Patricia Godden BSc PhD dip WESA FAPAI is a scientist-turned-astrologer. Integrating spirituality and the material world has been a key part of Patricia’s life. This is incorporated into her astrology practice, talks and courses on astrology. Find out more at www.patriciagodden.com
Action could be a key word during the middle of January when so many planets are in cardinal signs. The Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars, are close together in Capricorn while retrograde Jupiter is opposite in Cancer. A lot of energy may be directed into carefully planned actions to achieve goals and ambitions at a material level. The same energy may also be used to strive for peace.
It might feel as if there is a responsibility to do what is possible not only for personal, inner peace but also peace on a worldwide scale. An interaction involving Chiron in Aries suggests that taking assertive action could be one way forward to feel better about one’s self but the answer may lie more in considering others, how they feel and what they need.
Solutions could come unexpectedly as retrograde Uranus in Taurus is also involved. This planet is sometimes called the truth- and light-bringer. New and different ideas may come up from the subconscious. Sudden flashes of inspiration might inspire solutions and direct actions to resolve issues that have reached an impasse.
There may be more awareness of what is going on underneath the surface on 13th January when the Moon in Scorpio interacts with Saturn and Neptune in Pisces as well as retrograde Jupiter in Cancer. Although emotions could run deep at this time, the interactions with the planets in Capricorn suggests that they can be contained and their energy directed towards useful purposes.
The Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Pisces acts as a bridge between the planets in the earth signs of Capricorn and Taurus. Feeling what other people feel can help understand deeper levels of a situation. Being sensitive to what is needed on all levels can lead to more comprehensive solutions. The intuition can be a wonderful guide.
An interaction between the Moon in Sagittarius and retrograde Uranus in Taurus for a few hours on 15th and 16th January suggests a need to be adaptable. The Moon is sometimes thought of as reflecting the past while Uranus is a planet that looks more to the future. Combining the energy of these planets could lead to new concepts that help nourish life on Earth.
The new Moon in Capricorn on 18th January accentuates the harmonious interaction between the Sun, Moon, Mercury and Mars in Capricorn and Uranus in Taurus. Inventive ideas could be thought-provoking and result in lively discussions about how to implement new concepts. Freedom of expression may be tempered by tradition, pre-determined goals or a need to be seen to be doing the right thing.
The planets in Capricorn and Uranus highlight the soul lesson of service. However, as this interaction includes Venus and Pluto, now at the beginning of Aquarius, service could be co-operative in nature while allowing individuality. Being objective and detached, attributes of Aquarius, can enable an overview of what is the best action for all concerned rather than egoistical aims.
By late on 20th January, the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Pluto are all in Aquarius. The energy has shifted from the reserved and controlled but goal-orientated drive of Capricorn to individualistic freedom and objective co-ordination. Any new idea that might benefit the local or international community or other kingdoms of life on Earth could be considered.
Throughout the period covered by this update, Neptune is in the last degree of Pisces. This is called the ‘anaretic’ degree. It is the end of a thirteen-year period that has seen an increased desire to cross borders and boundaries. Some people have escaped into the fantasy world of films, some have moved from one country to another and yet others have found deepening spiritual awareness.
The anaretic degree can be accompanied by a sense of urgency to complete whatever can be learned from this placement of Neptune. It is a time to distinguish what is real from what is illusion. There has been consideration of the meaning and, more particularly, the relevance of limits and boundaries, both within physical life and between the seen and unseen realms.
During the fourth week of January, the planets in Aquarius interact with the south node of the Moon in Virgo. Past experience of giving practical service could seem at odds with the current more mentally-orientated approach to life. However, with some adjustment, these energies can be integrated. Past wisdom can guide new trains of thought and lead to greater unity in life on Earth.
Keep well, stay happy.
Patricia Godden
Patricia Godden BSc PhD dip WESA FAPAI is a scientist-turned-astrologer. Integrating spirituality and the material world has been a key part of Patricia’s life. This is incorporated into her astrology practice, talks and courses on astrology. Find out more at www.patriciagodden.com