Planet Weather for the Weeks of 1/10 & 1/17/10

NewsBits:  The Chart for 2010! There are many ways to look at the year to come. One popular view is to cast a chart for 1/1/10 at midnight for our nation’s capital, Washington, DC.  The highlights of the chart include: a grouping of 4 planets and the North Node in Capricorn at the bottom of the chart with the Moon in Cancer, (just past Full-Moon) opposite the Capricorn planets at the top of the chart. The message here is the dueling dynamic of the people (Moon in Cancer) with rigid corporate and bureaucratic systems (Capricorn group). The year is devoted in part to a greater awareness of how people’s needs do or do not get met with our bureaucratic system. Healthcare springs easily to mind but also the inequities of the economic system and unemployment due to the breakdown of the financial system. Mercury is retrograde in Capricorn nearly opposite the Moon/Cancer, indicating that the people want to speak and want to be heard. Alertness regarding lobbying is higher than ever and various groups are watching and mobilizing to protest, if inequities loom large. The key to the chart is Saturn fresh in Libra conjunct the Ascendant of the chart and explaining the Capricorn group, because Saturn is the ruler of Capricorn. There’s a new game in town and it’s called fairness. Saturn in Libra will protest if things go too far out of balance.

The most exact aspect in the chart is Mars/Leo retrograde (Rx) inconjunct (150deg.) Mercury/Capricorn Rx. It’s both fascinating and telling that the two retrogrades that we begin this year with are making an exact aspect (to the minute) to each other in the New Year chart. The message of the retrogrades and the grouping in Capricorn with Saturn conjunct the Ascendant express the big theme of the year which says that if we are to go forward and have a better quality of life, we must go back and understand what happened with the systems that broke down and ask how did we ever veer so far from the path of value and purpose? (money, profit and greed and be an answer). Progress will be slower than we’d like, say the retrogrades. The Saturn Pluto square also contained in the chart tells us that we are deep in the throes of rebuilding and reconstructing after a needed dismantling of faulty systems. One of the important keys to the New Year’s dilemma is to proceed cautiously and not to compromise the heart – that is, what we love and whom we love, which includes ourselves. Creativity, innovation, fairness, and honesty are values that will assist us through the rocky terrain of 2010. More Preview interpretation to come!

SkyWatch: Moon phase for the week of 1/10: 1/15 -- The Moon enters Her New cycle at 2:11 AM EST, at 25 degrees of Capricorn. This New Moon coincides with (and produces) a Solar Eclipse, the first of 2010. (This year will see a total of four solar eclipses.) This eclipse, however, will be visible only along a path ranging from central Africa to the Indian Ocean and eastern Asia. It is also what is called an "annular eclipse", where the Moon does not completely block the Sun's light, so that an "annulus" or ring of light appears to encircle the dark disk of the Moon at totality. Skywatching events of the week: 1/13 -- The Waning Moon makes a close pass by Mercury, as the two rise together just before sunrise, with Mercury just emerging from the Solar glare sufficiently to be visible rising somewhat below the Moon. (Their point of closest approach occurs around noon, Eastern time.)

Moon phase for the week of 1/17: 1/23 -- The Moon enters Her First Quarter at 5:53 AM EST, at 3 degrees of Taurus. Astrologically, the Moon is exalted in Taurus, so She's exceptionally happy there and expects to be treated like an honored guest. Skywatching events of the week: 1/18 -- The Waxing Moon makes a close pass by Jupiter. Their point of closest approach occurs in the early morning after both have set. But the two will set close together the previous evening, with Jupiter slightly above and behind the Moon. Interestingly, their astrological conjunction (at their point of closest approach) occurs just after Jupiter changes signs from Aquarius to Pisces.

Space news: Life on Mars! (Definitely maybe....) Back in the 1980's, NASA scientists examined a meteorite found on Earth that was originally blasted out of the surface of Mars and travelled here from there. Microscopic examination of this so-called "Mars rock" revealed what were just possibly fossilized microorganisms. If true, this would have been definite evidence that there is or was once life on the Red Planet. However, these findings were (and still are) considered "controversial" and were never accepted by the scientific community in general. Now, however, NASA scientists have discovered two more such Mars rocks and plan to subject them to the same scrutiny in hopes that, at long last, the question can be settled. (Don't bet on it but stay tuned....) Go out! Look up!

