Frank Martin Don LLC - Professional Intuitive & Astrological Consultant

January begins the year of 2008, a year that punctuates the idea of out with the old, in with the new. Not only are we moving from one year to another. We are moving from a universal 9 year [2007 = 2 + 0 + 0 + 7 = 9] into a universal 1 year [2008 = 2 + 0 +0 + 8 = 10 = 1]. 2008 is the start of a new nine year cycle, a year of new beginnings. One of the new beginnings, first evidenced toward the end of January, is the movement of Pluto, which has been transiting Sagittarius since 1995, into the Sign of Capricorn. For much of 2008, Pluto [with apologies for the human condition of anthropomorphizing] will have one foot in Capricorn, the other foot in Sagittarius, until Pluto moves into Capricorn towards the end of November for its multi-year transit of the Cardinal Earth Sign.

2008 is likely to be seen as a year when, both on an individual level and on a collective society level, the question is raised as to whether we have built upon rock or built upon sand. 2008 is a year when much of the fluff and the inconsequential may be washed away and we are asked, even forced, to focus on the true necessities and the essential fundamentals of living life.

January begins with two planets in a Fire Sign, four planets in Earth Signs, three planets in Air Signs and one planet in a Water Sign. There are four planets in Cardinal Signs, one planet in a Fixed Sign and five planets in Mutable Signs. Five planets are in positive Signs and five planets are in negative Signs.

The year starts off with a focus on practical application. We may be utilizing New Year resolutions to start up new projects, begin new activities and get involved in new interests. Our sense of continuity and desire for maintenance might be minimal at best. We could initiate, only to find our follow through to wane as we switch gears and focus on something else. This month could have us bopping and weaving, going from one thing to another, always seeking that particular thing that will alleviate our frustrations and enthuse new life into our daily activities.

By Sign, January starts with a Grand Trine in the Air Element and a T-Square in the Mutable Signs. Prospects and possibilities may dance in our heads, enticing us to try this and then try that. A tendency towards a high level of nervous energy could also have us acting from an attention deficit disorder whereby we can become very interested in something until our interest flags or we get bored and then need to find the next distraction or project to grab our interest.

We do start the month of January with a significant power pack. We have a stellium of three or more planets in one Sign in Capricorn with the Sun, Mercury and Jupiter all in the Cardinal Earth Sign. This combination can help us focus on our personal ambitions and even allow us to blueprint the groundwork by which we can realize our hopes and dreams. But going from concept into execution might be a little dicey, especially in light of the fact that we may all want it yesterday or the feeling that we would prefer a magic wand to wave by which to make our dreams come true rather than the persistence, perseverance and work to make our wishes a reality. This Stellium is also influenced by Pluto. Although still in Sagittarius, Pluto is within orb of connection with the Capricorn Stellium and may prove the determining point in regard to our initiations. If things don’t work for us on a deep level, have true meaning and purpose for us, then we may find that while initially enthused by something, we quickly step away from it.

The month also starts with two vexing energy configurations both of which are oppositions that can prove dynamic through their friction but also offer the opportunity that from tension a combination and blend of the two energies can bring about integration, change and transformation. The two oppositions operational at the start of January are:

1. Mars opposed Pluto exact on the 2nd in Gemini and Sagittarius respectively, an opposition that is reenacted at the time of the Pisces New Moon on March 7th but then with Mars in Cancer and Pluto in Capricorn.

2. Saturn opposed Uranus, an opposition by orb of influence at the beginning of January and by Sign through all of 2008 with the opposition being exact on November 4th, Election Day in the US.

The Mars Pluto opposition can have more than champagne bottles popping to begin the year. This energy configuration is an intense one and asks that we not get caught up in the frenetic energies of these times but rather amidst the turmoil that we focus on those situations that truly have meaning and purpose for us. Like a volcanic eruption, this energy configuration can either be explosive or effusive but in either case can be dramatically transformational. Throughout much of January, thanks to this energy configuration, we may find that nothing is done in half measure but is rather an all or nothing scenario. Influenced by this pattern, storm systems could prove intense with high winds and extreme precipitation. There may be incidents of dramatic geophysical activity of volcanoes and earthquakes. Foreign affairs and domestic situations might go through significant turmoil. And in our personal lives, we might feel as though doors are closing, leaving us to question what doors or windows are likely to open.

The Saturn Uranus opposition speaks to the conflict between old and new, between the traditional and the avant garde. While it may raise the question of throwing baby out with bath water, what is being asked of us is to look to the future in a visionary manner, break free of the outmoded and no longer relevant past patterns, and to build a suspension bridge between the old and the new by not merely seeing the horizon beyond us but to calculate and measure the steps needed to take to arrive at our future goals. This pattern also asks us not to get stuck in the way that things should unfold. Instead, it is important for us to adapt the Taoist saying of ‘bend like a reed or break like an oak’ and become more adaptable to the changing circumstances along the way, embracing the process rather than the intended results.

Increasingly, we are likely to be reminded that humankind can no longer master the universe but rather be co-creator with the unfolding of natural processes. We might come to realize that we don’t have to do it all. Instead, we are moving into the paradigm shift of a time when things are likely to arise from out of the blue, the synchronicity of ‘asequential’ reality and the mystery, magic and miracles of unanticipated variables and interesting surprises. Further evidence may likely be given that we are at the end of the world as we know it. And within this new schematic lies the challenge and the opportunity for us to feel fine with the transformations in our lives.

While we may feel at times during this month as though we were on a hot griddle, or like a cat on a hot tin roof, the intensity of these times do allow us to consider and even structure new plans, new interests and new ways of doing things.

While the first week of January might be a good time to do an inventory taking of our lives and to get rid of the clutter and eliminate the superfluous from our lives, the Capricorn New Moon on the 8th allows us to put spirit into action and to begin to implement our goals. Mercury will have moved from Capricorn on the 7th and entered Aquarius. With the Aquarian Mercury aligned with the Capricorn New Moon which sextiles Uranus, we can have both the forethought and the innovative means to be more productive with less expenditure of energy. Some of us may be upgrading our IT systems at this time. Some of us may be looking at our future goals and laying the groundwork from which to base our operations in order to realize our dreams. Some of us may be considering how we can draw upon our past experience and our resume to look at new opportunities that are more reflective of whom we are becoming and where we are choosing to go.

