Astrological Forecast for January 18 - 24, 2007

by Ellen Zucker

Occasionally, astrological symbolism becomes literal.

Last week, I used the analogy of 'sporadic above ground seismic activity as markers for tectonic plates constantly in motion' to describe the progress of the, seemingly slow, great shifts affecting us. One marker was the meeting ofMars and Pluto.

Right on cue, there was seismic activity - off ofJapan. It was severe enough to warrant the issuing of tsunami alerts. Thankfully, no tsunami materialized.

This week both the Sun and the Moon join Mercury, Venus and Neptune in mental Aquarius, shifting our emphasis towards the future. Aquarius is an air sign. Air signs ask us to get along by using our mental faculties and communicating with each other. But unlike the other air signs, Gemini and Libra, the focus is on organizations, groups, and society as a whole.

The truth is, no matter how self-contained you are, no one can function without the resources and interaction of the society in which you find yourself. Likewise, it is often easier to attain personal goals by working in a group and advancing its goals as well.

This is a good time to channel marketing efforts towards participation in organized activities and groups, networking, and the community at large.

It is also worth reminding ourselves that our environments - physical, political, and social - can help or hinder us. The Aquarian lineup reminds us that taking an interest in the community - and the workings of the world at large - is not a diversion, but enlightened self-interest.

But this week's planetary dance, like most things in life, is not so simple. The big story this week is the New Moon that occurs this evening in the last degrees of Capricorn.

Get down-to-basics, practical Capricorn respects formality, hierarchy, and tradition. It likes to do things the tried-and-true way. Aquarius is open to innovation and new ideas (as long as they are not imposed from the outside).

This Capricorn lunar cycle overlaps the Sun's journey through Aquarius. Adding to the paradox is that Saturn, Capricorn's ruler (every sign has a planetary ruler) is currently retrograde. In other words, from the Earth's view, it appears that Saturn is moving backward in the sky.

So as we try to move forward we feel an undertow pulling us backward.

Nonetheless, the two weeks following the New Moon is an excellent time for implementing new projects and goals.

Astrologer Rich Humbert points out that we are in the middle of a series of New Moons that are occurring in the late degrees of their sign. This suggests that we are working on finishing up an old situation.

It is also worth pointing out that just about the same time as the New Moon, Venus will conjoin, or meet, Neptune. Venus represents our values and our resources, Neptune, our dreams. Because this aspect occurs so close to the time of the New Moon, its energy is incorporated into this month's lunar cycle.

The confluence of conditions make this is an excellent time to refine career and business planning goals. In doing so, it is not only important to be pragmatic, but to be open to innovation and to incorporate your dreams.

Daily Forecasts
Times listed are based on Eastern Time Zone.

January 18
Venus meets Neptune and magic occurs. Your dreams are speaking. Listen.

We need to incorporate both practical goals and fantasy into our lives to keep ourselves balanced and whole.

January 19
The Moon enters cerebral Aquarius. There it meets Mercury, the communicator. This is a particularly good day for attending networking functions and other group events as we enjoy the give-and-take of stimulating conversation.

While we delight in discussing issues of the day,the question remains, what kind of action will you take?

January 20
The Sun enters Aquarius today. Five planets - 50% of our lineup is in this mental sign. The Moon contacts Neptune, then Venus. Our focus turns forward and outward. Perhaps we can raise ourselves by our bootstraps, but we can make our dreams come true more quickly by both supporting and tapping into the community.

January 21
The moon enters dreamy, watery Pisces. With so many planets in detached mental signs, it is easy to be cut off from our emotions. The Pisces moon forces us incorporate our emotions and our instincts into our analysis and perceptions.

January 22
This is a day of mixed messages and easily bruised feelings. Emotions are sensitive with Moon in Pisces. Venus faces down stern Saturn and Mercury and Jupiter enjoy an easy exchange. Verbal communications give us the green light, but we don't feel that we are good enough.

January 23
We regain our confidence and find it easy to assert ourselves. Maybe too easy. Just don't overdo it.

January 24
Energy flows easily today. We feel focused and alert. Unlike the beginning of the workweek, we are in a state of balance. Don't let the opportunity go to waste.

© 2007 Ellen M. Zucker