Knowing when VOC Moons occur is key to planning your successful week!

                                                                      

The Void-of-course (VOC) Moon is a kind of limbo. As it reaches the end of a sign, the Moon makes no major aspect to another planet before it enters the next sign. VOC is best for less outcome-oriented activity, since VOC often means detours, distractions, drifting, or delays. If you want specific outcomes, or if timeliness is critical, don’t use a VOC Moon time. VOC is best for processing, imagining, creating, and open-ended activities, like parties, research, or cleaning your desk/closet for instance! It is said that when a new action is initiated during VOC, “nothing will come of it,” or energies go in unplanned directions, which may not necessarily be negative.

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Week of 1/10/10 – Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday are the most active or important days energetically – more Moon or planetary aspects for engagement with other or projects, and stimulation for producing results. Wednesday Saturn turns Retrograde, Friday is the New Moon Solar Eclipse and Mercury turns Direct! On 1/10/10, the Moon is VOC/Scorpio from 10:02AM to 1:10PM EST – On 1/12/10, the Moon is VOC/Sagittarius from 9:43PM to 11:54PM EST – On 1/15/10, the Moon is VOC/Capricorn from 4:02AM to 12:17PM EST.

 

Week of 1/17/10 – Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday are the most active or important days energetically – more Moon or planetary aspects for engagement with other or projects, and stimulation for producing results. Jupiter enters Pisces on Sunday, Venus enters Aquarius on Monday, Sun enters Aquarius on Tuesday. On 1/17/10, the Moon is VOC/Aquarius from 3:23PM to 1:17AM EST (next day!) – On 1/20/10, the Moon is VOC/Pisces from 1:06AM to 1:36PM EST – On 1/22/10, the Moon is VOC/Aries from 2:47PM to 11:39PM EST.

 

 Planet Patterns & Cosmic Headlines for the next few weeks:

 

Summary: These next two weeks hold some powerful and concentrated planetary changes that we have not seen in quite a while, which is sure to make life on Earth more complex and eventful, but also…creative. It’s up to you to channel the energies in a positive way.

 

Sun in cardinal earth Capricorn conjunct (0deg.) Venus/Capricorn @ 21deg. on 1/11/10. This is an annual non-earth-shaking event but still worth noting! Venus in Capricorn is sober in its display of affection; it prefers to have you open a savings account or a 401K instead of giving foolish baubles. That said, this cozying up between the two (Sun and Venus) will bring some practical relationship issues to the foreground and an evaluation of the role each person plays within the relationship dynamic. Collaboration may be needed to relieve the stresses of daily life and the demands of achievement.

 

Saturn in cardinal, air Libra turns Stationary Retrograde @ 4 deg. on 1/13/10 until 5/30/10. This is the first of four major events this week. It’s been just over two months since Saturn’s entry into Libra on 10/29/09. It has only traveled 4 degrees and now it pauses to retrograde.  It will back-pedal into the previous sign, Virgo, on 4/7/10, to clean up that cycle of 2.5 years. From now on until Saturn turns direct again, we are being asked to reassess the last 2.5 months of its journey through early degrees of Libra, Events and concerns that were glossed over will be revisited, so that we can understand them at the level we need to. We are asked to work harder or better at the issues that emerged since 10/29/09, and find ways to begin to resolve any conflicts or challenges. The time of an exact Saturn station typically brings an important issue to the forefront, one that has cachet, or is otherwise of primary priority.

 

Solar Eclipse New Moon @ 25 Capricorn on 1/15/10. Two days after Saturn’s first station in Libra, we get another eclipse – this one’s a Solar Eclipse. We’re currently in eclipse season. Eclipses do arrive in pairs, and this one was preceded by a Lunar Eclipse on New Year’s Eve. There are four eclipses in 2010 (1/15, 6/26, 7/11 and 12/21/10). The first three of the 2010 eclipses and the past New Year’s Eve day eclipse, take place in the sign pair Cancer/Capricorn reinforcing the themes of security, responsibility, commitment, consistency, priorities, community, family, and the economic picture, and our relationship/attitudes to these matters.