Relationships can go through various twists and turns this month, largely due to the various Venus interactions. On the 6th, Venus squares Saturn. We might reconnect with people from our past or find that we, or the other person, is just a little too demanding and even being nitpicky. On the 12th, when Venus squares Uranus, we have to be careful that we don’t put our relationships through a ringer or expect other people to jump through hoops. The grass may seem greener elsewhere which could lead to infatuations or a desire to play the field. Once on the field, we might realize that we’re dealing with astroturf and not the real thing. The 16th has Venus sextile Neptune, a time when we could see our interactions from an idyllic perspective, seeing only the bright spots and the serendipity of our interchanges. The 19th has Venus opposed Mars and we could experience some tussles and intense discussions with people in our lives. On the 24th, just before Venus exits Sagittarius, Venus conjuncts Pluto. Our relationships can be incredibly passionate at this time or we may find that there is a parting of the ways. Venus then moves into Capricorn on the 24th and trines Saturn on the 29th. We can now be more content with the ‘tried and true’ in our relationships. Any desire to roam could be diminished as we focus on that which is both socially acceptable and those people that can benefit our ambitions.

On the 20th, the Sun moves into Aquarius creating a Stellium in the Fixed Air Sign as the Sun joins Mercury and Neptune in Aquarius. We have our ear to the railroad track, our finger on the pulse and we can foresee trends and give thought to our future plans. We may be more interested now in social action programs and get-togethers with friends. Group activities could beckon us as we look to broaden our scope.

The 21st has Jupiter trine Saturn. Not only can we expand our goals, we can do so in a pragmatic manner. We can see both the big picture and the details necessary to achieve our plans. Now is a time when we can accomplish much without glossing over the specifics.

The 22nd, a master number in numerology indicative of the master builder, has the Leo Full Moon at the same time that Mercury conjuncts Neptune. We are looking at being creative, expressing our individuality and enamored with the rapids of possibilities that may be flooding our mind. With a desire to be autonomous and free to call our own shots, we could easily be seduced by wish fulfillment, confuse real possibilities with grandiose illusions and spend the time meandering mentally through make believe scenarios.

On the 24th, Venus conjuncts Pluto and Venus then moves into Capricorn where it is joined by Pluto on the 25th. Pluto’s move into Capricorn will test the fundamentals and soundness of many of our structures --- the structures in our own lives and the structures of society. We are moving into a time when we shall surely question, or have questioned for us, whether we have built upon rock or built upon sand. Anything that is not strong in substance can now easily be washed away.

On the 28th, Mercury turns retrograde, the first of this year’s three Mercury retrogrades. This Mercury retrograde lasts into the 18th of February. With this retrograde cycle, now is not a good time to make important decisions or significant purchases unless we have checked and re-checked to be certain that we’ve incorporated all important details and that there are neither misunderstandings or miscommunications. With Mercury retrograding through Aquarius, we could experience computer glitches and travel problems. Last winter’s Mercury retrograde had two incidents that made headlines: (1) the ten hour wait of Jet Blue passengers on the tarmac of JFK Airport in New York; (2) the twenty-four wait of passengers stuck on a Pennsylvania Interstate highway due to what Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell referred to as a breakdown in communications between state agencies. Mercury retrogrades some times replicate Murphy’s Law of ‘whatever can go wrong will’. Although we shouldn’t put our lives on hold during a Mercury retrograde, we do need to proceed cautiously, have our eyes wide open and check and recheck before moving forward.

The 30th has Mars turning direct. Our physical energy can be stronger and we may have various irons in the fire. While there could be a tendency for us to want to take on more and more, it would be wise to have a filtration process to see what truly works for us and what would only be busy work, keeping us involved, idling away with no real purpose to our activities.

This January can be a productive month when we can formulate the foundation stones of both our new year ahead and our future goals. Whether by choice or by chance, we may find that certain things are being eliminated from our lives. Inventory taking, clearing away the debris of the past and beginning to consider the new ingredients for our life and for our future can be much of the focus of this first month of this new year, the first year of this new nine year cycle.

January… out with the old, in with the new…

This week is highlighted by the Capricorn New Moon. Like a racehorse out of the starting gate, we too can move swiftly forward putting into practice our New Year resolutions. Now is a time when we could put our spirit into action, take our dreams and our goals and put the necessary structure and most appropriate means to accomplish our plans.

If we used the end of December and this last week to get rid of the old and deal with the past, then we’re now ready to move forward unencumbered. We are looking at dealing with things from a pragmatic approach. The more we can take things step by step, the better we shall be at looking at future prospects and making further plans. The key element is to keep our eye on the ball, move it downfield yard by yard, and maintain our sight on the goal line. No Hail Marys this week, no grandstanding.

This week allows us to lay the foundation stones and begin to advance our interests for this New Year. As we are on the threshold of a new paradigm, whereby things may not go exactly to plan and things may not unfold in a sequential manner, it would be important for us to concentrate on the process, adapting to changing circumstances and being flexible as unexpected situations arise. We can be productive by realizing that the process of our plan’s development has a life of its own. Like a snowball going down a mountain, gaining momentum and creating an avalanche, our projects and our involvements have their own natural way of occurring. We can be attendant to our activities but we also have to be attentive to any shifting factors involved. Increasingly, we are being asked to let go of trying to master our world and instead become co-creators of our journey. As my favorite Taoist saying suggests to us, this week is a time to ‘bend like a reed or break like an oak’.

The importance of reedlike qualities may be lost on us until we come to the weekend, a time which could prove somewhat dicey due to the Venus square Uranus and the Moon's T-Square trigger the Saturn Uranus opposition on Saturday and the Moon’s T-Square on Sunday triggering the Mars Pluto opposition. At such a time, we may recognize that the best laid plans can often come to naught to paraphrase from Scottish poet Robert Burns.

