by Sally Shotwell —
Sally Shotwell is a life-long student of esoteric spirituality whose focus on studies in Astrology have spanned decades. She has entertained and informed our readers with her articles for a few years now.
We approach this New Year with hope, and some trepidation, following the impact of the grueling experiences we associate with 2020. The Sun (our consciousness) and Mercury (our thought process) are in responsible Capricorn, helping us direct our focus to real-life issues and our immediate responsibilities. Its element is Earth and, being a Cardinal sign, its energies are assertive, fueling our ambition to move carefully and constructively toward our goals. The thing is, with so much confusion swirling around us, this is no easy task and requires us to tap into our intuitive awareness. Fortunately, January 1, Mercury, in practical Capricorn, touches base with sensitive, creative Neptune in watery ,inspirational Pisces, offering succor to any bruises our emotional state is experiencing. This equilibrium grounds us as the Messenger of the Gods conjoins Pluto, Lord of the Underworld, on the 4th. Their interaction may result the digging up of concealed information (which promises controversy) so let’s be alert to our surroundings and avoid iffy interactions.
January 6 assertive Mars enters earthy, stable Taurus, joining unpredictable Uranus, in this Fixed Earth sign. Venus, Goddess of Love, Beauty, and Money, is it’s ruler and an emphasis is placed on experiencing the pleasures that Nature and our surroundings bless us with. Fixed Signs normally don’t embrace shaking up the status quo, but with the Warrior and the (brilliant) Rebel now in residence, our relationship to the natural world, and how we carry on our lives, is morphing. Thankfully, Taurus’s steadiness helps us adjust.
January 8 both Mercury and Venus further alter the terrain when they change signs. Mercury enters eccentric Aquarius where he feels at home. This Fixed Air sign is noted for its inventiveness, independence, and a detached humanitarianism. Our communications should become more wide-ranging as the influence of Uranus (Aquarius’s ruler) stimulates our need for novelty in our exchanges. Venus, on the other hand, enters tradition-oriented Capricorn, sharing with us the comfort of sustainability in our personal commitments. In the midst of so much tumult, this semblance of reliability is reassuring. Simultaneously, the Sun and empathetic Neptune, in watery, mystical Pisces, find harmony together and create an oasis within which we may retreat if we are open to it. Can we carve out time in our schedule?
This is necessary because, also the 8th, Mercury (in Aquarius) and Mars (in Taurus) clash exemplifying things to come through the year as activity takes place between the Fixed Signs (Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio), generating tremendous tension. In this instance, our interactions and thought processes may feel blocked.
January 9 relationship-oriented Venus (in Cap) finds a dance partner in willing Mars (in Taurus) and a sense of connection encourages us to seek out likeminded others to commune with to our heart’s content. Mercury and Saturn put their heads together and enjoy the airy, futuristic climate they share as they conjure up innovations. Let’s be open to their enthusiasm ourselves and see what bright ideas may pop up. The 11th Mercury and Jupiter compare notes regarding technology as it relates the wellbeing of the community. Health care considerations are prominent (what else is new?).
January 12 starts out with Mercury now interacting with Uranus, exchanging perspectives as to how to increase our flexibility in order to successfully cope with shifts in our reality. This ties in with the New Moon (new beginnings) in Capricorn. Capricorn represents social structures and hierarchical authority and the Sun, Moon and Pluto are lined up to pour energy into this new opening for change. The Wild Card in this picture is the grouping of Saturn, Jupiter and Mercury in Aquarius at odds with that of Mars and Uranus in Taurus. This is a recipe for tension and confusion, but, let’s check out the Sabian Symbol’s message. “A woman entering a convent: Total commitment to a transcendental goal.” Our goal is to continue our journey towards self-understanding which allows us to reflect and absorb that which enhances our ability to detach from unnerving drama. We don’t have to go into seclusion to expose ourselves to inspiring new avenues of growth. The 13th, friends and pleasurable activities are supported by Venus and Uranus connecting, urging us to seek out beauty and pleasurable interactions to share with others.
January 14 Uranus (in Taurus) turns direct and the Great Awakener now spurs us forward to investigate the unpredictable terrain before us. The Sun and Pluto (in Cap) conjoin and create tension as each asserts his independence. The 17th, optimistic Jupiter and unpredictable Uranus throw themselves into churning up the atmosphere. Let’s take a deep breath, step back and see how the dust settles. The 19th, the Sun enters Aquarius, joining Saturn, Jupiter and Mercury. We’re getting acclimated to the themes prominent relevant to this position and may even feel twinges of inventiveness in our thinking. Let’s be open to it.
January 20 is Inauguration Day with Mars and Uranus (in Taurus) feeding each others assertive energy. There are questions as to how the ceremony goes and the social climate surrounding it. The 22nd, Mars challenges belief-oriented Jupiter and conflicting ideologies generate unexpected developments. Remaining centered while events unfold is essential to our functioning and actual health. The 23rd, relief is at hand when charming Venus and dreamy Neptune share lighthearted, authentic affection which open us to our own heart-centered relationships. On a more serious note, the Sun and Uranus join hands and encourage us to consider our life direction and how we may implement it.
January 26 the Sun and Uranus harass each other as we work on adapting to unexpected circumstances. There’s the concept of a breakdown leading to a breakthrough but let’s not put it to the test. We have inner resources to put to use and meaningful others to consult with. The Full Moon (culmination) in Leo on the 28th is preceded by Venus and Pluto embracing and we’re encouraged to be gentle with others no matter how intensely we feel about revelations regarding our dealings with them. The Moon itself is in a stressful position to Saturn, the Sun and Jupiter, as well as Uranus and Mars. This Moon in fiery, heart-centered Leo is about helping us be true to our identity as individuals. We need to do this in order to contribute positively to society as a whole. The Symbol states “Early morning dew sparkles as sunlight floods the field: The exalted feeling that arises within the soul of the individual who has successfully passed through the long night which has tested his strength and his faith… we see the potential culmination of the process which began on a note of social and cultural crisis…” The Sun and Jupiter meet up and, while currently residing in group-oriented Aquarius, encourage us to pursue our own course with philosophical openness.
January 30 Mercury turns retrograde, giving us the opportunity to revisit and review what has been in the works for some time. As we gain insights to what we, and others, have experienced, we’re able to rework what needs fixing in order to move forward in the future. Considering all the bizarre twists and turns we’re becoming accustomed to, this retrograde may seem like a walk in the park. Let’s be mindful to take good care of ourselves, we need each other!!!
Have a Blessed New Year!
