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Every year brings its challenges and rewards. Some years bring more challenges, and more rewards. 2023 is one of those years, it seems. War, natural disasters, an energy crisis, and major economic adjustment–possibly even a major stock market crash after further inflation–it’s all happening!
But what is also happening is Saturn is moving from its conjunction with Pluto. This has reflected a particularly challenging period since the beginning of 2020. Things are going to progress in 2023 in ways 2020, 2021 and 2022 could not. The downside is that to move forward, many systems we hoped would return to normal must fall away completely, including the current economic one. And yet, new systems cannot replace the old one overnight. It’s a long, drawn-out process. Subsequent transits point to major uprisings by mid-decade because of this. Things are likely to escalate in 2023 to bring us to that point.
Saturn enters Aquarius on Jan 17, taking its gaze off of Jupiter in Pisces. Inflation may run amok and the threat of nuclear weapons is heightened, but so is the hope for something better. New structures and systems are now likely to enforce bigger changes, building something new out of the wreckage of the old. New social networks, including social media platforms, and regulations, are likely, as is any kind of advancement in the treatment of disease.
Aquarius is the sign with more apparent contradictions than any other. On the one hand, it’s all about following the rulebook when building new structures. Yet Rahu co-rules it, changing and challenging plans at every turn. The builders look at each other in bemusement. No one is impressed by the new ideas, least of all those who must do all the work.
Saturn’s aspect to Aries is likely to be reflected in an ongoing energy crisis, and more issues around water. Its influence on Aquarius may bring water shortages and water-related infections. Its influence on Scorpio may show an inaccessibility to what lies buried underground, while its aspect to Leo may expose and challenge certain leaders. On a positive note, Saturn’s restrictive influence on Mars’s signs may bring ceasefires.
The other big change to occur in 2023 is when Jupiter enters Aries, joining Rahu and Uranus in the sign of war. Although Saturn’s influence may keep things in check through fear of consequence, Jupiter’s transit in Aries is likely to shake things up; for the economy; for what is right. Righteousness may seem lost as it conjoins Rahu. What is the right thing to do? Who knows?
At least Jupiter’s conjunction with Rahu is likely to bring progress, after many things that have fallen apart since its conjunction with Ketu (South Node) at the end of 2019.
Jupiter-Rahu is likely to bring yet more divisions, of course. Rahu may bring advancement, but there are often unforeseen consequences. Brexit is a case in point, which was voted for the last time Jupiter and Rahu came together, in 2016. Whatever your beliefs about the politics of that period, it certainly shook things up in the world in a big way. We’re likely to see many more things shake in 2023.
Jupiter represents growth, which means its conjunction with greedy Rahu, as well as the unexpected Uranus, could show growth that is unexpected, but not for everybody. It could show unexpected growth in the markets, for example, but this could be what leads to a major stock market crash later. There’s always another side to the coin (pardon the pun) with Rahu. If you’re investing money in any major deals, you need to have your wits about you in an extreme financial year. There could be another virus that comes out of nowhere, or the re-emergence of one we thought we had put behind us.
The year starts out in dire straits, with Mars continuing to backtrack through Taurus, a sign representing basic needs. The planet of war moving back through the sign of resources does not bode well for acquiring such basics as energy or resources. By October, Mars meets with Ketu in Libra, before Venus enters Virgo. There is the potential for a major market crash, the likes of which we have not seen in our lifetime.
The lunar nodes finish their transit in Aries and Libra around this time, leaving war widows and economic hardship in their wake. The nodes were in these signs during the crash of 1929, as Ketu conjoined Mars. This repeats in October, with Ketu then meeting with a debilitated Venus in November.
The nodes move into Pisces and Virgo; Rahu enters Pisces; Ketu enters Virgo. Some astrologers see Rahu as ruling Virgo and Ketu ruling Pisces, placing them in each other’s signs. Even if they don’t, they are ill-suited to what these signs are about.
Rahu is lost in the depths of Pisces. It is already confused. Throw it into the contradictory realms of Pisces, and you have the potential for a lot more confusion. Oh, and why not blur the picture with a conjunction with Neptune?! Neptune will return to Pisces in February, placing Neptune and Rahu together in Pisces from November. This will likely bring many complexities through the end of 2023 and into 2024.
Ketu is ill-suited to Virgo as it challenges practical life and orderliness. Ketu is a ‘part’ of us uninterested in order, or anything practical. And yet, the most practical thing we can do is what Ketu wants of us; that is, to be spiritually orientated. Let’s face it, losses are the only thing we can be sure of. Ketu may take away things that gave us a sense of stability in 2023. In doing so, it shakes us out of our state of confusion by waking us up to what is real beyond this world.
As Rahu in Pisces churns up so many conflicting emotions about what is happening, we must focus on what does not change, within, so as not to feel lost, without.
January
The New Year begins as it did in 2022, with a Venus-Pluto conjunction. Venus is itself emerging from its combustion, after being burnt up in the purifying rays of the Sun. As Venus re-emerges alongside Pluto, it may show something we could not see before. Venus’s combustion reflects the economic woes from the start.