Monday, January 7th – Preparing the Way – Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury Aquarius. Monday is in the dark of the Moon, awaiting tomorrow’s Capricorn New Moon to place its signature on the next fortnight. Monday has the Moon in Capricorn conjunct Jupiter and trine Saturn. Whether we have taken a long break during the holidays, have already gotten back on the track of our routine affairs or have tried to get started with our new year resolutions during the first week of January; it is truly this week when we can put spirit into action, when we can take our plans for this new year and start to give them form. We are likely to feel enthused, ambitious and desirous of focusing on our own personal interests and ambitions. Today is a great day to blueprint, plan and strategize, lining our ducks up in a row to initiate our plans as we come into tomorrow. If we have outstanding matters still to take care of, this Monday is a good day to clean things up and clear out the clutter. We are looking at our start-ups, our new beginnings, and even if we feel that we’re champing at the bit and wanting to get on with them, it would be far better to initiate with the energy of the New Moon which is tomorrow as opposed to jumping the gun, rushing things, and trying to get things going on this Monday. Brainstorming, blueprinting, getting the necessary materials and being aware of the specific details that we’ll need are all far better uses of this Monday. This Monday also has Mercury moving out of Capricorn and moving into Aquarius. Our thoughts are moving towards utilizing the most innovative, avant-garde and streamlined methods to accomplish our goals. We can work smarter rather than harder if we are willing to experiment with new techniques and explore new methodologies.

Tuesday, January 8th – Let the Games Begin – Capricorn New Moon, Uranus, Sun. Tuesday gives us the Capricorn New Moon with the Sun Moon conjunction sextile Uranus. The Capricorn New Moon occurs in the second decanate of Capricorn and takes on the Taurus sub-influence. Today, and this next fortnight, is a time in which we can work smarter rather than harder. We have the ability of creating a streamlined methodology and working with innovative means towards our goals in a structured and appealing way. Now is a time for us to launch our boats, initiate our new resolutions. We are not looking at doing things the same way, nor are we interested in ‘same old, same old’. We want to incorporate change and be more effective with less expenditure of energy. This New Moon is a great time to initiate, begin and start. It is essential, however, that we are not locked into how we think things should go. Rather it would work far better if we begin things with an understanding that there may be shifts, changes and alterations as we proceed. We may find that we’re getting some strong insights as to how we can do things more effectively and expeditiously. Let’s be open to the ‘ah-has’, the ‘Eureka’ moments, the awe and wonder of discovering new ways of operating. It would be a shame to allow this energy to pass by without utilizing it. Even if we can’t make major changes to our daily operations, let’s incorporate some small change as a symbol that we’re looking to move beyond our past and move into a far better future. As my campaign slogan in my 2000 campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives stated: ‘Brighter days through better ways’.

Wednesday, January 9th – Thoughts for our Future – Mercury. Building upon yesterday’s New Moon, today has the Moon moving out of Capricorn and into Aquarius where it conjuncts Mercury. This Wednesday allows us to give thoughts to what we want to achieve, where we want to go and with whom we want to go there. Our thoughts are focused on our future direction. We may draw upon other people as sounding boards. By brainstorming with others, we can gain greater insights as to our possibilities and our potentials. As Richard Bach wrote in his spiritual classic Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah: Don’t limit the IS. Even if some of our thoughts and dreams for our future seem impossibilities, they are only so if we believe that to be true. Part of the paradigm shift into which we are crossing is the greater reality of magic and miracles or the sense of synchronicity, things coming out of the blue. Part of this two week period initiated by yesterday’s New Moon speaks to the unexpected, to surprises, to unanticipated variables coming forth. This Wednesday is a good day to verbalize our dreams, to take them from the abstract and the conceptual and to give them voice. In so doing, let’s look for kindred spirits with whom to communicate. There will be many naysayers to the concept of change, many people who want to hold on to a past that is largely crumbling away. It may not be wise to go blindly into the night, but it would be wise to give thought to our dreams, consider all the possibilities of how we can realize our goals, and recognize that out intention, our faith even if it seems blind faith at times, is a powerful instigator and supporter of even the most seemingly impossible.

Thursday, January 10th – Friends from Far and Wide – Venus, Neptune. One of the realities that we are likely to be increasingly aware of is the fact that dimensions are far thinner than we were led to believe. Our higher sense faculties of the intuitive and the inspirational are opening up. In so doing, we are likely to find that our thoughts are far more powerful than we ever gave credence to before. As the saying goes: what the mind can conceive, the body can achieve. Today is a day when we may be in contact with various people from far and wide. Our thoughts may turn to our experiences with special friends. We might even find that people are reaching out and giving us a call, or that we send someone with whom we haven’t been in contact for awhile an e-mail just to say ‘hello’. This Thursday can be rather magical in our interactions with other people. We can bump into people we haven’t seen for a while or hear from people we haven’t heard from for a time. Our community of kindred spirits can be very strong and our community is not limited to our physical surroundings but rather those people who are on the same frequency that we are no matter the physical distance. Today is a day to share, communicate and revel in the fact that the world is becoming increasingly small by reason of the fact that we’re becoming increasingly attuned. Look for the magic and engage in the wonder of it all.

Friday, January 11th – Fine Tuning with Vision – Mars, Pluto, Jupiter. Friday is a masterful day. Being the 11th, today is a master number in Numerology, the number 11 being related to the visionary, that individual who can see the potentials and possibilities of an unfolding future. With the Aquarius Moon trine Mars and sextile Jupiter, we can feel a determination to carve out those situations that truly speak to us. We are looking for greater purpose and meaning in our lives and this Friday is a day when we have the drive and determination to make our greatest ambitions a reality. With the energy to achieve, we can blend our passions with thoughtful means to reach our goal. For the Moon finishes its transit of Aquarius, and moves into Pisces where it sextiles Jupiter. Not only do we start the day with passion and determination, but we also have a visionary sense as to the best way to approach virtually anything. We can combine our physical energy with a strategized way of getting things done. In order to be most effective, let’s listen to our inner voice, our intuitive sense that knows what is best for us. This quality is not a question of wish fulfillment but rather being open to what is going on around us and the choices we can make in order to adapt and advance our plans.

