This Week in Astrology: January 14 to 20, 2018

This Week in Astrology: January 14 to 20, 2018

 

January 14 to 20, 2018

 

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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 NEW MOON occurs on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at 9:17 PM EST.

The New Moon is exact on Tuesday when the Sun and Moon align in the sign of Capricorn. This lunation symbolizes a new beginning in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn. It’s a time during which we can focus on some of the constructive traits of the sign of the Goat–tenacious, resourceful, disciplined, wise, ambitious, prudent, constant–and consider how to positively incorporate these qualities into our lives. Now, we can focus on practical and attainable long-term goals, work on developing maturity and common sense, prepare for the future, make commitments and recognize responsibilities, and nurture our dreams in a realistic manner.

With this potent Capricorn energy, we have the chance to create some serious order in our lives. It’s time to make some solid plans and to set the stage for reaping the rewards from our new beginnings, as little or big as they may be, in approximately two weeks’ time after the Full Moon occurs. One of Capricorn’s “lessons” is acceptance of the concept that reasonable boundaries and rules actually do offer us freedom–freedom from worry and chaos, for example. Setting goals for ourselves allows us to focus on what really matters. This lunation aligns with Venus and forms a square to Uranus and sextiles Mars, suggesting the need to break away from old, outdated patterns so that we can move forward authentically. While we need to make nice with others to advance our goals, Uranus in Aries may not feel very comfortable with this idea.

An unusually large number of planets are in Capricorn at this New Moon. I remember something similar on January 15th, 1991, with a somewhat different cast of characters (Pluto was in Scorpio at the time) largely because it was the date I was told my labor would be induced for my first child. Even though it didn’t actually come to pass, I had looked it up and the chart was so distinctive.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 26 degrees and 55 minutes of Capricorn, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 23 to 30 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) and 0 to 1 degree of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

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(Times are Eastern)

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The Sun is in Capricorn until January 19th, when it enters Aquarius; Mercury is in Capricorn; Venus is in Capricorn until the 17th, when it enters Aquarius; Mars is in Scorpio.

The Sun is in Capricorn from December 21, 2017 – January 19, 2018. 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.

The Sun is in Aquarius from January 19-February 18, 2018. During this cycle, we are motivated by our hunger for knowledge, experience, and originality. Innovation is more important to us than convention. We become more aware of what is outdated in our lives and strive to find new perspectives and new ways to do things. The class distinctions, structure, and order that Capricorn finds appealing now seem to be too rigid. The freedom of the individual becomes far more significant to us. We strive to free ourselves from some of the restrictions, inhibitions, and limitations that now feel constraining rather than safe.

Mercury is in Capricorn from January 11-31. 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 Capricorn from December 25-January 17. Getting serious about our finances and boosting our relations with business partners and/or co-workers will be easier than usual under this influence. Our talents for creating artistic structure and form are enhanced, and our ability to form connections with people who support our ambitions is increased. We value enduring connections, reliability, and faithfulness. We take expressing our feelings seriously, and we take our time to warm up to others. We generally keep our “cool” in relationships.

Venus is in Aquarius from January 17-February 10. 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 December 9-January 26. 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.

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Saturn transits Capricorn from December 19/20, 2017, to March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here.

Jupiter entered Scorpio on October 10th and will remain in the sign until November 8th, 2018. Read about Jupiter in Scorpio transit here.

Uranus entered Aries on March 11th, 2011 and will transit Aries until May 15, 2018, and then from November 6, 2018, to March 6, 2019. The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong with Uranus in Aries.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Capricorn from December 25-January 17. Getting serious about our finances and boosting our relations with business partners and/or co-workers will be easier than usual under this influence. Our talents for creating artistic structure and form are enhanced, and our ability to form connections with people who support our ambitions is increased. We value enduring connections, reliability, and faithfulness. We take expressing our feelings seriously, and we take our time to warm up to others. We generally keep our “cool” in relationships.

Venus is in Aquarius from January 17-February 10. Getting serious about our finances and boosting our relations with business partners and/or co-workers will be easier than usual under this influence. Our talents for creating artistic structure and form are enhanced, and our ability to form connections with people who support our ambitions is increased. We value enduring connections, reliability, and faithfulness. We take expressing our feelings seriously, and we take our time to warm up to others. We generally keep our “cool” in relationships.

