Note: These influences are working during the entire month, and form a substrate for each individual day.

The world continues its rapid change, and the world is our major focus this month. Individual consciousness change and widespread social change go hand in hand. This fast turning of the wheel can be mind-boggling.

Seven of the ten major planets are traveling in universal signs this winter. This equates to, in Dane Rudhyar’s terms, galactic consciousness. Our galactic consciousness is expanding rapidly, and repeating the past does not work now.

This process is more difficult for Capricorn, January’s sign, than for most signs. Capricorn relies on tradition, on custom, on those institutions which have been built up slowly to accommodate living. January, then, is especially difficult and especially crucial for people born under Capricorn.

(The U.S. has Pluto in Capricorn. Here we see its elaborate, intertwined power structure trying to manipulate and control the world. The current wounding of that power structure is a case study in the failure of consciousness expansion, which is required during these times.)

January is Capricorn’s month, the month to build and to work with our structures and to build new ones to accommodate change. The retrograde Venus with which we live all during January gives us a marvelous opportunity to re-accommodate ourselves and our values to the idea of a renewed framework in which to realize them. Beginning to manifest our dreams is important now, for Capricorn seeks to make things real and tangible. At the same time, we are directed to work with the traditions, customs, and the laws and structures which hold society together.

Capricorn is the Winter Solstice sign, when we look at the skeleton of our lives, and make changes which better fit our coming year’s activities. Read the Capricorn New Moon entry for December 30 to get a feeling for this year’s framework, along with the feature article in December, about 2006.

The New Moon chart shows the four features which shine out most strongly for January:

1. Venus traveling retrograde in Capricorn—reviewing needs for structural changes in both tangible goods and social institutions. All money and governmental situations can demonstrate breaking down of old structures.

2. Mercury conjoining Pluto in Sagittarius—transformation in our political thinking.

3. Jupiter square Neptune—ups and downs in regard to money and politics, expecting more than is realistic, confusion between truth and falsehood, possible deception, spiritual growth, social idealism.

4. Saturn quincunx Uranus. Unpredictable breakdowns of structures. Risk taking may result in problems.

During the last half of December, Venus traveled slowly in the first degrees of Aquarius, where she conjoined Chiron, finally just into Aquarius. Both Aquarius and Chiron stimulate unusual situations, and this has been a strange holiday season. We are inclined to be more independent emotionally, and less tied to tradition in our celebrations. Friends are especially important, and many healing processes are being set in motion. Venus in Aquarius appreciates progressive ideas, and visions of the future.

Venus turned retrograde on Christmas Eve, and on January 3 will back up again into Capricorn. Capricorn creates structures, Aquarius breaks them up, and now Venus has some new ideas of bringing change into all Venusian subjects, particularly money, and the forms of institutions. On February 3 she turns direct at 17 Capricorn, when she can start manifesting those ideas. She transits the U.S. Pluto on January 6, and again on March 1. She will then bring some fresh Aquarian air into the U.S. power structure.

In general, all of our relationships and traditions are undergoing review this month. Particularly, what forms will they assume? Venus rules form, and Aquarius says that it is time for new forms. Venus also rules values, and it is time to re-prioritize our traditional values, in the light of a more progressive future.

Chiron is part of the current Venusian teaching. Chiron is the Wounded Healer. He disrupts the status quo in order for it to re-align in a healthier way. Both social and physical problems which need healing will come to our attention now. For instance, Chiron is passing through my sixth house of work, and right now I’m working in a different fashion, and in different circumstances, than usual. There is a freedom in being detached from the old routines, and at the same time an anxiety about the outcome.

Mercury is the busiest planet of the month. It now carries the heavy Plutonian vibe, which means depth and seriousness. Mercury corresponds to our minds, to how we process information, and to all of our communication. It also refers to all types of physical movement. Mercury was the Messenger God, and Mercury carries messages, through our nervous systems and around the world. Pluto has mandated it to carry transformative messages. These can go from deep revelations to heavy propaganda to storms and heavy weather to widespread disease.

