This Week in Astrology: January 23 to 29, 2022

This Week in Astrology: January 23-29, 2022

 

January 23 to 29, 2022

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On this Page:

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

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The LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at 8:41 AM EST.

On Tuesday, the Last Quarter Moon is exact when the Sun in Aquarius forms a square with the Moon in Scorpio.

The Last Quarter Moon phase points to some sort of crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of the recent 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 a descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. We might consider what our recent revelations mean to us, and what we might do as a result. It’s better to review and sort than to push something new. Until the New Moon, we might take inventory, tie up loose ends, and let go if necessary.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 5 degrees and 33 minutes of Scorpio square the Sun at 5 degrees and 33 minutes of Aquarius, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 4 to 8 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Aquarius; Mercury is in Aquarius until the 25th, after which Mercury heads back into Capricorn; Venus is in Capricorn; Mars is in Sagittarius until the 24th, from which time Mars is in Capricorn.

The Sun is in Aquarius from January 19-February 18. 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 We become more aware of what is outdated in our lives, and strive to find new perspectives and new ways to do things.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 Aquarius from January 2-25, and then later, from February 14-March 9. When Mercury is in Aquarius, we are hungry for knowledge and open to new and original ideas. We begin to think outside of the box, and our thinking becomes more progressive and objective. Our communication and thought patterns are spontaneous, somewhat fragmented, reasonable, objective, and liberal. This is a time when inventive thinking is at a peak.

Mercury is in Capricorn from January 25-February 14. 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. Our survival instincts are strong–we’re interested in what will benefit us in the long term.

We’re not interested in the fluff, preferring to get right to a point or the bottom line. Communication can be somewhat guarded or cautious, and similarly not very floral or expressive. We gravitate to concrete subjects and information that’s logical, useful, and well-organized. We may prefer a methodical approach to studying. Our fantasies may be well-considered and possible, with realistic overtones.

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. At times, we might lack humor, or we’re inclined toward sarcasm when joking. We can be quite stubborn with our ideas and methods.

We can use this period to make solid, realistic plans and get organized. It’s a favorable time to advise, teach, or guide. Generally, we’re more concerned than usual with our reputation or responsibilities. Our dependability can reap rewards. We love to plan ahead and map out our next steps. Changes of schedule can be most disconcerting during this cycle. Our reactions are sensible, cool, and level-headed while Mercury is in Capricorn.

Venus is in Capricorn from November 5, 2021-March 6, 2022. [This is longer than usual due to the Venus retrograde, occurring entirely in the sign of Capricorn, from December 19, 2021-January 29, 2022.] Getting serious about our finances and boosting our relations with business partners and/or co-workers will be easier than usual under this influence. Our talents for creating artistic structure and form are enhanced, and our ability to form connections with people who support our ambitions increases.

We value enduring connections, reliability, and faithfulness. We take expressing our feelings seriously, and we take our time to warm up to others. We generally keep our “cool” in relationships. We’re steadfast and seek genuine, perhaps old-fashioned connections. It’s not a time for PDA, and we can be somewhat guarded and reserved with expressing our feelings or revealing our relationships.

The underdog who works hard can have their time in the sun now. We value slow and steady effort and long-term prospects. Reliability in others is most attractive.

This cycle favors getting along well with higher-ups, conservative business goals and ventures, long-term investments, and matters related to pension.

Mars is in Sagittarius from December 13, 2021, to January 24, 2022. With a Sagittarius Mars, our actions are motivated by our ideals. We are bothered by routine, quickly becoming restless if we feel confined. We have a love of adventure, and of conquest–this is the position of wanderlust. We start projects or challenges with gusto, although we may tend to abandon them rather quickly. This may be because we set our sights too high!

Mars is in Capricorn from January 24-March 6. Mars in Capricorn is deliberate, persistent energy. We consider the future and the consequences before taking action during this cycle. Our energy is reliable and faithful. We are slow to anger, but can be quite cold if we are frustrated. The shadow side of Mars in Capricorn is rigidity.