Mercury is retrograde from the beginning of 2023, having stationed on Dec 29, 2022. So, it’s not in any way a fresh, clean start. It’s full of setbacks and frustrations when we add Mars’ continued retrograde. Mars stations direct by Jan 12, with Mercury stationing direct by Jan 18. There is a lot of frustration until after this period, as Mars aspects Mercury by exact degree. Whatever we wish to achieve must be approached patiently.
Saturn enters Aquarius on Jan 17, a key turning point in the depths of the winter on the northern hemisphere. Although changes are slow to take hold anywhere on the planet, they are slowly doing so. Venus joins Saturn in Aquarius by Jan 22, requiring realism. This may lead to a sombre mood, but at least we’re all more aware of what must be done.
February
Mercury joins Pluto by Feb 10, while Venus joins Neptune by Valentine’s Day. The Sun meets with Saturn at the same time, which means Saturn is now in combustion. They do so in Aquarius, the sign of innovation. Whatever new plan we would love to put in place at this point, there is a lot to work out. There may be some conflict to experience with leaders who do not have humanity’s best interest at heart.
Neptune re-enters Pisces on Feb 18, moving back into a sign it’s at home in. Neptune re-joining Jupiter in Pisces may show more water-related issues. Neptune in Pisces can be both good and bad, as everything about Pisces seems contradictory. This may confuse, as and when seemingly conflicting events and feelings occur simultaneously. There may be conflicting reports about some things, for example, and confusion around the facts presented.
Neptune and Jupiter do not stay together for long, however. They’re wide orb and transit on both ends of Pisces may be make it unclear as to what needs to end.
March
Mercury is the last of the faster-moving planets to meet with Saturn in Aquarius, by Mar 2. This testing and re-testing of our new plans will likely feel like a chore at this point. Yet without testing, we cannot know it will work. We’re likely to at least know if it works now. If it doesn’t, we can let it go and start a new one.
Venus is conjunct Jupiter at the same time, so this is more helpful; more enjoyable, at least. Venus is exalted in Pisces, with Jupiter right at home. There are likely many positive expressions of this, a sense that we have might as well find enjoyment in whatever is happening, even if it’s challenging. The downside of such a positive conjunction is overindulgence, or escapism, due to other, more challenging, indications. It’s as if 2023’s challenges are met with an overly optimistic response at this stage, a response that could lead to a growing problem, especially in the economy.
Mars finally makes it out of Taurus on Mar 13, having first entered the sign in August 2021. Mars then moves past the point it began to backtrack in the beginning of Gemini by Mar 17. Whatever plans were made towards the end of 2022 can now move forward. The planet of war moving forward may mean just that, of course. After many weeks of stalling, it could lead to an escalation and break down of talks. Mars in Gemini must talk, however, no matter how much is dislikes it.
At least Mars is now in a helpful relationship with a powerful Saturn in Aquarius, both in air signs. This can lead to some advancements, as new ideas are thrashed out in a more constructive manner.
Venus moves into Mars’ sign Aries by Mar 12, joining Rahu and Uranus placed therein. After a period of Venus in exaltation in early March, joined Jupiter, Venus joining the exaggerated Rahu and surprising Uranus may further inflate situations for better or worse. The economy is likely going through major ups and downs at this point.
Mercury takes a dip in Pisces by Mar 16, conjunct Neptune as soon as it does so. This may leave us feeling completely perplexed as to what is true or not. Although Jupiter’s transit in Pisces is a mitigating factor, allowing us to tune into our inner knowing, the facts and figures may not tally with what we sense is right. The inclusion of the Sun in Pisces from Mar 14 is another indication of a reset and ending that must now occur before we can start over.
April
Venus meets with Uranus and Rahu in Aries by Mar 30. Mercury moves into Aries by Mar 31, crossing the juncture between the ending of the zodiac and a new beginning. Jupiter reaches the end of Pisces in April, as does the Sun. This shows a major period of endings and new beginnings.
This also means Jupiter is not visible, hidden by the rays of the Sun, in the depths of the transition in Pisces. This has more obvious challenges with the economy, but less so with more spiritual concerns. Righteousness may be challenged in a more obvious outward sense, as treatments of people may be questioned. But Jupiter’s inner strength is at least the questioning of such behaviour.
The big news and change in April is the total eclipse of the Sun on Apr 20, visible in South East Asia. This occurs at 5 degrees sidereal Aries, in the lunar mansion Aśvinī. This has the potential to move the story along in leaps and bounds, changing things radically in governments and in movements all around the world. The eclipsed Sun is exalted, unlike the previous solar eclipse of Oct 2022. It’s also flanked either side by the ‘good guys’, Jupiter in its own sign Pisces, and Venus, which will have moved into its own sign, Taurus, by Apr 6. Although this points to changes at this stage, at least there is more potential for positive ones.
Saturn’s strength and aspect from the innovative Aquarius is a container for what seems to be a more positive eclipse, although it doesn’t take away from the need for radical changes. It may, however, keep some heads cool when more objectivity is needed in times of transition.