Saturday, January 12th – Hitting a Snag – Venus, Uranus, Lunar T-Square, Saturn. While it would be nice to assume that life is always clear sailing, and we might have been seduced further into that belief as a result of the energies up to this weekend, life also has its snags and complications. Saturday could prove to be one of those days. Today we have Venus square Uranus. We might be infatuated with someone, buying into the appearance or first impressions without judiciously considering all the facets or all the aspects of that person. We could also be champing at the bit, feeling that our usual relationships just are not working for us anymore. We may want excitement and thrills in our lives, but we have to watch that by eliciting such energies that we’re not opening a Pandora’s box of horrors and frights. Today is a day to go slow, although the energies are likely to be propelling us quickly. The Venus Uranus square is given greater weight by reason of the Pisces Moon creating a Mutable Sign T-Square with the Moon conjunct Uranus, square Venus and opposed Saturn. Yes, the Saturn Uranus opposition of old and new is triggered today. This opposition is one that we shall be dealing with during virtually all of 2008 and becomes exact on Election Day in the US, November 4th. This Saturday could be one when we’re feeling like we’re walking a field of landmines. We have to be nimble and quick and also recognize that things can turn on a dime. Everyone may feel somewhat out of sorts, and like a powder keg ready to blow and spout their criticisms or negativity. Expectations may be held high and emotions like raw nerves. Even the weather can be dramatic and stormy. This Saturday we may feel pulled between the need to deal with errands and the desire just to break free, explore and do our own thing. Out plans may go awry, so let’s maintain flexibility regarding our plans and be able to shift our attention if needed. Whether climate conditions or interpersonal relations, there can be some strong whipsaws and stormy weather today.

Sunday, January 13th – Off the Charts - Sun, Lunar T-Square, Mars, Pluto. We might be looking forward to this weekend being over by the time we reach Sunday or certainly by Sunday night. The two vexing energies with which we started this new year, the Saturn Uranus opposition and the Mars Pluto opposition, are both being triggered this weekend. Yesterday we had the Pisces Moon creating a Mutable Sign T-Square by conjuncting Uranus, opposing Saturn and squaring Venus. Yesterday we had the Saturn Uranus opposition engaged. Today, the Pisces Moon continues the Mutable Sign T-Square by squaring Mars and squaring Pluto. The energy today can be like a volcano, eruptive with much discussion and effusive feelings or explosive with rantings and black or white appraisals. Aaargh. This weekend may be one when it would be wise to fly under the radar, keep a low profile and not look to engage people’s emotions for the liability of triggering an onslaught of emotions or overreactions. Fortunately, the Moon does sextile the Sun, so we may be able to maintain discretion in our actions and in our involvements. There is a saying that we never get more than we can handle. It is true, but the key element to that statement is how we handle that which we are dealt. Today, and this weekend, it is far better to handle things in a detached, objective manner rather than getting involved and entangled in what could prove a no-win scenario.

This week seems to be bubbling along with some pleasant energies until we reach the end of the week and the weekend when things could get more fractious.

The week is highlighted by the end of the Sun’s transit through Capricorn and it’s entrance into Aquarius on Sunday when the Sun creates a Stellium of three or more planets in Aquarius by joining Mercury and Neptune in the Fixed Air Sign.

Much of this week can be used for both our daily interests and our social interactions. We may find that we are tying up loose ends, considering our prospects and launching new activities. Our relationships and interactions with others seem enjoyable during the week but over the weekend we might experience some conflicts or differing opinions regarding what we want to do and how we want to do it. The less fixed and rigid we are, the more we can adapt to the shifting tides.

Let’s keep in mind that life, our life, is not a stasis but rather a dynamic. Within the dynamics of our living, there are times when things go smoothly with no hassles or irritations. Other times we have to contend with aggravations, obstacles and frustrations. This week offers us a serving of both. It would be wise for us not to be seduced by the good feelings earlier this week, and assume that they will continue on into the weekend. Although we often believe the week to be the time of our greatest challenges and the weekend to be our time for relaxation and rest, this week could prove quite the opposite. We might enjoy the activities of our week and then be challenged over the weekend. Life! You gotta love it.

Monday, January 14th – Possibilities or Grand Expectations – Jupiter, Mercury. Monday begins the week with the Aries Moon. We’re ready, set and wanting to go into a new week with the intention of putting our imprint on things. We may be very much interested in doing what we want to do, somewhat self-absorbed and certainly self-focused. The Moon squares Jupiter and sextiles Mercury. Our enthusiasm could get the better of us today. It would be wise to apply the brakes now and again, recheck what we’re doing, make a ‘to do’ list and be certain to maintain fiscal discretion. We could easily get carried away with prospects and possibilities without taking into account the long-term ramifications or the means of accomplishing our goals. This is a day when we have to be careful that we don’t create a house of cards for ourselves. We have the enthusiasm and confidence to pull things off, but we might not be taking important factors into consideration. Going slow and being open to utilizing other people as sounding boards would be advised. There could be a tendency, however, to go it alone and push the envelope of our interests no matter the circumstances or possible consequences.

Tuesday, January 15th – Lining Up the Ducks – Venus, Neptune, Sun, Mars, Pluto. Tuesday continues the Aries Moon and with some ramped-up energy as the Moon trines Venus, sextiles Neptune, squares the Sun, sextiles Mars and trines Pluto. We are determined today and looking to expand our reach. Interactions with others can be enjoyable, especially discussing plans and ideas for the future. We’re feeling confident, optimistic, good about ourselves and enjoying the company we keep. Where a problem could arise is that we could easily get carried away with our enthusiasm. We might leap ahead without checking the parameters or considering our destination. It would be wise for us to look at what we want to do, consider how we can achieve it and take things step by step. We’re gung-ho today so let’s not waste the energy by going off and leaving our directions and itinerary behind. Preparation would go a long way towards realizing our goals. We’ve got the drive and the determination. We just need to be certain that we’ve lined our ducks up in a row before we launch forward today.

