This Week in Astrology: January 12 to 18, 2020

January 12 to 18, 2020

On Friday morning, The Last Quarter Moon is exact when the Sun in Capricorn forms a square with the Moon in Libra. 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–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. What revelations did you have last week? What did they mean for you? What can be done now?

This phase of the Moon occurs at 26 degrees and 52 minutes of Libra square the Sun at 26 degrees and 52 minutes of Capricorn, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 24 to 30 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

Last Week: Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse

Full Moon

The FULL Moon/Lunar Eclipse occurs on Friday, January 10th, 2020, at 2:21 PM EST.

On Friday afternoon, a Full Moon occurs in the sign of Cancer. This is an especially potent Full Moon, as it is a Lunar Eclipse. With the Cancer-Capricorn axis involved, this Lunar Eclipse presses us to look more closely at our needs, lacks, and wants in our lives concerning the balance between our private lives, domesticity, our need for a home base, and nurturance (represented by Cancer) versus our public lives, careers, reputation, and accountability (represented by Capricorn). Attachments and love are ruled by Cancer, while achievements and rewards/punishments are ruled by Capricorn.

In some ways, this polarity deals with the balance between unconditional love and conditional love. Cancer encourages us to value our home base and our roots, while Capricorn persuades us to consider our sense of duty and responsibility along public or professional lines. While Cancer may be content to be dependent, Capricorn urges us to be grown-up and responsible. Cancer represents the origin, and Capricorn represents the goal. Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, a balance should be found between the two energies, and this is what the Full Moon invites us to do.

This Full Moon is about balancing our commitment to our career and families. Something has been building inside of us, and now is the time when the energy of the cosmos fairly demands that we let it out. Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll discover what this means for us. For now, we can’t seem to sit on our feelings. We need to express them. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict. Some sort of crisis (which can be a crisis of consciousness) or sudden awareness of a lack in our lives provides us with a golden opportunity to explore our emotional needs within the context of the house polarity where the eclipse occurs in our natal charts. Relationships may be challenged, broken, or strengthened dramatically at this time. Our discovery is emotionally charged and dramatic. Epiphanies are likely at this time as we become acutely aware of our lack. This understanding can propel us into positive action.

Full Moons and Lunar Eclipses bring issues in our lives to fulfillment. Our emotions are heightened, and there is often some sort of drama involved with the house, sign, and any contacted planets activated by the Full Moon. Look to 20 degrees of Cancer (and Capricorn) in your own chart. This Lunar Eclipse gives us a cosmic push to make needed changes in our lives. The areas of life activated by the eclipse may see dramatic turns, after which the path is clear to move forward. Note that whatever “happens” at this time is nothing truly new. The issues have been brewing inside of us, and emotions have been building. Something comes to light at the time of the Full Moon, and if we get in touch with our emotions, we can get a better idea of what needs to change, or what needs to go.

This Lunar Eclipse in Cancer is bound to thrust us into a state of heightened awareness of flaws in the structures of our lives, in our homes and family structures. Decisions made now are emotionally-driven. It occurs when the Sun is aligned with (and just days before) the Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn. We’re challenged to face our attachments, emotions, and needs for nurture at this time, even though it’s been very much about where we’re heading these days! Note that June’s Solar Eclipse will bring on the new beginnings related to this eclipse’s epiphanies and realizations.

This eclipse occurs at the superior conjunction between the Sun and Mercury, emphasizing the power of words and rationalization. There can be a real dichotomy between what our heads and our hearts are telling us. Nervous tension can result as we feel pressure to make decisions. The Cancer Moon is opposing quite a roundup of planets in its opposite sign, Capricorn, and there can be a sudden awareness of our emotions in the face of the rules and our ambitions. Initially, we can feel extremely sensitive and perhaps somewhat powerless. However, our feelings count, and we’ll see and feel their power now, paving the road for new directions.

This is a time to continue to clear up past patterns that have been holding us back from personal fulfillment, particularly those that are home or family-centered or that revolve around our work-home balance and attitudes toward comfort and responsibility. There will be more work to come in these areas, but for now, we are experiencing a greater awareness of problems and especially lacks or flaws.

Through events, circumstances, and epiphanies occurring around the time of this eclipse, we learn that we need to get in touch with our needs for nurture, family, comfort, familiarity, and love in order for our lives, including our professional lives, to be full and worthwhile. Read more about the eclipses.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Cancer Chart: January 10, 2020

This phase of the Moon occurs at 20 degrees and 0 minutes of Cancer opposition the Sun at 20 degrees and 0 minutes of Capricorn, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 16 to 24 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

Moon Phase Cycle: Bigger Picture

Dec 26, 2019, 12:13 AM Sun Conjunct Moon
(New Moon Annular Solar Eclipse)
Jan 2, 2020, 11:45 PM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Jan 10, 2020, 2:21 PM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon Penumbral Lunar Eclipse)
Jan 17, 2020, 7:58 AM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Jan 24, 2020, 4:42 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Capricorn; Mercury is in Capricorn until the 18th when Mercury enters Aquarius; Venus is in Aquarius until the 13th, after which Venus is in Pisces; 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 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.

