This week we actually have two planets changing direction: Mercury will turn retrograde on January 14th, and Uranus turns direct January 18th after being retrograde for the past six months or so. Mercury and Uranus are related symbolically as they both are involved in processes of the intellect: Mercury rules the small mind – the day to day thoughts and information that filter through our intelligence and inform our world, and Uranus is associated with the higher mind which translates information from multilevel dimensions of consciousness (intuition and insight, the “aha” moment).  Uranus of course is a much slower moving planet than Mercury, so its movements take much longer and it has been stationary for the past couple of months in preparation for this change of direction whereas Mercury has been stationary for the past few days.

When planets appear to be stationary their influence is more potent, especially if that planet is forming an angle to a planet in our chart. In any case, this is a week in which the processing of information is critical: communication, learning, thoughts, mechanical equipment – all of these things are under focus right now. Under the influence of Uranus which demands change from old paradigms we may be chafing while in yet another quarantine, but we may also be blessed with inventive ideas for how to change our world to better adapt to the current situation. Under the influence of Mercury stationing as it turns retrograde we may find ourselves stuck in a problem for which we can see no escape, and in that case the Uranian brilliance can help us to suddenly discover the solution.

Venus is still retrograde of course, and clients are telling me of dreams they are having of people from the past, something that often happens as we look back over relationships and the things and people we value.

Meanwhile Mars, planet of action and resilience, makes a challenging square aspect to Neptune and while this aspect culminates on Tuesday its influence will remain for much of the week. Mars is currently in Sagittarius where our desires (Mars) are focused on the aspects of life which will help us to expand and grow.

Neptune is a transformational outer planet – it inspires us to let go of the mundane world of details and facts and discover the magic of imagination and spiritual yearning. It is not the most practical of planetary forces, and when in a challenging aspect to Mars as it is this week it tends to create some confusion in areas where a more practical focus is required.  Fortunately a harmonious sextile from the Sun to Neptune on Monday and Tuesday helps to bring out the best of the Neptunian inspiration and acts as a bit of a roadmap for navigating any confusion.

Finally, energies will be building throughout the weekend for Monday’s Full Moon in Cancer. Cancer is the Moon’s own sign, and the fullness of human emotion and sensitivity will prevail during this time. This will be made more intense by the fact that the Moon is opposed by intense Pluto at the Full Moon, and a conjunction from the Sun to Pluto in Capricorn on Saturday and Sunday will have already primed us for the power of the Plutonic experience which takes us below a superficial experience into the depths of wisdom and awareness.

This is a kind and compassionate Full Moon, but one which requires the courage to face some difficult truths. A difficult quincunx aspect from Mars to the Moon suggests that resolution is not likely at this time and we will need to live with the discomfort for a few days, but fortunately a harmonious trine from Neptune to the Moon will soften that discomfort and help to promote greater compassion and ease.

Lunar events this week (dates and times are for Eastern time zone, please adjust for your locality):

  • Moon enters Taurus 9:46 am Monday January 10th.
  • Moon enters Gemini 10:08 pm Wednesday January 12th
  • Moon enters Cancer 11:10 am Saturday January 15th

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