The Astrology Blog 25 January 2016
Followers of astrology will know that today marks the important event of Mercury switching to direct motion after three weeks of being retrograde. Not blogging for the past two weeks is one showing of the communication planet being awol, and on this occasion it’s been for the saddest of reasons as my adored brother in law Mike passed over on 12 January. There probably isn’t a single person reading this who hasn’t experienced a bereavement so you don’t need me to describe the tsunami of grief.
Sue was with him right up until the end and has allowed me to share her story. Mike drew his last breath at exactly 6am and she told me that something in her, in spite of the months of disbelief and battling to save him, knew that it was exactly his appointed time. “I can’t describe it, other than I felt the click of some cosmic cog, and the moment was done.” Looking at that moment astrologically the Moon was at 18.20 Aquarius – which is exactly the degree and minute of mine and Sue’s natal Chiron, the wounded healer. Make of that what you will but, in my view, her feelings were not imaginary and what she experienced was an expression of some deep connectedness, at many levels. It’s at moments like these that the awe of astrology and the sense of spirit is unmistakable, and brings immense comfort. We miss Mike’s physical presence every second of the day but there’s absolutely no doubt that he’s still around, and we’ve already had several messages in many different ways.
I’ll share my favourite one here. Mike was fantastic with children, and had an impish sense of fun and humour, and never lost that “naughty little boy” inside him. Sue’s daughter had to break the news to her four year old twins and, as she did, there was a noise from Kieran’s bedroom. She went to investigate and found a whole pile of newly washed linen on the floor (it had been stacked on the bed against the wall) and an electronic toy (operated only by remote control) driving itself at full speed around the room. Again, make of that what you will….
What’s happening this week?
All times stated in GMT
Start by noting that if you have natal planets or angles at or close to any of the signs and degrees featuring this week then unfolding events will be especially significant for you. Here are the usual links for checking the position of your own planets and angles:
http://www.alwaysastrology.com/birth-chart-calculator.html
You can also try this calculator, which lists all your planets and angles rather than bringing up the visual of the horoscope, so for non astrologers it’s easier to use.
http://astro.cafeastrology.com/cgi-bin/astro/natal
Regular readers may also remember that I said at the beginning of the year that 25 January would be the “real” New Year, and it’s finally rolled around. We started 2016 with Mercury stationary retrograde, hence the false start which I know many people have struggled with, and Mercury will make the turn this evening –
Monday Mercury stationary direct at 15 degrees of Capricorn (21.51)
Firstly note that Mercury turns direct conjunct the Fixed Star of Vega, benefic in nature, associated with hope and dignity. At a universal level Capricorn is the sign of purpose, ruling the 10th house in the natural order of things, which symbolizes our goals, aspirations and our path forwards in the world. For me it definitely marks the turning point in terms of picking up work again and starting to plan ahead for media work, the next London workshops and this season’s Summer School. I’ll be getting back to everyone that’s enquired so far this year. Otherwise I have to confess that my inbox is somewhat on overload with unanswered emails, for obvious reasons, and a huge sincere thank you to everyone who’s sent messages of concern.
So look out for your own turning points as this week gets underway but note that we still have some hassles to deal with as Mercury will now repeat the third and final difficult aspects to Pluto and Uranus at the end of the week –
• Saturday Mercury conjunct Pluto (05.53)
• Monday (Feb 1st) Mercury square Uranus (03.42)
Here’s the full sequence –
Mercury conjunct Pluto
• Friday 18 December 14 degrees Capricorn
• Friday 22 January 15 degrees Capricorn (Mercury retrograde)
• Saturday 30 January 16 degrees Capricorn
Mercury square Uranus
• Monday 21 December 16 degrees Capricorn/16 degrees Aries
• Wednesday 20 January 16 degrees Capricorn/16 degrees Aries (Mercury retrograde)
• Monday 1 February 17 degrees Capricorn/17 degrees Aries
So this coming weekend represents the final stages of any ongoing situation that started the week before Christmas, or any matter that still needs further negotiation. It’s the nature of the Uranus – Pluto square to disrupt or cancel things so we’re not entirely off the hook as yet and this week it pays to bear that golden rule in mind – make no assumptions! But in terms of the bigger picture here’s the usual checklist of things to expect as Mercury gets back to business –
• Breaking news, expected or unexpected, that affects us or someone close to us
• Important information comes to light or secrets are revealed
• Light bulb flashes of insight
• We stop talking/thinking about something and realize that we need to make decisions
• People get back to us re decisions
• We get back in touch with someone, or they get back in touch with us
• We feel more courageous or determined to make something happen
• We stop pretending
• We stop avoiding
• We tackle/say the things we’ve been putting off
• We get back to a matter that was first important three weeks ago
• Memory kicks in and we deal with what or who has been off our radar
• Disputes or areas of miscommunication are cleared up
• We find the right person to deal with the problem beyond our own expertise
• Computer glitches/communication technology are solved/sorted
• Rumours are squashed when the truth outs
• We find what we have been looking for – from lost objects to spiritual needs
The end of the week also brings a beautiful and much softer aspect –
Saturday Venus sextile Neptune (16.46)
Venus entered Capricorn on Saturday evening and will be travelling through this sign until the middle of February. This is her first aspect in this sign, happening with Venus at 8 degrees of Capricorn, Neptune at 8 degrees of his own sign of Pisces. This is a classic love and romance scenario, but also fantastic for empathy, understanding, the closeness of friendship and the healing of hurts. It’s also a great aspect for giving love in a constructive and hands on way. There is nothing mushy about Venus (love, money) in Capricorn (realistic, Saturn ruled earth sign). And with Mercury newly direct this rather adds up to the message of putting your money where your mouth is. Words are easy, but real love is effort and going out of our way to provide or offer what is needed.
One other little highlight this week will be the main feature of Wednesday evening –
Thursday Moon conjunct Jupiter (00.12)
The Moon conjuncts all the planets once a month as she travels through all 12 signs every 28 days. The Moon was full yesterday (3 degrees of Leo) so is now waning but will still be bright in the sky late evenings. Look for the dazzling white planet below the Moon – that is Jupiter – and this month’s conjunction falls at 22 degrees of Virgo. In terms of the astrology an opportunity is building, especially for those who are not afraid of hard work (Jupiter is in detriment in Virgo and success won’t be handed over on a plate, but effort will be rewarded if you’re ready and willing to roll up those shirt sleeves) and answers to health issues are also in the making.
For the astronomy go to Bruce McClure’s brilliant website Earthsky as he describes the heavens so clearly and passionately, and tonight (Monday 25th) Jupiter starts what he calls the planet parade as Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Venus, Mercury all rise one after the other throughout the night:
“If you get up before sunrise, and see all five planets together … that’ll be something special! We haven’t been able to see them simultaneously like this since 2005, 10 years ago.”
http://earthsky.org/tonight
Until next week,
With love from Greece
Joanna