 

The eclipse on New Year’s Eve day and the one this week, on 1/15/10, are both part of the Saros Series 12North, which had its beginnings on 5/19 - 1613! Eclipses belong to a long series that last hundreds of years as the paths of successive eclipses travel from either the North or the South Pole to end at the opposite Pole. Our current eclipse carries the energy of sudden new responsibilities, which can be difficult but may result in greater harmony and self-esteem. (This last sentence paraphrased from the interpretation of the Saros Series by Bernadette Brady from, The Eagle and the Lark). And as always, pay attention to the degree of the eclipse and determine whether you have a planet near that point in your chart (ask your astrologer). If you do, that planet is highlighted for at least the next year.

 

Mercury/Capricorn turns Stationary Direct @ 5deg. on 1/15/10. The third event of importance is Mercury also making a station – this time Direct again. The kinks in our thinking may have a chance to straighten out! Remember that a Mercury in Capricorn can lean toward being quite serious – and important issues may seem difficult to resolve; but with patience, prioritizing, and planning, solutions will be found. Capricorn may have difficulty in bending and choosing a solution that is different than originally conceived. It simply means that more careful communication is needed. Mercury passes its “shadow point” of 21deg. (degree at which it went retrograde on 12/26/09) on 2/3/10. After that, we are in new-thinking territory, and the main issue that arose for you during the retrograde is being integrated and has at least some resolution.

 

Jupiter enters mutable, water Pisces on 1/17/10 (until 6/6/10 and then again on 9/9/10). The fourth major event this week is Jupiter’s yearly passage into a new sign. Jupiter moves swiftly though Pisces, without stopping for a breath and heads right into fiery Aries to 3 degrees before it stops and makes its first retrograde station on 7/23/10 – whew! Jupiter is the traditional ruler of Pisces (before Neptune was discovered). The expansion characteristic of Jupiter applies to the network of life itself and the fact that somehow we are all interconnected – the concept of the living, breathing sea of humanity. We are all in the same boat and all in our own way are searching for meaning. What does it all mean? – This will be a question that occurs more frequently with Jupiter traveling through Pisces. Although possessing a strong spiritual and idealistic component and the urge to seek or undertake a vision-quest, this same energy can lead to confusion and deception – whether self-deception or though others. Jupiter in Pisces plays on human nature’s desire to believe in something good, something bigger, and better than oneself – whatever that may be. In that sense, it is also connected to glamour, the arts, and all that serves to inspire, beguile, or seduce us away from the harsh realities of the mundane. In that vein – drugs, alcohol, and other dissipating adventures also beckon. Do seek inspiration during this time of the sort that does not destroy body or soul but instead uplifts and offers compassionate understanding to the plights of being human we all must endure. Find a way to give back or to volunteer to make something better for someone or something through your own benevolence.

 

Venus enters fixed, air Aquarius on 1/18/10 until 2/11/10. We just can’t seem to stop changing; and although Venus shifting signs is not as big a deal as the four previously mentioned conditions, it adds to the adjustments we must internalize in a short span of time. This Venus is group – and socially oriented but has quite a few quirks, as most positions in Aquarius do, and may prefer to skirt the periphery and be a loner, dipping into various circles on its own terms. It seeks to set its own rules and follow its own path and likes to collect friends who think and view life in a larger perspective. A very loyal Venus, it has friends from all social levels and understands exceptionally well how to be a true friend.

 

The Sun enters Aquarius on 1/1910 until 2/18/10. The Sun changing signs, happens every month, but with the previous planetary shifts, it adds up to quite an eventful and sometimes fitful week. Be prepared and remain alert because there are sure to be some surprises and shocks to wake you up from your slumber.

 

Currently Active Paradigm-Shift Patterns:

 

**Mars/Leo Stationary Retrograde (Rx) @ 19deg. on 12/20/09 until 3/10/09. A Mars retrograde is a more potent planetary event than most, since it only takes place about every two years! Mars is a naturally progressive and forward-reaching energy and so, as one might expect, it does not enjoy going backwards. But don’t let that deter you from making plans for the future. You need to simply remember that things will go slowly during the retrograde and there is likely to be frustration if you push to move something brand new ahead. This time is best used to plan, to refine, to redefine, reinterpret, or to polish your program or plan. Mars transiting Leo is a strong masculine position and a Rx could create frustrations for ego, pride, and will that can cause some serious upsets in the world. It’s best to attempt to soothe the fires and work with goodwill and heartfelt sincerity. Brand new ventures begun under a Mars Rx are typically premature, ill-conceived, and will, at the very least, encounter lengthy delays or experience detours (which could bring you to some interesting adventures and concepts not entertained previously) before they actually become what they set out to be or do. The bottom line is that where you think you are going, well -- you may end up elsewhere.

 

Saturn in cardinal, air Libra square (90deg.) Pluto in cardinal, earth Capricorn @ 1deg. on 11/15/09. The first of three squares between these two planets. Saturn in a cardinal air sign is always more active and wants to experience movement or progress. In Libra, Saturn is focused on relationships in general, their equality, and how and what we value, how to engage. Clashes in relationships result when people place a different value on something they are experiencing together. As Saturn/Libra squares (prods or stimulates) Pluto/Capricorn (the collective energy) the demand is to get things done – to evaluate the importance of something in the overall balance of a productive lifestyle. Saturn and Pluto together are demanding, especially in cardinal signs, and often push the envelope big time. This is a time of critical mass, when something has reached a crisis point. Is that what’s happening in your life? Part 2 takes place on 2/1/10.

 

Saturn entered cardinal, air Libra on 10/29/09. The full cycle lasts until 10/6/12. Saturn retrogrades back into the last three degrees of the previous sign, Virgo, from 4/8/10-7/22/10. What can we expect? Possibly not much until the energy starts to merge with the collective. But let’s speak to the greater implications of a new 2.5-year Saturn-sign cycle. Saturn is exalted in Libra. This so-called “essential dignity” means there’s more of a commitment to cooperation and harmony among equals. Or, we can say, that is the primary striving in this combination. The collective will be more focused on what is fair and equitable and what is not. Generally, the message is to find the imbalances and rebalance as needed. Where are you giving your commitment and attention? Are the returns you receive what you really want? If not, then adjust those commitments and relationships for greater equality and fairness. Saturn in Libra also asks – what matters and what is valuable? When there is real value, it is easier to make a commitment for a longer time and with greater attention and intention. All major relationships and, in particular, those with Libra Sun, Moon, or Ascendant will be put to the test. Saturn in a cardinal sign is much more proactive than in other signs, and you may find that you seek order from recent chaos and productivity from prior stress and mess.

 

Saturn in mutable, earth Virgo opposite (180 deg. angle) Uranus in mutable, water Pisces, Part 3 of 5 was exact on 9/15/09 @ 24degrees. This lengthy (background cultural shift) cycle began on 11/4/08. Technically, it ends in July 2010. This powerful five-part confrontation between the past (Saturn) and the future (Uranus) is disintegrative, after tension and struggle between the old pattern and the new consciousness that wants to arise. As you’ve noted in the news and surely also in your own lives, it’s not an easy transition. It is a powerfully challenging series of cosmic combinations. The sign pair, Virgo/Pisces, I call the functional axis – meaning that if this place in the chart (yours or a country’s) has a problem, the whole system has a problem. Virgo/Pisces is the health of the body and soul – one’s work and the meaning (or not) attached to your work or career. Or, put another way, this pairing symbolizes the mundane and the spiritual (soul) aspects of life. These two parts must find a balance or else there is stress and tension. The most obvious example in the news is the overhaul of US healthcare. It’s also about the accumulation of little things, the endless irritations that pile up and eventually break the smooth functioning of a system. Part Two of this combination took place on 2/5/09 @ 20 deg. The first four oppositions between these two planets take place in the signs Virgo/Pisces, and the last one in the sign pair Aries/Libra. Part 4 is due on 4/27/10.

 

 

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