Mercury travels in the sign of Capricorn for most of January. Its information source there is primarily government and family. New information will emerge in both areas. Watch the news to stay abreast of what governments are doing. Mercury is fast-moving now, and so is the world’s activity. Mistaken ideas are easy to come by this month, so check all information carefully.

Jupiter squaring Neptune is part of the fixed T-square which I have discussed in several past issues of Daykeeper, most notably in the December 2005 issue. Jupiter is in Scorpio, Neptune in Aquarius, and the third member of the party is Saturn in Leo, who brings accountability to bear.

Mars is passing through the fourth fixed sign, Taurus, during January, and during much of the month it activates the other three planets to make a fixed square, which is a configuration of pressure. We can feel like our backs are against the wall, with nowhere to go. With Neptune, things can feel disorganized or confusing. Highlight days with Mars are January 15, January 18, and January 27. A fixed square does ask for some kind of surrender.

Jupiter is about growth and expansion; Neptune about spirituality, ideals, and imagination. With Neptune we’re on a restless search for “something more,” something mysterious, elusive, and ungraspable. Jupiter gives us optimism in pursuing that search for the ideal. We are willing to undertake risks. But Neptune is never clear—it rules clouds and fog—and we may find ourselves disappointed at the results. It is not a month for gambling or speculating—even though we may feel the urge. Our need is to focus on facts and information, to help us move through the fog and illusions of Neptune.

The search for ideals involves social idealism as well, particularly with Venus retrograde in the institutional sign of Capricorn, where she is reviewing the functionality of our current systems.

The Jupiter-Neptune square returns again in March, and in September.

Saturn, who insists on discipline and structure, shows one face on December 27, when it is squared by Mars. Saturn is at 11 degrees of Leo, conjoined GW’s Pluto. This highlights Bush’s need for accountability. This event sets in motion the fixed grand square for January.

There are many quincunxes and Fingers of God in the heavens during January, as there have been during the autumn season. These are fated configurations, and indicate unexpected happenings which change the course of events. Awareness, and a strong center, are aids in working effectively with these energies.

Two quincunxes last the entire month, and each one concerns a major fixed square planet. That planet is modified by the quincunx, and given more (or perhaps less) wiggle room.

For instance, rigorous Saturn quincunx Uranus, the Awakener, shows that Saturn’s careful structure—whether government, family, or financial system—is subject to shake-ups. Since Uranus is in water sign Pisces, water can be the source of what we will surely consider as problems. Hurricane Katrina was a prime example of this quincunx. Our secure structures can be suddenly inundated. One way to protect your personal security now is to resist urges for excessive alcohol or drug intake, aggravated by the current water signs.

Expansive Jupiter quincunx Juno shows male-female, and all types of partnership, adjustments. This ties in with our retrograde Venus, thinking over relationships, as well as with Healer Chiron, who is now helping us to heal in new ways, ways which enhance our independence. Jupiter also indicates that government is connected with abuse. Jupiter, in particular, relates to the military—as well as the judiciary—and we will be hearing from those departments. Jupiter in Scorpio can mean secrets. It also shows a strong desire for power. The prisoner abuse scandals are an example of this quincunx.

Jupiter in water sign Scorpio also means lots of water (or snow). Precipitation is also enhanced by Uranus in water sign Pisces. And with Full Moon in the third water sign, Cancer, water will move fully and freely—especially with that Full Moon being “out-of-bounds,” or outside of its usual track. Strong Capricorn makes this an excellent time to plan for protection in the case of flooding.

In general, with Venus retrograde, January is a month of bringing the past to a head, and preparing to actualize our dreams in new, or renewed, forms. A sound foundation requires attention to our reality base.

Most important times are the first days of January, when Venus is in Aquarius, mid-month, around the Full Moon, and the several days around the New Moon at the end of the month, going into February.