Wednesday, January 16th – Juggling Friends & Realizing Goals – Venus, Neptune, Lunar Grand Trine, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury. Wednesday is often referred to as ‘hump day’, falling in the middle of the work week. This Wednesday is more like the pinnacle of this week. There are some truly great energies and we may find ourselves juggling our interactions with other people and moving our plans forward systematically and with precision. Venus sextiles Neptune today. Our relationships can be close to idyllic, and our thoughts can turn to our future plans with that special someone in our lives. Not only are we enjoying the company of those around us, but we are also able to advance our personal interests. With the Moon in Taurus, the Moon creates a Grand Trine in Earth as the Moon trines Jupiter in Capricorn and trines Saturn in Virgo. Talk about a great energy for manifesting. This day is indeed a primo day when we can charm the birds out of the trees, create a win-win scenario for all concerned and achieve some of our heartfelt wishes. A problem might arise as a result of the Moon square Mercury. We have to be careful that we don’t talk too much or reveal too much of ourselves, at least to those who might not have our best interests at heart. We could also have a tendency to either hold back on spending for things that would help streamline our operations or we could be spending on things that appear significant but prove only a waste of money. This Wednesday is a day to balance both our interactions through social contacts and our ambitions of personal goals.

Thursday, January 17th – Going for the Gold – Uranus, Neptune, Sun. Thursday has the Taurus Moon sextile Uranus, square Neptune and trine the Sun. We have the ability today of working smarter rather than harder. The more we can streamline our operations, the more we can get done. Let’s consider time management today and see where we can shave off minutes and increase our ‘free time’. We may gain some rather remarkable insights today, have some interesting chance meetings and discover ways by which we can get more involved with our activities without overloading ourselves. Let’s keep in mind that not everything that glitters is gold. If we can be discerning and selective regarding where we place our energies and on what we spend our monies, then we’re less likely to be entranced by fool’s gold, things that may have an appeal but would only prove to be a waste of our time. We can be more productive with less expenditure of energy today. We just need to be certain in what direction we want to move.

Friday, January 18th – Not so Fast – Saturn. Well, this week may have been a great week up until this Friday. Today has the Gemini Moon square Saturn. If we haven’t dotted the i’s or crossed the t’s during this week, we may find ourselves forced to go back over things and make corrections. Haste makes waste. If we have been too hasty, then today we could find either that we’ve been wasteful or that we have to go back and fix up certain things that we thought were completed but have proven to be still outstanding. We could be champing at the bit today, so let’s recognize that no matter what our plans for today might be, things may take longer than we would like. Flexibility is the key but so too is attitude. Although we’ve been sailing along for much of this week, this Friday could feel like we’re hitting the wall. Let’s maintain an attitude of grateful appreciation for the good times and recognize that not all the time is a good time. Or if not having an attitude of gratitude, then let’s at least not get down in the dumps. The three day period starting with this Friday could prove stressful. No sense in getting resentful but far better for us to grin and bear it.

Saturday, January 19th – All Over the Place – Venus, Mars, Lunar T-Square, Uranus, Venus, Mars, Mercury, Neptune. Saturday could have us flying about. There is so much nervous energy operating today that it may be hard for us to sit still or even sit down. We could be going from one thing to another. Today has the Gemini Moon conjunct Mars and creating a Mutable Sign T-Square by squaring Uranus in Pisces and opposing Venus in Sagittarius. Venus also opposes Mars. Conversations could ratchet up into arguments. People may want their own way, desirous of doing their own thing, and there can be little concern for compromise or the other person’s opinion. This day could be intense. The saving grace is the Moon trine to both Mercury and Neptune in Aquarius. If we focus on the future and on possibilities rather than our mundane concerns, then we could likely avoid confrontations and conflicts. If we draw lines in the sand, somebody is likely to step across and trigger a dispute over even the most inane issue. Today is a day when we might all feel that we’ve got attention deficit disorder. It would be far better to have several different things going on today rather than trying to concentrate on one particular project or be singularly focused.

Sunday, January 20th – Testy – Pluto, Jupiter, Saturn, Sun Aquarius. Saturday night and early Sunday morning may not be the most restful period for us. If we’re trying to sleep, we could be restless tossing and turning. The Gemini Moon opposes Pluto. Our thoughts may be many and we may feel like we’re playing a game of Stratego trying to figure out the best ways of expanding our activities. The nervous energy could prove exhausting. The Moon then moves into its own Sign of Cancer where it opposes Jupiter and sextiles Saturn. Although we might want to broaden our realm and widen our interests, this day would be better used in cleaning up our homes and clearing out the clutter. The Sun moves into Aquarius today, creating a Stellium of three or more planets in the Fixed Air Sign of Aquarius. We’re looking to our future, interested in making changes and embracing the idealistic quality of ‘what could be’. In order to make possibilities realities, it is often important to tie up loose ends, bring things to closure and complete outstanding matters. It may not be our favorite activity, but in doing so we eliminate some of the old baggage and prevent ourselves from bringing it into a new phase, into our future.

This week is a highly active week and a fairly significant week. There are many different configurations to which to pay attention. This week is the first full week of the Aquarius Stellium of three or more planets in the Fixed Air Sign: the Sun, Mercury and Neptune. It is a week that begins with Jupiter trine Saturn. It is also the last full week before the Mercury retrograde that starts next week and is the first of this year’s three Mercury retrogrades. It is also the week of the Leo Full Moon at which time there is a Mercury Neptune conjunction. And it is a week when Pluto first steps into Capricorn, a prelude to Pluto’s multi-year transit of the Cardinal Earth Sign.

A great deal is going on during this week, much of it asking us to consider our future goals from the perspective of our ideals and to question whether our lives are built upon rock or built upon sand. While this week is a good week to strategize, put down some roots, it is also a good time for us to note those areas of our lives that are being triggered. Some of these areas are likely to be issues that we are likely to deal with over the next decade or so.

Certainly one area for consideration will be our profession and our standing in the world. No matter what we are doing with our lives, we are likely to consider whether we are doing things that truly speak to us or if we are doing things, and things we may not enjoy, merely for the sake of survival.

During this time and over the coming years, established traditions and powerful institutions are likely to be severely challenged and sorely tested. If they do not rise to the occasion and prove themselves fundamentally sound and worthy of the future, much less the present, we may well see such institutions and organizations falling apart at the seams or being washed away.

None of us are likely to be able to merely skate through our lives. Our resources may be brought to bear in order to deal with the various changes occurring and all with the underlying purpose of having us get real with doing our lives.

