Astrology Jan 2010

Allow the New Year to start slowly. We often have a tendency to try to hit the ground running after the first. Whether due to New Year’s resolutions, overindulging during the holidays or simply perceiving an opportunity for new beginnings, we could start the year with lots of energy and enthusiasm. This year begins with Mars retrograde, indicating that our overall drive and energy level will tend to be lower than usual.

What is begun when Mars is retrograde will often not reach the end that is sought or, if it does, the results may be unfulfilling. This is a time of research and planning. Considering the challenges coming from some of the other transits this year, taking time to get things going and being more thoughtful and thorough in our strategizing will pay dividends in the long run.

The challenging transits are primarily continuations of what we’ve been experiencing in the recent past with a couple of exceptions. The ongoing patterns are the square between Saturn and Pluto, and the opposition between Saturn and Uranus. This year those two transits will coincide in an aspect dynamic called a T-square. I will be writing more about this as the year progresses. Suffice to say at this point that we will be challenged to respond to influences that require integration between stability of tradition in one area, with innovative, progressive, cutting edge change in another. Tying those forces can facilitate major transformations in our lives. For many of us this will lead to closing some part of our life and being open to starting something new. This can be an exhilarating experience no doubt, but one often fraught with trepidation. One of the challenges, therefore, is to respond to the impending transformations with an attitude of surrender to the process. Attempting to hang on to the past, or to parts of our lives that are over or outgrown is an exercise in futility that can only increase the difficulty of the process. Surrender enables us to take an active part in the creation of the new ideas, perspectives and possibilities that are unfolding before us daily.

One of the new developments this year is Uranus transiting into Aries in late May. It will retrograde back into Pisces in August and return to Aries in March of 2011, where it will remain for approximately 7 years. The past 7 years that Uranus has been in Pisces has seen the proliferation of changes in areas that Pisces focuses on, such as the arts. Pisces by nature is a gentle sign. It is more oriented toward transcendent awareness than in physical manifestation. It is probably the least ego centric of the 12 signs. It replaces the need for ego gratification with the drive to acquire wisdom. Uranus is about change. Sometimes the changes are inspired and oriented toward personal or consciousness liberation. Other times the changes are haphazard, extreme and counter productive of anything other than change for the sake of change. Many of the changes that Uranus in Pisces has offered us have been internal, focused more on consciousness and our connection to the universe than on personal expression or behavioral interaction. That will change with Uranus entering Aries. Aries is a fire sign, it is about expressing the self in a direct, assertive, authentic way. Whereas Pisces can be subtle and nuanced, Aries is bold and self-affirming. Pisces can be aware of the complexity of things, Aries tends to perceive things one dimensionally. On the other hand, Pisces can be dreamy, idealistic and self-deceptive in its awareness or choices. It can be easily distracted or dissuaded from acting in accordance with truth or reality. Aries has no such problems. Although at times it may be impatient or opinionated, it always remains true to itself.

One of the challenges of Uranus in Aries is being too impulsive in our actions. We could feel so clear in our inspiration and right in our choice of action that we fail to see any difficulties on the path until we bump into them. Yet, Uranus in Aries is clearly an indication that new options are on the way. The time of deliberation and analysis of Uranus in Pisces is ending. So one challenge we face this year is to integrate the wisdom and psychic sensitivity of Pisces into our decision-making and taking action with Uranus in Aries.

Another new dynamic this year is Jupiter entering Pisces, which will take place on January 18. Jupiter is the co-ruler of Pisces and is said to be in its dignity in that sign. This means that the nature of Jupiter will be easily expressed. Jupiter pertains to the principle of expansion. This can include an attitude of gratitude and joyfulness, a desire to develop the consciousness through learning or travel and a willingness to share what one has in a spirit of generosity and inclusiveness. Even though Uranus will leave Pisces temporarily this year, the presence of Jupiter more than accommodates Uranus’ absence.

