Happy New Year and welcome to 2018.
The new year starts out with a bang.
Two astrological events signal that we’re ready for a fresh start, although astrologically I’d argue that the New Year began when Saturn set foot into Capricorn at the Winter Solstice. Because that event represents a sharp break from the prevailing energy of 2017 and sets the tone of 2018 and onward.
Saturn in Capricorn says, “it’s time to get down to business and face reality.” So, look at the areas where you’ve been playing fast and loose. Time to tighten up and get a handle on things. No matter if you can’t do it all at once. Saturn gives you two-and-a-half years to get the job done. More here.
Saturn’s entrance in to Capricorn coincided with the passage of the new tax legislation. Anne Ortelee writes an excellent astrological assessment of the bill’s signing.
And while I’m not a student of the impact of astrological cycles on the weather, astrologers have long associated Saturn with cold. And right on schedule, as Saturn entered its home sign, much of the US has been in a deep freeze… Interesting. Please keep your pets indoors and look after the homeless ones on the streets. It’s brutal out there.
But the good news: last month’s frenetic, crazy-making energy has largely dissipated. The hotheads are settling down, adults are taking charge, and focus has become a lot easier.
New Year’s Day Full Moon
And now it’s January 1st. Today is the civil New Year, the day we throw away our 2017 calendars and nurse our hangovers (for those who overindulged the night before).
Tonight, the Moon, particularly close to the Earth, is full at 9:24pm EST. Such full moons are called super moons, because their proximity to Earth heightens the intensity of their effects. So its effects are stronger than usual if it triggers your chart. Look for planets and sensitive points at or near 11° of the Cardinal signs (Cancer, Capricorn, Aries and Libra). And that if that means you, you may be feeling more antsy than usual. Cardinal triggers make you want to act.
But this is a full moon. Actions and events connected with this event had their seeds planted in the proceeding New Moon that took place December 18th. So what had you begun around that time? The implications of those actions are becoming apparent now.
The Full Moon brings a forward-thinking optimistic outlook as evidenced by Mercury’s applying trine to Uranus. The other planets form a giant “kite.” The Cancer Moon forms a giant triangle to Mars and Jupiter in Scorpio and Neptune in Pisces. A big part of you wants to cocoon at home and go off to dreamland, or at least take in a good movie. But Sun, Saturn, Venus and Pluto want you to put this day to practical use. With four, count’em, in Capricorn, fitting into the larger society and adding structure to your life takes on added importance. The key is to find balance with your personal life and not to let an overabundance of rules and structure choke you.
Make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, spend some quality quiet time in meditation and setting your intention for the year.
Because tomorrow the future calls.
Uranus Stations Direct
Uranus, the planet of the future, breakthrough, innovation, upset and the unexpected is standing still at 24° Aries. Tomorrow it pivots slowly resumes its forward journey. Sometimes called “the Great Awakener,” Uranus wants to shake us out of the doldrums. It’s time to get off your duff. Look to the place where 24° Aries lies in your chart for the “where,” and the place Uranus lives for the “how.”
And more good news: From January 2nd through March 7th every planet will be moving direct. With the planetary winds at your back you’ll be able to get a lot done.
Just when you thought you could take it easy…
And if you want to get a heads up on what the year ahead has in store? I will be speaking about that very topic.
Sun, January 14th – Astrological Society of Princeton 2:00pm
Sun, January 28th – NCGR Philadelphia Chapter 1:30 pm
