Mercury retrograde Jan. 5 -25 Mercury stations retrograde at 6 degrees of Capricorn within the lunar sign Uttara Asadha. Capricorn is Saturn's feminine sign relating to our internal process of hard work and commitment to our path which may require the denial of sensual pleasures. Mercury moves back through the early degrees of Capricorn and into Sagittarius by January 13, continuing to move backwards in Jupiter's sign until January 25. It will be influenced by Jupiter from January 13 which will station retrograde in Leo from January 8. Jupiter offers more hope and idealism during our sobriety. Mercury retrograde is a period to slow down and pay attention to the details; review what has transpired and re-orientate oneself by balancing incoming data with data which has already been assimilated but is now up for review. In simple terms this means doing less and listening more. January is an opportune time to take some time to reassess what it is that you wish to achieve moving forward, and how you will need to go about achieving your dreams in a step-by-step, practical manner. Even though we may have to turn around to move forward, and the path may become a bit unclear for awhile, rest assured that the terrain will open up again down the road. Read more about Mercury's retrograde period here: http://www.timelineastrology.com/mercury-retrograde---life-between-lives.html ![]() Jupiter retrograde Jan. 8 - May 9 Jupiter stations retrograde on January 8 as it prepares to backtrack through the last degrees of the sign Leo. Whenever Jupiter moves back we are offered an opportunity to understand and grow in this area of life, with the wisdom of our past experiences guiding us forward. Things become clear through the process of reflection and, even though this may take some time, we are guided by the planet Jupiter as it transits closer to us here on Earth during this period. This transit is about reviewing our beliefs and whether they serve us or hinder us. Leo is the sign of command and of governance. So, we are likely to see this being played out on the global stage through a reassessment of laws and governing bodies of all kinds. Decisions which were previously made may be reviewed and reassessed. However, this period does not necessarily lead to any definitive conclusion - only an opportunity to reassess. Stay open and flexible during January in particular. Look to the house position of the sign Leo in your own horoscope to see where you will be reviewing your beliefs about this area of your life. Also, look to see which houses Jupiter rules in your horoscope. Jupiter rules the signs Sagittarius and Pisces and, generally, these signs represent the beliefs we hold and the capacity we have to blend into the cosmos and the natural order of things. Therefore, this would be a good period to review how you achieve this blending in your own life, and tap into the wisdom within. Jupiter is together with the north node of the Moon, Rahu at the time it stations retrograde and this can lead to new breakthroughs. This may play out on the world stage as new leaps forward in technology, industry and government. With Saturn looking on from Scorpio, the pressure to find better working solutions guarantees our attention will be on our ability to blend various sectors of society and areas of our life together coherently. The presence of Rahu offers new perspectives and innovative ideas which keep our firmly held beliefs in flux throughout the first half of 2016. There are many changes to happen with things we deemed stable in 2016 due to the transits in fixed signs. We can either retreat into our ourselves because of a sense of threat to the status quo, or we can reach out to find new ways of connecting and growing - inwardly and outwardly. The last time Rahu and Jupiter came together in the sign Leo - the natural 5th house of games and amusements - was in 1979/80, at which time we saw many new innovations in technology and industry, with the introduction of technological miniaturization and the release of the camcorder and fax machines. As a symbolic image for this combination of the big giant Jupiter, and the insatiable thirst for experience represented by Rahu, we saw the release of the game Pac Man in 1980 (pictured). Technology has certainly taken many leaps in the meantime so it will be interesting to see what new technologies are developed and released in the next year and how these allow us to connect with each other in new and exciting ways. Rahu/Ketu move to Leo/Aquarius The nodal axis move in January. The true nodal positions move on January 9, bringing Rahu into exact conjunction with Jupiter in Leo at this time. The mean nodal positions move on January 29, bringing these two opposite ends of our evolutionary spectrum into the realms of leadership and humanity for the coming year and a half. Our experience of the nodes vary based on our own horoscope and period of life, of course. They are more relevant for those who are in a period represented by either of these eclipse points, i.e., Rahu or Ketu time periods. These transits are also more relevant to those who have planets, or important degrees, placed in either Leo or Aquarius. However, these transits are relevant to all of us to some degree or other, and in relation to the areas of life we each experience the signs Leo and Aquarius. Generally, the signs Leo and Aquarius represent our ability to take charge of our lives (Leo) and our ability to put others' needs before our own (Aquarius). This may mean leading the way in some way, while we let go our usual way of doing things. This will allow us to reach beyond ourselves; into our community and the world. Changes in leadership and humanitarian concerns are, of course, guaranteed in the next couple of years. You do not need an astrologer to help you see that. In many respects, something has got to give with the way in which world leaders govern; the decisions they make; and the impact this has on humanity. Once Rahu moves from Virgo, it takes the pressure off Libra and the area of life you experience this sign. If you have any planets or important degrees in Libra, these will experience a lift in 2016 as a result. In the more immediate environment, the pressure is taken off Mars and we can act accordingly, without the restriction of this type of 'hemming in' effect. New Moon in Sagittarius Jan. 10 The new Moon occurs in the lunar sign Purva Asadha which is placed in the latter degrees of Sagittarius. This occurs on January 10, with the Moon reaching the Sun's degree (25 degrees of Sagittarius) by 01.30 UT. Purva Asadha is ruled by Venus which is currently in an exact conjunction with Saturn in Scorpio. Mercury is about to move backwards over this sign in a few days. There is a need to withdraw from overindulging the senses at this time, as the new Moon phase and New Year draw our attention inward after the social and indulgent festive season. This period creates a need to step back and pause, as there are many changes taking place during this new Moon phase. Jupiter and Mercury's retrograde periods are underway and the nodal axis are moving signs. By taking time out at this juncture, the changes which are necessary are not avoided, but worked with more skillfully. Sun enters Capricorn Jan. 15 The Sun enters the sign Capricorn on January 15 and this is known as Makara Shankranti. Anytime the Sun moves signs, it represents a change, whether seasonal or not. This change is marked in the Hindu calendar as an important shift for those on the northern hemisphere, as the Sun moves signs for the first time since changing to its northerly route. Use this period to chart a course for yourself and set about the work which needs to be done on yourself, and in your community, in the coming weeks in order to find yourself again. Venus in Sagittarius Jan. 19 - Feb. 12 Venus moves out of Scorpio and into Sagittarius on January 19. Venus is feeling more expressive and optimistic in Sagittarius, and no longer feeling restricted by Saturn or overwhelmed by the emotional tides in Scorpio. It now receives the influence of a more optimistic Jupiter. Rahu also influences Venus by being placed alongside Jupiter during January and February, so the expression of love and sensual pleasures are more pronounced. Venus no longer exchanges signs with Mars, leaving Mars to get on with the job of finding more balance through effort in Libra. This can be a tricky balance to maintain, especially when we try too hard to achieve that which occurs without our conscious effort. Full Moon in Cancer Jan. 24
The Moon reaches the opposite position of the Sun at 9 degrees of Capricorn in the sign Cancer by 01.45 UT on January 24. This is within the lunar sign Pushya which is ruled by Saturn; the ruling planet of Capricorn where the Sun is placed for this full Moon. This phase represents a need to objectively look at the balance we achieve between our public and private lives, and whether our work and ambitions allow us to have some time to ourselves and our families. This time of year can be a busy period at work, of course, which can lead to many neglecting their home life and the much needed attention our hearts and minds require as we plot a course to the top of our personal mountain. OM TAT SAT |