We could assume that this transit will increase diplomatic efforts between nations and humanitarian attitudes among people. This could lead to an increase in charitable donations, more people interested in things like the Peace Corps or even a call from politicians for some type of national service for youth. This could also bring about increased interest in indigenous cultures from the point of learning from them rather than seeking to exploit them or their natural resources. Similarly, the Jupiter in Pisces transit suggests an increase in both religious fervor as well as spiritual seeking, often two entirely different experiences.

So take your time and ease into the New Year. There may have fireworks on New Year’s Eve, but there will definitely be explosions that we will all have to address and deal with throughout the year. The more centered we are the better we will be able to respond to the challenges with awareness and creativity.

Aries: This is a good time to increase self-awareness through interaction with others. Spending time with friends or colleagues could facilitate more in understanding how you affect others, and how they affect you. Growth comes from replacing judgment, either of self or others, with a deepening realization of the intentions behind your actions.

Taurus: This is time to expand your social horizons. Be open to people whom you might not normally associate with. Experiment with different behavioral patterns that may feel risky simply because they are new. Growth comes from being more inclusive of others, since this can lead to being more accepting of parts of yourself that may feel awkward.

Gemini: Deep analysis and thorough contemplation can lead to clear understanding about fundamental and profound elements of your life. This could involve deepening personal relationship, updating your values, finding your way through financial challenges or feeling more comfortable with your place in the universe. Answers are found more abundantly through deepening of the mind than through social activity.

Cancer: Ease into your New Year by spending time in artistic pursuits as well as spending romantic time with your partner. You may often be spontaneous and like to be in the flow of the moment. This is a time to be more organized, defined and self-disciplined in order to take advantage of the gentle, harmonious energy available to you this month.

Leo: Some Leos find this time of year difficult. The cold and darkness seemingly take away your normal radiance and positivity. This year offers you a way out of those doldrums. The key is to spend time with people you really care about. This could be a partner or very good friends. Entertaining in your home or engaging in shared creative projects can get your year off to a beautiful start.

Virgo: Spending time clarifying values now can enable you to be more productive in generating stability and security later on. However, remember to include everything that has meaning to you, not just on the material plane. Growth can come from integrating things that you want and like to do with things that are more necessary.

Libra: This could be a more playful time for you than for most other signs. Expressing yourself artistically, romantically or recreationally can help the year get off to a pleasurable start. Whatever you do, try to make it easy and effortless. Sharing the activities with others enhances the experience and can enable you to make new friends or find new ways of being social.

Scorpio: Clearing up old problems with siblings, neighbors or good friends can be an uncomfortable but beneficial way to start the year. After deep contemplation, engage the other person in ways that bring the problems out in the open and thus lead to acceptable resolutions for all.

Sagittarius: Jupiter is your ruling planet. Its presence in Pisces all year could lead to a joyful connection to family and an increased sense of connection to your inner being and higher self. Travel would be educational and real estate dealings beneficial. Growth comes from taking advantage of these opportunities without getting carried away with dreamy idealism.

Capricorn: Early month can bring a desire to be social and the ability to relate to others in comfortable, harmonious ways. Around mid-month take some time to review professional activities. This could involve anything from satisfaction on the job now to long range career goals. This is not a time of action. Contemplation, analysis and planning of strategy is the way to go at this time.

vAquarius: Positive changes in your financial situation could manifest in mid-month. Help may be close at hand that enables either shifts at that time or the clarity to make changes later on. Spend time reviewing the nature of your finances, and clarify your material needs, before making any decisions or taking any action.

Pisces: Jupiter is your co-ruling planet and its transit into Pisces bodes well for you throughout the year. It will enhance your sense of self-worth and self-confidence. It can impel you to expand your horizons through travel or higher education. It can also enable you to feel more comfortable in the social world even as you affirm and deepen the fulfillment of your spiritual path.

Rio Olesky has been studying astrology since 1967 and has been a practicing professional astrologer since 1976. The author of Astrology and Consciousness, Rio offers classes at SRJC and Crystal Channels in Santa Rosa. To make an appointment for a reading, or to find out more about his classes, call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.