Molly's Astrology for January 2005

Happy New Year!

Two thousand five will be an intense year, and we jump right into it as Saturn inconjunct Pluto comes in. This planetary alignment started to build in power in late December, and peaks on January 19. The opposition of these two planets in 2001 told the story of the fall of the twin towers and the subsequent changes around the globe. Does this mean the same thing will happen again? No. The inconjunct between them tells a story of tension and adjustment, and the necessity of rebuilding structures to replace what was destroyed, both in a physical sense and in a personal, emotional, and philosophical sense.

This is big energy, and it can be quite stressful, especially if you are tuned in to the fearful aspects of what is going on in the world. All of us respond on some level to emotional energy triggered global events and the political polarization here at home. The gap between reality and “news” seems to grow wider every year. Isn’t it funny how we all seem to know that what we are told is not the whole truth. After the hectic rush of the Solstice holidays, we can all use January to hibernate. You may not be able to take the month off, but you can turn off the “bad news chatter” on the radio and TV, spend some time with Mother nature, let go of unnecessary complications, and simplify your life.

On January 3, the Moon will move directly in front of Jupiter at 8:23 pm EST. This is called a Lunar occultation—occult literally means hidden from view, Jupiter actually appears to disappear! You may even be able to see this occultation if skies are clear. This is the third of a series of 11 occultations of Jupiter that began in November. Lunar occultations are like eclipses, typically associated with big events such as earthquakes or important historical events such as the death of prominent figures or world leaders. Jupiter represents the energy of growth and abundance. January 3 would be a good evening for ceremony, or to take a moment to welcome the energy, to contemplate the area of life where you want growth to occur. The fourth Lunar occultation of Jupiter occurs on the 31st at 5:08 am EST.

Jupiter is currently in the sign Libra, an air sign having to do with relationships and fairness. Growth happens in relationships if there is compromise, if both sides are contributing to, and benefiting from, the success of the partnership. If any “earthquakes” happen in your life, consider that they may have at their source an issue of fairness, an imbalance of give and take.

The New Moon on January 10 opposes Saturn, sending us all the message: be realistic. A fun and passionate, yet reckless Mars in Sagittarius touches Neptune and carries Neptune’s creative light to abundant Jupiter between the 16th and 21st. Sagittarius has a visionary talent, a wonderful capacity to see what is possible, but their weakness lies in considering the practical steps that must be taken to reach the goal. Success in mid-January requires that you honor both energies. You may need to take a risk, but you also need to know the costs in terms of money, time, and energy. If you are feeling overwhelmed, do something creative with the energy, put it to an artistic or spiritual use, have some bodywork, or express it physically through dance or exercise, even a brisk walk through nature. You may not be able to change your circumstances or save the world at this time, but you can breathe more deeply in this moment, you can choose your thoughts in this moment, you can change your beliefs about yourself, which will change your life, which will inspire others, which will ultimately change the world. Saturn’s downside is negativity, and indulging in negative thoughts and attitudes is a waste of time in this important year. As the great Libran Mahatma Gandhi said, “be the change you wish to see in the world… If you love peace, then hate injustice, hate tyranny, hate greed� but hate these things in yourself, not in another.�

A Full Moon in Leo on January 25 re-shuffles the emotional deck. Leo is a passionate take-charge sign. However, this lunation connects with the obfuscating, confusing force of Neptune, so there will likely be questions about the appropriateness of actions taken. And the drama queens will be in high gear. The upside of Neptune is spiritual connection and healing. Dreams which come within a few days of this Full Moon (particularly after it) may be very intense. Psychic energy and intuition is also high at this time. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a nasty cold or flu bug going around this week. This could actually be a good thing if it makes you slow down and take some time to yourself, which we all need so desperately during the wintertime.

The final week of January is potent, as Venus and Mercury both oppose gloomy Saturn, many folks will be feeling overworked, tightly wound, uncooperative, or just plain moody. Add a Mars Pluto conjunction to that mixture—this is breakthrough energy which facilitates intense action, force, attack, which may be used in a positive or a negative way. Pluto governs both destruction and rebuilding. Actions that may at other times be simply aggravating (Mars) may touch off a very deep unhealed wound (Pluto). Like setting off an emotional land mine. Take it easy this week. And please send some prayers to Iraq.

Mark your Calendar!
The best days for your top priority plans are January 11-14, 20.
Scale back on your plans and expectations on January 3, 4, 17-19, 22-29.

Read more about astrology at www.north-node.com. Want a personal reading? Molly is available for consultations. Call (434) 244-0012.