January 2012 Astrocast

Key Events:  

Full Moon (18:26 Cancer): 9 January 2012

New Moon (02:42 Aquarius): 23 January 2011

Retrograde Planets: 

Mars (23:05 Virgo - 03:41 Virgo):  24 January 2012 - 14 April 2012

Easy Reference

Sun   Moon  Mercury   Venus   Mars   Jupiter   Saturn   Uranus   Neptune   Pluto  

1st House   2nd House   3rd House   4th House   5th House   6th House   7th House   8th House   9th House   10th House   11th House   12th House

Aspects     Sign Rulers     Fire-Earth-Air-Water     Cardinal-Fixed-Mutable

Eclipses  Solar Returns  Retrograde Planets

Lunations and Long-term Aspects

First of all note that the new year begins with all planets in direct motion, which allows their respective energies to manifest in an outward manner.  Of course this is affected by the sign they're in as well, but generally they will be straight-forward in their expression which will be filtered through the sign.  However, January 24 Mars will go retrograde, something which only occurs every two years.  Mars is the motivator and driver behind our actions so this can bring a decrease in your energy level and sense of direction, especially for the sign he's transiting, though the houses he rules will also be affected.  Virgo is where he's going to be located and it's also important to note that he will be there until the 4th of July.  Normally Mars only spends about a month in any given sign so this is an extremely extended stay.  Considering that his energy is usually distributed throughout the signs and therefore the different areas of your life, this is putting a lot into one area which for Leo is your 2nd house of income, possessions, finances, needs, self-worth and pleasures.  However, at noted earlier, much of this is going to be internalized.

Being internalized means that this is going to be operating largely in your unconscious.  While you may be aware of issues in this part of your life which need attention, all the factors involved are bubbling beneath the surface.  The situation is probably not as simple as you may think.  Being aware of this process and actively seeking information as well as engaging in contemplation are fruitful exercises at this time.  However, don't expect to find all the answers just yet.  When Mars and the Sun oppose each other right around March 4 you can expect to have an "Aha!" moment of some description.  Pay attention because this will be important!  In fact, if I were you I'd mark my calendar accordingly to note what transpires at this time.  The Sun will be in Pisces at that time, bringing in the influences of that house as well which is your 8th of transformation, shared resources, debt, death and rebirth, sex and intense experiences.  These are areas where we grow and evolve though the path may not be easy.  As a Fixed Sign, Leo tends to cling to what it knows, which can result in stagnation or in some cases being stuck in the mud.  You may not like the status quo but it's familiar so you tend to stay put rather than explore the various possibilities to move on.  Mars and the Sun, however, undoubtedly have a different idea and will use whatever means necessary to get your attention.

The Sun rules Leo so you typically have a strong ego and sense of self.  However, your actual sense of self-worth may need some work.  If you are not placing appropriate value on yourself and your personal needs this may be a time to look yourself in the eye and address it.  Your income and possessions are an offshoot of this part of you and what you are willing to accept and tolerate.  The 8th house is where you merge this part of yourself with others through shared resources which includes sex.  If you don't sufficiently value yourself you may find someone else is bleeding you dry.  This retrograde period may be about redefining your self-worth and how much you're willing to give and also how this is reflected in your financial situation.  Mars' lengthy transit in Virgo is going to give you plenty of time to figure it out in time for your birthday.

The Full Moon on January 9 is in nextdoor neighboring sign, Cancer, your 12th house of enlightenment, inspiration, spirituality, confinement, seclusion, institutions, hidden enemies and self-undoing.  At this point the Moon is reflecting the light of the Sun at the maximum level and indicates a culmination or change of phase of something in this part of your life.  The Sun, partner to this effect, is in Capricorn, your 6th house of work, health, service and pets.  Polar signs and houses are related but often in a subtle manner.  There is a natural opposition involved but stability is only found by honoring both.  Your work and service activities as well as your health are going to be the outward manifestation of what is going on in the 12th.  Give this serious thought, particularly in the context of what Mars is working on.  Venus is in your 7th house for this lunation which points toward a close relationship which requires some adjustment and also relates to your self-worth and financial issues.  Mars has not yet gone retrograde at this point so you can consciously access key information, particularly with Mercury also in your 12th facilitating inspired thought.

The New Moon on January 23, the day that Mars is stationing and slowing down prior to going retrograde on the 24th, is in your polar sign, Aquarius.  This also brings energy to your 7th house of relationships and suggests that something new is on the horizon.  The New Moon is at the apex of a T-square, however, which also suggests whatever this new situation happens to be it involves a conflict.  The planets involved are Saturn in Libra opposing Jupiter in Taurus.  (If you know a little about astrology you may have noticed that these are not polar signs and may thus question the opposition.  However, Saturn is in the end degrees of Libra and Jupiter in the beginning of Taurus so the two are in orb.)  Saturn is exalted in Libra which is good news because it tends to allow Saturn to operate in a less malefic manner.  His positive side is to provide structure, discipline and responsible action which you can harness with regard to your 3rd house of thoughts, ideas, siblings, neighbors and local travel.  This will be excellent support for getting your thoughts in order.

Jupiter is in your 10th house of career, reputation, status and public image where he can have a lucky and expansive effect, though this may not be as pronounced in fellow Fixed Sign, Taurus, who will also resist change.  At any rate, the new relationship endeavor implied by the New Moon is in some sort of conflict with your thoughts and ideas as well as your status.  Remember that status relates to anything you may find in the public record or newspaper or involve a title or label, not just your career.  Just think of what your "status" is on Facebook and recognize that is 10th house because you have put it before the public, regardless of your privacy settings.  Getting married or divorced; promoted or fired; elected or defeated; graduating from school; obtaining any sort of license; and so forth all relate to the 10th.  You have a quandary of some sort going on which involves these three areas.  The good news is that Neptune can lend a hand here as well by providing some inspiration.  Neptune as the natural ruler of the 12th also relates to your dreams.  He can be delusional and too idealistic, so bear that in mind, but in favorable aspect like he is to mitigate the opposition he can probably provide you with the insight you need to figure things out and find the inspiration you need to make any necessary changes.

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