Monthly Astrological Overview January 2012

1^st – mercury in Sagittarius square mars in Virgo

8^th – mercury into Capricorn

9^th – FULL MOON in Cancer, Mercury square Uranus in Aries

12^th – sun in Capricorn trine mars in Virgo,

13^th – Venus conjunct Neptune in Aquarius trine Saturn in libra; mercury conjunct Pluto in Capricorn

14^th – Venus into Pisces, Venus sextile Jupiter in Taurus

19^th – sun in Capricorn square Saturn in Libra

20^th – Venus in Pisces sextile Pluto in Capricorn

21^st – sun into Aquarius sextile Uranus in Aries, square Jupiter in Taurus

22^nd – mercury in Capricorn trine mars in Virgo

23^rd – NEW MOON in Aquarius square Jupiter in Taurus, mars retrograde trine mercury in Capricorn 

27^th – mercury in Capricorn square Saturn in Libra

28^th –  mercury into Aquarius square Jupiter in Taurus.

2012 begins relatively quietly, though a square (challenge) between communication planet mercury and feisty warrior planet mars on the 1^st is enough to make some noise, as niggly arguments (which don’t last) can easily spark.

On the 8^th, Mercury moves into sensible Capricorn, changing the mood of communication. Gone is the free, easy and blunt Sagittarian style ‘foot in it’ approach… it’s all thankyou notes and official letterheads. And if someone says they are going to get back to you, they mean it.

Next day on the 9^th there’s a full moon in comfort-loving Cancer; this is the moon for nurturing yourself, for listening to your feelings and answering them best you can, despite another rather challenging aspect involving Mercury, this time square to Uranus in Aries, which can be volatile for communication, but also revolutionary –  events around this time are likely catalysts for more space and freedom for self-expression.

On the 12^th there’s a lovely strong trine (harmony) aspect between sun in Capricorn and mars in Virgo. This lovely earthy and practical combo of planets oozes self-confidence and encourages lots of action and movement in projects and plans.

The 13^th should be interesting for romance: Venus conjuncts (stands next to) Neptune in Aquarius, and both trine (harmonise) with Saturn in Libra. Meanwhile, Mercury is meeting intense Pluto in the sign of Capricorn. This means hearts and flowers gestures have substance and structure, and a whole lot of depth and meaning.

This theme is carried on from the 14^th, when Venus moves into dreamy Pisces, immediately linking up positively to Jupiter in practical Taurus. Optimism in relationships feels real and grounded, and opportunities more easily manifest to move things forward. It also bodes well for money matters too.

Sun in Capricorn squares (challenges) Saturn in Libra on the 19^th. This is indeed a challenging aspect, as Saturn can undermine self-confidence; relationships might feel the pressure but it’s all about trusting the set up and structure to hold fast.

Venus sextiles Pluto on the 20^th, so the romantic mood is deep and meaningful, seductive and sensual.  This mood works well with planet influences from the 21^st, when the sun moves into Aquarius, the sign of freedom and individuality. The sun links positively to independent and unpredictable Uranus while square to Jupiter in Taurus, and this combo suggests the rules are there are no rules and to expect the unexpected.

On the 22^nd mercury in Capricorn trines mars in Virgo. Great for pulling plans into sharper focus, and for getting the message across in detail. This is the perfect day for pouring through paperwork and noting the small print.

On the 23^rd, the new moon in freedom-orientated Aquarius squares Jupiter in Taurus, indicating a possible conflict of interests  – to stay or to go? Both feel like positive options, however this new moon coincides with the beginning of Mars retrograde (appearing to move backwards), which means over the coming weeks mars will be retracing its recent steps through the sign of Virgo, suggesting that backtracking or changing direction might feel inevitable temporarily.

Mars begins to change direction while linking very positively to Mercury, which means that communication won’t be an issue during this process as Mercury is moving in harmony with the Mars agenda right now.

But Mercury squares Saturn in Libra on the 28^th, which can reduce confidence in this process, putting a bit of stress on communication through other people’s negative input or opinions; however, this is temporary, as from the 29^th Mercury moves from Capricorn to Aquarius, and immediately links up in square aspect to positive Jupiter…

Mercury in Aquarius is more of a free thinker than in Capricorn, so is less worried about seeking approval as it was in Cap, and this acts as a stress relief; it lifts pressure to perform, while Jupiter’s positive influence increases confidence. A Jupiter square often means it’s more difficult to keep a sense of perspective about situations, but the essential positive nature of Jupiter is still a good antidote to any lingering negative Mercury/Saturn effects.