January is not a good month for speculation or gambling. Things are probably not what they seem. Like the whole of 2006, it is a good time for working steadily towards our goals, with faith, and for cleaning up the past.

Note: A VOC Moon period is when the Moon is making no further major planetary aspects before it changes signs. Moon and its aspects are strongly associated with our everyday behavior, and without those aspects to direct our course, we are left much more free to pursue our own ends in our own way. It is like you're driving down the freeway and find the road signs removed for awhile. On the one hand, plans may go awry, you may miss your exit; on the other hand, inner work is greatly favored as those external "instructions" are reduced. Times used are EST, because the overall influences for the United States are centered in Washington DC.		Click on a date to jump to the calendar entry for that day:
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Moon is in friendly Aquarius today, and it is a great day for socializing. We will want to have serious discussions with friends, and we may receive helpful inspiration and ideas from them. We also value family, and may find ourselves renewing communication with distant family members. A strong Mars means urges for action. The traditional watching of football games will vicariously fulfill this need for many, but engaging in some outdoor activity would be very salubrious. Mars energy can get a little wild if it is not channeled through our muscles. Tonight there can be some block or obstacle in personal relations, perhaps a clash of ideas. Again, excess alcohol can provoke problems.

MONDAY JANUARY 2

We may have gotten a little carried away last night. This morning, if our life permits, we can sleep late. Moon is still in idealistic Aquarius, and high ideals may overtake us today. We will want to share, but do try for some time alone to assimilate the inner changes now occurring.

TUESDAY JANUARY 3

Again, we may do a lot of thinking. With Moon in Pisces, meditation and contemplation are preferred modes of processing. Venus re-enters, and Mercury enters, Capricorn today, and family and career come to our attention. This could be the day we make resolutions, and do our bookkeeping. There is excitement this evening. It could be some exciting entertainment, or even viewing the Quadrantid Meteor Shower in the late night sky.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 4

The early morning aspects are magical. If we haven’t been awake watching the sky, or doing something dear to our hearts, we may be having exciting dreams. When you awake, try to remember your dreams. The day begins like a smooth stream, but later into the night, it builds to an emotional crescendo.

THURSDAY JANUARY 5

Moon enters ambitious Aries at 9:44 a.m. EST. We want to communicate and connect, but there may be some glitches in that communication. Impulsiveness fights an urge for caution, and our timing may suffer. Extra competitiveness may also muddy the waters. Open your heart to love.

FRIDAY JANUARY 6

First Quarter Moon at 17 Aries occurs at 1:58 p.m. EST. This is the active moon which sets into motion our Capricorn need to build. Aries indeed can help us get things going, and can help us make that First Quarter breakthrough, and enjoy doing it. Aries likes the competition (so does Capricorn) and the challenge of pushing through a new endeavor.

Aries is associated with Mars, and Mars now—in the Washington DC chart—is in the 12th house of secrets. However, it squares the midheaven, where it meets the public, and hidden things will now emerge into plain sight. This is a great time for doing deep psychological work which can further our connections to reality, and thus strengthen our foundations. However, we do need to be truthful and penetrating, for Neptune on the midheaven encourages illusions and denial. Aries, however, can give us the courage to pursue that search for truth.

Juno is rising, and abuse and “terror” continue to be big issues.

A full 8th house shows active transformation in regard to resources and finances. The debt load of the U.S. may be starting to topple the economy. Venus retrograde is conjoining the U.S. Pluto, and re-evaluation of U.S. financial power is happening. Venus will return to this place, traveling direct, on March 1.

There are three yods, or Fingers of God, in the sky today, showing that sudden and fated events create a big turn of the wheel. Their apexes, or levers, are our old friends, Jupiter and Saturn, who are associated with the systems which run the normal world, and Vesta, guardian of the hearth, concerned about all kinds of security and protection, including financial and territorial.