Mercury is in Aquarius from January 16-February 3. 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 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.

Venus is in Pisces from January 13-February 7. Pisces never sees the world in black-and-white terms. Rather, Pisces sees all the colors of the rainbow. With the goddess of love in Pisces, our love is all-embracing, we are able to forgive and understand, we are seducible and seductive, and we show compassion to our partners. Venus in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach nevertheless, as there is a longing for something that is hard to define and hard to satisfy. Borders and boundaries blur under Venus in Pisces. The shadow side of this position is allowing ourselves to be victimized or deluded, as well as evasiveness.

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!

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.

Venus is in Pisces from January 13 to February 7. Like Aquarius, Pisces love is universal. However, Pisces draws no bounds in love. With Venus in Pisces, we have compassion (and perhaps attraction) for those who are left out, overlooked, or victimized. We are self-sacrificing, and we have a hard time setting up borders. The walls go down, we have a hard time saying no (especially if our compassion is engaged), but we are also prone to avoiding all that makes us feel uncomfortable. Wishful thinking is one expression of Venus in Pisces. We can too easily believe what we want to believe. People can be hard to pin down, and love is hard to define under this influence. Pisces never sees the world in black-and-white terms. Rather, Pisces sees all the colors of the rainbow.

With the goddess of love in Pisces, our love is all-embracing, we are able to forgive and understand, we are seducible and seductive, and we show compassion to our partners. Venus in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach nevertheless, as there is a longing for something that is hard to define and hard to satisfy. Borders and boundaries blur under Venus in Pisces. The shadow side of this position is allowing ourselves to be victimized or deluded, as well as evasiveness.

This week: On Tuesday and Wednesday, we’re open to new experiences and ways of relating, and we’re more accepting of differences and individuality. It’s a good time to make an effort to reach out, make changes, and embrace new ways to have fun and enjoy ourselves and our relationships. Friendship in love relationships becomes more important. We can be attracted to people who are especially unique, or what makes a person different or special is particularly noticeable and intriguing now. This influence keeps life interesting–we’re loosening up. Unexpected opportunities for enjoyment or connections can emerge.

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

Venus semi-square 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 contra-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. Questions of freedom, change, specialness, and experimentation are raised in our relationships.

Venus semi-square Pluto January 19-20. Tendencies to look for something wrong in a relationship. Jealousy raises its ugly head.

Venus trine North Node January 19-20. We are more concerned about harmonizing and tend to be agreeable and cooperative. We could feel lucky in love, and we could meet someone who is good for us. Fortunate connections might be made now.

Venus semi-square Saturn January 20. Feelings of isolation, of not getting what we really want, and of not being loved the way we want to be loved can get in the way of pleasant relations with our partners.

Venus sextile Jupiter January 22-23. 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 goodwill.

Venus square Mars January 25-26. Passions run high under this influence. Sexual tensions and competitiveness are possible, and there can be conflicts that arise from distinct differences between romantic and sexual needs. There is an air of competitiveness under this influence, which need not be difficult. It can be stimulating, creative, passionate, and invigorating.

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 for 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 13th, from 8:42 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Venus), until the Moon enters Virgo at 9:06 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, January 15th, from 7:12 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mercury), until the Moon enters Libra at 10:44 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Friday, January 17th, from 7:59 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 1:21 PM EST.

January 2020:

Void of Course Moon Tables: Dates for January 2020

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 window of opportunity occurs on Wednesday, January 15th, from approximately 1:45 AM to 7:10 AM EST, while the Moon is in Virgo. Another window occurs from Friday, January 17th, at approximately 7:00 PM EST, until Sunday, January 19th, at approximately 4:00 PM EST, while the Moon is in Scorpio (after 4 AM on Saturday the 18th is better).

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

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Dec 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
Feb 3, 2020 6:37 AM Mercury enters Pisces
Feb 7, 2020 3:02 PM Venus enters Aries
Feb 8, 2020 12:59 PM Juno Retrograde
Feb 16, 2020 6:33 AM Mars enters Capricorn
Feb 16, 2020 7:54 PM Mercury Retrograde
Feb 18, 2020 11:57 PM Sun 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 2020 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week in Astrology Calendar: January 12 to 18, 2020

This Week’s Aspects

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.

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 conjunct Pluto. We are strong-willed and focused under this influence. The need to gain more control over our lives motivates us. We benefit now from strategy and keeping things to ourselves for the time being.

Sun conjunct Saturn. This is a time when we are called upon to “get real”. We feel the constraints of time and are motivated by the desire to manifest tangible results. It’s “nose to the grindstone” time. We may feel overworked; alternatively, we welcome some discipline into our lives. Avoid launching new projects, particularly financial ones. Instead, work on a new plan for creating order in your life, or on an old project that requires a new commitment. Emotional energy is not enough to fuel us for the time being; thus we could feel sapped on a physical level. However, making new commitments to old goals, shouldering responsibilities, and making careful use of our resources could feed our need for structure and order in our lives.

Mars semi-square Pluto. Our desires are intense and difficult to satisfy under this influence. A tendency to bully and confront may dominate. Efforts to make changes could be thwarted, or power struggles emerge. The trick is to remain flexible and to develop strategies for achieving our goals.

Mars semi-square Saturn. We are called upon to solve problems, or our plans and efforts meet with resistance. Circumstances seem to block our efforts to assert ourselves. Patience is necessary now, although frustration is very likely. It can feel like more effort than usual is required to complete tasks.

Venus sextile Uranus. This is a favorable influence for social meetings and events, and for situations that call for treating others with equality and respect. 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 as well as financial undertakings. We are ready to experiment, but not necessarily ready to commit. A good time for financial undertakings involving electronics, technology, the internet, metaphysics, and the arts, as well as group activities. A taste for the offbeat is in order.

Mercury semi-square Neptune. We are not thinking clearly, preferring to daydream. Technical facts can be glossed over at this time. It’s not a good time to make a presentation, to ask for what you want, or to formalize agreements.

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.

Mercury square Uranus. Our senses are stimulated, and we could have sudden flashes of insight or fresh new ideas. However, our ideas are not always received well by others and we can be scatter-brained. It’s a challenge to deal with routine matters or monotonous tasks under this influence. Tasks may be left undone or interrupted. This is not a good time to be understood, so we may want to hold off presenting our ideas for the time being. New information can surface now that upsets the status quo, but can also act to stimulate our minds into new ways of thinking.

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.

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.

JANUARY 12

Mercury aligns with Saturn and Pluto this morning, and Saturn and Pluto align in the sign of Capricorn toward midday. The Sun will follow suit tomorrow! The Saturn-Pluto conjunction is a rare event. While outer planet transits such as this one typically form three times in a set, this is a one-time pass, suggesting a concentrated force that gets the job done rather quickly. This influence prompts a strong need for reorganization and discipline. It demands hard work at remodeling and renovating our careers and goals or a particular area of our lives. In this area, we can experience a breakdown and/or the need to start over or rebuild, as well as intense ambition, great dedication, commitment, or perhaps obsession. We can feel driven to achieve and accomplish something. We should watch for abuse of power or living on fear, although moderate levels of fear/concern can be useful to motivate us to make improvements and to strengthen certain vulnerable areas of our lives. We can be ruthless about getting rid of problem areas. During this period, our fear of losing something (or everything) can be a powerful motivator, and the areas of our charts involved can be a clue to where we fear scarcity, chaos, or loss. Whereas Pluto seeks increased power and control through our undertakings, career, and reputation or status in the sign of Capricorn, Saturn seeks perfection, improved performance, and proof that we’re worth something. Saturn attempts to clean up some of the excesses or obsessions of Pluto in Capricorn. Pluto tears down, Saturn builds, and in this sense, it’s a powerful combination. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Leo.

JANUARY 13

This is another busy day astrologically. Pluto and then Saturn aligns with Ceres early today, and the Sun does the same later morning. We’re looking for meaning and we feel a strong sense of duty now, but we sense that we must let something go to move forward. There can also be a tendency to want to control things by organizing, structuring, or limiting our activities, emotions, projects, or care of others at this time. Slimming things down seems the best choice for improving our endeavors. This can be a time of great focus and power, but also a moment for a reality check. We’re reminded of the constraints of time and motivated by the desire to manifest tangible results. On the one hand, we may feel burdened, overworked, or restricted. On the other, we can welcome some discipline in our lives. While the need to gain more control over our lives can feel pressing, we should guard against temperamental behavior and decision-making. There can be a small crisis that alerts us to an area of life that requires work, improvement, and transformation. The need to gain more control over our lives motivates us, although there can be some paranoia or extremes of thinking behind this. The focus should be on recycling, updating, revising, and eliminating so that we can grow, rather than starting something new or adding more to our plates. This is not the time to rush forward prematurely. Also today, Venus moves into sacrificing, compassionate Pisces, bringing sweet but sometimes escapist energy to our lives, and especially our interactions and relationships until February 7th. Venus in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach, as there is a longing for something hard to define and hard to satisfy. Borders and boundaries blur under this influence. The shadow side of this position can involve evasiveness and avoidance.

The void Moon occurs from 8:42 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (an opposition to Venus), until the Moon enters Virgo at 9:06 AM EST.

JANUARY 14

There can be tensions if we feel powerless or overshadowed as Mars and Pluto form a semi-square aspect, and a Mars-Saturn semi-square is on its way, exact early tomorrow. There can also be inner conflicts between our ambitions and our desires for independence, freedom, and exploration. Resentment is closer to the surface than usual. Our desires can be both intense and difficult to satisfy. Efforts to make changes could be thwarted, or power struggles emerge. Deeper feelings arise suddenly, and possibly in a disruptive way. We may be overreacting or going to extremes. The trick is to remain flexible and develop strategies for achieving our goals rather than acting in the heat of the moment. Since efforts to push forward seem to meet with resistance or circumstances seem to block our efforts to assert ourselves, patience is necessary now. The Moon spends the day in perfectionistic Virgo, and we’re motivated to find and fix problems.

JANUARY 15

While we can feel frustrated with blocks or obstacles this morning, as the day advances, it’s easy to loosen up and detach ourselves enough to enjoy ourselves more fully. The Moon continues its transit of work-focused Virgo until 10:44 AM EST, after which it moves through Libra. We’re approaching life with a stronger sense and appreciation of balance and moderation. We tend to weigh the pros and cons, and we seek out the approval of others. However, a Venus-Uranus sextile frees us somewhat from this attachment or concern, encouraging us to let go so we can move on. This is a liberating influence, as we open ourselves up to new ideas, ways of relating, and different people or experiences. Venus-Uranus enables more comfortable and successful social interactions. It’s also a fine time for intuition and a good sense of future trends in business.

The Moon is void from 7:12 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mercury), until the Moon enters Libra at 10:44 AM EST.

JANUARY 16

Mercury enters the sign of Aquarius today, where it will transit until February 3rd. It will return (briefly) in March due to an upcoming retrograde. During this Mercury in Aquarius cycle, we’re hungry for knowledge and open to new and original ideas. Our thinking is 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. The Moon spends the day in gracious Libra, and we’re especially sensitive to areas of our lives (and especially our relationships) that have come out of balance.

JANUARY 17

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 disperse our knowledge. 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. This is not the best time to start a significant project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of whatever we conceived at the last New Moon. Mercury is heading towards a square with Uranus, and today, it is sextile Chiron, semi-square Neptune, and parallel Mars–a highly creative combination. We can have breakthrough ideas and discussions. We can be impatient and scattered or brusque in spots, but we’re discussing and learning from past experiences. We enjoy teaching and growing through our connections. Disorganization or abruptness with our communications is likely, but also a desire to understand and learn from our mistakes. The Moon continues its transit of Libra until 1:21 PM EST, after which the Moon is in Scorpio. The Scorpio Moon is deeply feeling, passionate, and perceptive.

The Moon is void from 7:59 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 1:21 PM EST.

JANUARY 18

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Scorpio, harmonizing with Neptune, and Mercury forms a parallel to Saturn today. We may be craving a little extra drama, glamor, or meaning. We seek a stronger emotional connection to the world around us or a particular project or person. However, we’re ready to jump in and tackle problems. We are both intuitive and resourceful today, and we prefer to cut to the chase or see the bottom line of a matter. Conversations and thoughts can take on a serious tone.

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.

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.

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: January 19 to 25, 2020

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: January 26 to February 1, 2020

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: February 2 to 8, 2020

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: February 9 to 15, 2020

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: February 16 to 22, 2020

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: February 23 to 29, 2019

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: March 1 to 7, 2010

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: March 8 to 14, 2020

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: March 15 to 21, 2020

: This Week in Astrology Calendar: March 22 to 28, 2020

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 Capricorn Figuring out how to organize projects and people is apt to become a topic of special interest – and a challenge – at a time like this. Opinions are not enough for you now: they must be backed by authority or evidence, and above all, they must have practical worth and application. A period of intense study and thought.

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

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 Capricorn Respect, status, and achievement are central goals for you as a new phase begins in your life. Creating a structure to empower and maintain your ideals and principles becomes a high priority, an article of faith. By taking on greater responsibilities of this kind, you become an inspiration to others. Ambition unlimited always ends in defeat.

Saturn in Capricorn Responsibility, hard work, ambition, and achievement: these are the foundations you need to build on now, as a new cycle dawns in your life. And yet, there is a tendency to be a little too hard, perhaps a bit cold, in your approach to these things. Let ambition take you to the top, but don’t let it lull you into thinking that the end justifies the means.

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.

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