Mercury stations retrograde in Aries by Apr 21. By the time it stations direct, on May 15, we will have put the solar eclipse behind us. There are a lot of details to work out in the meantime, especially as Mercury backtracks through the eclipse degrees in Aries.
The other big news is Jupiter enters Aries by Apr 21, joining forces with Rahu and Uranus for a major shakeup. It meets with Rahu by exact degree in May, but we are likely to feel the need to transform what we believe is possible from the start. The last time Jupiter and Rahu came together in 2016 shook our world. This time is likely to do the same.
May
Jupiter meets with Rahu by exact degree on May 27. When they came together 2016, it was dubbed ‘the year of rebellion’. Yet Jupiter was also retrograde alongside the node for many months in that year. We’re in for more of the same in the summer of 2023, but perhaps a short, sharp shock. While 2016 shook up leaders with its conjunction in Leo, this conjunction is all about war in Aries. Thankfully, Jupiter is not staying too close to the Rahu for too long. Yet they do hang out in the sign of war for a year, until Jupiter makes it to Taurus in May 2024.
Jupiter and Rahu are opposite in every which way. Jupiter is righteousness. Rahu is a ‘rebel without a cause’. Jupiter is order. Rahu is chaos. Jupiter is god. Rahu is its antithesis – whatever label you chose. Jupiter is life itself. Rahu is anti-life. Rahu can show disrespect for life, for righteousness. It wants to transform laws, policies and norms when conjunct Jupiter. Expect more chaos in the summer.
In 2016, we saw many well-known singers die because of their conjunction in Leo, the sign of entertainment. In 2023, they conjoin in Aries. Are we likely to see the passing of many soldiers in the war? Maybe. Are we likely to see the passing of pioneers in their field? Yes, quite possibly.
Mars is moving into Cancer on May 10, as Jupiter and Rahu come together in its sign, Aries. Mars in Cancer is reactionary. It can either show a cowering from the threats that are possible, or a recklessness that leads to more problems.
The Full Moon in Libra on May 5 is also a partial lunar eclipse. Venus transits Gemini from May 2 to May 30. This is usually a fun time, despite the bigger changes and war-like situations occurring elsewhere. The Full Moon is a time to find balance between Aries and Libra; between war and peace. Yet any potential ceasefire is further complicated by a breakdown of communication while Mercury continues to retrograde in Aries until May 15.
The power of the Sun in exaltation in Aries is what can make or break it, as and when confident leaders do the right thing. Yet this powerful Sun is also eclipsing the Moon, which is looking for some way to compromise. Changing circumstances may dictate otherwise, as the Aries drive for power overcomes the Libra impulse to negotiate.
June
Mercury is conjunct Uranus at the end of Aries by Jun 5. This is Uranus’s last year in sidereal Aries since it began its transit here in 2016. Together with the Jupiter-Rahu conjunction that year, it highlighted the many changes the world had to face. Uranus’s last year in Aries is likely to escalate wars and add to the need to completely reform the economic system, after a crash that is likely by the end of 2023. By the time Uranus makes it to Taurus in 2024, new monetary systems must come online to replace the worn out ones. A new currency and changes in the current economic powers may also be due.
Saturn’s aspect to all the planets in Aries is likely to keep things somewhat contained, not allowing things to fall apart completely. Yet changes are a must and must surely to evident at this stage. Saturn stations by Jun 17 in Aquarius, halting long term plans around these innovations. Longer term changes continue to destabilise systems around the world, with Pluto now retrograde in Capricorn, while Saturn’s retrograde in Aquarius gets us to go back over the new paradigm with a fine tooth comb.
By the end of June, Venus catches up with Mars as it moves towards its exact degree of debilitation in Cancer. This ending point in Cancer can challenge us to shake off our comforts and attachments.
July
Mars enters Leo on Jul 1, facing off with a retrograde Saturn in Aquarius, exact by Jul 20. This is where leaders are challenged by the people who wish to take back some control. But leaders are unlikely to want to give it back. The Mars-Saturn opposition in Leo-Aquarius may point to a struggle to find a balance; between governments taking charge and people revolting. Revolutionary impulses are never far away from our minds throughout the year, but this is but a preview of the major revolutionary impulses by mid-decade.
Venus follows Mars into Leo by Jul 6 and would ordinarily move into an opposition to Saturn on the other side of the zodiac. But Venus will slow its transit and station retrograde by Jul 23. It does so in the same sign as Mars, in opposition to Saturn and a trine to both Jupiter and Rahu. All of the big players are involved in what Venus is doing, or re-doing, so that there is no avoiding some major economic and diplomatic issues.
August
Venus retrogrades back to Cancer, back over the sensitive juncture between water and fire as it did in July. This means Venus spends longer going through a process, a process of change that will likely shake world economics up in a big way. This is likely to lead to a further downturn by Oct-Nov, as and when Venus enters Virgo and joins Ketu.
August is likely to set the stage for this downturn; perhaps some adjustment that is rushed through impulsively by leaders who are losing control. Mars and Mercury are together in Leo as Venus backs out of the sign, back to Cancer as it looks for some comfort elsewhere. Relations may be tested.