Vesta is in the 2nd house of money, conjoined the U.S. and Bush Suns, and the nation’s security will make a shift. Saturn is on the 4th house cusp of foundations, and Jupiter is in the 6th house of work and service, including the military. A weather or terrorist disaster is certainly possible with these many quincunx energies.

Be prepared today for the unexpected. It’s a good day to at least plan and prepare for emergencies.

SATURDAY JANUARY 7

This morning we may feel feisty, and relationships may not go smoothly, especially before Moon goes VOC in Aries at 9:34 a.m. EST. Moon enters solid Taurus at 2:09 p.m., and we can relax a bit after a couple of high pressure days. It’s a good day to take care of mundane chores. Again, we have aspects throughout the night and early morning. We may be wakeful.

SUNDAY JANUARY 8

This morning is good for hard, intense work, and the afternoon is idea time. Watch for inspiration on solving practical problems. Beginning early this morning, the moon stimulates our entire fixed grand square. We get a mild sample of its energy during the entire day. Night can be sparkling.

MONDAY JANUARY 9

This morning is loving and sensual. Enjoy your breakfast. Relationships are also congenial. At 1:56 p.m. Moon goes VOC, and remains so until it enters Gemini at 8:58 p.m. EST. Make your own decisions this afternoon.

TUESDAY JANUARY 10

Moon is in scintillating Gemini, and our need for communication is strong. We have a lot of nervous energy running through us. This would be a good day to keep a notebook.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 11

Both head and heart are working today. They can get in one another’s way, however, so work for clarity, and take your time.

THURSDAY JANUARY 12

Moon is in Cancer, and our feelings are strong and homeward-bound. Family draws our attention. Working on the house, or shopping and cooking may interest us. It’s a great day to settle down in our cozy nest.

FRIDAY JANUARY 13

Moon is still flowing in watery Cancer, with good feeling aspects. Mercury helps us translate those feelings into communication, and Mars helps us to be active in protecting our security. It is a busy day, with progress on many fronts. At 6:59 p.m. EST, Venus makes an exact conjunction with Sun. This meeting is when Sun, director of the show, imparts its directions to Venus for her new cycle. Now Venus is moving retrograde, and in practical Capricorn as well, so she begins this new cycle with much re-evaluation energy. We will be working with re-sorting our priorities for the next 9 months, and particularly in the Capricornian areas of government, business, finances, building in general, and families.

Venus’ new cycle is also our conciliation cycle. Capricorn involves governments. The retrograde can mean correcting past mistakes in diplomacy, and it can also mean governments turning in on themselves and becoming more isolationist. This is particularly true for the U.S., because this conjunction sits very close to the U.S. Pluto. It can be like a green light to push ahead with the next step after 9-11.

Venus next meets Sun to begin a new priority cycle on October 26 in early Scorpio. In the meantime, we can begin to rebuild our foundations this month. Until October, we have the fixed grand square to help us do just that.

This is an active and important day. There are many aspects and connections which illustrate the current (and year’s) energies. Venus will have a lot of information to work with. We are also in the orb of the Full Moon, when the month’s awareness is at a peak.

In Washington, the wheel is fixed, showing that power is the issue. Mars in Taurus is at the top, putting an emphasis on energy, resources, and the earth herself. We have a lot of very big issues on our minds. Scorpio, the sign of transformation, is at the bottom. Mars on top opposes Jupiter on the bottom, and they both square spiritual Neptune in idealistic Aquarius on the seventh house of relationships. A renaissance of our connection to the earth is certainly possible. All four elements—earth, water, air, and fire—are showcased now.

Saturn in commanding Leo, the fourth member of the year’s grand square, stimulates both the midheaven and the nadir, i.e., where we’re going and where we’re standing. Saturn wants discipline and order in the whole picture. It can help ground our fuzzy Neptune.

