This Week in Astrology: January 21 to 27, 2018

This Week in Astrology: January 21 to 27, 2018

 

January 21 to 27, 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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A FIRST QUARTER MOON occurs on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at 5:20 PM EST.

On Wednesday afternoon, a First Quarter Moon occurs, when the Sun in Aquarius forms a square with the Moon in Taurus. 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 4 degrees and 53 minutes of Taurus square the Sun at 4 degrees and 53 minutes of Aquarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 3 to 7 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

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

The New Moon was exact on Tuesday when the Sun and Moon aligned 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 occurred 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 Aquarius; Mercury is in Capricorn; Venus is in Aquarius; Mars is in Scorpio until January 26th, after which Mars is in Sagittarius.

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 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.

Mars is in Sagittarius from January 26-March 17. 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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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 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 Wednesday, we’re in a creative, positive, gently competitive, and playful mood that favors passionate relationships, flirtations, and romance. Taking initiative in matters of the heart is a theme now. We’re not quite as open and may be downright self-protective with our hearts on Thursday and Friday.

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 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.

Venus semi-square Chiron January 25-26. 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 opposition North Node (true) January 28-29. This is a time for reviewing our attachments in terms of whether they are contributing to our growth.

Venus parallel Jupiter January 30-31. We are charitable with others and have a stronger desire than usual to find meaning in our relationships. There may be some overstating or overindulgence now, however.

Venus semi-square Saturn February 2. 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 square Jupiter February 3-4. 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. As well, take what your partner says with a grain of salt. There is no malicious intent involved, but feelings of elation can cloud our judgment, and we can promise more than we can deliver.

Venus sextile Uranus February 6. 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.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, January 21st, from 8:14 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Aries the next day, Monday, January 22nd, at 1:28 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, January 23rd, from 11:17 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Uranus), until the Moon enters Taurus the next day, Wednesday, January 24th, at 8:41 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Thursday, January 25th, from 10:17 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mercury), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Friday, January 26th, at 12:40 PM EST.

January 2018:

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

The Moon is waxing this week — a period that is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week from 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. Another short window occurs on Thursday, January 25th, from approximately 9 PM to 10:15 PM EST, while the Moon is in Taurus.

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

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 motivated — and able — 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.

Mercury sextile Jupiter. Positive thinking, new insights, and cooperation are themes now. This influence favors short trips, writing, teaching, studying, submitting applications and forms, test taking, and making diagnoses and observations. This is a time when we more readily exercise good judgment, take a more philosophical approach to thinking, and are more open to learning.

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.

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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 21

The Moon is in dreamy Pisces all day, and we’re tuning into our compassionate, intuitive side. The Moon aligns with Chiron and connects pleasantly with Pluto, Jupiter, and Mars, opening up many opportunities and possibilities for understanding and cooperation. Optimistic spiritual energy can be brought to our lives now. We tend to connect to a higher purpose and may enjoy a feeling of well-being. This is a time of opening our hearts and our minds and allowing our more compassionate natures some free play. We’re also quite resourceful now. Today is good for solving problems, learning new things, teaching and sharing, and creating order.

The Moon is void from 8:14 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mars), until the Moon enters Aries the next day, Monday, January 22nd, at 1:28 AM EST.

JANUARY 22

The Moon ends its transit of Pisces and enters the sign of Aries at 1:28 AM EST.  The Moon in Aries is assertive, active, and spontaneous. We instinctively feel the need to start fresh or to put plans into action. While we want to be the first to discover new things, the Moon harmonizes with the Sun and Venus today, promoting cooperation and camaraderie. We’re spirited and enthusiastic. The Moon’s square to Saturn this morning may have the effect of spiritually or materially grounding us, but it may feel like a bit of a downer as we’re reminded to harness our energy and channel some of it into productive activities.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Aries at 1:28 AM EST.

JANUARY 23

The Moon spends the day in direct, assertive, and bold Aries, stimulating our desires to initiate, start with a clean slate, and come first. The Moon forms squares with Mercury and Pluto as both bodies move towards an alignment, exact tomorrow. The intensity of our thoughts may seem to clash with our desire for straightforward answers, and we can feel divided. A Sun-Saturn semi-sextile influence is less grating but has a similarly weighty effect, as we can find it a little difficult to enjoy ourselves thoroughly without a vague feeling that we may be neglecting a responsibility.

The Moon is void from 11:17 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Uranus), until the Moon enters Taurus the next day, Wednesday, January 24th, at 8:41 AM EST.

JANUARY 24

The Moon moves into the sign of Taurus at 8:41 AM EST. While there is an easygoing and laid back quality to a Taurus Moon, Mercury aligns with Pluto today, stimulating intense mental activity. We might uncover valuable information or gain insight into a matter now. This is a time for finding hidden meanings, although if this goes too far, we may be obsessed, manipulative, or paranoid. Increased tension or worry may motivate us to make useful changes, however. We are inclined to “cut to the chase” in our communications. Efficiency and relevancy become especially important to us. Our persuasive powers, strategic thinking, and observational skills increase, but we might also become involved in frustrating mental battles if we mishandle this transit. Mercury is also moving into a sextile with Jupiter, however, and this can help us keep things forward-looking. A First Quarter Moon occurs this afternoon when the Sun in Aquarius forms a square with the Moon in Taurus. 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. A Venus-Mars parallel boosts our desire to merge and create. Relationships or connections are tremendous motivators now.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Taurus at 8:41 AM EST.

JANUARY 25

This morning, Mercury’s sextile to Jupiter helps put things into perspective, although it does also encourage reaching beyond our usual boundaries. We are clearer in our thinking, and we’re looking for solutions to problems or the positive side of situations. Our minds open to possibilities. The Moon spends the day in steady, comfortable Taurus. After some overthinking, we’re inclined to want to simplify as the day advances.

The Moon is void from 10:17 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Mercury), until the Moon enters Gemini the next day, Friday, January 26th, at 12:40 PM EST.

JANUARY 26

This morning’s semi-square between Venus and Chiron points to some self-protectiveness as our differences seem more glaring than our similarities. This can put a bit of distance between us temporarily. The Moon continues its transit of stable Taurus until 12:40 PM EST when it enters curious, mutable Gemini, quickly opposing Mars which has just changed signs. Mars enters Sagittarius this morning where it will transit until March 17th. 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. With this transit, Mars is now in mutual reception with Jupiter, connecting the two planets and generating a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

The Moon ends its void period when it enters Gemini at 12:40 PM EST.

JANUARY 27

The Moon is in Gemini all day and stimulating our curiosity. We pay extra attention to communications and mental impressions now. The Moon’s square to Neptune this morning can spur wistfulness or emotional confusion, and we tend to take a detour from the middle road. Mercury and Uranus move towards a square aspect, exact very early tomorrow, stimulating our senses, sudden flashes of insight, and fresh new ideas. However, there can be mental pressures experienced now. It can be difficult organizing our thoughts or dealing with routine matters under this influence. Tasks may be left undone or interrupted. We may be jumping ahead of ourselves in our communications. This is not the time to gain others’ complete understanding, 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. The Sun and Venus form a parallel, however, and we seek harmony, preferring to attract rather than pursue and to compromise rather than fight.

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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 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.

When the Moon is in Gemini

Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, spirited, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.

The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, cafes, light and airy meetings, short trips.

 

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