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 we start the year with no retrograde planets!  Of course they serve an important function, but having them all direct to start is certainly good for jump-starting 2012.  Mars goes retrograde on January 24, which happens about every two years.  It will be in effect for almost three months during which he will be in your 8th house of transformations, shared resources, debt, sex, intense experiences and death and rebirth.  Mars is typically only in a house for a little over a month but this retrograde will keep him in Virgo for almost 8 months, in other words from November 12th until July 4th!  This has "git 'r' dun" written all over it since Mars is all about taking action.  When retrograde, of course, this energy is internalized.  There may have been something brewing which reaches a peak of intensity right around the time he stations on the 24th, after which the tension will relax as the energy internalizes. 

While the house Mars is transiting is important, the entire axis comes into play which pulls in your 2nd house of finances, possessions, self-worth, needs and pleasures, which is where some of this energy is likely to be released, especially when the Sun and Mars are in opposition, which occurs early in March.  What this all alludes to is a possible transformational change in how you manage your resources at all levels, whether they be financial, with regard to your relationships or how you care for yourself.  While most of this activity is going to be operating at the subconscious level, it never hurts to have some awareness of what is going on, particularly as situations arise that relate to this part of your life because you can take note of them in the context of the retrograde period which can facilitate needed change when the time comes.

The Full Moon occurs on January 9 in Cancer, your 6th house of work, health, service and pets.  If your birthday is right around February 8th this presents a favorable time to complete a project and move on to something else.  This is also a moderately favorable time to leave any bad health habits or self-defeating behaviors behind.  You may not be into making New Year's Resolutions, which are usually most effective for Capricorns since that time of year coincides with their solar return, but yours is coming up soon, perhaps before the end of this month for those of you with birthdays on January 21.  Therefore it is a good idea to take note of this and motivate yourself according.  Of course, speaking of motivation, retrograde Mars may be a bit of a hindrance there, particularly because your energy may be compromised a bit.  Nonetheless you can make dietary changes even if you don't adopt an exercise plan.  Most important, don't beat yourself up if you simply can't make a move in that or any other direction.  Use the time for introspection and see what you can discover.

Venus is transiting your sign until January 15 at which time she moves into Pisces.  Make use of the time that remains to make any requests or presentations because you will be more favorably received than usual.  Not to worry when she leaves, however, because then she will be in your 2nd house of finances, income, needs and pleasures, which she rules zodiacally, and can thus bring some luck your way in that part of your life. 

The New Moon on January 23 is in your sign and right in your headlights if your birthday is within a day or so of January 23.  There is thus a good chance that this lunation will be a part of your solar return and be in effect all year.  In other words, you can look forward to a year in which you will encounter many new situations.  The New Moon is forming a T-square with Saturn and Jupiter which will also be with you during that time.  It's good to know that Saturn is in Libra, the sign of his exaltation, where he will be until October.  Saturn is a malefic planet and as the Lord of Karma can be rather unpleasant at times, but this placement tends to bring out his good side which includes discipline, organization and structuring ability which will manifest in your 9th house of higher learning, relocation, foreign travel, legal matters, religion, politics, beliefs and expectations.  This is an excellent time to go back to school, for example, or travel abroad. 

Jupiter is in Taurus, your 4th house of home environment, memories, and cultural roots.  For those of you familiar with the zodiac you will notice that this opposition is out-of-sign but still viable.  Jupiter tends to expand and sometimes exaggerate what he touches, but this will be kept in check by Saturn.  In other words, if you decide to remodel your entire house, Saturn will probably bring your attention to your finances such that you make sure you can afford it before tearing down those walls.  This is also a favorable time to review your beliefs and expectations as they apply to family members.

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What are Your family Gatherings like?

Holiday get-togethers can be heavenly or they can be hell.  Ever wonder why?   Our Family Dynamics report not only explains who gets along with whom but WHY!  

Just because you're related doesn't mean you're compatible!

Date and place of birth for all family members required; time of birth even better. 

Cost depends on group size.

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