Monday, January 21st – Learn to Dream – Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Moon Void-of-Course. It is written that Kekule von Stradonitz devised the benzene ring in organic chemistry after having diligently worked on a chemistry textbook, taking a moment to nap and dosing off and seeing in a dream a snake with its tale in its mouth. When he awoke, the image in his dream had given him the answer to the benzene ring. Von Stradonitz is said to have confided to his scientific colleagues: ‘Let us learn to dream, gentleman’. This Monday in the US is a celebration of another great leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., one of whose greatest speeches was: ‘I have a dream’. This Monday could prove the same for us. Today Jupiter trines Saturn. These two often conflicting energies, the polarities of expansion and contraction, are in harmony and allow us the ability of broadening our scope, addressing our dreams, and come up with the strategic means and practical methods to make our dreams come true, to blueprint our goals by which we can make them a reality. Monday also has the Cancer Moon trine Uranus. Part of the blueprinting may be doing things differently, streamlining the ways we do things and even stirring things up by changing things around in our home or updating our technological equipment in order for us to work smarter rather than harder. Although we are moving into times that may prove challenging, and even more so if we depend upon past solutions for present quandaries; we also have to recognize that we are crossing a threshold, a paradigm shift whereby unexpected situations can arise and things can turn on a dime. Today is a day for us to make our plans but to do so with a willingness to adapt to changing conditions. In making our schedules and our plans it is far better to work in pencil rather than carving things in stone, and have a large eraser on our pencil in order to shift when it is appropriate to adapt. This Monday also has a Void-of-Course Moon for close to twenty-four hours with the Moon making no further connections to the planets as it finishes its transit of Cancer. Far better for us today to plan and strategize rather than initiate and execute.

Tuesday, January 22nd – Advancing Interests with Panache – Mercury, Neptune, Leo Full Moon, Sun. Tuesday is the 22nd, a Master Number in Numerology indicative of the Master Builder. Our plans developed yesterday can be put forcefully into motion. The Moon is in Leo and is Full with its opposition to the Sun. The question of our own personal creative interests and how they relate to the greater good and the interests of the community could certainly come up today. Mercury and Neptune are conjunct in Aquarius today. A sense of idealism can be rampant. Politicians may speak of their dreams, their promises and their sense of destiny. We could easily get swept up by what Marshall McLuhan referred to as the Medium being the Message. Although our idealism and our future goals may hold our attention, we have to be careful to not buy into wish fulfillment or expect that we can advance our interests solely by willpower and not doing the necessary legwork. Our intuition could be strong today and our ability to be persuasive engaging. While there is a good deal of energy to advance our goals with style, verve and imagination, we have to be certain that we’re headed in the right direction. Taking time to check things out, reviewing as we go along, could keep us from either falling into an abyss of delusion or prancing down the yellow brick road of fantasy and groundless desires.

Wednesday, January 23rd – Possibilities or Illusions – Neptune, Mercury, Mars. Wednesday has the Leo Moon opposed both Mercury and Neptune and sextiles Mars. Whenever there is volatility, and we are certainly in a volatile timeframe, the potential for major changes is strong. Volatility forces us from our status quo, unhinges fixity and demands a consideration of options and alternatives. This Wednesday and much of this period really allows us to consider our options and alternatives, and it is far better to do so while we feel we can make choices instead of having our back against the wall. Today is a day to look at our prospects but to do so in a realistic manner. People could sell us on possibilities just by reason of the fact that we might be looking for some form of salvation, some uplift and some way out of our present circumstance. Possibilities are great if we will take the time to reflect on the ramifications and consider the necessary means to realize them. There may be a great deal of discussions and conversations going on today. Using other people as sounding boards regarding our future plans may help us hone and focus on those that are realistic potentials and those that are only fantastic illusions.

Thursday, January 24th – Passionate Exchanges – Venus, Pluto, Saturn, Venus Capricorn. Thursday can be a highly intense day regarding our interactions with other people. We have Venus conjunct Pluto in Sagittarius right on the cusp of Capricorn as both are about to enter Capricorn, Venus today, Pluto tomorrow. Thursday is a day when we might truly embrace the significance of our relationships. We’re not looking for shallow or inconsequential connections. We want the depth of relationship, the passion of our interchange with someone else. Early in the day, this Venus Pluto conjunction is reinforced by the Leo Moon trining the two of them. Passion is in the air. The sense of joie de vivre [joy of living] and la dolce vita [the sweet life] is all around us. If we can use this energy as a thrust and trigger for us to take care of what needs to be done in our daily lives, then this Thursday can be a highly productive day. From a thrust of Fire, the energy shifts to a more grounded earthiness. Venus leaves Sagittarius and enters the Cardinal Earth Sign of Capricorn. As the Moon moves out of Fixed Fire Leo and into Mutable Earth Virgo, the Moon conjuncts Saturn. Suddenly, we may take a more serious attitude to our day and to our responsibilities. But our daily routine could now have more meaning for us as we recognize that we are not doing our activities solely for ourselves but for those special people in our lives --- our family, our loved ones, our friends. Thursday is a day for spirit in action, harnessing our drive and determination and having a good road map regarding where we want to go.

Friday, January 25th – Paper, Rock, Scissors, Sand – Jupiter, Uranus, Lunar T-Square, Mars, Pluto, Pluto Capricorn. Friday is a powerful, powerful day. The Virgo Moon trines Jupiter and opposes Uranus. While we are looking at developing our interests step by step, expanding our realm and broadening our scope, we might also discover surprises and unexpected situations getting in the way of our planned activities. Friday is a day to be open to sudden changes and adapting to shifting conditions. The powerful, powerful energy is not related to the Moon’s activities but rather to the Lunar T-Square with the Virgo Moon square Mars in Gemini and Pluto in Sagittarius just before Pluto moves out of Sagittarius and enters Capricorn. Pluto enters Capricorn late on Friday. While this is merely a prelude to the multi-year transit of the Cardinal Earth Sign which begins in earnest on November 26th, this initial entry of Pluto into Capricorn which begins today and runs through the Spring period retrograding back into Sagittarius on the 13th of June is a powerful and challenging phase change. We may find that we are questioning many of the structures in our lives. Suddenly, the sense of volatility may not be limited to the financial markets but could seem endemic to all the various institutions, organizations and structures in our lives. Increasingly, we are likely to find that anything built upon sand is not merely tested but could be washed away. Even those situations that we have built upon rock may be sorely tested. Our lives and how we are doing our lives are up for question. Those in the early phases of the Cardinal Signs – Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn – are especially likely to feel the transformative effects of the Pluto energy. Intensity is likely to be ratcheted up severalfold. We are moving into a time of increased geophysical frequency – earthquakes and volcanic activity. While we may feel hard pressed by the Pluto entrance into Capricorn, it also allows us the opportunity to look and see what has true meaning for us and those areas that do not. We may also embrace the idea that living simply is not simply living as we seek to eliminate the extraneous and superfluous from our lives. This Friday could have us feeling like we’re being body slammed against one situation and then checked by another situation. We do have to watch for the intensity occurring today and try not to act by knee-jerk reactions but instead take time before we initiate or react to situations.