As Mars ventures forward and into Virgo by Aug 18, Mercury then backtracks from Aug 23, joining Venus in the review. All thoughts are focused on Mercurial and Venusian realms, i.e., business and trade, as Mars bulldozes its way through new territory.
The Sun makes its way to a yearly opposition to Saturn. But this time, both are strong in their own signs, Leo and Aquarius. The people will have their say; leaders will have theirs.
September
Jupiter retrogrades from Sep 4 in Aries, acting out Rahu’s shadow desires. Uranus has also just stationed retrograde in Aries, so all three are moving back from our perspective. Retrogrades are a time to reorientate around external changes that have already happened. There is likely many things we must catch up with at this stage.
Uranus, Rahu and Jupiter in Aries are asking us to re-calibrate our connection to what it means to have freedom. This is especially so because of Saturn’s aspect from Aquarius, one downside of which can show new systems of control we are not on board with as yet. This is a major period of adjustment.
With all of the outer planets retrograde in September, the usual back-to-routine efficiency of this month is unlikely to run smoothly. At least Venus stations direct by Sep 4, while Mercury stations on Sep 15. After this, we can make use of our remunerations and re-calibrations. Mars has kept the show on the road this whole period, pushing plans through, even if we are not clear about the details.
October
By this stage, Mars will edge closer to Ketu, which is finishing up in Libra after a year and a half. This may be bad news in terms of war and the economy. It’s likely to leave a lot of devastation in its wake. By the time Mars meets with Ketu by exact degree on Oct 5, we are likely to see a major adjustment in the stock market. Although Mercury’s exaltation in Virgo may help with rational thought around the turmoil, Venus also opposes Saturn (exact Oct 9), which may lead to further restrictions. Venus itself will move into Virgo in November and this may show a major fallout, especially as Ketu joins it later in the month.
For now, Mercury moves through a strong position for proper analysis and planning in Virgo, before moving into Libra by Oct 18. Before the Sun slips into Libra, it’s sign of debilitation, on Oct 17, it is eclipsed by Ketu on Oct 14, representing further losses, especially for those in power. This leads to a partial lunar eclipse on Oct 28 in Aries. This period may feel extreme and uncertain.
By Oct 28, Mercury meets with Mars in Libra, opposite the eclipsed Moon. Cool heads may not prevail at this point. By Oct 30, Ketu will enter Virgo, lying in wait for Venus. Mars is moving into combustion by the end of October, through the sign Libra, the sign of fair trade. Nothing will seem fair at this point.
November
By Nov 3, Venus enters Virgo, its sign of debilitation. This does not bode well for the economy at this juncture, but more especially as Venus meets with Ketu at the end of the sign, by Nov 28. The fact that Venus is doing so at its exact degree of debilitation, ‘eclipsed’ by the south node, it shows the possible fall out from recent market adjustments.
Rahu is now transiting Pisces, taking the focus from war-like Aries, at least. But this may be due to other issues that are rearing their heads now, including the economic fallout.
Rahu in Pisces dredges up many contradictions we may grapple with at this juncture, as Ketu in Virgo removes any sense of order. The emphasis shifts to Pisces more so, and the wish to check out of the chaos, through whatever means necessary.
Mars moves into Scorpio by Nov 16, conjunct the Sun. This is explosive. Mars’s combustion in a place of strength could lead to all kinds of explosive events by the end of the year. With Venus conjunct Ketu, and Mercury moving across the Scorpio-Sagittarius divide, all may seem lost in a worldly sense. Yet something more important is gained.
Thankfully, Venus doesn’t hang about long at this degree, and quickly moves into its own sign on Nov 29. All is not lost. But whatever was, must be relinquished.
December
Venus, Mars and Saturn transit in a strong position in their own signs in December; in Libra, Scorpio and Aquarius. Yet Mars is combust and in a square aspect to Saturn. Despite the strengths, including a Venus-Jupiter opposition on Dec 12, things may seem quite dystopian at this point.
The journey from dystopia, whether real or imagined, in Scorpio, to a utopia in Aquarius, is not easy. And yet, that is exactly what is being asked of us all by the end of the year. Then, as if like clockwork, our mind’s go back over recent events, with Mercury stationing retrograde on Dec 13, finishing out the year as it began: in review. This time, it does so in Sagittarius, in a trine to Jupiter’s retrograde in Aries, asking us to reconnect to what is more meaningful and purposeful in our lives.
As Mars crosses the Scorpio-Sagittarius divide on Dec 27, Mercury transits in the other direction, and they conjoin as they do so, on Dec 28. We’re asked to take a leap of faith at this stage, even if all seems lost. Venus has already entered Scorpio, holding up a net if we fall back. We’re not falling back this time, however, not like at the end of 2022. We’re venturing on. And we’re doing so, in spite of, or indeed, because of the recent challenges. When the s*** hits the fan, and we have survived it, we’re more likely to be more courageous moving forward at this point. Mars’s strength in Sagittarius will help us to venture forth.
Jupiter stations direct on the very last day of the year, aspecting Mars and the Sun in its sign, Sagittarius. Saturn’s aspect and fear may hold us back at times but hope and unexpected surprises change how we view it. Jupiter and Uranus in Aries, in a trine to Mars in Sagittarius, keeps us moving - onward and upward.
