Yearly Calendar: More

Venus enters Aquarius

Venus is in Aquarius from January 2-26, 2023. Venus enters Aquarius today, January 2nd, at 9:09 PM EST.

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 its 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.

The Moon is Full in Cancer on January 6, 2023, at 6:08 PM EST.

A Full Moon occurs when the Sun in Capricorn forms an opposition to the Moon in Cancer. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time – a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

The Cancer-Capricorn polarity deals with the balance between the private life, domesticity, the need for a home base, and nurturance (represented by Cancer) versus the public life, career, 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. The Cancer Moon encourages us to value our home base and our roots, while Capricorn persuades us to consider our sense of duty and responsibility along public lines.

While Cancer may most enjoy attaching to the home and family, Capricorn urges us to attend to the responsibilities to the outside world. 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 next two weeks, we will discover what this means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings. We need to express them.

Something is exposed or illuminated, prompting us to get in touch with those things in our personal lives that we may have been neglecting or putting off. With so much attention to our relationships, careers, and personal plans these days, a push for considering our emotional needs occurs now.

The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time–a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

This is a time 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.

This Wolf Moon harmonizes with Uranus and the True North Node of the Moon. It also occurs near the inferior conjunction of the Sun and Mercury. Our revelations are pivotal, gently surprising, and growth-oriented, even if we’re temporarily focusing on the past.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 16 degrees and 22 minutes of Cancer, opposite the Sun at 16 degrees and 22 minutes of Capricorn, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 12 to 20 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn).

Mars now turns direct at 8° Gemini 08′ after over two months of retrograde motion.

Mars Retrograde Cycle from October 30, 2022, to January 12, 2023:

Mars Retrograde Dates in 2022-2023:

Mars is retrograde from October 30th, 2022, to January 12th, 2023.

• Mars enters its retrograde zone on September 3, 2022, at 8° Gemini 08′
• Mars turns retrograde on October 30th, 2022, at 25° Gemini 37’Rx
• Mars turns direct on January 12th, 2023, at 8° Gemini 08′
• Mars leaves its retrograde zone on March 15th, 2023, at 25° Gemini 37′

Mars spent its full retrograde cycle in the sign of Gemini during this cycle.

Mars is in its post-retrograde shadow until March 15th.

The Sun opposes retrograde Mars on December 8th, 2022 (the Sun only opposes Mars while Mars is retrograde). The Moon aligns with Mars at almost the same time–it’s a powerful Full Moon as it aligns with the Sun-Mars opposition.

Mars is in its shadow period from September 3rd to October 30th, and then from January 12th to March 15th, 2023.

When Mars was in its retrograde cycle, we re-assessed our current projects, our approach to getting what we want, and our desire nature. Rather than directly assert our desires, we tended towards introspection.

With Mars now direct, we slowly but surely ease back into action, rebuilding or refueling our confidence with clearer goals.

Learn more about the meaning of Mars Retrograde.

Mercury now turns direct at 8° Capricorn 08′.

Mercury is retrograde from December 29th, 2022, at 24° Aquarius 21′, until January 18, 2023, at 8° Capricorn 08′.

Mercury Retrograde Cycle from December 29, 2022 to January 18, 2023:

• December 12, 2022, Mercury enters the Retrograde Zone at 8° Capricorn 08′
• December 29, 2022, Mercury stations and turns retrograde at 24° Capricorn 21′
• January 18, 2023, Mercury stations and turns direct at 8° Capricorn 08′
• February 7, 2023, Mercury leaves the Retrograde Zone at 24° Capricorn 21′

The year 2022’s final retrograde Mercury cycle began near the end of the year–on December 29th, 2022, and lasted until now, January 18th, 2023. Mercury’s shadow period began on December 12th, 2022, and ends on February 7th, 2023. Note that the shadow period begins before Mercury turns retrograde–when Mercury first passes over the degree that Mercury later returns to in retrograde motion. The shadow period ends when Mercury again passes over the degree at which it first turned retrograde. The shadow period is different than Mercury’s storm period in astrology, which refers to the period when Mercury is moving especially slowly.