Saturn is approaching its quincunx with Uranus—a wet surprise. Vesta on the U.S. Sun opposes Ceres, showing likely interruption of food supply, which disrupts the nation’s security. This is not an auspicious time for successful world trade agreements.

With a combination of heavy Capricorn, plus water signs, the weather looks to be cold and wet, promising much snow. Fuel disruptions will surely accompany this winter in the northern states.

Well, indeed Venus has her priority work cut out for her. And she will have the facts to inform her.

Contemplate the Full Moon in the sky tonight.

SATURDAY JANUARY 14

Full Moon at 25 Cancer occurs at 4:49 a.m. EST. Capricorn is about the laws of society. Cancer, its opposite sign, is about nurturing at home. Our social roles and our family roles combine here. This is the first full moon of the New Year, and it occurs in the business-government-family polarity, indicating the focus of our attention for the year. Security remains high on our list.

All of yesterday’s vibrations apply today. We’re also coming into exact orb of the Mars-Jupiter opposition. Mars is the warrior; Jupiter the general. This is a fighting combination, and one where we can get carried away. Somebody could get hurt. Watch out for impulsiveness. Cancer is an emotional moon anyway, and we could find ourselves forging ahead unthinkingly with destructive behavior.

Ceres in Capricorn opposes Vesta on the U.S. Sun in Cancer. Ceres is the nourishing Mother; Vesta is keeper of material security. Here we see them pitted against one another. One example is the fight in Congress about the U.S. spending money (Vesta) to take care of people in the U.S. Another example is breaking the U.S. Treasury (Vesta) to pay for a huge military and for tax breaks for the governing (Capricorn) class. Another coming example could be the made-up “crisis” in Social Security.

The chart wheel now is almost identical to the U.S. Sibly chart, with Sagittarius rising. This gives a double whammy to the power of this Full Moon in supporting the U.S. agenda.

In addition, the major axis here—Capricorn-Cancer—is also the major polarity in the U.S. chart.

Furthermore, the Moon now very closely conjoins the U.S. Mercury, adding both awareness and emotional vitality to the people of the U.S. And Moon is again “out-of-bounds,” indicating emotional intensity around the world.

In Washington, money and power houses are again emphasized, as they have been repeatedly throughout the autumn. Seven of the ten major planets are in those houses, along with Maverick Chiron.

GW Bush’s Neptune—his role as Messiah—is on the midheaven of this chart, for the world to see. His progressed Moon is in mid-Sagittarius, on the Ascendant, and he will be emotional, and have the capacity to move many people.

This Full Moon shines over Latin America, eastern Europe, eastern Africa, and China and southeast Asia. These “developing” areas will get a jumpstart now. How will the U.S. relate to them, since they are resisting traditional “colonization”?

Just after Full Moon, Moon goes void of course until 4:31 p.m. EST, when it enters Leo. This long VOC day allows us plenty of assimilation time for this dynamic—and historic—Moon. At the same time, where is Moon (the people) going? When it is VOC, its direction is unpredictable. Fate is very busy right now.

After Moon enters dramatic Leo, the night, the early morning, and all of tomorrow will be very active.

The Sabian Symbol for 25 Cancer is

“A WILL-FULL MAN IS OVERSHADOWED BY A DESCENT OF SUPERIOR POWER. The response of spiritual forces to the integration of personality through positive will-full endeavors. We are dealing here with a person who uses their will and positive imagination in facing life problems. To him/her comes a pentecostal descent of power. The “mantle of power” can make for a true leader in the culture. ENDOWMENT.”

SUNDAY JANUARY 15

Just 24 hours after the Full Moon, while we are still basking in its light, Mars and Jupiter have their exact opposition. Each of these planets by itself is very active, and together they can push through—or push against—anything. Mars has the energy, and Jupiter has the need to expand its influence. Now they are in the resource polarity, with a focus on how we transform and move energy through our material world.