Om Tat Sat
But what is also happening is Saturn is moving from its conjunction with Pluto. This has reflected a particularly challenging period since the beginning of 2020. Things are going to progress in 2023 in ways 2020, 2021 and 2022 could not. The downside is that to move forward, many systems we hoped would return to normal must fall away completely, including the current economic one. And yet, new systems cannot replace the old one overnight. It’s a long, drawn-out process. Subsequent transits point to major uprisings by mid-decade because of this. Things are likely to escalate in 2023 to bring us to that point.
Saturn enters Aquarius on Jan 17, taking its gaze off of Jupiter in Pisces. Inflation may run amok and the threat of nuclear weapons is heightened, but so is the hope for something better. New structures and systems are now likely to enforce bigger changes, building something new out of the wreckage of the old. New social networks, including social media platforms, and regulations, are likely, as is any kind of advancement in the treatment of disease.
Aquarius is the sign with more apparent contradictions than any other. On the one hand, it’s all about following the rulebook when building new structures. Yet Rahu co-rules it, changing and challenging plans at every turn. The builders look at each other in bemusement. No one is impressed by the new ideas, least of all those who must do all the work.
Saturn’s aspect to Aries is likely to be reflected in an ongoing energy crisis, and more issues around water. Its influence on Aquarius may bring water shortages and water-related infections. Its influence on Scorpio may show an inaccessibility to what lies buried underground, while its aspect to Leo may expose and challenge certain leaders. On a positive note, Saturn’s restrictive influence on Mars’s signs may bring ceasefires.
The other big change to occur in 2023 is when Jupiter enters Aries, joining Rahu and Uranus in the sign of war. Although Saturn’s influence may keep things in check through fear of consequence, Jupiter’s transit in Aries is likely to shake things up; for the economy; for what is right. Righteousness may seem lost as it conjoins Rahu. What is the right thing to do? Who knows?
At least Jupiter’s conjunction with Rahu is likely to bring progress, after many things that have fallen apart since its conjunction with Ketu (South Node) at the end of 2019.
Jupiter-Rahu is likely to bring yet more divisions, of course. Rahu may bring advancement, but there are often unforeseen consequences. Brexit is a case in point, which was voted for the last time Jupiter and Rahu came together, in 2016. Whatever your beliefs about the politics of that period, it certainly shook things up in the world in a big way. We’re likely to see many more things shake in 2023.
Jupiter represents growth, which means its conjunction with greedy Rahu, as well as the unexpected Uranus, could show growth that is unexpected, but not for everybody. It could show unexpected growth in the markets, for example, but this could be what leads to a major stock market crash later. There’s always another side to the coin (pardon the pun) with Rahu. If you’re investing money in any major deals, you need to have your wits about you in an extreme financial year. There could be another virus that comes out of nowhere, or the re-emergence of one we thought we had put behind us.
The year starts out in dire straits, with Mars continuing to backtrack through Taurus, a sign representing basic needs. The planet of war moving back through the sign of resources does not bode well for acquiring such basics as energy or resources. By October, Mars meets with Ketu in Libra, before Venus enters Virgo. There is the potential for a major market crash, the likes of which we have not seen in our lifetime.
The lunar nodes finish their transit in Aries and Libra around this time, leaving war widows and economic hardship in their wake. The nodes were in these signs during the crash of 1929, as Ketu conjoined Mars. This repeats in October, with Ketu then meeting with a debilitated Venus in November.
The nodes move into Pisces and Virgo; Rahu enters Pisces; Ketu enters Virgo. Some astrologers see Rahu as ruling Virgo and Ketu ruling Pisces, placing them in each other’s signs. Even if they don’t, they are ill-suited to what these signs are about.
Rahu is lost in the depths of Pisces. It is already confused. Throw it into the contradictory realms of Pisces, and you have the potential for a lot more confusion. Oh, and why not blur the picture with a conjunction with Neptune?! Neptune will return to Pisces in February, placing Neptune and Rahu together in Pisces from November. This will likely bring many complexities through the end of 2023 and into 2024.
Ketu is ill-suited to Virgo as it challenges practical life and orderliness. Ketu is a ‘part’ of us uninterested in order, or anything practical. And yet, the most practical thing we can do is what Ketu wants of us; that is, to be spiritually orientated. Let’s face it, losses are the only thing we can be sure of. Ketu may take away things that gave us a sense of stability in 2023. In doing so, it shakes us out of our state of confusion by waking us up to what is real beyond this world.
As Rahu in Pisces churns up so many conflicting emotions about what is happening, we must focus on what does not change, within, so as not to feel lost, without.
January
The New Year begins as it did in 2022, with a Venus-Pluto conjunction. Venus is itself emerging from its combustion, after being burnt up in the purifying rays of the Sun. As Venus re-emerges alongside Pluto, it may show something we could not see before. Venus’s combustion reflects the economic woes from the start.