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Jupiter is in Pisces from December 28th, 2021, to May 10, 2022. Jupiter returned to Pisces on December 28th, 2021. This is part two–there will be another part to this 3-part act later in the year! Read more about the Jupiter in Pisces transit.

Saturn transits Aquarius from March 21 to July 1, 2020, and from December 17th, 2020, until March 7, 2023. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aquarius.

Uranus is in Taurus.

Uranus transits Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and then from March 6th, 2019, until 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn to free ourselves from certain material constraints. Innovative ways to make ourselves comfortable emerge. We’re less inhibited about expressing sensuality, self-love, body love, and pampering. Above all, we’re challenging what we previously valued during this cycle.

There can be abrupt changes with money, valuables, possessions, and income that lead to a reshuffling of priorities or values. Income might come from non-traditional sources or ventures. In general, we’re bringing progressive ideas to the world of business. New ways of doing business, as well as making, viewing, and handling money, are likely. Our income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Capricorn from November 5, 2021, to March 6, 2022. Venus in Capricorn is a cycle in which security and stability in our relationships are paramount. We are more cautious with our emotions and somewhat skeptical of both our own feelings and others’ expressions of affection. Longevity is important to us under this influence.

There is a formality to Capricorn that can make personal expressions seem awkward and forced. However, this cycle offers us the opportunity to consider some of the practical issues of our relations and to work on making our partnerships work in the real world. A dose of realism in our personal lives can help us to feel more grounded and secure in the long run.

This week: Venus is retrograde until Saturday, January 29th. Venus-ruled endeavors, such as money, beauty, art, romance, and pleasure, become a little heavier, more prone to reassessment, review, and perhaps delay or a period of limbo. This Venus retrograde cycle lasts until January 29th, and is a period in which we reevaluate or review our love life as well as the manner in which we receive, reveal, and express our affections. Thoughts turn to the past so that we can lay to rest unhealthy habits in these areas of life.

With Venus retrograde in Capricorn, we may question whether our goals mesh in our relationships. Read more about Venus retrograde in Capricorn from December 19, 2021, to January 29, 2022.

On Sunday, the 23rd, we’re reflecting on and analyzing our relationships, especially past ones or long-standing patterns.

Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:

Venus in Capricorn Marry for money and then learn to love ’em: that’s what your heart tells you now, as a new cycle gets underway in your life. Does that sound cynical? Maybe so – but it does reflect the yearning you feel for security and stability now, and it suggests the kind of compromises you may be willing to make to accomplish these objectives.

Venus parallel Mercury January 14 and January 22-23. A congenial time when we appreciate diplomacy and socialize more readily.

Venus parallel the Sun February 3. A strong desire for harmony and comfort fill us now. We may be moved to express our affections.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Monday, January 24th, from 5:10 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 10:58 PM EST.

VOC Moon on Thursday, January 27th, from 12:28 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mercury), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 2:35 AM EST.

VOC Moon on Friday, January 28th, from 2:00 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Saturday, January 29th, at 4:09 AM EST.

January 2022:

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

It’s important to note that there are more factors to consider in addition to the windows listed below. The following windows are starting points. For example, you generally don’t want to elect a new venture when a very challenging aspect is applying, and it’s preferable to elect a time when a particularly positive aspect hasn’t yet perfected (is applying rather than separating).

The Moon is waning, 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, windows of opportunity this week from Wednesday, the 26th, at approximately 2:00 AM to Thursday, the 27th, at approximately 12:25 AM EST, while the Moon is in Scorpio. It’s not an ideal window, however, and it’s complicated by both Mercury and Venus retrograde.

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

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Nov  5,
2021 6:44 AM Venus enters Capricorn
Nov  5, 2021 6:35 PM Mercury enters Scorpio
Nov  8, 2021 4:24 AM Pallas Direct
Nov 14, 2021 3:23 PM Juno enters Capricorn
Nov 16, 2021 9:04 AM Vesta enters Sagittarius
Nov 21, 2021 9:34 PM Sun enters Sagittarius
Nov 24, 2021 10:36 AM Mercury enters Sagittarius
Dec  1, 2021 8:22 AM Neptune Direct
Dec 13, 2021 4:53 AM Mars enters Sagittarius
Dec 13, 2021 12:52 PM Mercury enters Capricorn
Dec 19, 2021 5:36 AM Venus Retrograde
Dec 19, 2021 11:32 AM Chiron Direct
Dec 21, 2021 5:52 AM Ceres Retrograde enters Taurus
Dec 21, 2021 10:59 AM Sun enters Capricorn
Dec 28, 2021 11:09 PM Jupiter enters Pisces
Jan  2, 2022 2:09 AM Mercury enters Aquarius
Jan 11, 2022 12:16 AM Vesta enters Capricorn
Jan 14, 2022 6:41 AM Mercury Retrograde
Jan 14, 2022 4:21 PM Ceres Direct
Jan 18, 2022 10:25 AM Uranus Direct
Jan 18, 2022 1:50 PM True North Node enters Taurus
Jan 19, 2022 9:39 PM Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 24, 2022 7:53 AM Mars enters Capricorn
Jan 25, 2022 10:05 PM Mercury Rx enters Capricorn
Jan 29, 2022 3:46 AM Venus Direct
Feb  1, 2022, 6:05 PM Juno enters Aquarius
Feb  3, 2022, 11:13 PM Mercury Direct
Feb  8, 2022, 9:02 PM Ceres enters Gemini
Feb 14, 2022, 12:51 AM Pallas enters Aries
Feb 14, 2022, 4:53 PM Mercury enters Aquarius
Feb 18, 2022, 11:43 AM Sun enters Pisces
Mar  6, 2022, 1:23 AM Mars enters Aquarius
Mar  6, 2022, 1:30 AM Venus enters Aquarius
Mar  9, 2022, 8:32 PM Mercury enters Pisces
Mar 10, 2022, 1:19 PM Vesta enters Aquarius
*** Daylight Saving Time begins ***
Mar 20, 2022, 11:33 AM Sun enters Aries
Mar 27, 2022, 3:44 AM Mercury enters Aries

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

See also: The Astrology of 2022 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Sun conjunct Mercury. We are especially sharp, communicative, and open at this time, as our wants are aligned with our thoughts. It’s a favorable time for solving problems. What we say or write now has impact, for better or worse!

  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.

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.

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.

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.

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 2022 – 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 Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trend overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

JANUARY 23

The inferior conjunction of Mercury and the Sun occurs this morning, giving us a unique window into the past as it might impact our future. This is a good time to process recent events and ideas. We begin looking at problems or issues from a fresh perspective and a new understanding. Significant new ideas are born at this time, and they’re likely to have real staying power or importance in our lives. What we say or write now has an impact, for better or worse! However, we may not have all the facts necessary to reach a definite conclusion, and we might later have to revise plans or decisions. Mars spends its last day in Sagittarius (it will enter Capricorn tomorrow) and forms a semi-square to Saturn today. We can be debating what action to take. Since efforts to push forward seem to meet with resistance or circumstances seem to block our efforts to assert ourselves, patience is necessary now.

JANUARY 24

Mars moves into the sign of Capricorn this morning and will transit the sign until March 6th. Mars in Capricorn is deliberate, persistent, and faithful energy. We consider the future and the consequences before taking action during this cycle. We are slow to anger but can be quite cold if frustrated. The shadow side of Mars in Capricorn is rigidity or excessive materialism. The Moon spends most of the day (until 10:58 PM EST) in the sign of balanced Libra, after which it heads into perceptive Scorpio. Today’s Pluto-Juno alignment points to increased commitment, intensity, or passion.

The void Moon occurs from 5:10 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Pluto), until the Moon enters Scorpio at 10:58 PM EST.