With yesterday’s Full Moon, the Sun-Venus conjunction of the day before, and now, with Mars in Taurus opposed to Jupiter in Scorpio, both global warming and our financial systems are being brought to our attention. Questions about our handling of energy are truly top priority now. This includes money and values, as well as oil and other natural wonders.

The event chart this morning is very similar to the Full Moon chart, but with some major differences. For starters, now eight of ten planets are in the resource-power houses.

Critical is Moon in Leo conjoined the U.S. North Node, the nation’s destiny point as leader. We feel that role now. Strict Saturn conjoins Moon, and quincunxes Uranus, the planet of freedom. I believe this poses the question to the people of the U.S.: Do we continue in our current direction of becoming a martial law country, or do we work for “liberty and freedom” for all? How do we mix security and freedom in a way which enhances life for all (Aquarius South Node)?

This Moon-Saturn conjunction also conjoins Bush’s Ascendant. He is very aware of his need to be accountable as commander-in-chief. How does he handle that long-avoided showdown?

Sun now conjoins the U.S. Pluto, adding vitality to the U.S. government.

The four major asteroids all have pivotal roles now, and this means that daily life affects, and is affected by, today’s decisions. And there will be decisions. Do we have a camera in every home? An ID chip in every body?

This assertive energy lasts throughout the day, as Moon activates Jupiter and Mars in turn. There is much creative energy available to us, and we can use it for an important project which is dear to our hearts. Dreams tonight might be especially interesting and revealing. Tell yourself to remember one.

MONDAY JANUARY 16

The strong and expressive energy continues throughout this day. It is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and chances are that many will be outspoken, as was Martin Luther King. Probably part of the intense weekend energy included demonstrators preparing for this celebration, and the government preparing to clamp down on them. Militancy has been, and still is, the major theme of this time. The dominant Mars in Taurus had many weeks last autumn to build up and store assertive energy. Now it is in a release process.

TUESDAY JANUARY 17

Moon is in Virgo today, and she is ready to do some healing and repair work. Virgo is also excellent for analysis, and she will help us to understand the happenings of this time, and how to incorporate the impersonal Capricornian energy into our personal lives. Moon quincunxes Chiron in Aquarius, and again, expect the unexpected.

The dynamic action continues. Venus in Capricorn still has a dominant role. In Capricorn she supports the establishment and the managerial classes, so all of this last week’s activities revolve around that center. Venus is magnetic energy, and she just started her new 9-month cycle on January 13. We are seeing now something of the type of seeds this Capricorn Venus is sowing for the remainder of the year’s stressful Saturn-Jupiter square, which coincides with this time.

Today retrograde Venus—and I do stress the retrograde—conjoins Mercury at 22 Capricorn. Mercury is information, news, communication, and movement, and it will help us understand the meaning of this retrograde Venus. This conjunction joins Dick Cheney’s Venus, and he is apt to be taking a new look at his values.
In a week Venus will join mother Ceres, and then we will see her in action. Both of these female energies will then be supporting the government.

(Speaking of female energies, this will be an interesting and dynamic period for Angela Merkle, the new Prime Minister of Germany.)

The heavy stress on Capricorn, ruler of both governments and of financial structures continues. The money houses also continue to be full. Mars in Taurus, full of Jupiter’s expansive optimism, is about to square Neptune. This is a very problematical square. Mars is now full of Jupiter’s optimism and ready to push ahead. Neptune can undercut and deceive Mars. With Neptune, we tend to have problems unless our motivations come from our higher selves (which is certainly also possible). This is not a good situation for financial systems. Debt, public and private, can be a real handicap now.

Moon opposes Uranus tonight. Be prepared for excitement, and perhaps a surprise.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 18

Moon continues in perfectionist Virgo. It is helpful to have her analytical abilities right now. She makes a practical grand earth trine with Taurus Mars and several Capricorn planets. Can she clean up the problems resulting from this last week’s activities? Early this morning Mars has its exact square with Neptune, after which energy smoothes out. This can be a productive day.