 

This week: On Monday, we may be confused about our feelings or insecure about a relationship, and we should watch for obsessing over these things.

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 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 parallel Saturn January 10-11. We may express our affection sparingly, but also responsibly and in practical ways. Relationships begun under this influence often feel burdensome over time, but they may last longer than most.

Venus square Uranus January 13. 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 sextile Chiron January 13. Love has the power to heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings and more willing to act upon them.

Venus semi-square Neptune January 15. Romantic confusion as well as relationship ups and downs. Self-deceptions may come to light now.

Venus parallel Pluto January 15. The desire for drama and intensity in relationships is with us. Love feelings and relationship issues can be all-consuming now, assuming more importance in our lives than usual. Interactions with others are intense now, and themes of sharing and trust dominate in relationships.

Venus parallel Mars January 24. Favors romantic and sexual relationships. Intense passions.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, January 14th, from 3:49 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 2:43 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, January 17th, from 1:31 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Venus), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 3:33 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Friday, January 19th, from 6:53 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mars), until the Moon enters Pisces at 3:28 PM EST.

January 2018:

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

The Moon is waning this week until the New Moon on the 16th — a period that is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details). The Moon is waxing this week after the New Moon on the 16th — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, also with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week in the hour around the Cazimi New Moon on Tuesday, the 16th — from approximately 8:50 PM to 9:45 PM, while the Moon is in Capricorn. Another window occurs from Saturday, January 20th, at approximately 4:50 PM EST, until Sunday, January 21st, at approximately 8:10 PM EST, while the Moon is in Pisces.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Dec  9, 2017     3:59 AM
Mars enters Scorpio
Dec 16, 2017     2:18 PM Juno enters Aquarius
Dec 19, 2017    11:49 PM Saturn enters Capricorn
Dec 21, 2017    11:28 AM  Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 22, 2017     8:51 PM  Mercury Direct
Dec 25, 2017    12:26 AM Venus enters Capricorn
Jan  2, 2018     9:11 AM Uranus Direct
Jan 11, 2018    12:09 AM  Mercury enters Capricorn
Jan 14, 2018    11:42 PM  Vesta enters Sagittarius
Jan 17, 2018     8:43 PM   Venus enters Aquarius
Jan 19, 2018     9:29 PM   Pallas enters Taurus
Jan 19, 2018    10:09 PM  Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 26, 2018     7:56 AM   Mars enters Sagittarius
Jan 31, 2018     8:39 AM   Mercury enters Aquarius
Feb 10, 2018    6:19 PM Venus enters Pisces
Feb 17, 2018    11:28 PM Mercury enters Pisces
Feb 18, 2018    12:18 PM Sun enters Pisces
Mar 6, 2018     2:34 AM Mercury enters Aries
Mar 6, 2018     6:45 PM Venus enters Aries
Mar 8, 2018    11:46 PM Jupiter Retrograde
*** Daylight Saving Time begins ***
Mar 17, 2018   12:40 PM Mars enters Capricorn
Mar 20, 2018   12:15 PM Sun enters Aries
Mar 22, 2018   8:19 PM Mercury Retrograde

 

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day.
See also: The Astrology of 2018 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Sun square Uranus. We can’t expect much of anything when the Sun squares Uranus, except the unexpected! Disrupted routines and plans are in order, which help to stimulate the adoption of new approaches. During this transit, we feel the need for action, but if we don’t know where we’re headed, we might take the wrong turn. Unexpected changes in plans or events can test our patience, and we might feel a bit out of control. However, they could stimulate us to try new approaches and they certainly act to cut boredom. This transit could offer us the drive to do something new, but avoid making hasty major decisions for the time being.

Sun sextile Chiron. An opportunity to find a sense of purpose or a “mission” arises now, increasing our confidence. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong. Problem solving is favored.

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

Jupiter sextile Pluto. This transit generally favors business, the law, and commerce. We might enjoy increased influence, faith, and insight now. The desire for more personal significance can lead us to give of ourselves or motivate us to more ambitiously pursue personal or professional goals. The ability to sway or persuade can be enhanced now. One of the most positive uses of this transit is taking steps to better ourselves. We might solve a problem that has been in existence for some time, or capitalize upon a resource that was previously hidden.

Sun semi-square Neptune. Our willpower is low as we stray from our goals and temporarily lose focus. It’s difficult to formulate — or stick to — clear goals during this transit. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on matters that require straightforward, factual thinking today. It can be difficult knowing where or how to direct our willpower under this influence. It’s also a challenge knowing where we stand with others. Avoid such things as scheduling surgery, important appointments, job interviews, or launches of new projects at this time.

  Mars quincunx Uranus. Making adjustments to our goals may be necessary now, and this can temporarily drain our energy or make us feel restless and impatient.

Mercury semi-square Mars. We are quick-witted and ready to argue under this influence. We may be working under stressful or hectic conditions, as we feel pressure to get things done quickly. We are inclined to be snappy and irritable, and we may too easily interrupt others rather than listen. Conflicts of interest are likely.

Mars trine Chiron. We may have the opportunity to take the lead, or to take action, regarding matters that lead to healing, cleansing, or teaching now. We can feel a sense of mission now. There is likely to be a feeling of fearlessness when it comes to addressing problem areas, and self-confidence as well. There is a drive to take positive action, usually to defend or help others (or ourselves). It’s a strong period for cooperation and purposeful activity.

Mercury sextile Neptune. Intuition runs high; we are more sensitive artistically; imagination is stirred; and we have an increased appreciation for subtleties. We are inspired and we are able to inspire others with our words.

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Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

 

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs. See also Transit to Transit aspects.

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe.

See also:  The Astrology of 2018 – Overview

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What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on the site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

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

JANUARY 14

Following a square between Venus and Uranus yesterday, the Sun follows suit, introducing shifts of energy into our day. We are more inclined now to act on a whim, and routines/plans are disrupted. These energies help to stimulate the adoption of new approaches. This transit could offer us the drive to do something new, but we should save making hasty major decisions for a more stable time. Inner discontent can spill over into our relationships, producing subtle tension. We could be feeling dissatisfied if faced with old routines or limiting circumstances. We should guard against temperamental behavior and decision making. Later today, the Sun moves towards a sextile to Chiron, increasing our desire to learn and grow through our experiences. The Moon continues its transit of Sagittarius until 2:43 PM EST, after which the Moon moves through Capricorn.

The Moon is void from 3:49 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Uranus), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 2:43 PM EST.

JANUARY 15

The Moon spends the day in Capricorn and will be New tomorrow. Today, it’s better to wind down projects and tie up loose ends than start anything brand new. A semi-square between Venus and Neptune points to some tendency to see what we want to see as a form of instant gratification, but we may be glossing over critical flaws and details. Tonight, Jupiter and Pluto perfect a sextile aspect, and this is the first of three such exact aspects while Jupiter transits Scorpio (the next two will occur in April and September). This is a strong influence for increased confidence, faith, and insight, as well as for nurturing our ambitions. We’re good at employing strategy, seeing its value. The desire for more personal significance can lead us to give of ourselves or motivate us to pursue personal or professional goals more ambitiously. The ability to sway or persuade can be enhanced now. We might take steps to better ourselves, solve a long-standing problem, or capitalize upon a resource that was previously hidden.

JANUARY 16

The Moon is Balsamic until the New Moon occurs in the sign of Capricorn tonight at 9:18 PM EST as the Moon aligns with the Sun. A new beginning is upon us. The coming weeks are a time during which we can focus on some of the constructive traits of the sign of the Goat–tenacious, resourceful, disciplined, wise, ambitious, prudent, constant–and consider how to incorporate these qualities into our lives positively. This is a time to focus on practical and attainable long-term goals, work on developing maturity and common sense, prepare for the future, make commitments and recognize responsibilities, and realistically nurture our dreams. Starting small and realistic is favored now. With this potent Capricorn energy, we have the chance to create some serious order in our lives. We might embrace the idea that reasonable boundaries and rules can reduce worry and chaos. This lunation aligns with Venus, forms a square to Uranus, and sextiles Mars, suggesting the need to break away from old, outdated patterns so that we can move forward authentically. Venus here suggests that diplomacy is the way to advance our goals, but Uranus in Aries may not feel very comfortable with this idea as it squares the New Moon.

JANUARY 17

The Moon continues its transit of Capricorn until 3:33 AM EST, after which the Moon moves through Aquarius. The Sun is semi-square Neptune, and our willpower is low as we stray from our goals and temporarily lose focus. It’s difficult to formulate — or stick to — clear goals during this transit. Concentrating on artistic or spiritual pursuits is better than focusing on matters that require straightforward, factual thinking just for now. Mars is quincunx Uranus today, and making adjustments to our goals may be necessary now. This can temporarily drain our energy or leave us feeling restless and impatient until we figure out what we’re missing or not yet processing. While our efforts to satisfy our desires can miss the mark, we are also ready to learn from our experiences as Mars also approaches a trine to Chiron. Venus enters Aquarius today and will continue to transit the sign until February 10th. We move towards unconventionality, independence, and freedom as themes in our social relationships under this influence. Experimental relationships, entertainment, purchases, and pursuits are especially intriguing now. Allowing one another freedom of expression, and treating others fairly, unselfishly, and impartially, are themes. This influence also affects our tastes, interests, and pleasures, which can incline towards the avant-garde.

The Moon is void from 1:31 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Venus), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 3:33 AM EST.

JANUARY 18

Mercury semi-squares Mars early today, and we can be a little on edge, snappy, and perhaps argumentative. We may be working under stressful or hectic conditions, as we feel pressure to get things done quickly. Conflicts of interest are possible now. However, a Mars-Chiron trine today is excellent for natural confidence and tensions are likely to subside. We may have the opportunity to take the lead, or to take action, regarding matters that lead to healing, cleansing, or teaching now. There is likely to be a feeling of fearlessness when it comes to addressing problem areas. We may be defending and helping others (or ourselves). It’s a strong period for cooperation and purposeful activity. The Moon spends the day in Aquarius.

JANUARY 19

Mercury forms a sextile to Neptune today, and there can be notable compassion or gentleness in our communications. Our imaginations are easily stirred, and we tune into all sorts of layers and levels of any given situation as we have an increased appreciation for subtleties. We are inspired, and we can encourage others with our words. There can be psychic openness in our interactions. We’re likely to experience a sense of knowing and understanding with minimal explanation or instruction. Intuition is highlighted or awakened. Nevertheless, we can be quite particular with our tastes and money today. Tonight, the Sun enters Aquarius, where it will transit until February 18th. During this month-long cycle, we are motivated by our hunger for knowledge, experience, and originality. Innovation is more important to us than convention. We become more aware of what is outdated in our lives and strive to find new perspectives and new ways to do things. The class distinctions, structure, and order that Capricorn finds appealing now seem rigid, although we also appreciate they’ve been laid out for us. We strive to free ourselves from some of the restrictions, inhibitions, and limitations that now feel constraining rather than safe. The Moon continues its transit of Aquarius until 3:28 PM EST, after which the Moon is in Pisces.

The Moon is void from 6:53 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Mars), until the Moon enters Pisces at 3:28 PM EST.

JANUARY 20

The Moon is in Pisces all day, aligning with Neptune and forming a sextile with Mercury. Again today, we’re communicating more gently or compassionately and thinking in creative, imaginative ways. We are looking at things holistically rather than picking things apart for analysis. Boundaries dissolve, and we are more spiritually aware and sensitive than usual. We can also be evasive and shy away from conflict, especially confrontation.

 

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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 Sagittarius

 The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don't want to plan ahead, and prefer to "wing it".

The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous activities that involve "winging it", travel, higher education, starting publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.

When the Moon is in Capricorn

We become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We also instinctively are aware of the limitations of time. We are motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and manifestation are most important to us now. We are resourceful and don't want to waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a very sober influence--even a depressing one. However, it can also be a productive time when we look reality in the eye.

The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments.

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.

 

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 2018 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits