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| Two time-telling systems collide at the beginning of 2014, emphasizing a momentous and significant year ahead. Image: An astronomical clock in the Marienkirche in Rostock, Germany. Photo by Schiwago. |
The New Year has finally arrived and it begins alongside a
rather powerful and symbolic lunation. Jan 1 happens to coincide with a
seriously striking new Moon in Capricorn, conjunct Pluto and Mercury. That
places this nascent lunation in the cross-hairs of the Uranus/Pluto square, and
I think this is a pretty important statement about the year ahead.
While the Gregorian New Year has little connection to any
natural or astrological cycle, it does have a significant symbolic role within
the collective consciousness since we’ve been using it for quite some time.
Interestingly, there are moments when the astrology appears to be in synch with
our synthetic calendar. This year is definitely one of those times.
Of course, we can’t disregard the fact that the tropical
zodiac used by western astrologers is equally synthetic, but it is, at least,
in synch with the Sun’s natural seasonal cycle. The Gregorian calendar is
really a mystery. Who would have ever thought to begin a New Year during the
coldest and darkest time of year, while the Sun is in a sign that symbolizes culminating
maturation as opposed to new beginnings?
There may have been a conspiracy with that one. Capricorn is
of course a very deep and spiritual sign, but it does have a strong focus
toward worldly achievements and physical or sensory pleasures. We’re a part of
an entire culture that begins its year with this mental orientation. It’s very possible
that this further solidifies our cultural emphasis on social status, consumerism
and a naive trust of authority.
The year ahead is rather interesting, to say the least. We
are inching closer to some of the most precarious astrological configurations.
While things have certainly been hectic and eventful so far, it seems that we haven’t
really seen anything yet. I’m not saying that to frighten anyone. That’s
certainly not my intention.
We can never really know what lies ahead, specifically. But in
looking at the situation politically and economically, it’s clear that we don’t
exactly need astrology to tell us that there’s a long and arduous road up
there.
Also, just because a particular configuration looks
challenging theoretically, that doesn’t mean that it will actually be as
profound or pivotal as we may imagine or anticipate. Lots of seemingly
significant astrological cycles have come and gone throughout history without
much really going on—at least on the surface. We certainly cannot exclude the
reality that astrology tells us as much about our inner world as it does the
outer.
So regardless of how eventful or significant this year
proves to be—we’re all in for some serious shifts and changes within the
unconscious realms. That’s where it all starts anyway. Personally, we’re each
going to feel this in one way or another. Unless you’re completely numb and
oblivious, there’s going to be some interesting changes happening, catalyzed by
this year’s powerful alignments.
Venus retrograde is just heating up at the month’s entry.
It’s the first of three very significant retrograde cycles in the early portion
of 2014. There’s a lot of reconsider this year, for sure. Retrogrades,
especially among the inner planets, urge us to back-track and reassess our
position. Venus retrograde is fairly interesting in that it also has the power
to bring significant relationships back into focus.
That most likely involves people, since Earth is so well
populated. But we may rekindle a relationship with lots of other things while
Venus is retrograde, it may not always be human or sentient (or appear to be).
Venus retrograde can mend bridges we burned or left behind. She may remind us
of the contracts we made long ago, sometimes beyond this lifetime.
Often many significant changes and pivotal turning points
coincide with this cycle. A change of direction is definitely brought about by
any retrograde; there will be plenty of opportunities to grow and expand into
new directions the first half of this year. Here’s this month’s rundown:
As mentioned, Jan 1st
begins with a momentous and significant New Moon in Capricorn; it’s a part of a
dynamic t-square with Mercury, Pluto, Uranus, Mars and Jupiter. If that isn’t a
poignant statement, I don’t know what is. Whatever resolutions you have this
year, you’re likely to feel rather ambitious about pursuing them right as the
New Year begins.
There’s plenty of incitement to keep things going this
month, and if anything spurs things into action, it’s a tension building aspect
structure like we see here. Mars will turn retrograde in March, so this new
Moon is a key stepping stone and introduction to a lengthy retrograde process
that lies ahead.
Mercury in Capricorn opposes Jupiter in Cancer on Jan 2nd, heating up a conversion that
challenges us to find a compromise between traditional beliefs and our own
intuitive and emotional insights. Strike up a dialogue between the inner and
outer realms and see what you learn.
The Sun in Capricorn opposes Jupiter in Cancer on Jan 5th, helping to boost confidence and
to establish a firm position within the confines of a structure. All this
energy concentrated in Capricorn this month gives an extra boost to help us
achieve goals, plan for the future and to further take responsibility for our
life path.
Mercury sextiles Saturn on Jan 6th. Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, lends a helping hand to
further structure and solidify an evolving and maturing perspective of the
world and our place within it. If you’ve been doing your Saturn in Scorpio
homework, the depth of insight and understanding of yourself will help you to
truly grow and gain wisdom.
Mercury catches up with Venus retrograde on Jan 7th. Venus pulls the mind into a subtle
yet powerful vortex which allows us to reevaluate personal values against
traditional or cultural values. There may be a lot communication with past
relationships or thoughts about unresolved events that played a critical role
in growth or development.
Mars in Libra squares Jupiter in Cancer on Jan 8th. This is the first of three
squares that will take place this year. Be conscious of a tendency to waste
time and energy as this aspect comes to exactitude. Be equally mindful of a
tendency to get everyone else to jump on the bandwagon; just because it feels
right for you, doesn’t mean others will be as enthusiastic or interested.
Jan 11th brings the
culminating point of the Venus retrograde cycle as the Sun conjoins Venus.
Today Venus crosses the threshold, slowly transitioning from evening to morning
star--as she does so she sextiles Saturn in Scorpio. A period of reevaluation
makes way for a critical restructuring of an inner landscape that drastically
alters the outer universe.
That distinction between day and night, sunrise and sunset
becomes momentarily blurred. The past, present and future meld into a whirlpool
of pure being. Connect deeply with inner wisdom and instinctive insights to
more authentically converge with what it is you truly love. Additionally, Mercury enters Aquarius. The
collective mind becomes more progressive and forward thinking, lending well to
a clearer and sharper focus and perception. Mercury in Aquarius generates a
more encompassing worldview, but one that deeply challenges more traditional
perceptions.
A culminating full Moon in Cancer occurs on Jan 15th. Trine Saturn in Scorpio, a firm
foundation solidifies beneath our feet. We may feel like we’re finally more
established and rooted, since the month launched us full force toward some
specific destination.
Mercury in Aquarius sextiles Uranus in Aries on Jan 16th--lighting up the neural pathways
of genius and ingenuity. Thinking outside the box is almost second nature
today, but making an effort to see things differently and to forge a new path
will be required. While thinking and perception appears slightly enhanced,
there may be a conflict of desires. Venus retrograde squaring Mars in Libra
ignites friction within relationships, particularly involving past and
unresolved emotional material. There is always tension between the image we
want the world to see, and the role our relationships demand that we play out.
Trying to please everyone will likely burn you out, so be mindful of where you
expend energy.
The Sun joins Mercury as it transitions into Aquarius on Jan 19th. Something new and possibly
unusual appears to be floating in the wind. The collective energy is gradually shifting
away from structured and secure approaches and leaning more toward cutting edge
and innovative strategies.
The collective mental pathways are again activated by
Mercury trine Mars on Jan 24th. There
is a strong drive to communicate new ideas or solutions to others, an easy flow
and exchange of information flows all around. This is an excellent aspect to
share unconventional thoughts or concepts with people who may normally resist
otherwise.
The energy drastically shifts on Jan 25th as Mercury squares Saturn in Scorpio. Radical and
progressive concepts must find practical and useful applications in addition to
adding to a deeper understanding of life. Pre-established beliefs and tried and
tested methodologies may meet resistance to any new and seemingly unusual
thoughts or ideas.
The month ends with the Sun in Aquarius sextile Uranus in
Aries on Jan 29th. Clean, sleek and
simple solutions are a highlight of this aspect. This also creates an
opportunity to easily express an unorthodox aspect of ourselves to the larger
community today.
Jan 1: New Moon @ 10 degrees Capricorn 57’
Jan 2: Mercury opposite Jupiter
Jan 5: Sun opposite Jupiter
Jan 6: Mercury sextile Saturn
Jan 7: Mercury conjunct Venus
Jan 8: Mars square Jupiter
Jan 11: Venus sextile Saturn; Sun conjunct Venus; Sun
sextile Saturn; Mercury enters Aquarius
Jan 15: Full Moon @ 25 degrees Cancer 58’
Jan 16: Mercury sextile Uranus; Venus square Mars
Jan 17: Mercury sextile Uranus
Jan 19: Sun enters Aquarius
Jan 24: Mercury trine Mars
Jan 25: Mercury square Saturn
Jan 29: Sun sextile Uranus
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