THURSDAY JANUARY 19

Moon continues in hard-working Virgo, with a power aspect early this morning. By 5:00 p.m. EST we can complete a project. Do it, because Moon then goes VOC. At 5:49 p.m. Moon enters Libra, to make way for a fine weekend. Late tonight Sun enters Aquarius, and we enjoy a grand air trine tomorrow. All communication flows easily.

FRIDAY JANUARY 20

We work today. We work with words and ideas in a very creative fashion. Most likely we can put something together. Older people and old friends can be especially helpful.

SATURDAY JANUARY 21

Moon continues in sociable Libra. This day can be deep and loving. Initiate those special conversations today; we can probe the depths.

SUNDAY JANUARY 22

Moon in Libra goes VOC at 3:53 a.m. EST. Soon, at 5:28 a.m., it enters Scorpio. During this day we have aspects which test and challenge us—which Scorpio enjoys doing. All weekend Moon is traversing the fixed grand square, revitalizing it in terms of both money and transformation. Can we make the necessary changes? Can we surrender something because of a larger priority? We feel the grand square ups and downs—first pessimistic, then optimistic

Last Quarter Moon at 3 Scorpio occurs at 10:15 a.m. EST. It squares Chiron in Aquarius, who insists that Scorpio raise its vibration to effect a new healing cycle. This means letting go of something. Can we do it? If we can, the healing power of this moment is tremendous.

The Sun-Chiron conjunction occurs today and tomorrow. Honesty may be in, and secrets out. Mars and Venus have a lovely earth trine; love can blossom.

Jupiter is about to square Neptune, an aspect of over-optimism and of fanciful dreams. (On the other hand, miracles can happen under this configuration. But don’t expect them.) Again, in Washington we have the money houses occupied.

MONDAY JANUARY 23

The intensity of Scorpio Moon feels good. This is a dynamic, creative day. Investigation and research work well. Secrets, and revealing secrets may be on the agenda. Moon goes VOC at 4:53 p.m. EST. Listening to some favorite music could be satisfying tonight.

TUESDAY JANUARY 24

Moon enters fun-loving Sagittarius at 1:38 p.m. We have an awareness of our needs for independence and freedom. Tonight will be adventurous and fun. We can expand our horizons, perhaps by connecting with someone who is unusual.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 25

Moon continues in philosophical Sagittarius. The wide world does indeed become our home, and we will not want to be tied down. This is a good day to set off on a trip, or to do errands.

THURSDAY JANUARY 26

The morning starts with a powerhouse conjunction of Moon, Pluto, and Pallas in Sagittarius. This can equate to astute management of the people on a widespread basis—or of your life. Don’t play power games. Pay attention to the world around you, and look for the meaning behind what you hear or see. This is also a great morning for some hard-driving exercise.

Moon goes VOC at 10:24 a.m. EST, and we can carve out our own track for the rest of the day.

This afternoon Sun conjoins Mercury in Aquarius, to begin Mercury’s new four-month cycle. This is again during VOC Moon, as have been many or our conjunctions, indicating an unpredictable course of events for that cycle. Mercury tells us what our minds will focus on, and it will be Aquarian subjects—reform, the future, independence, progress for the people. When Venus turns direct on February 3 in Capricorn, she will be working to promote values in new directions, while at the same time staying anchored in the past.

This conjunction occurs on the U.S. South Node, and it can revive the dream of “liberty and justice for all” in this nation. The U.S. power structure is surely in upheaval. It is at a turning point in direction.

And Bush and Cheney are intimately involved, for the conjunction occurs on Bush’s partnership center—his seventh house cusp, and on Cheney’s Sun—his identity. GW could change his partnership mode now.

Our job now is to pay attention to the kind of future they are dreaming, and to compare it with a dream of a better world. Today and tomorrow are prime days for this line of thinking.

FRIDAY JANUARY 27

Capricorn Moon today is very busy, and we have much to do. Consolidation of our assets is on our plate. It is time to gather our myriad and momentous learnings of the month, create an action program for the future, and to take charge of ourselves in a new way. New Moon on Sunday will get us going on a new pathway. Re-alignment of structures—of all types—is the theme.

Venus has been mixing it up with Sun and Mercury during the month, and loving feelings are strong. Today Moon is approaching Venus to enhance our feelings of affection and connection. These love feelings will help us keep our values straight as we re-order our priorities. (Unless the Venus energy centers on money, which Venus can do.)

Tonight Jupiter has its long-awaited square with Neptune. This feels to me like blowing up a very large balloon and letting it go, knowing that it will find good fortune somewhere in the wild blue yonder. It may, and again it is quite likely to get punctured. We can use this energy to dream great dreams, but realization of them means exactly that—testing them in reality. This aspect continues more or less throughout February and March, and repeats in late September.

SATURDAY JANUARY 28

Yesterday’s energy continues, with the emphasis now on visions of the future.

SUNDAY JANUARY 29

The Chinese Year of the Dog begins with New Moon at 10 Aquarius at 9:16 a.m. EST. The dog is ready to serve its master or mistress. This next month is the time to develop and express our own way of serving our values, which we have been clarifying during this last month.

Aquarius is a fixed sign, part of the wrenching work of the fixed grand square which is putting pressure on us all year. Fixed signs gather and hold power, and Aquarius’ power is mental—the power of ideas. For instance, Dick Cheney has had the idea of the U.S. establishing a power base in Iraq for many years, perhaps 30. It is a fixed idea.

What are the ideas which guide each of us? Now is the time to develop—and to test—those ideas and those ideals. Perhaps nothing creates more conflict than the clash of ideas, and there will be challenges and conflict during this next month.

Saturn in Leo now opposes Sun and Moon, and our ideas are very fixed indeed, and surely opposed to the fixed ideas of others. Authority can be the enemy here, against which the people struggle. Developing the authority within us is the challenge.

Neptune in Aquarius strengthens ideals. Jupiter in Scorpio squaring it brings in the challenge of the material vs. the spiritual. How do we combine them effectively? Again, dreams of a big financial windfall can grow. Or our visions of financial circumstances can be more fantasy than reality. Jupiter turns retrograde on March 5 to help us to rethink what expansion of resources really means.

This is a power chart for Washington DC. In the chart set for Washington, the midheaven is on the Galactic Center, receiving new information from the galaxy. Pluto and Pallas Athena are together there, adding to the transformational power of the nation’s direction. And this is also the degree of a Black Hole, which can turn things topsy-turvy.

The Sabian Symbol for 10 Aquarius is

“A MAN WHO HAD FOR A TIME BECOME THE EMBODIMENT OF A POPULAR IDEAL IS MADE TO REALIZE THAT AS A PERSON HE IS NOT THIS IDEAL. The need to deal with human beings as persons rather than as screens upon which one projects ones dreams and ideals. We have a statement on the relation between mental-spiritual vision and living reality, between persons and the ideal they appear to incarnate, between the Great Lover image and one’s need for love. We have here an issue that is basic and may confront us in various forms. Persons vs. archetypes. This can mean a critical need for SELF-RE-EVALUATION.”

This New Moon is opposite GW’s Mercury. It will be an illumination for him.

MONDAY JANUARY 30

Moon squared stimulating Mars last night, and we may have been wakeful. Even so, we are likely to be energetic this morning and wanting to dig into our work. Moon goes VOC at 11:00 a.m., and remains so until it enters low-key Pisces at 5:32 p.m. Today is great for brainstorming and letting new ideas flow in. Tonight we might appreciate music or videos.

TUESDAY JANUARY 31

Moon continues in Pisces with loving vibes. Enjoy one another.