The Full Moon in Cancer on January 1 suggests emotions are heightened which helps us add some heart to our 2018 resolutions. Goals are great, but think beyond just quitting a bad habit. This Moon asks: Where could your life benefit from more intimacy and connection in the coming year?
We also have the element of surprise thrown in to the mix as Uranus stations direct on January 2. The time has now come to start making the changes we’ve been considering while Uranus was retrograde. As Uranus stations direct, there’s an urge towards new horizons, freedom of expression and revolution. This is especially true as Uranus is now orbiting through the last few degrees of Aries before it changes to Taurus in May. Look to the house in your chart with Aries on the cusp as well as the house where Uranus is transiting now (email me if you want to know). This represents the part of life that has needed a shake up and/or an upgrade. Uranus in Aries is all about daring to be different and the station direct is a green light to go ahead.
Mercury enters Capricorn on January 11 and the earthy side comes forward, courtesy of its Virgo rulership. The energy will be more sensible in Capricorn, but also more serious, focused, determined and conservative. While Mercury is here, we view the future through practical eyes and are mindful that unless we lay a solid foundation for our vision, we will not be able to build upon it.
We’re weighed down by gravity at the New Moon on January 16. We want the stability of Capricorn. There’s tension between old and new, progressive ideas and conservative traditions. This new Moon asks us to get clear about what we need to firmly say no to in our lives so that we may give proper respect to our long-term professional priorities. With Saturn now in his own kingdom, there’s no getting away from doing the work ahead of us.
Continuing the theme of new year – new choices, it’s important to recognize when we have outgrown a situation or a relationship. With Venus’ entry into Aquarius on January 17 is likely to help us make these kinds of decisions with a friendly detachment and cool compromise. Bear in mind though that Saturn is the co-ruler of Aquarius so there’s no escaping gritty reality.
The sun in the expansive Air sign of Aquarius on January 19 brings innovative ideas that can inspire and uplift your life. As you stretch your point of view to this vast outlook, you can gain new ideas and insights to stimulate your life plan.
Mars enters Sagittarius on January 26 which gives us a taste for adventure despite the heavy energies elsewhere. With this sign associated with belief systems (Sagittarius/Jupiter), sometimes there can be antagonism when others don’t share our world view. People can become preachy, fighting to convert everyone else instead of listening. We can become too fervent when we don’t get our own way. Despite the downfalls though, Mars in Sagittarius should at least bring in some flexibility and warmth after a period which may have felt rigid and cold.
The month ends as eclipse season begins with a lunar eclipse in Leo on January 31. A lunar eclipse is a time when everything is brought down to earth. As with anything to do with Leo, we are dealing with an emphasis on self, central ideas and leadership with this Full Moon. The intensity of this Full moon tells us there is potential for a dramatic flair. Many will feel fluctuations in confidence. Leo is a bold, confident sign, ready and willing to express itself. The ego gets extra confidence, with fiery pride of Self, heightening the awareness that we’re special. Leo reminds us that we’re interesting, that our life is a dramatic story. All that makes us unique is in bold, making us want to show it off. This eclipse is also opposite Venus, so money and care of the planet are at polar opposites.
Also on the 31st, Mercury moves from the serious and somber Capricorn into the free-wheeling Aquarius. Aquarius is a sign dealing with the world at large and our interwoven humanitarian connection. With Mercury in this airy sign our thoughts may become quicker and more future oriented on the soul level. The energy needs expression through new ideas and social connections.