This Week in Astrology: December 29, 2019, to January 4, 2020

This Week in Astrology: December 29, 2019, to January 4, 2020

 

December 29, 2019, to January 4, 2020

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On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends

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The FIRST QUARTER Moon occurs on Thursday, January 2nd, 2020, at 11:45 PM EST. 

Late Thursday, 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 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 phase of the Moon occurs at 12 degrees and 15 minutes of Aries square the Sun at 12 degrees and 15 minutes of Capricorn, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 10 to 14 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

 

 

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Capricorn; Mercury is in Sagittarius until the 28th when it enters Capricorn; Venus is in Aquarius; Mars is in Scorpio until January 3, 2020, after which Mars is in Sagittarius.

The Sun is in Capricorn from December 21-January 20. 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 Sagittarius from December 9-28. When Mercury is in Sagittarius, our thinking shifts from a need to plumb the depths of any given situation to the desire to learn about a wide range of topics. Ideals are sought, our thinking is more optimistic, and our faith increases. We are more equipped to believe and to persuade. What is fair and unfair concerns us most now. However, we are not always very precise under this influence.

Mercury is in Capricorn from December 28, 2019-January 16, 2020. 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.

Venus is in Aquarius from December 20-January 13. 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 his 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.

Mars is in Scorpio from November 19, 2019-January 3, 2020. In Scorpio, Mars is driven and focused on getting what it wants. We are persevering, single-minded, and strong. The desire to experience our emotional depths, as well as the urge to penetrate the surface of life in order to explore deeper levels of existence, is powerful. We are fascinated with what others tend to repress, and are drawn to experiencing and understanding these things. We are less inclined to avoid important issues now. In some ways, we are attracted to crisis, as we see crisis as transformative and emotionally exciting. We would rather feel extreme emotions than nothing at all, as mediocrity or the “middle road” is felt to be unsatisfying.

Mars is in Sagittarius from January 3 to February 16, 2020. 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!

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Jupiter entered Capricorn on December 2nd, 2019, and will transit the sign until December 19th, 2020. Read more about the Jupiter in Capricorn transit.

Saturn transits Capricorn until March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here.

Uranus is in Taurus. Uranus first transited Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and is now consistently in the sign (since 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 Aquarius from December 20, 2019, to January 13, 2020. 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, however. 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’s best to go into dates with new people casually, with no expectations and no strings. Melodrama and emotionalism simply won’t work. We may also find ourselves attracted to—or attracting—people who are not our type.

This week: On Sunday, we’re motivated to do something about/with our love feelings. It’s a creative, dynamic time for love. Thursday can find us hemming and hawing–undecided on what we feel or whether we’re committed. 

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 semi-square Neptune December 20. Romantic confusion as well as relationship ups and downs. Self-deceptions may come to light now.

Venus sextile Chiron December 20-21. Love has the power to heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings and more willing to act upon them.

Venus square Uranus December 21-22. 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 parallel Mars December 28-29. Favors romantic and sexual relationships. Intense passions.

Venus semi-square Chiron January 2. 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 semi-square Jupiter January 7-8. 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 sextile Uranus January 14-15. 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.

Venus parallel Uranus January 14-15. We embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit. Peculiar, sudden, or avant-garde attractions. This is an exciting but unstable energy. Friendship in love relationships becomes more important.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, December 30th, from 5:25 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mars), until the Moon enters Pisces at 10:42 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, January 1st, from 9:14 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Aries at 11:01 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Friday, January 3rd, from 8:18 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus the next day, Saturday, January 4th, at 11:16 AM EST.

December 2019:

 

January 2020:

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

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, there are no ideal windows of opportunity this week. We won’t have another clear window until mid-January.

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 27
, 2019     7:32 AM  Neptune Direct
Dec  2, 2019     1:20 PM   Jupiter enters Capricorn
Dec  9, 2019     4:41 AM  Mercury enters Sagittarius
Dec 12, 2019    10:47 PM Chiron Direct
Dec 20, 2019     1:41 AM  Venus enters Aquarius
Dec 21, 2019    11:19 PM  Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 28, 2019    11:55 PM Mercury enters Capricorn
Jan  3, 2020     4:37 AM  Mars enters Sagittarius
Jan 10, 2020     8:48 PM Uranus Direct
Jan 13, 2020     1:39 PM  Venus enters Pisces
Jan 16, 2020     1:31 PM  Mercury enters Aquarius
Jan 18, 2020     5:31 AM Pallas enters Capricorn
Jan 20, 2020     9:55 AM Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 31, 2020     2:59 AM Ceres enters Aquarius

 

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).
See also: The Astrology of 2019 – Overview and The Astrology of 2020 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

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.

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.

Mercury conjunct Jupiter. We can visualize in broader terms and see the “big picture” now. Travel is favored, all things equal. We are optimistic, which can help us attract positive circumstances. This is a good time to submit ideas, applications, and so forth, all things equal. This is a time of thinking on a grand scale and long-range planning. Details and mundane affairs do not interest us as much as the big picture does. We are prone to exaggerating the facts due to enthusiasm. Expressing ourselves verbally comes easily, and public relations and negotiations run especially smoothly. This is a time for making long-range plans, seeing the big picture, and thinking about what is really important to us in the long run.

Venus semi-square Chiron. Blocks to intimacy are possible now as we focus on differences rather than similarities in our relationships with others. We might have a hard time learning from one another as a result.

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. New! See the Transits for Here and Now chart wheel.

See also:  The Astrology of 2019 – Overview. The Astrology of 2020 – Overview page is also available.

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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 new Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trends overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

DECEMBER 29

The Moon spends the day in the inventive, original sign of Aquarius. With Venus and Mars parallel in declination, we can feel compelled to take action on making things harmonious, peaceful, and beautiful. A Sun-Jupiter parallel is generous and open. Mercury forms a square to Chiron tonight, however, and communications may be a little compromised or strained as a result of perceiving things emotionally or through our insecurities. 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.

DECEMBER 30

With the Sun’s alignment to the South Node of the Moon early today, we should watch for holding onto something that no longer supports our growth only because it’s comfortable or familiar. If we’re looking for clarity, it’s a time for getting a window into areas of our lives to which we cling too tightly, perhaps to our detriment. This may relate to fears of being dependent on others, a tendency to over-manage our lives and others’ lives or to impose too strict standards for our performance or achievement. We may be pouring more energy into our responsibilities to the outside world and avoiding emotional needs in the process, and now is the time to recognize this possibility. Later today, Mercury forms a trine to Uranus. With this mind-opening aspect, we’re seeking answers that are not the most obvious ones, and we can get to some exciting places on a mental level now. We’re expressing ourselves in different or unique ways rather than falling back on old habits of thinking and communicating, and this is successful. Conversations can be gently provocative, leading to new ideas and perspectives. Insights or creative ideas come suddenly, unexpectedly, and brilliantly.

The void Moon occurs from 5:25 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mars), until the Moon enters Pisces at 10:42 AM EST.

DECEMBER 31

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Pisces and aligns with Neptune this evening, magnifying Piscean qualities further. We quickly tune into the vibrations around us, and we’re psychically open now. Mercury forms a creative quintile to Neptune, and with the Moon also in Pisces, our compassion is in full force now. We are more idealistic, spiritually aware, and sensitive. These influences encourage us to get in touch with our imaginative, compassionate side. Boundaries dissolve, and we are disinclined to make definite or firm conclusions and decisions. We might avoid confrontations or challenging situations now. It’s a wonderful day to dream, inspire, and seek inspiration.

JANUARY 1

The Moon spends much of the day in the sign of Pisces, entering the first sign of the zodiac, Aries, at 11:01 PM EST. The energy of the Moon in Pisces is understanding, caring, and a little diffuse or meandering. Still, we see our responsibilities in a better light, and we’re feeling confident about fulfilling them. The Moon’s aspects today open up opportunities and possibilities for understanding and cooperation. We tend to connect to a higher purpose and may enjoy a feeling of well-being. We’re also quite resourceful now. Today is good for solving problems, learning new things, teaching, and sharing. The Moon’s move into the sign of Aries at 11:01 PM excites our desires to start fresh.

The Moon is void from 9:14 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Aries at 11:01 PM EST.

JANUARY 2

Mercury aligns with Jupiter today, and verbal expression flows smoothly. This is an excellent time to come to agreements and resolutions. We see the big picture and think about what is truly important to us in the long run. This transit inspires optimism–we’re finding reasons to feel hopeful. Our opinions are strong. We should watch for overstating and promising more than we are capable of doing, but we might also enjoy good humor and positive vibes. It’s a good time to stretch our thinking to include new possibilities. A Venus-Chiron semi-square points to some hesitation with sharing ourselves intimately. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Aries, and we’re excited about taking the initiative. This can be another indication that we’d rather go it alone than cooperate.

JANUARY 3

Mars enters Sagittarius this morning, and it will transit the sign until February 16th. During this transit, our actions are heavily motivated by our ideals. We are bothered by routine, quickly becoming restless if we feel confined. We have a stronger love of adventure, and of conquest–this is the position of wanderlust. We start projects or challenges with enthusiasm, although we may abandon them rather quickly if they fail to hold our interest. This may be because we set our sights too high! Mars in Sagittarius defends its principles and sometimes takes it personally when others disagree with them. The Moon is in Aries all day, inclining us to be active, positive, and assertive. We’re seeking a fresh start–to be first or to start something new. We can be emotionally impulsive, but with the Moon forming a square to Saturn and Pluto, we may face some blocks, or there could be some level of denial. It’s a time of the month for recognizing the need to take the lead or take charge of our lives in some manner. Even so, our ambitions are large, and we can have a hard time fitting everything in today.

The Moon is void from 8:18 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Taurus the next day, Saturday, January 4th, at 11:16 AM EST.

JANUARY 4

The Moon continues its transit of Aries until 11:16 AM EST, encouraging our need for action. However, the Moon is void until it enters Taurus, suggesting it’s best not to initiate brand-new ventures. The Moon enters Taurus at 11:16 AM, and we feel life slowing down just enough that we can savor the moments.  The Taurus Moon stimulates our desire for comfort, warmth, and harmony. With the Moon in conservative Taurus aligned with Uranus this afternoon, we’re taking the best of the traditional and progressive worlds and using them to make updates that improve our lives.

The void Moon continues until the Moon enters Taurus today at 11:16 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 Aquarius

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

When the Moon is in Pisces

 We may not want to face reality while the Moon is in dreamy, impressionable Pisces. It can be a wistful, sensitive, intuitive, and compassionate time. We are especially imaginative, and our intuition reigns under this influence. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges and blends. It's a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy description.

The Moon in Pisces generally favors the following activities: Imaginative undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, inner development, music and drama, going on a retreat, activities involving water.

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.

 

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 2019 – Overview

The Astrology of 2020 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits