Mercury Stations Direct Jan. 8 Wait for it. Wait for it! The New Year gets off to a slow start thanks to Mercury's retrograde in Sagittarius. It takes us a little longer to get moving with our big plans for the year, as Mercury stations direct on January 8, moving forward again in the coming days. Mercury does not pick up any great speed for the month of January, leading to a less than optimal time for quick decisions. Those New Year's resolutions may have to go through some editing! Full Moon in Gemini Jan. 12 The Moon reaches its fullest at 11.33 GMT on January 12, passing through the turbulent sign Ardra within the sign Gemini, reaching the more hopeful sign Punarvasu for a readjustment. Storms clear the air, whether meteorological or emotional, as we expand our hearts to express the fullness of whatever we are feeling. Pluto's opposition in Sagittarius alongside the Sun, highlights the stark contrast between the beliefs we hold and the way in which we live our everyday lives. This type of polarization can seem hypocritical. With this full Moon's ruler, Mercury, now moving slowly forward, there is an electricity in the air and we feel full of new beginnings and possibilities. However, there is much we need to let go of in order to begin afresh. Sun in Capricorn Jan. 14 - Feb. 12 It truly begins to feel like the New Year once the Sun reaches the sign Capricorn, marking a period after the solstice when the Sun changes signs, starting its northern route, and heralding brighter days to come for those on the northern hemisphere. We still have a lot of work to put in before we make it to the light, as the Sun transits through Saturn's signs, but its time for the inner work that is required to overcome our fears. Mars in Pisces Jan. 20 - Feb. 28 Mars leaves devastation in its wake in Aquarius and jumps into the depths of Pisces, leading to a lack of direction, but connecting our energy with the natural flow of life which includes many possibilities. While Venus reaches great strength in Pisces, Mars is a little out of its depth, beautifully depicted in Botticelli's painting (pictured). Mars will meet with Venus later in the month; a passionate mix, but one which can make us feel a little spent. Pisces represents endings, expenditure, rest and sleep. Our individuality may have to take a back seat to a connection we have with all, as we ponder the wonders of life and its many seemingly abstract twists and turns. Saturn in Sagittarius Jan. 26 - June 21 2017 & Oct. 26 2017 - Jan. 24 2020 Saturn moves into Sagittarius by the end of January, a key shift in 2017, transiting the sign for most of the next three years. This is a period where we must sift through all those limiting or inflated beliefs that do not represent a realistic way forward. Saturn demands truth. It is sometimes too astringent for the passionate flavours of Sagittarius, but this astringency also preserves its gems, making our goals last longer than they would have otherwise. If you have a vision, Saturn's hard work ethos will not be lost on it - it's just that the reality of making your dreams come to pass may not be as sweet as the vision you held in your mind's eye. There is work involved and patience required. . Saturn in Sagittarius also aspects Jupiter, while Jupiter transits Virgo until June 21 2017. Saturn's aspects represent areas of life which must feel Saturn's cold stare. If we try to avoid the reality of the situation, it only makes it more difficult in the long run. Saturn aspects Gemini, Virgo and Aquarius while in Sagittarius. All Saturn wants is to do is the responsible thing. In other words, Saturn represents a part of us which knows the right thing to think, say and do - in any given situation. But even if we were to begin thinking, saying and doing the right thing from this moment, we still have to accept that we have not always, and that we must experience the repercussions of this at some time. Saturn shows the timing. Beyond that, everything has its limit, and Saturn will make us aware of where those limits lie. In 2017, Saturn moves back and over the section of the zodiac between the water sign Scorpio and the fire sign Sagittarius. This is a sensitive juncture and an unstable year, as a result. And even though Zodiac signs are not marked out in the heavens with clear lines - there is a blurring from one into the other - we will be very conscious of how these two signs connect with each other in 2017. In a general sense, Scorpio represents our fears and insecurities, while Sagittarius represents a way of living which lifts us out of our fears, giving us hope. This can mean a religion for many, but ideally it represents a set of unique beliefs which govern our lives. Our minds need structures to lift us out of our insecurities. We need guidance in the form of laws, religions, teachers and counsellors. When setting off on a long journey, whether externally or internally, we benefit from the rules of the road; by those who have laid the path before us, whatever form these guides may come in. Saturn's transit in Sagittarius is a good time to follow a particular path which can guide us to the true freedom we seek. You can read an article on Saturn in Sagittarius here. Venus in Pisces Jan. 27 - May 31 Venus moves into its sign of exaltation by the end of January. This balm is needed due to other, more intense, transits. Venus offers some sweetness to a bitterness that is sometimes hard to swallow. Without Venus life would be unbearable. A softly spoken, reassuring word is sometimes all that is needed to get someone through great difficulty. Sweet thoughts lead to a better life experience. When Venus is strong and unobsructed, life is not to be beared, but to be rejoiced, to the celebrated, just as it is, without needing to make any adjustments. Venus in Pisces offers us a chance to be happy, no matter what the circumstance. Granted, this is easier for those who are more influenced by Venus at this time: for those in a Venus cylce, as well as for those who are more influenced by Venus from birth and who have a happy disposition. For those more influenced by Saturn, or a Saturn cylce, for example, Venus can only offer some relief, making life a little more pleasurable for the first half of the year. Venus usually spends only a few weeks in a sign, but due to its retrograde transit in March and April, it will stay in its sign of exaltation until the end of May. This is a balm we need to apply frequenlty, as we experienced the unsettling transit of Saturn through the early degrees of Sagittarius, and its aspect on Jupiter in Virgo, opposite to Venus. Jupiter in Virgo creates a conflict at the other end of the spectrum, representing all of the details of our lives. This makes us think that if such and such were in such a way, then we would find meaning in life. How can we be happy with what is going on in the world, with all of the wrongs which need to be made right? Venus in Pisces offers us a way out, at least, one way or another. For some, there is only one way out, while for others, surrender comes in many forms, including prayer, meditation, alcohol, drugs, sex, sleep and death. New Moon in Capricorn Jan. 28
The Moon reaches the Sun's degree just after midnight on January 28. This new Moon marks a new beginning and a period of renewal. However, this is not a new beginning in any obvious way. Rather, it is an initiation in silence; a promise to ourselves. There are no major aspects to this new Moon by any of the planets, only a stark sense of what now lies before us, without the noise of recent transits to distract us. Now we can see further from our new vantage point. OM TAT SAT Rahu (North Node) in Magha (0 ° - 13 ° 20' Leo) Rahu moves into the lunar constellation of Magha on December 3 (true nodes), December 9 (mean nodes), depending on which calculation is used - staying in this lunar sign until the nodes move on August 18 (mean nodes) and September 9 2017 (true nodes). This means Rahu and Ketu, the north and south nodes, are exchanging signs between December and April, until Ketu moves into Dhanistha, Mar's lunar sign on April 14 2017. Confused?! Rahu always creates confusion, even down to which calculation is to be used. The more confusion it brings, the more clarity will be forthcoming, but it doesn't come right away. Rahu entering the sign of Magha, symbolized by a throne of power, brings more twists and turns in roles of power to confuse us. As the shadow of Rahu continues to transit through the sign of authority, Leo, we are forced to look at the shady side of power roles and structures - inflated egos. It brings out the unsavory aspects of this in our own lives, as well as those of people in power. Yet when we point the finger at those in power, we are merely pointing the finger at our own shadow, the unacknowledged parts of ourselves. There is no light which doesn't cast a shadow. This shade becomes more obvious in leaders as Rahu enters Magha, a sign which is synonymous with power and entitlement. And yet, it is ruled by the south node of the Moon, Ketu - Rahu's counterpart. This plays out in those in power having to eat some humble pie, when realizing that they are only granted such power because of others, whether by those who are being led; those who put them in power in the first place, or by those who have handed down their power and position to them. This transit adds complexity, as the masses realize the power of the people. This is due to Ketu being placed in Satabhisak, Rahu's lunar sign. Thus Rahu and Ketu exchange signs; Magha and Satabhisak. The mighty must acknowledge the maddening crowd, while the crowd have to acknowledge the ruling elite. We can see this being played out in more obvious ways when looking at Standing Rock Indian Reservation and the complexity of the situation there. The sign Aquarius is symbolized by a water bearer and the healing powers of water, reflected in the lunar sign Satabhisak contained therein, shows the issue of water pollution as Ketu transits Satabhisak, while the opposite sign Magha represents the ancestors and ancestral lands, now being transited by powerful Rahu. As with all of the signs, there is a tendency to polarize ourselves, so that those with Leo prominent think themselves as all powerful, while those with Aquarius prominent feel victimized. We must find balance between these two extremes, just as the many hold power, while the powerful few must adhere to the masses. The divide between the ruling elite and the masses is more pronounced while Rahu and Ketu transit the signs Leo and Aquarius,at any rate. This leads to an 'us and them' scenario. Now that Rahu enters Ketu's sign, as Ketu continues to transit Rahu's sign, there is more to this story than meets the eye. It creates more confusion. Ultimately, we must acknowledge our own power, inherited from our ancestors (Magha) while using this power in ways that uplifts our fellow man (Satabhisak). Venus in Capricorn Dec. 3 - 28 Life can get a little harsh and too serious when Venus transits Saturn's signs in winter; moving through Capricorn until December 28 and then Aquarius until January 27 2017. Venus transiting Saturn's signs in winter leads to a coldness, and not just with the outside temperatures. This year we also have Saturn looking on from Scorpio, while Jupiter looks on from Virgo, instilling more sobriety into festivities during the lead up to the holidays. This creates stress around spending, for example, a pursuit which ordinarily brings some happiness, albeit shortly lived. While we may be able to avoid much of the coldness in the temperatures when wrapping up and heating up by a fire, we must give thanks for such comforts, knowing many are not afforded such comforts this winter. Our frugality will be rewarded by the end of January as we emerge from hibernation. Venus spends a longer-than-usual period in its sign of exaltation, Pisces come spring. Something to look forward to, to get us through a bitterly cold winter, figuratively speaking. Jupiter in Chitra Dec. 4 - April 14 2017 Jupiter moves into Mars' lunar sign, Chitra, at the end of Virgo from December 4 until April 14 2017 (and again between August 4 - October 14 2017). Chitra is a lunar sign which bridges the solar signs Virgo and Libra (23 ° 20' Virgo to 6 ° 40' Libra). Its symbol is a jewel such as a pearl, and its meaning conveys the beauty of design and architecture, while the symbol of a pearl conveys beauty within. This is symbolic of our own striving for inner perfection and why great works of art they speak to us on a deeper level. Venus is in Pisces for some of Jupiter's transit in Virgo, while a stationary Uranus is exactly opposite Jupiter by the end of December, creating a need to balance this striving for perfection, whether outer or inner, with the ability to let to and let it be, just as it is, with all of life's seeming imperfections. Those who are fortunate enough to travel into space are always struck by this perfection, no matter what takes place on planet Earth. And though very few of us get a chance to travel into outer space, we can all venture inside, into our inner space, to find this place of peace and perfection. The world seems like it is in chaos, but even chaos has an order and perfection when viewed from a deeper level of awareness. Saturn Combust Dec. 9/10 Saturn transits the Sun's degree in Scorpio by December 9, leading to a lack of vitality, a scattered period before the festive season, which leaves us feeling spent, literally. The run up to the winter solstice, when the Sun is at its lowest for those on the northern hemisphere, also points to a weakness that plays out in various ways, from a lack of drive, and poor choices, to a lack of heat and poor health. As the days get shorter, most of us try to cram as much into the shortening days and end up exhausted. This year is no exception. In fact, because of Saturn's position near the end of Scorpio, the need to preserve our energy and focus on simple tasks, one at a time, is highlighted. Put off all you can for a later date, while taking some time to focus your energy on the more important tasks of the day. Saturn guides us in this objective, making sure we are only doing the things that are truly important moving forward. Sometimes, however, we must spend all our efforts on all the things that seem important initially, before settling for what can and must be done once our energy reserve runs dry. Mars in Aquarius Dec. 11 - Jan. 19 2017 Mars continues through Saturn's signs into December, exchanging with Saturn in Scorpio along with Ketu. The challenges of the exchange between Scorpio and Aquarius have been all too obvious in 2016. It has reflected the intense fear felt over an increase in humanitarian crisis around the globe. Mars is getting in on the act again, increasing the intensity. Scorpio and Aquarius are the two most challenging signs of the zodiac, reflecting the two areas of our lives we get most stuck, and yet where we need to make the most change. They are known as tamasic, a Sanskrit word, meaning 'dark', 'dull', 'inert' and 'decaying'. They are ruled by the nodes of the Moon, the eclipse points which have created an inordinate amount of upheaval in 2016. And yet the intensity experienced represent the need to transform our situation to a better one, the desire which is born out of despair, as old ways of being must be relinquished if we are to make it to a new dawn. This is not an easy task in these fixed signs, as we look back over what is lost, again and again. Mars, at least, offers us a way to proceed with an action plan in December. Some actions may be questionable, but acts of aggression feel better to someone who is stuck in despair. It is worth remember this when looking at news reports this winter. We are likely to see many violent reactions, a lot of destruction, both man-made and natural, as well as a general sense of unease around the end of the year and into the New Year. Mars's transit to Aquarius means it is in a square aspect to Saturn and this creates a hard edge relationship between the planet of the establishment and the planet of violence. We are likely see an escalation of violence in places like Standing Rock, as Aquarius represents the water bearer and a fight to protect a basic human right of access to healing properties of clean, drinking water. Be mindful of the possibility of attack by the end of December and into the New Year, in whatever form this comes in for you. It may simply be a bitter exchange you later regret, but for some, it may play out as a violent outburst which humanity later recalls in horror. Full Moon in Taurus Dec. 14 The full Moon in Taurus, as with any transit of the Moon in Taurus, ordinarily brings a peaceful and lighthearted feeling which is conducive to good times spent with loved ones, doing the things which make us feel safe and protected. However, because of Saturn's transit opposite in Scorpio, and its aspect to Taurus since the end of 2014, there has not been a complete sense of protection and peace that has recharged us emotionally each month. Instead, we've had to deal with deep seated feelings of insecurity and depletion. This is revisited when the Moon enters Taurus, reaching its fullest in Mars' lunar sign Mrigrashira on December 14. Saturn is opposite this full Moon so we must pay attention to our fears of losing out, as we attempt to enjoy what money can buy, or the limits of what sensual pleasure can do for us. Sun in Sagittarius Dec. 16 - Jan. 14 The Sun in Sagittarius inclines us to look at the beliefs we hold and how they serve us - or not, as the case may be. At this time of year, it is worth noting what you believe about your life and about life in general. We must be able to rise above all of the fear at some point and ask some vital questions. Questions such as, why are we here? If our worst case scenario fears were to come true and our life on Earth were to come to an end tomorrow, what do we look to then? Sagittarius makes us into seekers, into philosophers. This is especially the case for those who have this sign prominent, but we all get in on the act at this time of year, with many visiting places of worship. This points to something outside of ourselves, something that is much bigger than we could ever be on our own, as we gather together in places of order and beauty. Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius Dec. 19 - Jan. 8 Mercury slows its course in December, stationing on the 19th, creating a stressful period for the business of the day, as we cram as much into our schedules as possible before the holidays. This creates the possibility of travel delays if you are heading away, so make sure to double check your itinerary and leave in plenty of time. It's not that you must expect delays when Mercury is retrograde, it's that you must be prepared for them! Mercury in Sagittarius is exchanging signs with Jupiter in Virgo, so there is a lot of strength available from both planets, leading to a more intelligent response to any mishaps along the way. The year ends as many years end; with a review of what has happened. This year, with Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius, the review is more philosophical and intense, as Mercury exchanges signs with Jupiter in Virgo, the most analytical of signs. Solstice Dec. 21 The Sun 'stands still' on Wednesday December 21 and continues to appear stuck on the horizon until it asendents by one degree on Christmas Day, heralding a new birth, a new beginning. This new beginning is not one which comes out all at once, but instead is a quiet and still new start in the stillness of our being, representing a new inner growth which takes months to sprout any external signs of life. It is best to be still with the Sun's 'stillness' and this is all the more relavent during this year's Solstice, as Mercury stations retrograde. Venus in Aquarius Dec. 28 - Jan. 27 2017 Venus continues its transit through Saturn's signs, this time moving through Aquarius. Venus brings joy in caring for others and, while in this humanitarian sign, we are apt to look outside of our immediate environment to see how others experience the harshness of winter, and lend a helping hand to those in need. Aquarius is hosting Mars and Ketu at this time, leading to more humanitarian crisis which needs the balm of Venus more than ever. We are likely to see the best and worst of what humanity is capable of by the end of December, and as we head into the New Year. New Moon and 'New Mercury' in Sagittarius Dec. 29 The Moon reaches the Sun's degree (13 degrees of Sagittarius) at 06.53 UT on December 29. The period between Christmas Day and New Year's Day is a very sensitive period, as a result. The new Moon is a 'dark Moon', a period our energy is low. It is a return to our source of power, for a charge up, but itself is a time when we must conserve our energy and restart our engines after a brief shutdown. This year, with intense transits running concurrently; Mars transiting the eclipse degree, Saturn entering Gandanta (read Saturn in Sagittarius article), and Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius, reaching the Sun along with the Moon for a 'New Mercury' on this new Moon day - we would do well to pay attention to the need to slow down and look out for new sign posts ahead. Sagittarius is the natural 9th house of the zodiac, representing faith, beliefs, religions, laws, teachers, education, wisdom, foreign travel, expansion, hope and good fortune. It represents the law and order we live by, not just the ones imposed on us by others (although that is also relevant). After the intense scrutiny of Scorpio, and our worst fears are realized, we come to the stage at Sagittarius where we develop a strong philosophy to live by. We learn to incorporate a set of rules for right living, whether imposed by others or self-imposed. The position of Jupiter plays a crucial role in how all of this plays out individually, based on your birth chart, and by transit, currently in Virgo. If, in your birth chart, Jupiter were in Taurus, for example, you may have a way of doing things in relation to food preparation, and it can be a sort of religion for you. This can become dogmatic and you may only prepare foods a certain way, or have very fixed views on cultivation, as Taurus is a fixed sign. Virgo brings a more analytical approach, and a need to find meaning in the everyday, the mundane things in life, which becomes even more important when other aspects of our life seem out of control. Look to see where you have Jupiter placed in your sidereal birth chart, to see how you experience your 'religion'. This is simply a set of beliefs you hold about certain things - a certain way of doing things. This winter, with Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius, exchanging signs with Jupiter in Virgo - along with this new Moon, and 'new Mercury' - as well as the upcoming transit of Saturn in Sagittarius - it points us towards a review and restructuring of how we bring order to the chaos of our life. Saturn in Gandanta Dec. 30 2016 - Nov. 28 2017 (except between March 16 and April 27 2017) Read an article about this transit here OM TAT SAT |