Saturday, January 26th – Catching Our Breath – Moon Void-of-Course. Saturday may allow us to catch our breath from yesterday’s throw down. The Moon is Void-of-Course for much of the day as the Moon finishes its transit of Virgo and before entering Libra later in the day. Today would allow us time to regroup and recharge. Taking care of errands without feeling any pressure would be a good way to use the energy. Let’s recognize that we are still getting used to Pluto’s entry into Capricorn. The more we can be observant of what is happening around us and in the world at large, the more likely we will be to get a grip on the issues that are up for review, reworking and transformation. As the day progresses, the Moon moves into Libra. An evening of social get-togethers or an intimate evening with our loved one could be called for. We can compare notes regarding the thrust of energy that has occurred with Pluto’s entry into Capricorn.

Sunday, January 27th – Fine Times or Holding Up the Levee – Venus, Sun, Jupiter. Sunday has mixed energies. On the one hand, the Libra Moon trines the Sun. Getting together with someone, planning our future and discussing our intentions can be a great way to have a sounding board. It could also prove a healthy form of escapism. On the other hand, the Libra Moon squares Venus and Jupiter in Capricorn. We may feel that we don’t have the resources --- whether time, energy, finances, capability --- to pull off some of our greatest ambitions. We might easily play the blame game putting on other people or on present conditions the failure of our dreams and desires. We may not want to accept accountability nor take responsibility for our own actions or inactions. What we have to recognize, come to realize and even appreciate, is the fact that the backdrop of our lives is changing. Things may not be the way they were. But that’s life, the dynamics of ebb and flow, of expansion and contraction that living is all about. Even if circumstances and conditions have changed, that doesn’t necessitate that we fold up the tent and feel that we cannot do anything about it. Let’s take account of the changes and transformation occurring and figure out a different means and various ways by which to make our goals a reality. Today is a day to keep in mind the lyrics from R.E.M.: "It’s the end of the world as we know it… And I feel fine.”

At the bottom of this entry is a link to hear my talk on Astrological Energies 2008: A Year of New Beginnings given on Saturday evening, December 8th, 2007, at the Center for Conscious Creativity and presented at the Annie Besant Lodge of the Theosophical Society Los Angeles on North Beachwood Drive.

120MB - 87 minutes

Another exciting week, sports fans. Yes, this week in the US ends with Super Bowl Sunday and is the week before Super Duper Tuesday, Tsunami Tuesday, Mega Tuesday or Gigabyte Tuesday or however you wish to encapsulate the spectacle of multi-state primaries for the Presidential nominations for the two major political parties in the US. Even if we’re not engaged in either of these spectacles of bruising and fun-loving games, this week is still an active one and one that is likely to have its ups and downs.

This week is the first full week of Pluto in Capricorn, which will constantly challenge us regarding whether we have built upon rock or built upon sand. Old ways, past programs and traditional institutions are all likely to be tested with this transit. We need not throw baby out with the bath water, but for each of us it will be important, even essential, that we rid our lives of the dross of the past and build upon both our integrity and what has true meaning for us.

We have two directional changes this week: Mercury turning retrograde to begin the week on Monday and Mars turning direct on Wednesday.

Although we recognize that in truth planets do not change direction, from our geocentric perspective here on the Earth plane the apparent movement backward is similar to being on an express train and looking at a local train on parallel tracks. The local train from our vantage points appears to be moving backwards compared to our movement.

The Mercury retrograde is the first of this year’s three retrograde cycles, each lasting three weeks long. During this time, it would be wise not to make significant decisions or to make major purchases. With Mercury retrograde, it is far better to go back over things that we’ve already initiated and recheck them or correct them. It is also important that we make sure not to skip over details or forget specifics. Since Mercury deals with communications, transportation and travel issues among other things; we might expect problems with these areas and especially computer glitches. Last winter’s Mercury retrograde cycle included the incidents of the Jet Blue passengers waiting in their plan on the tarmac of JFK Airport in New York for ten hours and the motorists on a Pennsylvania Interstate being stuck for twenty-four hours, a situation that Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell attributed to a breakdown in communications among state agencies.

With Mars turning direct, we may get a burst of physical energy and might want to be more involved with our family, friends and community. We do need to be aware with the direct movement of Mars, that we are heading towards the Mars Pluto opposition, an energy configuration with which we began the year and one that becomes exact again on March 7th. While we might want to fast forward our projects and activities as if playing catch-up, it will be important for us to keep checking the parameters and the conditions as we move forward.

This week can prove to be quite volatile. But what else is new? After all, we are in a period of increased volatility, a time when things can shift dramatically, significantly and suddenly.

Ever increasingly, it will be important for us to keep our antennae up and aware of the shifting energies.

The beginning of this week can be pleasant for our relationships and for strategizing our plans. The middle of the week may force us to do more with less. And the latter part of the week can have us being extravagant and indulgent as though in the midst of the concern for uncertainties we want to put the emphasis on having a good time and party.

Monday, January 28th – Talking, Thinking, Talking – Lunar Grand Trine, Neptune, Mercury, Mars, Mercury retrograde. Monday begins the week with the Moon in Libra creating an Air Sign Grand Trine as the Moon trines both Neptune and Mercury in Aquarius and trines Mars in Gemini. This Monday can be a great day for thinking about the future and communicating with friends. We are likely to be highly interested in what is going on with other people. People seem far more considerate of our needs and desires and there is a greater tendency to create a win-win scenario. This Monday can be an especially pleasant day for get-togethers and special moments with that special someone. The only fly in the ointment would be the fact that Mercury turns retrograde today for the next three weeks. Although Mercury retrograde can present problems regarding our communications, transportation and future goals; Mercury retrograde does not have to be a disaster. We just have to be more aware of our surroundings and what is going on. We need to be certain to read things over, dot the i’s and cross the t’s and not to act in any knee-jerk type of way. This Monday is a nice day but we do need to add on extra time and not feel like we have to be on overdrive today.

