This Week in Astrology: January 9-15, 2022
January 9 to 15, 2022
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
The FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Sunday, January 9, 2022, at 1:11 PM EST.
On Sunday afternoon, a First Quarter Moon occurs, when the Sun in Capricorn forms a square with the Moon in Aries.
There is a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled to take action. Shortly after, we become 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 phase of the Moon occurs at 19 degrees and 27 minutes of Aries square the Sun at the same degree of Capricorn, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 17 to 21 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.
Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture
Jan 2, 2022, 1:33 PM, Sun Conjunct Moon
(New Moon)
Jan 9, 2022, 1:11 PM, Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Jan 17, 2022, 6:48 PM, Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Jan 25, 2022, 8:41 AM, Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Feb 1, 2022, 12:46 AM, Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
(Times are Eastern)
This week: The Sun is in Capricorn; Mercury is in Aquarius; Venus is in Capricorn; Mars is in Sagittarius.
The Sun is in Capricorn from December 21, 2021-January 19, 2022. With the Sun 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.
Mercury is in Aquarius from January 2-25, 2022, and then later, from February 14-March 9, 2022. 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, reasonable, objective, and liberal. This is a time when inventive thinking is at a peak.
Venus is in Capricorn from November 5, 2021-March 6, 2022. [This is longer than usual due to the Venus retrograde, occurring entirely in the sign of Capricorn, from December 19, 2021-January 29, 2022.] 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 Sagittarius from December 13, 2021, to January 24, 2022. With a Sagittarius Mars, our actions are motivated by our ideals. We are bothered by routine, quickly becoming restless if we feel confined. We have a love of adventure, and of conquest–this is the position of wanderlust. We start projects or challenges with gusto, although we may tend to abandon them rather quickly. This may be because we set our sights too high!
Jupiter is in Pisces from December 28th, 2021, to May 10, 2022. Jupiter returned to Pisces on December 28th, 2021. There will be another part to this 3-part act in 2022! Read more about the Jupiter in Pisces transit.
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 Capricorn from November 5, 2021, to March 6, 2022. 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: Venus is retrograde. Venus-ruled endeavors, such as money, beauty, art, romance, and pleasure, become a little heavier, more prone to reassessment, review, and perhaps delay or a period of limbo. This Venus retrograde cycle lasts until January 29th, and is a period in which we reevaluate or review our love life as well as the manner in which we receive, reveal, and express our affections. Thoughts turn to the past so that we can lay to rest unhealthy habits in these areas of life.
With Venus retrograde in Capricorn, we may question whether our goals mesh in our relationships. Read more about Venus retrograde in Capricorn from December 19, 2021, to January 29, 2022.
On Monday, we seek a little more meaning or excitement from our relationships, pastimes, and pleasures. Our humor is strong, we may be inspired by our interactions, and we’re open to change. However, we may be restless or not appreciative of what we have, feeling that the grass is greener elsewhere.
On Friday, we’re reflecting on and analyzing our relationships, especially past ones or long-standing patterns.
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 conjunct the Sun January 8. Good relating is the focus, although some may find this energy superficial in that surface charm, diplomacy, and harmony is the goal. The pursuit of pleasure is emphasized.
Venus semi-square Jupiter January 10. 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 parallel Mercury January 14 and January 22-23. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.
Venus parallel the Sun February 3. A strong desire for harmony and comfort fill us now. We may be moved to express our affections.
The Moon & Timing
The Void of Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign. During the Void of Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to stick to routine rather than to begin new projects.
The last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is indicated here and is indicative of the “outcome” of the matter (whether that is a new project begun before the void period or the answer to a question in Horary Astrology).
Void of Course in Horary Astrology: If you were asking a question and making a chart to determine the answer, as you do in Horary astrology, it is said that since the Moon is not looking forward to any more aspects in this sign, you would have to say that the answer is not forthcoming; any questions asked at this time would not come to pass.
The Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in Horary Astrology. The following tables incorporate the modern planets, but some astrologers do not count Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in void Moon calculations.
The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:
Void-of-course Moon on Monday, January 10th, from 2:23 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus at 9:47 AM EST.
VOC Moon on Wednesday, January 12th, from 2:38 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini at 10:08 PM EST.
VOC Moon on Friday, January 14th, from 9:22 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mars), until the Moon enters Cancer the next day, Saturday, January 15th, 11:11 AM EST.
January 2022:
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, 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 from Tuesday, January 11th, at approximately 6:00 PM EST, until Wednesday, January 12th, at approximately 2:35 PM EST, while the Moon is in Taurus. Note that Venus is 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:
Nov 5,
2021 6:44 AM Venus enters Capricorn
Nov 5, 2021 6:35 PM Mercury enters Scorpio
Nov 8, 2021 4:24 AM Pallas Direct
Nov 14, 2021 3:23 PM Juno enters Capricorn
Nov 16, 2021 9:04 AM Vesta enters Sagittarius
Nov 21, 2021 9:34 PM Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 24, 2021 10:36 AM Mercury enters Sagittarius
Dec 1, 2021 8:22 AM Neptune Direct
Dec 13, 2021 4:53 AM Mars enters Sagittarius
Dec 13, 2021 12:52 PM Mercury enters Capricorn
Dec 19, 2021 5:36 AM Venus Retrograde
Dec 19, 2021 11:32 AM Chiron Direct
Dec 21, 2021 5:52 AM Ceres Retrograde enters Taurus
Dec 21, 2021 10:59 AM Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 28, 2021 11:09 PM Jupiter enters Pisces
Jan 2, 2022 2:09 AM Mercury enters Aquarius
Jan 11, 2022 12:16 AM Vesta enters Capricorn
Jan 14, 2022 6:41 AM Mercury Retrograde
Jan 14, 2022 4:21 PM Ceres Direct
Jan 18, 2022 10:25 AM Uranus Direct
Jan 18, 2022 1:50 PM True North Node enters Taurus
Jan 19, 2022 9:39 PM Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 24, 2022 7:53 AM Mars enters Capricorn
Jan 25, 2022 10:05 PM Mercury Rx enters Capricorn
Jan 29, 2022 3:46 AM Venus Direct
See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).
See also: The Astrology of 2022 – Overview.
Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).
This Week’s Calendar
This Week’s Aspects
Mercury sextile Chiron. This is an excellent period for opening up communications with others, as we are more sensitive than usual and more willing to listen. Getting our point across is easier, as it’s not only about which words we choose to communicate, we intuitively express the meaning and intention behind the words. We can effectively use words to heal and comfort just now. We are also more open to new ways of looking at problems or at life in general.
Venus semi-square Jupiter. We might take great strides to get noticed. Avoid impulsive buying. Problems in our personal life likely won’t get resolved under this influence. Avoid hasty (or haughty!) decisions. We might overstate our feelings or promise more than we can deliver, and the tendency to overdo is strong.
Sun 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.
Mars square Neptune. Inspiration comes from unusual sources, but you have a hard time staying focused and organized. Energy may be variable. Intuition is strong, but may be faulty. Not a good time to begin a new project or affair.
Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).
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 2022 – Overview.
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 9
A First Quarter Moon occurs today at 1:11 PM EST when the Sun in Capricorn forms a square to the Moon in Aries. This can be a time of stress, clashing, and discord, but also of great energy, motivation, and growth. We can feel more ambitious and competitive. We want to get something going, but we may not know the next step or the exact direction we want it/us to take. The Aries Moon (all day) can be impatient but enterprising and straightforward. Mercury’s sextile to Chiron provides an opportunity to open up healthy dialogues. We approach problems holistically, and problem-solving skills run high. This transit brings subtle but enhancing energy for communications. We’re connecting on mental levels through genuine communications.
JANUARY 10
The Moon continues its transit of assertive Aries until 9:47 AM EST, when it enters steady Taurus. Venus forms a semi-square to Jupiter this afternoon, and we can feel some discontent with our relationships or entertainment. The tendency to overdo is present, although not overpowering. Ideally, we tap into a need for change and improvement and tame our impulses to go overboard. The Sun forms a sextile to Neptune tonight, 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.
The void Moon occurs from 2:23 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus at 9:47 AM EST.
JANUARY 11
Mars forms a square to Neptune today, and we may struggle to focus on our priorities. Energy may be up and down, particularly if inspiration wavers. Motivation or energy levels may wane as we feel overwhelmed with possibilities and uncertain about our next step. Desires are hard to pin down. On the other hand, inspiration can come from unusual sources. There can be a change of course or a break from the action. We should watch for difficulties with boundaries and limits. Attempts to take the easy way out will probably backfire under this influence. From disappointment, we can find the motivation to make improvements, however. The Moon in Taurus also asks us to slow down and reorient ourselves.
JANUARY 12
The Moon continues its transit of Taurus until 10:08 PM EST, harmonizing with Neptune, the Sun, and Pluto, and we seek comfort, harmony, and pleasure. The Taurus Moon is steady and sensible, and its transits encourage cooperation. We might aim to savor the moments and enjoy gentle motivation to care for those things most dear to us. We crave predictability–the Taurus Moon brings us down to earth. We seek satisfaction, but we’re happy to create it with what we already have. The Gemini Moon from 10:08 PM forward is lively, busy, and communicative. This Moon encourages us to diversify, put our feelers out, and pick up new ideas or tips.
The void Moon occurs from 2:38 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Pluto), until the Moon enters Gemini at 10:08 PM EST.
JANUARY 13
The Moon spends the day in the sign of Gemini, keeping things busy and moving. We can be especially curious, spending more time than usual in our minds. The Moon in Gemini brings out the chatty in people, as well as a strong desire to keep things stimulating, even if that means hopping from one project to the next. We’re reasonable, logical, and communicative, and we seek contacts and activities that stimulate us and satisfy our need for diversity, variety, and knowledge. As focused as we may be on communicating and connecting, Mercury is heading to a retrograde station–it will turn retrograde tomorrow morning. We may get our signals crossed with the shift.
JANUARY 14
Mercury stations and turns retrograde this morning in the sign of Aquarius. Mercury’s retrograde lasts until February 3rd, beginning in the sign of Aquarius and ending in the sign of Capricorn. During this cycle, our thinking turns inward as we review and reassess matters. Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness–times when meditation, journaling, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are favored more than usual. Minor breaks in the mechanical aspects of communication and transportation can reconnect us to other, possibly more meaningful, means of connecting. The more difficult times are the periods of the shifts themselves (the days surrounding the stations — today and February 3rd), after which we grow more and more accustomed to the motion. Especially with Venus also retrograde until the 29th, we should observe and review rather than make critical decisions with today’s shift. The Moon spends the day in Mercury-ruled Gemini, and we’re more emotionally invested in our communications. It can be challenging to remain objective with the Moon’s square to Neptune and opposition to Mars later today.
The void Moon occurs from 9:22 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Mars), until the Moon enters Cancer the next day, Saturday, January 15th, 11:11 AM EST.
JANUARY 15
The Moon continues its transit of Gemini until 11:11 AM EST, and we’re communicative, reasonable, logical, and friendly. We seek more diversity and variety. From 11:11 AM forward, the Cancer Moon is protective and gentle. Its trine to Jupiter in Pisces boosts our feelings of joy and comfort with the world of emotions. The Sun is heading into alignment with Pluto, exact tomorrow morning, lending a more ambitious, focused energy to later today.
The void Moon period continues until the Moon enters Cancer today at 11:11 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 Aries
We're motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to begin something new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical activity.
People can be more self-motivated and also self-focused while the Moon is in Aries. It's a competitive rather than cooperative time. Accidents and tempers flaring are more likely than usual. This period is one of more personal courage.
The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality. (Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning short-term projects.
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.
Upcoming Weeks: Calendars
THIS WEEK’S PLANETARY POSITIONS BY SIGN (General Trends):
Sun in Capricorn You see what’s wrong and you know what to do now: the time has come to make it real, and it’s a lot bigger than any one person. This means cooperation and organization, authority and discipline, responsibility – and all these things are what it takes to get you where you know you must go. But take care! If your vision is only for yourself, what you create cannot last: it must be for some greater good. Ambition, practicality, and achievement are admirable, but they are means to an end – not ends in themselves.
Mercury in Aquarius The tried and true doesn’t cut it anymore: it’s the new, the unique, and the original that catches and holds your interest now. Idealism, rationality, and critical thinking become more and more a part of your mental patterns and the way you communicate. You are inventive, original, high tech.
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.
Mars in Sagittarius Ideology is a keynote of the new phase you have begun – the power of ideas and the power they wield over people. Religious, cultural, or philosophical controversies and crusades have a way of stirring your blood. Travel and adventure are compelling temptations as you dare to test your mettle and stretch your horizons.
Jupiter in Pisces Mysticism, sensitivity to the needs of others, and an awareness of karma (the link between the present and the past): these are your paths to spiritual growth now. Addressing these issues brings you gain and satisfaction at many levels. A tolerance for differences, an understanding of human frailties and shortcomings.
Saturn in Aquarius Ideals are in for a period of testing, as a new phase begins in your life. What are principles worth, unless they are put into practice? That’s an important question for you now. This could mean you may be disappointed by causes you believe in – but if you abandon your principles, you lose.
Uranus in Taurus Practicality and ingenuity combine as powerful drives in your life now that you have begun a new cycle. Taking innovative concepts and making them real and practical is your strong suit; getting stuck in the mud is to be avoided at all costs. Financial savvy, inventiveness, worldly genius.
Neptune in Pisces Things spiritual and psychic take the driver’s seat of your imagination as you begin a new cycle. The fine arts and all manner of fantasies assume a larger-than-life importance. Surrendering to fate, karma, and other powers greater than merely mortal may be seen as the ultimate liberation. If all is Maya (illusion), what is the reality that gives rise to the world of appearances?
Pluto in Capricorn As this new phase dawns for you, the pursuit of social/political power and status has a way of seeming necessary and inevitable – and let nothing stand in its way. It starts out small but has bigger consequences than you’d think. Ambition, responsibility, a place for everyone, and everyone in their place…
The interpretations in this box are from the Day Watch software.
Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.
BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT
See also:
The Astrology of 2022 – Overview