Mercury is retrograde from the beginning of 2023, having stationed on Dec 29, 2022. So, it’s not in any way a fresh, clean start. It’s full of setbacks and frustrations when we add Mars’ continued retrograde. Mars stations direct by Jan 12, with Mercury stationing direct by Jan 18. There is a lot of frustration until after this period, as Mars aspects Mercury by exact degree. Whatever we wish to achieve must be approached patiently.
Saturn enters Aquarius on Jan 17, a key turning point in the depths of the winter on the northern hemisphere. Although changes are slow to take hold anywhere on the planet, they are slowly doing so. Venus joins Saturn in Aquarius by Jan 22, requiring realism. This may lead to a sombre mood, but at least we’re all more aware of what must be done.
February
Mercury joins Pluto by Feb 10, while Venus joins Neptune by Valentine’s Day. The Sun meets with Saturn at the same time, which means Saturn is now in combustion. They do so in Aquarius, the sign of innovation. Whatever new plan we would love to put in place at this point, there is a lot to work out. There may be some conflict to experience with leaders who do not have humanity’s best interest at heart.
Neptune re-enters Pisces on Feb 18, moving back into a sign it’s at home in. Neptune re-joining Jupiter in Pisces may show more water-related issues. Neptune in Pisces can be both good and bad, as everything about Pisces seems contradictory. This may confuse, as and when seemingly conflicting events and feelings occur simultaneously. There may be conflicting reports about some things, for example, and confusion around the facts presented.
Neptune and Jupiter do not stay together for long, however. They’re wide orb and transit on both ends of Pisces may be make it unclear as to what needs to end.
March
Mercury is the last of the faster-moving planets to meet with Saturn in Aquarius, by Mar 2. This testing and re-testing of our new plans will likely feel like a chore at this point. Yet without testing, we cannot know it will work. We’re likely to at least know if it works now. If it doesn’t, we can let it go and start a new one.
Venus is conjunct Jupiter at the same time, so this is more helpful; more enjoyable, at least. Venus is exalted in Pisces, with Jupiter right at home. There are likely many positive expressions of this, a sense that we have might as well find enjoyment in whatever is happening, even if it’s challenging. The downside of such a positive conjunction is overindulgence, or escapism, due to other, more challenging, indications. It’s as if 2023’s challenges are met with an overly optimistic response at this stage, a response that could lead to a growing problem, especially in the economy.
Mars finally makes it out of Taurus on Mar 13, having first entered the sign in August 2021. Mars then moves past the point it began to backtrack in the beginning of Gemini by Mar 17. Whatever plans were made towards the end of 2022 can now move forward. The planet of war moving forward may mean just that, of course. After many weeks of stalling, it could lead to an escalation and break down of talks. Mars in Gemini must talk, however, no matter how much is dislikes it.
At least Mars is now in a helpful relationship with a powerful Saturn in Aquarius, both in air signs. This can lead to some advancements, as new ideas are thrashed out in a more constructive manner.
Venus moves into Mars’ sign Aries by Mar 12, joining Rahu and Uranus placed therein. After a period of Venus in exaltation in early March, joined Jupiter, Venus joining the exaggerated Rahu and surprising Uranus may further inflate situations for better or worse. The economy is likely going through major ups and downs at this point.
Mercury takes a dip in Pisces by Mar 16, conjunct Neptune as soon as it does so. This may leave us feeling completely perplexed as to what is true or not. Although Jupiter’s transit in Pisces is a mitigating factor, allowing us to tune into our inner knowing, the facts and figures may not tally with what we sense is right. The inclusion of the Sun in Pisces from Mar 14 is another indication of a reset and ending that must now occur before we can start over.
April
Venus meets with Uranus and Rahu in Aries by Mar 30. Mercury moves into Aries by Mar 31, crossing the juncture between the ending of the zodiac and a new beginning. Jupiter reaches the end of Pisces in April, as does the Sun. This shows a major period of endings and new beginnings.
This also means Jupiter is not visible, hidden by the rays of the Sun, in the depths of the transition in Pisces. This has more obvious challenges with the economy, but less so with more spiritual concerns. Righteousness may be challenged in a more obvious outward sense, as treatments of people may be questioned. But Jupiter’s inner strength is at least the questioning of such behaviour.
The big news and change in April is the total eclipse of the Sun on Apr 20, visible in South East Asia. This occurs at 5 degrees sidereal Aries, in the lunar mansion Aśvinī. This has the potential to move the story along in leaps and bounds, changing things radically in governments and in movements all around the world. The eclipsed Sun is exalted, unlike the previous solar eclipse of Oct 2022. It’s also flanked either side by the ‘good guys’, Jupiter in its own sign Pisces, and Venus, which will have moved into its own sign, Taurus, by Apr 6. Although this points to changes at this stage, at least there is more potential for positive ones.
Saturn’s strength and aspect from the innovative Aquarius is a container for what seems to be a more positive eclipse, although it doesn’t take away from the need for radical changes. It may, however, keep some heads cool when more objectivity is needed in times of transition.
Mercury stations retrograde in Aries by Apr 21. By the time it stations direct, on May 15, we will have put the solar eclipse behind us. There are a lot of details to work out in the meantime, especially as Mercury backtracks through the eclipse degrees in Aries.
The other big news is Jupiter enters Aries by Apr 21, joining forces with Rahu and Uranus for a major shakeup. It meets with Rahu by exact degree in May, but we are likely to feel the need to transform what we believe is possible from the start. The last time Jupiter and Rahu came together in 2016 shook our world. This time is likely to do the same.
May
Jupiter meets with Rahu by exact degree on May 27. When they came together 2016, it was dubbed ‘the year of rebellion’. Yet Jupiter was also retrograde alongside the node for many months in that year. We’re in for more of the same in the summer of 2023, but perhaps a short, sharp shock. While 2016 shook up leaders with its conjunction in Leo, this conjunction is all about war in Aries. Thankfully, Jupiter is not staying too close to the Rahu for too long. Yet they do hang out in the sign of war for a year, until Jupiter makes it to Taurus in May 2024.
Jupiter and Rahu are opposite in every which way. Jupiter is righteousness. Rahu is a ‘rebel without a cause’. Jupiter is order. Rahu is chaos. Jupiter is god. Rahu is its antithesis – whatever label you chose. Jupiter is life itself. Rahu is anti-life. Rahu can show disrespect for life, for righteousness. It wants to transform laws, policies and norms when conjunct Jupiter. Expect more chaos in the summer.
In 2016, we saw many well-known singers die because of their conjunction in Leo, the sign of entertainment. In 2023, they conjoin in Aries. Are we likely to see the passing of many soldiers in the war? Maybe. Are we likely to see the passing of pioneers in their field? Yes, quite possibly.
Mars is moving into Cancer on May 10, as Jupiter and Rahu come together in its sign, Aries. Mars in Cancer is reactionary. It can either show a cowering from the threats that are possible, or a recklessness that leads to more problems.
The Full Moon in Libra on May 5 is also a partial lunar eclipse. Venus transits Gemini from May 2 to May 30. This is usually a fun time, despite the bigger changes and war-like situations occurring elsewhere. The Full Moon is a time to find balance between Aries and Libra; between war and peace. Yet any potential ceasefire is further complicated by a breakdown of communication while Mercury continues to retrograde in Aries until May 15.
The power of the Sun in exaltation in Aries is what can make or break it, as and when confident leaders do the right thing. Yet this powerful Sun is also eclipsing the Moon, which is looking for some way to compromise. Changing circumstances may dictate otherwise, as the Aries drive for power overcomes the Libra impulse to negotiate.
June
Mercury is conjunct Uranus at the end of Aries by Jun 5. This is Uranus’s last year in sidereal Aries since it began its transit here in 2016. Together with the Jupiter-Rahu conjunction that year, it highlighted the many changes the world had to face. Uranus’s last year in Aries is likely to escalate wars and add to the need to completely reform the economic system, after a crash that is likely by the end of 2023. By the time Uranus makes it to Taurus in 2024, new monetary systems must come online to replace the worn out ones. A new currency and changes in the current economic powers may also be due.
Saturn’s aspect to all the planets in Aries is likely to keep things somewhat contained, not allowing things to fall apart completely. Yet changes are a must and must surely to evident at this stage. Saturn stations by Jun 17 in Aquarius, halting long term plans around these innovations. Longer term changes continue to destabilise systems around the world, with Pluto now retrograde in Capricorn, while Saturn’s retrograde in Aquarius gets us to go back over the new paradigm with a fine tooth comb.
By the end of June, Venus catches up with Mars as it moves towards its exact degree of debilitation in Cancer. This ending point in Cancer can challenge us to shake off our comforts and attachments.
July
Mars enters Leo on Jul 1, facing off with a retrograde Saturn in Aquarius, exact by Jul 20. This is where leaders are challenged by the people who wish to take back some control. But leaders are unlikely to want to give it back. The Mars-Saturn opposition in Leo-Aquarius may point to a struggle to find a balance; between governments taking charge and people revolting. Revolutionary impulses are never far away from our minds throughout the year, but this is but a preview of the major revolutionary impulses by mid-decade.
Venus follows Mars into Leo by Jul 6 and would ordinarily move into an opposition to Saturn on the other side of the zodiac. But Venus will slow its transit and station retrograde by Jul 23. It does so in the same sign as Mars, in opposition to Saturn and a trine to both Jupiter and Rahu. All of the big players are involved in what Venus is doing, or re-doing, so that there is no avoiding some major economic and diplomatic issues.
August
Venus retrogrades back to Cancer, back over the sensitive juncture between water and fire as it did in July. This means Venus spends longer going through a process, a process of change that will likely shake world economics up in a big way. This is likely to lead to a further downturn by Oct-Nov, as and when Venus enters Virgo and joins Ketu.
August is likely to set the stage for this downturn; perhaps some adjustment that is rushed through impulsively by leaders who are losing control. Mars and Mercury are together in Leo as Venus backs out of the sign, back to Cancer as it looks for some comfort elsewhere. Relations may be tested.
As Mars ventures forward and into Virgo by Aug 18, Mercury then backtracks from Aug 23, joining Venus in the review. All thoughts are focused on Mercurial and Venusian realms, i.e., business and trade, as Mars bulldozes its way through new territory.