Mercury’s post-retrograde shadow is generally better for new long-term endeavors than the pre-retrogrades shadow. For new enterprises in the pre-retrograde shadow, the venture’s secondary progressed Mercury will turn direction (retrograde) in the coming years, which may not be ideal.

Also note that things are most wonky on and around the days of the stations whether Mercury is turning retrograde OR direct (the start and end dates of the retrograde cycle) as the shifts occur, after which we grow more accustomed to the energy.

Mercury is retrograde approximately three times a year for approximately three weeks each time. As such, retrograde Mercury is a fairly common occurrence (Mercury is retrograde approximately 18% of the time).

As the planet of communication, Mercury retrograde tends to breed a certain level of confusion. Mercury rules our “lower” mind–how we perceive and interpret information that we receive from our environment, and how we relay that information to others. Mercury has rulership over such things as speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, the mail and shipping, and so forth. All of these areas of life are affected when Mercury is functioning in a sluggish state. Decision-making is challenged during Mercury retrograde.

Needless to say, it is not advised to sign contracts, engage in important decision-making, or launch a new business. Delays and challenges are more probable with Mercury retrograde. It’s a time when being careless with money, our personal information, or paperwork can be costly.

While Mercury is retrograde, we may be rethinking a previous opinion or idea. Looking to the signs and houses it transits can give clues as to what we may be reconsidering. In Capricorn this time, we’re reviewing career matters, business, reputation, status, and connections with those in authority.

Now that Mercury is direct, slowly but surely, information unclogs, and we can move on. Ideally, while Mercury was retrograde, we had the chance to catch up, refine details, and change our minds if needed.

Sun enters Aquarius

Sun is in Aquarius from January 20-February 18, 2023.

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.

 

We recognize those things that are obsolete or outdated, and we’re ready to change the world with new ideas and methods. We might often let our heads rule over our hearts during this cycle, preferring an objective, impersonal, and rational approach to life.

The Moon is New in Aquarius on January 21, 2023, at 3:53 PM EST.

The New Moon in Aquarius marks the beginning of a new cycle. The Capricorn New Moon cycle ends and the Aquarius New Moon cycle begins. In the sign of Aquarius, friendship, brotherhood, group activities, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, humanitarian efforts, or joining a group will be a strong focus. New beginnings regarding any or all of these matters are possible now.

This is a time during which we should solve problems that require thinking “outside of the box.” We look to the future with a brand new, positive, and hopeful vision, frequently brainstorm and socialize, and focus on extending a friendly hand, receiving support, and expressing platonic love for those around us. It’s a time to give our emotions and passions a “break”, as we develop more objectivity and some detachment from past haunts. We might learn how something (or someone) works or revitalize ourselves through experiences that are new or simply different.

This cycle encourages us to reach out to people in our social circle and in our community, and recognize the value of our friendships and social networks. We might also recognize that some level of detachment and distancing ourselves from our habits and attachment to the past will help us break away from destructive behaviors that are holding us back.

With this potent Aquarius energy, we have the chance to make progressive changes in our lives. For some of us, circumstances are such that we need to pay more attention to these matters.

This New Moon harmonizes with Jupiter and separates from a conjunction with Pluto. We’re ready to make renovations and improvements to our lives now.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 1 degree and 33 minutes of Aquarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 0 to 6 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) and 28 to 30 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

Uranus now turns direct at 14° Taurus 56′. Each year, Uranus is retrograde for approximately 5 months. Today, Uranus ends its retrograde phase, turning direct.

• Uranus enters the Retrograde Zone on May 7, 2022,  at 14° Taurus 56′
• Uranus stations and turns retrograde on August 24, 2022,  at 18° Taurus 55′ Rx
• Uranus stations and turns direct on January 22, 2023, at 14° Taurus 56′
• Uranus leaves the Retrograde Zone on May 9, 2023, at 18° Taurus 55′

 

Venus enters Pisces

Venus is in Pisces from January 26-February 20, 2023. Venus enters the sign of Pisces today.

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, as there is a longing for something that is difficult 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 deceived because we want to believe, as well as evasiveness. We should watch for falling in love with an idealized image of something or someone. It’s also important to watch for avoidant or indirect behavior.

Venus is exalted in Pisces and does well in the sign. It’s devoted, compassionate, exceptionally giving, and capable of sacrifice. We might refer heavily on our intuition with our finances and love life during this cycle. We gravitate to–and appreciate–unusual, tossed aside, poetic, artistic objects, situations, and people. We seek activities that move, inspire, or touch us.

 

Money may slip through our fingers, or we could turn a blind eye to some of the practical elements of our lives now. However, finances improve if we connect with our otherworldly talents, imagination, desire to heal and serve, or sense of mission.

This transit is not particularly strong for resolve or determination, but it’s good for adaptability and increased understanding or acceptance.

The Moon is Full in Leo on February 5, 2023, at 1:28 PM EST.

The Full Moon in Leo marks the beginning of a new cycle.

The Moon is full when the Aquarius Sun opposes the Moon in Leo. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time–a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

The Leo-Aquarius polarity deals with the balance between all that is personal (Leo) and all that is impersonal (Aquarius). The energy of the Leo Moon is creative self-expression and the boost to the individual ego that we receive through pleasure and romance, while the Aquarius Sun rules the group, more impersonal friendships, and objectivity. This Full Moon urges us to strike a balance between romance and friendship, and between expressing ourselves in personal and impersonal ways.

The Leo Moon is proud and intensely individual–not content with simply being just one of the team. The Aquarius Sun, while individualistic as well, values independence and the “team.” The Full Moon illuminates this conflict.

With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic illumination occurs in our own lives. However, these new feelings and revelations are emotional ones, as there is a sense of emotions bursting forth into our consciousness. It’s time to express ourselves, and to let things out of our systems. Over the coming weeks, we will discover what this means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings. We need to express them. Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is not particularly rational as yet.

This Full Moon forms a square to Uranus, adding some rebellious, unexpected, premature, or abrupt energy to our epiphanies and revelations.

The same Full Moon in Leo chart with additional points:

This phase of the Moon occurs at 16 degrees and 41 minutes of Leo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 14 to 20 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

Mercury enters Aquarius

Mercury is in Aquarius from February 11-March 2, 2023.

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.

We’re reasonable, finding it easier to separate intellect and emotion when assessing a situation. Although progressive-minded and receptive to new studies and information, we are not quick to sway from our ideas and beliefs. During this cycle, we take more interest in thinking that’s daring or original. As we envision a better future, we can come up with truly interesting ideas and concepts.

Sun enters Pisces

Sun is in Pisces from February 18-March 20, 2023.

With the Sun in Pisces, we are guided by altruistic feelings. We are less motivated to do than we are to feel, imagine, and dream. A “what will be, will be” attitude reigns, and we are guided by a sense of universal correlations. Pisces rules empathy, selfless love, devotion, and wisdom. Its shadow side can include self-pity, a feeling of being victimized by life, passivity, and elusiveness.

While we may not always verbalize or express our feelings and impressions during this cycle, they’re strong and motivating. We prefer to believe and trust, giving things/people the benefit of the doubt until they prove us wrong. We might often tune out problems or conflicts rather than tackle them head on, hoping they will iron themselves out. Prosperity flows when we’re connecting with our heart, being kind, and helping others. The need to withdraw or retreat to restore our energy is strong from time to time.

The Moon is New in Pisces on February 20, 2023, at 2:06 AM EST.

The following is the New Moon astrological chart wheel for the Pisces New Moon in 2023.

The New Moon in Pisces marks the beginning of a new cycle. The Aquarius New Moon cycle ends and the Pisces New Moon cycle begins.

The New Moon in Pisces is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Fish. These include taking a leap of faith, accepting imperfections in ourselves and in others as a different kind of “perfection,” starting a project that requires imagination and visualization skills, consciously putting time aside for peaceful and rejuvenating activities, and sharing a dream with another.

With this potent Pisces energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives.

The major bodies are all direct, contributing to a feeling of moving forward. This New Moon is separating from an alignment with Saturn, suggesting a sense that we have our responsibilities in mind, but that we’re also picking up steam in the faith or inspiration department. Venus is at the very end of the sign of Pisces–it will enter Aries within minutes after the New Moon–suggesting an ending in the social or financial department could power or drive our new beginnings.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 1 degree and 22 minutes of Pisces, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 0 to 5 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) and 27 to 30 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

Alternate chart with additional bodies (Chiron, asteroids, Eris, etc.):

Venus enters Aries

Venus is in Aries from February 20 to March 16, 2023. With Venus in Aries, love is spontaneous and direct. The chase is very exciting to us under this fiery influence. We are bold, fresh, and a little impatient when it comes to matters of the heart. We don’t look back with Aries energy. We are not interested in saying sorry or dwelling on the past–it’s a brand new day! It’s time to make things work right now.

Aries is known for a love of the chase and the conquest, but Aries love can be longstanding as long as it remains relatively fresh. Aries is blunt–there’s no sugar-coating with Aries. This can sting, but rarely is Aries energy mean or petty. Saying it like it is is important to the sign. Desires are strong and expressed spontaneously, enthusiastically, and directly. Aries prefers to seduce rather than be seduced, to chase rather than be chased.

While Venus is in Aries, we gravitate to Aries-like activities, pleasures, pastimes, and objects of interest. Our tastes can veer toward action, new enterprise, conquests, courageous or daring acts, and so forth. We can be somewhat impulsive with our money or entertainment choices.

Our interests can be insistent and strong, but possibly short-lived. It’s not the best time for holding onto money. We might pour our resources too quickly into new ventures or projects but tire of these things just as rapidly.

 

Mercury enters Pisces

Mercury is in Pisces from March 2-19, 2023–which is relatively quick. Mercury enters Pisces this evening.

When Mercury is in Pisces, our thinking processes are more visual, intuitive, and imaginative. We are especially attuned to the world of emotion, which colors both our thoughts and our communication style.

We guess well, express ourselves with imagery, and make decisions intuitively. We are more attracted to consciousness-raising information.

It’s not always easy to verbalize our impressions during this cycle. We don’t enjoy pinning down, labeling, or strictly defining things. We recognize that life isn’t always logical, and we prefer not to think in black and white terms. We’re sensitive and impressionable, which means we can take in more than usual and it can sometimes overwhelm us. Pisces needs periodic time alone or within to regenerate and detox.

The Moon is Full in Virgo on March 7, 2023, at 7:40 AM EST.

A Full Moon occurs in the sign of Virgo on March 7th, 2023, when the Sun in Pisces forms an opposition to the Moon in Virgo. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and the promise of fulfillment of that which was started at the New Moon. It is an emotional time – a time of romance, fertilization, and relationships.

With the Virgo-Pisces service axis involved, this Full Moon presses us to find a balance between day-to-day functions and routines, physical health, and the need for order (Virgo) and vision, spiritual health, disorder, and the infinite (Pisces).

Virgo rules the tools and techniques we use to deal with day-to-day life, while Pisces rules the tools we employ to manage our spiritual selves.

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 Full Moon occurs in our natal charts.

This Full Moon urges us to strike a balance between work and service, practicality and impracticality, criticism and acceptance. With the Moon full and bright in the sky, symbolic “illumination” occurs in our own lives.

However, these new feelings and revelations are emotional ones, as there is a sense of emotions bursting forth into our consciousness. It’s time to express ourselves and to let things out of our systems. Over the next two weeks, we will discover what this means for us.

For now, we can’t sit on our feelings–we need to express them! Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is not particularly rational as yet.

This is an eyes-wide-open time for our work, habits, health, and routines. We are likely to receive strong messages from our intuition.

This Full Moon occurs around the same time that Saturn leaves Aquarius and enters Pisces. It harmonizes with Uranus and forms a somewhat wide square to Mars.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 16 degrees and 40 minutes of Virgo, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 13 to 21 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

The following is a chart wheel with additional points for more detail:

Saturn enters the sign of Pisces

Saturn is in Pisces from March 7, 2023, to May 24, 2025, and then from September 1, 2025, until February 13, 2026.

 

• Mar  7, 2023     8:34 AM  Saturn enters Pisces
• May 24, 2025    11:35 PM  Saturn enters Aries
• Sep  1, 2025     4:06 AM  Saturn Rx enters Pisces
• Feb 13, 2026     7:11 PM  Saturn enters Aries

While Saturn is in Pisces, there can be some frustrations achieving practical goals until we learn to integrate our material and non-material values. We can feel uncomfortable with big shows of feeling or vulnerability/weakness. However, by not fully allowing ourselves these very human qualities, we end up limiting ourselves. While we will work hard or root for the underdog, we don’t feel comfortable feeling like we are one. We should watch for subtly conveying to others that we don’t need kindnesses, compliments, and support. We can be bothered by people who seem to play the victim, or on another level, are too “out there” with their spirituality.

Lacking some faith or trust in our intuition (or life itself), we can frequently feel vaguely fearful. We may feel more comfortable offering tangible help and advice than emotional shows of support. We should learn to recognize how we may limit ourselves and our experiences if we deny our connection to the more vulnerable, messy, or chaotic side of ourselves. It’s a step by step, slow-but-sure process.

There is some tendency to avoid scrutiny at all costs, which can lead to missed opportunities. Even if we’re strong and resilient, we can sometimes doubt that we are able to cope. There is a possibility of persistent or formidable enemies.

Quietly working hard can be a real strength of this position. We’re learning to allow ourselves to be creative and imaginative. We’re also capable of considerable effort and hard work in support and service. It’s easier for us to put our ego aside in order to get things done.

Jupiter conjunct Chiron

Jupiter, at 14° Aries 27′, forms a conjunction with Chiron, at 14° Aries 27′, on March 12, 2023. This is a one-off transit (it doesn’t repeat two more times as many outer-planet transits do).

With Jupiter forming a conjunction to Chiron, we have an increased need for greater understanding, wisdom, and awareness, as well as a stronger interest in the healing arts and holistic health. It may be a time during which we reconsider or revamp our personal belief system.

The potential for ridding ourselves of negative attitudes that have been holding us back or keeping us in a psychologically wounded state is strong.

Jupiter conjunct Chiron dates:

 on March 12, 2023, at 14° Aries 27′ (one-time)

Venus enters Taurus

Venus is in Taurus from March 16 to April 11, 2022. In Taurus, Venus is naturally very sensual, content, and possessive. We seek security and value those things that are long-lasting. Our appetite for pleasure is strong.

The sign of Taurus values the here and now and the world of the five senses. Tangible and physical expressions of love and romance figure strongly during the Venus-in-Taurus cycle. Holding on to someone or something we love is our tendency under this influence.

The shadow side of this is excessive possessiveness and treating our partners as objects that we own or want to own.

On the financial side, Venus in Taurus looks for high-quality, solid, practical, and long-lasting items. Holding on to our possessions is more likely now. With art, tastes, and pleasures, we prefer things that are earthy, natural, and grounded. We can be somewhat indulgent at this time. Uncertainty bothers us more than usual–we favor stability over excitement in love and pleasure.

Aspects Venus makes while in Taurus in 2023:

These aspects exclude the Moon, and the major aspect dates are bolded.

Mercury enters Aries

Mercury is in Aries from March 19-April 3, 2023.

When Mercury is in Aries, we are less concerned with objective viewpoints and explanations, and more concerned with reaching a decision…quickly!

Our thoughts and ideas are pioneering, and we tend to speak more spontaneously and directly with the planet of communication in bold and assertive Aries.

Mercury in Aries themes:

• quick, possibly impatient or hurried, decisions
• independent thought
• mental competitiveness
• direct, straightforward, honest, uncomplicated (perhaps insensitive or blunt) communications
• executive decisions
• preference to learn through personal experience, not instruction
• quick, perhaps defensive or combative, responses

Sun enters Aries

Sun is in Aries from March 20-April 20, 2023. In Aries, the Sun is enthusiastic and spontaneous. We are motivated by the desire to conquer. We are more impulsive and have the urge to initiate.

Aries is a sign that bounces back quickly–there is little in the way of shame with Aries. It is brave and pioneering, and somewhat innocent. We are direct and rather uncomplicated in our needs, but we can also be short-sighted and lack the desire to plan ahead.

The Sun enters Aries on March 20, 2023, at 5:24 PM EDT, which is also the Vernal Equinox.

While the Sun is in Aries this year, it forms the following aspects:

 

The Moon is New in Aries on March 21, 2023, at 1:23 PM EDT. The New Moon occurs at 0° Aries 50′.