JANUARY 25

The Moon transits perceptive, deeply feeling Scorpio all day. The Last Quarter Moon is exact this morning when the Sun in Aquarius forms a square with the Moon in Scorpio, pointing to a crisis of consciousness. It’s a time for considering what our recent revelations mean to us and for what we might do as a result. This Quarter Moon signals the need to review and sort rather than push something new. Until the New Moon on February 1st, it’s a better time to tie up loose ends, take inventory, and let go if necessary. Also today, retrograde Mercury heads back into the sign of Capricorn. While Mercury is only retrograde until February 3rd, it will remain in Capricorn until February 14th. Retrograde Mercury periods tend to send us looking to the past for further or previously hidden information. While Mercury is retrograde in Capricorn from today to February 3rd, we may have little tolerance for small talk and tend to express ourselves after much deliberation. Plans may be considered then reconsidered. However, we are in a good position to reevaluate professional or life path plans and goals. This is a time for uniquely practical ideas. It’s also a fine period for exploring what ambition or our reputation means to us.

JANUARY 26

The Moon in Scorpio all day draws us to transformative and emotionally exciting experiences. We’re interested in discovering deeper truths and motives. We’re more observant and perceptive as we look at the multiple layers of a situation. A Mercury-Node trine suggests that we may be connecting with information or people that/who encourage us to grow, improve, or move forward. We may be looking to the past for these connections before pushing ahead.

JANUARY 27

The Moon continues its transit of Scorpio only until 2:35 AM EST when it enters Sagittarius. The Sagittarius Moon is adventurous and truth-seeking. We may take a more philosophical and less strategic approach to life now. We can feel some levels of discontent now, especially with the Moon’s square to Jupiter, and we’re inclined to overcompensate by taking on more or going to excess. We want to grow, improve, and expand, and it may be necessary to push some boundaries now, but it’s best to do so gently. Retrograde Mercury aligns with Juno, harmonizes with Ceres, and forms a parallel to Saturn, and there can be a serious tone to our communications. We seek a mental connection or rapport. It’s a solid time to brush up on knowledge and gain more self-confidence and purpose through what we learn.

The void Moon occurs from 12:28 AM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mercury), until the Moon enters Sagittarius at 2:35 AM EST.

JANUARY 28

The Sun forms a sextile to Chiron today, and we might find a sense of purpose or a “mission,” increasing our confidence, possibly through our communications and connections. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and people in our lives is strong and healthy now. Problem-solving is favored. Retrograde Mercury aligns with Pluto tonight, stirring intense mental activity. Mercury first aligned with Pluto on December 30th and will again on February 11th. We may uncover valuable information or gain a new understanding. Thoughts, ideas, and communications are more intense and focused. We are more able and motivated to find hidden meanings and cut to the chase. We could be bent on revealing truths. Our persuasive powers, strategic thinking, and observational skills increase. Still, we may also be suspicious, manipulative, obsessed, or have frustrating mental battles if we mishandle this transit. Consider that we might be missing important details and could be too hasty to jump to conclusions. We should also watch for buried resentments and angers driving our thoughts or conversations and the tendency to ignore reason. However, well channeled, this energy can bring increased focus and motivation. Keep in mind that Venus is about to station and turn direct (early tomorrow), and with this shift, there can be some confusion.

The void Moon occurs from 2:00 PM EST, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the Moon enters Capricorn the next day, Saturday, January 29th, at 4:09 AM EST.

JANUARY 29

Early today, Venus stations and turns direct after almost six weeks of retrograde motion. Gradually over the next few weeks, matters ruled by Venus (including love, pleasure, and money) should move forward more straightforwardly. Our confidence in ourselves and the universe builds, and we express warmth and affection more comfortably, openly, and directly. Tact and diplomacy re-emerge, and more clarity is likely to come to our love and social relationships. However, while the shift occurs today, we can be confused or disoriented. It’s best to be patient and take our time processing our feelings. The Moon ends its transit of Sagittarius and enters Capricorn at 4:09 AM EST. The Capricorn Moon is responsible, alert, and practical. With the Moon’s alignment with Mars this morning and Venus tonight, we’re more fully connecting with our need for organization, plans, and structures. We can feel pleasantly ambitious.

The void Moon continues until the Moon enters Capricorn today at 4:09 AM EST.

 

If it’s your birthday today, see our feature, If Today is Your Birthday Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year.

Moon Signs This Week:

When the Moon is in 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.

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.

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 2022 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits