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January Astrology Report 2005by Roxana MuiseDon't see what you're looking for? Click here for archive. January hosts 20 dynamic aspects: Four conjunctions, three oppositions,
3 squares, four ingresses, one beginning shadow point (BSP), one
ending shadow point (ESP), two Lunar occultations, a new and a full
Moon. It promises to be a month of intensity, with direction and
guidance changing often by Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter
and Saturn. Sharing and cooperation need to be stressed. Family
units or interactive peer groups can accomplish much, and personal
contact in larger groups will be very effective. Consensus can be
rewarding. Moon occults Jupiter 5:23 PM, 17:34 Libra, 5:50 South. An interruption
in plans can divert or derail a delicate balance. Personal or family
responsibilities need to be monitored. 1/4 Mercury conjoins Pluto 9:57 AM, 22:52 Sagittarius. The power
of persuasion can be a powerful capability, especially if used
responsibly. Diplomacy must be consciously employed. The good that
can be accomplished with clear and skillful writing or speaking
can be damaged by impatience. 1/7 Mercury leaves its shadow (ESP) 10:20 AM, 26:45 Sagittarius.
Collect and organize data and facts gathered throughout last November
and December. Keep in mind the mutability of this Mercury retrograde
cycle. There may not be a chance for resolution until after the
fall equinox when Jupiter Saturn and Mars dynamically aspect this
degree from a fixed T-cross. Sun squares Jupiter 6:12 PM, 17:54 Capricorn/Libra. This begins
a meandering cardinal T-Cross** involving Sun, Mercury, Venus,
Jupiter, and Saturn. However, it‚s a lackadaisical configuration
that postpones completion (Jupiter and Saturn finally square in
fixed signs on December 17). Predicaments may arise that seem to
demand your attention and action but lack the structural integrity
to complete. Offer a bit of cheer to brighten someone‚s day.
Treat this developmental episode as a learning curve. 1/9 Venus enters Capricorn 8:56 AM. Self-discipline and serenity
are possible through considering an objective reality ˆ making
a genuine effort to see the value of others‚ viewpoints. Mercury enters Capricorn 8:09 PM. Patience enables you to identify
hidden safeguards or hazards. Use the tools at hand, lest they
become blocks. It helps to create a basic structure of solid understanding. 1/10 New Moon 20:21 Capricorn, west coast 4:03 AM; east coast
7:03 AM. A time of designing and starting new projects achieve
success when based on organization and solid structure. West coast:
Begin projects anew dealing with personal values, finances, or
talents. The need for action needs to be tempered with accountability
and patient resolve. East coast: personal changes regarding appearances,
life path, or duties to peers may be initiated. Make your decisions
based on a balance between personal and peer requirements. 1/13 **Sun opposes Saturn Rx 3:06 PM, 23:53 Capricorn/Cancer,
contra parallel 21:20 South/North. An honest perspective is possible
that can allow you an informed decision to separate from, or to
support and fortify a current pattern. There is, however much more
to this than meets the eye. **Mercury conjoins Venus 6:37 PM, 5:31 Capricorn. Ideas and values
form a powerful combination throughout January, which can support
the assertion of personal conviction. Investigating spiritual or
moral principles can keep your mental outlook positive. This can
be an on-going process. 1/19 Sun enters Aquarius, 3:22 PM. The next month allows forward
thinking and ideas supporting self-determination. Planting the
seeds of independence and initiating action may be questioned or
encouraged by someone in authority. 1/22 **Mercury squares Jupiter 4:24 PM, 18:42 Capricorn/Libra.
Logic may seem to require action before all the basic components
are in place. Keep patience and perseverance in mind. There may
be hidden information that could support your actions. Build awareness. 1/24 **Venus squares Jupiter 8:10 AM, 18:45 Capricorn/Libra. Keep
your desires under control, even when rationalization says to expand
your field of influence. Remember that you are in the building
and development phase, not the harvesting stage of the cycle. 1/25 Full Moon 5:34 Leo/Aquarius, west coast 2:33 AM; east coast
5:33 AM. The harvesting part in this project takes place in a totally
different part of life, and deals with creativity and self-expression.
You may feel as though you are on a fast track to success. Now
is the time to re-examine your options, and the potential for gain
and loss. West coast: investigate your values and expectations,
especially dealing with travel plans or legal ramifications. East
coast: teamwork is the keynote of this aspect. Mutual agreement
with peers is important. If this is not possible, then determine
who has the final say. If it is you, then be gentle but firm. If
it is another, be as cooperative as possible, without relinquishing
your investments. **Mercury opposes Saturn 10:04 AM, 22:55 Capricorn/Cancer. Dialogue
with someone you trust or admire to expand and develop your conscious
awareness. Emotion can cloud your understanding, and distort your
beliefs. Refuse to be coerced into premature decisions. 1/27 **Venus opposes Saturn Rx 12:52 PM, 22:45 Capricorn/Cancer.
Your values may be under scrutiny, and other peoples‚ emotions
may question your resolve. This is a good time to privately assess
where you feel uncomfortable, without feeling obliged to make changes. Neptune enters its shadow (BSP) 9 AM, 14:48 Aquarius. The veil
masking reality is very thin. We have difficulty recognizing what
is really real. Some happenings seem devastating, and bring out
blessings in disguise. It is hard to be accepting of all events.
We now experience a preparation for the retrograde part of this
cycle from May to October. Seek inner guidance if this degree aspects
your chart. There is much to be learned from your own inner self. 1/28 Mars opposes Pluto 9:44 AM, 23:38 Sagittarius. Transformational
energies may become intense and difficult to resist. Resolution
to events and processes of the previous month may be possible.
Remain true to your essence, and confident of your right to express
it. 1/29 Mercury enters Aquarius 9:37 PM. The ability to quickly assess
a situation is valuable. If you have developed this talent, your
services may be in great demand. Move on to investigations of your
own areas of growth. 1/31 Moon occults Jupiter 2:08 AM, 18:51 Libra, 6:27 South. A
momentary interruption of the energy associated with growth and
development allows changes to be instituted. JANUARY 2005 SYMBOLISM When we say Happy New Year, we happily invoke the energy of Janus,
the ancient Roman god of passage. He has two faces -- one for endings
and one for beginnings. Janus, for whom January was named, was
the guardian of the gateway between the past and the future. Janus
(from the Latin root janua, meaning door) was honored as the guardian
of the door, with a key in one hand and a club in the other. Janus'
festival, called the Kalendae extends from January 1st to the 3rd.
He is said to be the great grandson of the Greek god Kronos (Roman,
Saturn), through Zeus, and Apollo. Interesting that Janus is now
being used as the company name for a mutual fund; symbolic of learning
from the past to be successful in the future by making informed
decisions in the present. Sacrifices were also made in January to the goddess Fortuna for
favors in the coming year. Fortuna was the Roman goddess of luck,
and was associated with the fertility of the earth and the beings
who inhabit it. Her other Roman name is Fors, meaning "She
Who Brings." Her full name, derived from Vortumna, "she
who turns the year about," came to symbolize the unpredictable
nature of fate as the wheel of life spins on its axle. She was
often depicted standing atop a ball (such as the one that drops
in Times Square at the New Year), which also represents the uncertainty
of fortune. Fortuna was so popular, that she had festival days
in April, June, and October as well. This goddess of destiny reminds
us to travel the peaks and valleys of life with acceptance, a perception
that may offer us some comfort on our journey. Today we make resolutions
to sacrifice destructive or useless habits to make room for worthwhile
and constructive activities and behaviors that will hopefully lead
us to good fortune, and a better life. January‚s gemstones are the garnet and the agate. The most
prized color of the garnet is the deep clear poppy red of the pomegranate,
called almandine or pyrope, although garnets also come in many
hues: red-orange (spessartite), yellow (andradite), and green (tsavorite).
These gems were reported to bring restful sleep to their wearers,
and to calm a restless brain. Garnets were also associated with
constancy and fidelity, and were said to fortify the heart and
blood of the owner. Legend holds that Noah hung a large garnet
in the ark for illumination. In Arizona, ants excavate garnet pebbles
while digging their holes. The ants deposit the gems in their refuse
mounds, giving them the name "ant-hill" garnet. The word
garnet is derived from the Latin, granatum, which means grain,
and derives from the same root as pomegranate. Garnet crystals
are granular in their natural form - shaped like the fruits of
the pomegranate. It has been said that pomegranates, an astringent
winter fruit, destroy worms in the intestinal tract and are a good
source of lycopene, an important phytochemical and cancer preventive.
Persephone, who was kidnapped by Hades ate 6 pomegranate seeds
while in the underworld, binding her to Hades‚ kingdom for
the winter half of the year. The agate is a type of chalcedony, made up of layers of color.
Its history suggests it was worn to clear emotional blockages by
piercing the veil of inner levels of consciousness, and allowing
remembrance of past lives. Moss agate was worn to balance emotions
and as a blood cleanser; lace agate was worn to release muscle
spasms and tension. January 1st, New Years‚ Day, also known as Hogamany, is
a Scottish celebration that includes a walkabout around the boundaries
of ones‚ property. Also called "first footing",
folklore tells us that the first foot inside your door after midnight,
December 31 will foretell the flavor of the coming year's fortune. January 5th marks the Christian celebration of the 12th day after
Christmas, known as Twelfth Night or Epiphany, which is derived
from the Greek and Latin roots meaning appearance, manifestation,
and revealment, and to show forth or to manifest. An epiphany today
means a meaningful experience wherein a numinous moment occurs
that changes the significance of everything in the life. The celebration
of Epiphany is taken from the story of the three Wise Men from
the east, who traveled 12 days and nights to see the newborn savior.
It was "revealed" to them in a dream, that if they follow
the "appearance" of a special star or light in the heavens,
they would find a child in whom The Christ was "manifested".
The Wise Men or Magi brought special gifts from their homelands,
fit to offer a king. The gifts consisted of gold (ruled by the Sun), the precious
metal of Kings, because of its beauty and rarity. Of all the metals,
it is nearly inert - doesn‚t easily mix with other elements,
and doesn‚t break down, but maintains its elemental form.
The second gift, frankincense (also Sun ruled), was an aromatic
hardened gum resin of the Boswellia Carterii Thurifera tree, used
as an incense in religious rituals, and represents pure prayer.
Boswellia is an anti-inflammatory, now used to treat arthritis.
The third was myrrh (Saturn ruled), a resin from the Commiphora
myrrha tree - used in incense, as a holy oil for anointing the
dead, as a mouthwash, as a vermifuge, and as a painkiller. It is
a fragrant but bitter-tasting gum resin used to make incense, perfumes,
medicines, and holy ointments for consecration. Known today as
guggul herb, it used to control cholesterol and arteriosclerosis.
Both resins are found in Arabia and Somalia, and are used in protection
rites. Epiphany is celebrated as a time of consecration - a time
of dedication to a better future. A consecration is a type of declaration
of fidelity ˆ a promise. And so an epiphany invokes the Sun,
to reveal the light, and Saturn, to confirm the bargain. In January,
the Sun is in the sign of Capricorn, governed by Saturn. The Capricorn Sun this January is in opposition to Saturn in
Cancer, the ruler of Capricorn, and before Uranus was discovered,
ruler of Aquarius. Saturn was the Roman equivalent of the Greek
god Kronos, son of Uranus and Gaia. There is also an association
here with Janus. Saturn ruled the past and backward motion of Capricorn
(a visible Earth sign), and the future and forward motion of Aquarius
(an invisible air sign). When Saturn is retrograde, as it is now,
it takes on the mantle of Capricorn and focuses on past traditions.
When Saturn turns direct on March 22, beginning its complete and
swift forward journey through the 3rd decanate of Cancer (completed
July 16), we can begin seriously embracing the promise of the future.
One way to support the Aquarius mode is to have a potted ivy plant
in your home. The curious leaves and tendrils of the Saturn-ruled
ivy are said to drive evil and negativity from the home. Saturn
is associated with chronic fear. "The world would have a smoother
ride if only it would let some fear out of its tires." ˆAnonymous.
Saturn also rules consistency and reliability, and as such may
be retained as it's own antidote. January 18 commemorates Surya, Hindu Solar deity, known in northern
Europe as the Swan Maiden, a demi-animal air spirit ˆ half
supernatural and half-mortal. As the story relates, a magic feather
robe, a ring, or a golden chain enabled her to transform into a
beautiful maiden. While in human form, she was taken to wife by
a young mortal male. Eventually, she regains her feathers and flies
away. This is a tale of the divine marriage, the yearly journey
of the Sun: in spring, she sheds the mists (her feathers) to bathe
and refresh herself, and becomes a fertility goddess. In the fall,
donning her feathers, she flies away, taking summer with her. In
Capricorn, she flies free, sometimes dropping some feathers that
fall as snow. The power of the breath is ultimate in the healing process, as
there is no life without breath. On January 19 when the Sun changes
signs from earth to air (Capricorn to Aquarius), we can consciously
release the last outbreath of Solar earth and take in the first
breath of Solar air. Integrating the breath with the physical expression
can provide a powerful ceremonial tool. The healing power of the
breath is developed through duration and volume. Standing facing
the east, gently breathe in and out through the mouth ˆ deeply
and rhythmically. With the first few outbreaths, release all pain,
frustration, anger and imbalance from the past, seeing those energies
dispersed on the wind. With each inbreath, picture each cell, each
pore being embraced by the current of healing consciousness, driven
by divine wind. Feel the healing breath as it enriches and supports
your life. After the first eight breath cycles, outbreaths may
be used to send healing energies to others. The second Monday of January (January 20, 2005) is Coming-of-Age
Day in Japan, a national holiday that recognizes those who have
reached the age of 20. They are seen as entering adulthood, and
thus becoming self-reliant, self-responsible members of society.
They have gained the right to vote and are allowed to drink and
smoke if they choose. This ceremony has been celebrated since time
immemorial, although the age has changed. January 25 in the runic calendar is Disting, the feast of the
Disir, the Norse guardian goddesses. In the Druidic form of this
ritual, the Fire Maiden lights the fire of wisdom and love and
power, and makes an offering so that the sacred fire burns within
us. Then the Keeper of the Well pours water of wisdom and life,
and makes an offering so that the sacred waters flow within us.
Then the Tender of the Tree dresses the Cosmic Tree, Yggdrasill,
symbolic of Life and our connection with the Earth, and asks that
the sacred tree grow within us. Symbols of land and sea and sky
within and without honor the adage "as above, so below". January 25 is also Tu B‚Shvat, the Jewish New Year for
the Trees. This festival celebrates the association between a human
and a tree ˆ they both need the four basic elements, fire
(Sun), soil, air, and water to survive. In Jewish Lore, trees stop
absorbing water from the ground in January, and begin to draw nourishment
from their own sap. In the mid-winter of life, people have absorbed
from their surroundings, and can then draw from their inner resources
to complete their growth and bear fruit. This confirms honoring
the worthiness of our elders. January 26 is Vasant Panchami, the festival of Kites, devoted
to Saraswati, goddess of learning and wife to Brahma. She is asked
to bestow the wealth of Knowledge to all humanity. Celebrants wear
yellow clothing in honor of the mustard fields, symbolic of spring
coming to the land. January 19 is Waqf al Arafa, an Islamic observance day during
the festival of Hajj, wherein Muslim pilgrims pray to Allah for
forgiveness and mercy. Hajj is celebrated from January 19 through
January 22, for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The Full Moon of January is known as the Wolf Moon in Pawnee
Indian lore - Pa'Ni means wolf. The Great Spirit gave Wolf Spirit
the job of guarding the Evening Star (the Moon). When the Morning
Star (the Sun) took charge of the sky, the Wolf Spirit was given
the winter quarter of the universe to guard. The wolf has the survival
skills to meet the challenges of the winter season. It was also
called the Wolf Moon because wolves became hungry enough to advance
into the world of humans looking for food. Lord Byron, a prolific poet was born in London on January 22,
1788 as George Noel Gordon. Through his mother's lineage, he became
Baron Byron of Rochdale, and a member of the Scottish aristocracy: Roxana Muise, PO Box 3948, Lacey, WA 98509-3948 USA |
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