The Sun makes its way to a yearly opposition to Saturn. But this time, both are strong in their own signs, Leo and Aquarius. The people will have their say; leaders will have theirs.
September
Jupiter retrogrades from Sep 4 in Aries, acting out Rahu’s shadow desires. Uranus has also just stationed retrograde in Aries, so all three are moving back from our perspective. Retrogrades are a time to reorientate around external changes that have already happened. There is likely many things we must catch up with at this stage.
Uranus, Rahu and Jupiter in Aries are asking us to re-calibrate our connection to what it means to have freedom. This is especially so because of Saturn’s aspect from Aquarius, one downside of which can show new systems of control we are not on board with as yet. This is a major period of adjustment.
With all of the outer planets retrograde in September, the usual back-to-routine efficiency of this month is unlikely to run smoothly. At least Venus stations direct by Sep 4, while Mercury stations on Sep 15. After this, we can make use of our remunerations and re-calibrations. Mars has kept the show on the road this whole period, pushing plans through, even if we are not clear about the details.
October
By this stage, Mars will edge closer to Ketu, which is finishing up in Libra after a year and a half. This may be bad news in terms of war and the economy. It’s likely to leave a lot of devastation in its wake. By the time Mars meets with Ketu by exact degree on Oct 5, we are likely to see a major adjustment in the stock market. Although Mercury’s exaltation in Virgo may help with rational thought around the turmoil, Venus also opposes Saturn (exact Oct 9), which may lead to further restrictions. Venus itself will move into Virgo in November and this may show a major fallout, especially as Ketu joins it later in the month.
For now, Mercury moves through a strong position for proper analysis and planning in Virgo, before moving into Libra by Oct 18. Before the Sun slips into Libra, it’s sign of debilitation, on Oct 17, it is eclipsed by Ketu on Oct 14, representing further losses, especially for those in power. This leads to a partial lunar eclipse on Oct 28 in Aries. This period may feel extreme and uncertain.
By Oct 28, Mercury meets with Mars in Libra, opposite the eclipsed Moon. Cool heads may not prevail at this point. By Oct 30, Ketu will enter Virgo, lying in wait for Venus. Mars is moving into combustion by the end of October, through the sign Libra, the sign of fair trade. Nothing will seem fair at this point.
November
By Nov 3, Venus enters Virgo, its sign of debilitation. This does not bode well for the economy at this juncture, but more especially as Venus meets with Ketu at the end of the sign, by Nov 28. The fact that Venus is doing so at its exact degree of debilitation, ‘eclipsed’ by the south node, it shows the possible fall out from recent market adjustments.
Rahu is now transiting Pisces, taking the focus from war-like Aries, at least. But this may be due to other issues that are rearing their heads now, including the economic fallout.
Rahu in Pisces dredges up many contradictions we may grapple with at this juncture, as Ketu in Virgo removes any sense of order. The emphasis shifts to Pisces more so, and the wish to check out of the chaos, through whatever means necessary.
Mars moves into Scorpio by Nov 16, conjunct the Sun. This is explosive. Mars’s combustion in a place of strength could lead to all kinds of explosive events by the end of the year. With Venus conjunct Ketu, and Mercury moving across the Scorpio-Sagittarius divide, all may seem lost in a worldly sense. Yet something more important is gained.
Thankfully, Venus doesn’t hang about long at this degree, and quickly moves into its own sign on Nov 29. All is not lost. But whatever was, must be relinquished.
December
Venus, Mars and Saturn transit in a strong position in their own signs in December; in Libra, Scorpio and Aquarius. Yet Mars is combust and in a square aspect to Saturn. Despite the strengths, including a Venus-Jupiter opposition on Dec 12, things may seem quite dystopian at this point.
The journey from dystopia, whether real or imagined, in Scorpio, to a utopia in Aquarius, is not easy. And yet, that is exactly what is being asked of us all by the end of the year. Then, as if like clockwork, our mind’s go back over recent events, with Mercury stationing retrograde on Dec 13, finishing out the year as it began: in review. This time, it does so in Sagittarius, in a trine to Jupiter’s retrograde in Aries, asking us to reconnect to what is more meaningful and purposeful in our lives.
As Mars crosses the Scorpio-Sagittarius divide on Dec 27, Mercury transits in the other direction, and they conjoin as they do so, on Dec 28. We’re asked to take a leap of faith at this stage, even if all seems lost. Venus has already entered Scorpio, holding up a net if we fall back. We’re not falling back this time, however, not like at the end of 2022. We’re venturing on. And we’re doing so, in spite of, or indeed, because of the recent challenges. When the s*** hits the fan, and we have survived it, we’re more likely to be more courageous moving forward at this point. Mars’s strength in Sagittarius will help us to venture forth.
Jupiter stations direct on the very last day of the year, aspecting Mars and the Sun in its sign, Sagittarius. Saturn’s aspect and fear may hold us back at times but hope and unexpected surprises change how we view it. Jupiter and Uranus in Aries, in a trine to Mars in Sagittarius, keeps us moving - onward and upward.
Om Tat Sat