The following is the chart wheel of the New Moon in Aries occurring in 2023.

The New Moon in Aries marks the beginning of a new cycle. The Pisces New Moon cycle ends and the Aries New Moon cycle begins.

The New Moon in Aries is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Ram. It’s time to take action – try something new and innovative, and go at it with gusto and confidence; be assertive without being abrasive; take charge of our lives; start a brand new project, and discover our own personal courage.

This is a strong cycle under which to re-evaluate our relationship with ourselves. With this potent Aries energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives. It’s time to make some solid yet realistic 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.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and thus a New Moon in Aries is especially ripe with opportunity for new beginnings. We might consider acting on a constructive impulse and following a hunch or taking a risk.

Aries learns through experience and action, and we might treat ourselves to a little adventure now. It’s also a good cycle under which to discover the benefits of expressing ourselves with authenticity – expressing ourselves as we are, without putting on airs.

We might find ways to learn how to rely on ourselves and to be happy about doing so – it will go a long way towards finding inner happiness when we know that we can be self-sufficient without blaming others for not helping us out. It’s a time to revitalize ourselves through experiences that break the routine and that involve doing something new and fresh.

This New Moon occurs in the very first degree of Aries (and the zodiac), suggesting a particularly strong new beginning theme globally. Its alignment with Mercury adds a mental, communicative theme to this fresh start. Mars, the ruler of Aries, forms an out-of-sign square to the lunation, and while we’re ready to work hard and pace ourselves, we can be impulsive or premature.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 0 degrees and 50 minutes of Aries, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 0 to 5 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, and Libra, and Capricorn) and 27 to 30 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) most significantly.

I like to see two charts of the New Moon. The featured chart uses only the major bodies and is useful for seeing chart patterns and core influences. Adding additional points or bodies is helpful for seeing nuances, as follows:

Pluto enters the sign of Aquarius

Pluto is in Aquarius from March 23, 2023, to June 11, 2023, later from January 20, 2024, until September 1, 2024, again from November 19, 2024, to March 8, 2043, at which point it will weave in and out of Aquarius and Pisces.

Why so many dates? Pluto is very slow-moving, and with retrograde (effective backward) activity, it advances only about 1-3 degrees per year, depending on the sign. While Pluto flirts with Aquarius in 2023, it won’t be consistently in the sign until late 2024. In all, Pluto will spend between 19 and 20 years in the sign.

 

• Mar 23, 2023  at 8:13 AM  Pluto enters Aquarius
• Jun 11, 2023  at 5:47 AM  Pluto Rx enters Capricorn
• Jan 20, 2024  at 7:50 PM  Pluto enters Aquarius
• Sep  1, 2024 at 8:10 PM  Pluto Rx enters Capricorn
• Nov 19, 2024 at 3:28 PM  Pluto enters Aquarius
• Mar  8, 2043 at 8:44 PM  Pluto enters Pisces
• Aug 31, 2043 at 11:34 PM  Pluto Rx enters Aquarius
• Jan 19, 2044 at 4:30 AM  Pluto enters Pisces

While Pluto is in Aquarius, we take social structures and politics especially seriously, and we seek major reform in these areas. Unusual, intense, or dramatic happenings are possible with friends and networks.

During this long-term cycle, we are likely to confront issues of control and power related to individuality, equality, friendships, and group associations. We can be on a quest to distinguish ourselves for our progressiveness, scientific minds, ideals, humanitarianism, or unique qualities. It’s also a time when we seek to change and overhaul society through science, inventions, and the mind/ideas.

Mars enters Cancer

Mars is in Cancer from March 25 to May 20, 2023. We pursue our interests ardently, but we avoid a direct approach to going after we want while Mars transits Cancer. As well, our goals and plans are subject to mood swings and vacillations. We are defensive rather than overtly aggressive. Much of what we do depends on our current mood of the moment.

We’re also very intuitive and can be moved to take action to bring peace or comfort and safety to our lives during this period. We go to bat for our loved ones. In fact, we’re fiercely protective. It’s a powerful period for putting ego matters aside so that we can push our plans forward. Inner satisfaction and love are generally more important to us than outer achievements at this time. Personal and domestic goals are our priority during this phase.