social involvements, contracts, or formal agreements under this dreamy influence.

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 square Chiron. Communications may be strained, and possibly hurtful or perceived as such. Misunderstandings are more likely now. Decisions may also be hard to come by, as we tend to doubt ourselves or the effectiveness of our ability to solve problems. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now.

Venus sextile Chiron. We have the chance to heal our personal relationships now, as we are more open to intimacy and commitment, as well as learning from one another. We more easily see beauty in human weaknesses. It’s a strong time for building trust in relationships.

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.

Sun sesquiquadrate Mars. Circumstances spur us into action. Aggressiveness and conflicts are possible now. As long as we channel the excess energy constructively, instead of wasting our time arguing, we can accomplish much.

Venus square Uranus. Values and tastes may clash, and group activities may suffer as a result. Impulsive attractions to both people and material goods can lead us astray. Avoid impulse buys at this time. Some instability, restlessness, and rebelliousness is probable in romantic relationships. We may not see eye to eye, and we might be taken off guard by unexpected events. This is not a favorable aspect for beauty treatments because they could have unexpected results. We may struggle with freedom versus intimacy issues at this time. Hold off on decision-making with regards to finances.

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 8

The Moon spends the day in Leo, and we’re cheerful and open-hearted. With retrograde Mercury trine Uranus today, creative ideas come readily. It can be a time to return to a recent plan or problem for further thought or insight. Conversations and musings can be unique, leading to new ideas and perspectives. We might seek out topics, news, and discussions that lift us above minor problems and free our thinking today.

JANUARY 9

Venus forms a semi-square to Neptune, then a trine to Mars this morning. The Venus-Neptune aspect points to the tendency to gloss over problems or see what we want to see, imagining the best or the worst. Of course, the truth is somewhere in between. We might have temporary doubts about our lovability and worth or about relationships, pleasure, or comfort levels. Alternatively, we might go in the other direction and look the other way in the face of critical flaws and details. However, the Venus-Mars trine convinces us to push past these things and enjoy ourselves. Sexual attraction, romantic activities, creativity, and fertility are favored. This transit spurs us on and stimulates friendly competition, which can be motivating. We may connect with someone from our past or renew our interest in a partner. With Mars currently retrograde, we may not be quite as assertive or direct in our approach as we may be otherwise.

The Moon is void from 8:53 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Saturn), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Tuesday, January 10th, at 10:16 AM EST.

JANUARY 10

The Moon continues its transit of Leo until 10:16 AM EST, when it enters detail-oriented Virgo. A Sun-Jupiter quintile contributes to a sense of growth, although we should watch for posturing rather than embracing change. This transit helps us see patterns more clearly. It also encourages us to view what’s happening in a positive light. We’re interested in making the best of our circumstances now. As the day advances, we close in on a Mercury-Chiron square, pointing to possibly strained, unnatural communications. We can be more sensitive to criticism than usual. We may doubt ourselves when solving problems or learning and expressing ourselves. Even so, a temporary dip might boost our motivation to improve.

The void Moon continues today until the Moon enters Virgo at 10:16 AM EST.

JANUARY 11

The Moon spends the day in Virgo and harmonizes with Mercury and Uranus. This transit encourages our desire to help, sort, and analyze. We find it easier than usual to tap into novel ideas and find common ground with others. However, retrograde Mercury forms a semi-sextile to Venus, and our words may not reflect what’s in our hearts. As we try to get the words just right, we could fall short with sensitivity. This transit subtly contrasts a logical and playful approach. Still, while we may not be especially focused today, we’re adaptable and making an effort to understand one another.

JANUARY 12

Mars stations and turns direct today after over two months of retrograde motion (Mars has been retrograde since October 30th, 2022, in the sign of Aries). This afternoon, the fiery planet is stationary as it begins direct motion. Mars energy hangs heavy in the air today and in the next couple of days as Mars changes direction. Slowly but surely, over the coming weeks, we are likely to regain our enthusiasm, projects that have stalled move forward, and we begin to feel more confident and assertive. We may change our minds about recent decisions or projects as priorities become more explicit. Ideally, we’ve learned more about our desires, and motivation levels increase. As the shift occurs today, it’s best to wait and see. Today’s Venus-Chiron sextile is forgiving. We’re open to learning to overcome our insecurities. We more easily identify the needs and desires we’ve suppressed, and getting into a healthier relationship with these buried needs can help. We’re more inclined toward intimacy and sharing and see beauty in our imperfections. As we learn what we genuinely value, our choices and decisions about relationships and finances improve.

The void Moon occurs from 6:07 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Libra at 9:57 PM EST.

JANUARY 13

This morning’s Sun-Neptune sextile can help us tune into our imaginations and intuition. Instinctual judgment is enhanced under this influence. We see things from a perspective that celebrates our differences. However, with the Sun also sesquiquadrate Mars, there is an inclination to shortness and impulsive decision-making. We can be irritable. This influence can aggravate frustrations if things don’t seem to be moving fast enough for us, and this is likely the case with Mars only direct since yesterday. Ideally, this minor aspect motivates us to push past an obstacle. The Moon spends the day in conciliatory, gracious Libra. We’re happy to connect and harmonize, although we don’t always get the words right this afternoon.

JANUARY 14

Early today, a Sun-Saturn semi-sextile influence has a somewhat heavy feeling. We can find it challenging to enjoy ourselves thoroughly without a vague sense that we’re neglecting a responsibility.

As the day advances, we’re going in the opposite direction. It’s all too easy to feel caged in, and we tend to rebel against anything that ties us down. A Venus-Uranus square presents a potential challenge or struggle. Values and tastes may clash, and social activities could suffer as a result. We can feel torn between wanting closeness and freedom. Impulsive attractions to people and/or material goods can lead us astray. Some instability, restlessness, and rebelliousness are possible themes in our relationships. It’s best to hold off on decision-making regarding finances, as there is a tendency to act on a whim rather than reason. We might feel discontent with our current pleasures or pastimes, and a change may be satisfying. It’s probably best to tame restlessness or avoid abrupt moves but consider our needs for growth and a change of pace.

The Last Quarter Moon occurs at 9:10 PM in Libra, 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, but we might begin to finish up the details of whatever we conceived at the last New Moon. Ideally, we’re arriving at a more mature view of a project or situation.

 

 

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 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.

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.

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