Tuesday, January 29th – Focusing Intentions – Venus, Saturn, Pluto, Jupiter. Tuesday could have us awakening with a drive and determination to focus on those things that are truly meaningful to us. We may have a passion about our lives today and this Tuesday can be a day when we can harness our energy, focus our intent and learn how to be more effective with less expenditure of energy. The day begins with the Moon still in Libra and then shifts to the Moon moving into Scorpio where it sextiles Saturn in Virgo and sextiles Pluto, Venus and Jupiter all in Capricorn. This Tuesday also has Venus trine Saturn. We can be highly effective today, if we take the time and not feel rushed to judgment. Let’s keep in mind that Mercury is retrograde, so as we proceed today it would be wise to consider our means and the format by which we can accomplish our goals. We are likely to find that we can take care of necessary responsibilities and blueprint how best to move ahead with our plans to realize our goals. This Tuesday can be a very productive day when we can work with time management and get many of our routine tasks out of the way.

Wednesday, January 30th - New Approaches, Stripping Away – Sun, Uranus, Neptune, Mars direct. Wednesday gives us the Scorpio Moon square both the Sun and Neptune in Aquarius. We may feel that some of our future plans are unable to be realized due to the lack of resources. Wrong thinking!, grasshopper. Let’s always remember the truth to the wisdom that we are never given more than we can handle. While the Scorpio Moon square the Sun and Neptune in Aquarius could make us somewhat belligerent and fixed in the ways we want things to happen, we could also discover a different way thanks to the Moon trine Uranus. If we will not be as fixed and rigid as an oak, then the flexibility and adaptability of the reed can allow us to be open to other ways of doing things, the unexpected variables that we might not have taken into account but could prove right action, if not the ways we conceived it to be, to achieve our purpose. Wednesday also has Mars turning direct. We may feel a new burst of energy today, wanting to take on the world and put our mark on our actions. A key lesson for all of us during these times is to break the concept of the old mindset that we have to master the universe, be in total control of our personal world. Instead, we can learn the importance of being co-creators with the universe, of working with the energies as they are unfolding and be in synch with that unfolding in order to manifest our destiny and take advantage of our opportunities. This Wednesday allows us to see the issues of old patterns and new ways of doing things. Let’s be open to the magic and not try to force things. Everything in its time.

Thursday, January 31st – Covering the Bases – Mercury, Moon Void-of-Course. Thursday is the last day of January. While the year may have started off with a blast, the month could end on a fizzle. This Thursday begins with the Moon in Scorpio square Mercury. An element of confusion could be strong today. We have to watch that our emotions don’t rule our tongue, for we could say something out of a sense of frustration that could prove hurtful or could create greater problems for us to resolve. Being judicious with our finances would also prevent us from extravagance, a situation that could prove more pronounced over the next two days. Today is a day to reflect on how we can advance our interests on a shoestring type of budget. The more productive we can be without breaking the bank, the more we shall create a cushion for ourselves for any unexpected contingencies that might arise in the future. As the day progresses, the Moon goes Void-of-Course for thirteen and a half hours as the Moon finishes its transit of Scorpio without making any further contacts to the planets and before entering Sagittarius later in the day. As the Moon goes into Sagittarius, although we’re likely to feel more uplifted, we have to be careful that our enthusiasm doesn’t open the floodgates of our financial expenditures whereby we become reckless, extravagant and overly generous.

Friday, February 1st – Doing What We Want – Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Sun. Many people chant mantram-like “T.G.I.F” – “thank goodness it’s Friday”. People may not only be chanting that today but it may seem like the starting gates are opened today. Not only in the US where we are coming into Super Bowl weekend, but the energies open up the door to the possibilities of extravagance, indulgence and excess. Friday has Venus conjunct Jupiter. While the two ‘good guys’ of the planetary realm are linked up, we can expect an emphasis upon the good things in life, which is likely to tempt us towards being in the moment without considering the consequences. While being in the moment is truly an aspiration for which all of us, consciously or subconsciously, wish to attain, this Friday’s in the moment could put the emphasis on immediate gratification. A tendency towards excess could be contributed by the Moon being in Sagittarius squaring Saturn and sextiling the Sun. We may neglect the details or the means by concentrating on grandstanding and showboating. This Friday could be one of those days when enough is never enough.

Saturday, February 2nd – Scavenger Hunt but Clueless – Mercury, Neptune, Lunar T-Square, Uranus, Mars. Saturday continues with the Sagittarius Moon, which today creates a Lunar T-Square in the Mutable Signs as the Moon squares Uranus in Pisces and opposes Mars in Gemini. The Moon sextiles Neptune and Mercury, both of which are conjunct today. This Saturday is a day when we might feel that we have to be in constant motion. We may have a sense of running around but we have to be careful not to lose direction or forget our itinerary. We could be susceptible to Grand Schemes that could only turn out to be Grand Illusions. We might be tempted to do various things today but without giving careful consideration as to what we are doing. We also have to watch that we don’t overly indulge. Seeking the thrills in life could lead to excess and leaping into situations without due diligence. Let’s slow it down today and give careful thought as to what we’re doing and why we’re doing it.

Sunday, February 3rd – Addressing Obligations – Pluto, Saturn. Sunday seems to get our feet back on the ground. The Moon moves into Capricorn where it conjuncts Pluto and trines Saturn. Although many people may be focused on Super Bowl Sunday, this Sunday allows us to be more realistic and focused on where we want to go. Sunday news programs may raise issues with the powers-that-be and provide in-depth treatises of how things should and could be, a delight for policy-wonks. This Sunday would be a good day for us to consider our ambitions and where we want to go with our lives. We could come up with realistic budgets and figure out how we can take care of our expenses while providing some resources to invest in our future. The times they are a’changing, and this Sunday would be a good day for us to strategize and plan for how we can incorporate the necessary structures in our lives to deal with the changing times.