Monday January 10 through Sunday January 16

Sun sextiles Neptune on Monday; Mars squares off with Neptune on Tuesday: Mercury retrogrades in Aquarius on Friday; and the Sun joins Pluto on Sunday.

Individually and collectively, we are on the precipice of significant changes this year. We entered 2022 under the influence of Venus moving retrograde in Capricorn � an opportunity to examine more seriously what we are attracted to and why. What�s valuable? What�s worthwhile? What�s worth making a commitment to? (Venus moves direct on January 29th).

Now in the second week of January, Mercury, the planet of thinking and communication begins a retrograde pattern in the mental air sign of Aquarius that extends through February 3rd. This is the first of three retrograde cycles for Mercury in 2022. (Look for Mercury�s retrogrades coming in May, and September. And technically, Mercury will begin a retrograde on December 29th, extending into January 2023).

A potentially significant influence on Mercury�s January retrograde pattern is Uranus, the planet of rebellion and revolution, sitting in Taurus and squeaky close to a square to Mercury in Aquarius. Since Uranus rules Aquarius the threads of connection between Mercury and Uranus are overlapping and unpredictable. I can hardly wait to see what will be revealed in the next few weeks and after! Remember one of the names for Uranus is �The Great Awakener�. Uranus is also within a couple of days of finishing a lengthy retrograde of its own making this planet�s influence more consequential.

Mercury is also in close proximity to organized and disciplined Saturn this week and within 3 degrees on Friday when the retrograde begins. This could prove to be a very interesting dynamic of change energy and an echoing vibration of the conflicting square between Saturn and Uranus that sounded throughout 2021. Although Saturn is in progressive Aquarius, it is the planet that resonates with the status quo, conservative and traditional values, and the norms that hold society and structures together. Generally, Saturn and Uranus don�t play well together � Saturn limits, organizes, provides structure, and holds together, while Uranus shatters limits and boundaries, invites the unusual, and embraces the new and unconventional. So here is Mercury under the heavy influence of Saturn at its side and looking with excitement, (or is it trepidation?) at a challenging square to Uranus.  

Decide to put behind you the backwards and outdated thinking about Mercury retrograde � don�t buy or sign, miscommunications, and screwed up travel plans. Instead think progressive and forward like Mercury in Aquarius. This is the time to reflect backwards but to plan forwards. Every small and great achievement in life starts small � a spark, a thought, an idea, a seed being planted. Yes, this is a time to unravel miscommunications and simplify chaos. I�d be the first to suggest we think carefully about every decision and choice. But this is true all the time, not just when Mercury is retrograde.

It�s a time to focus clearly on what we want to be, feel, and achieve. And think carefully about the seeds being planted. Retrogrades are perfect for reviewing and renewing. No harm in identifying what isn�t working so we can adjust our trajectory. Some things need to go, some can be successfully revised, and we�ll need to add something new. Saturn suggests success is built on a strong foundation, while Uranus encourages us to look beyond the familiar for new solutions and answers.

This is a great time to re-connect with old friends and allies. Possibly your contact list needs to be reviewed and updated? Aquarius is the sign of friends, associates, and colleagues. How do yours reflect who you are and where you are going? This is the time to consider connecting with organizations, institutions, and movements. Networking is a vital skill for Mercury in Aquarius. Identify and bond with those who teach, enlighten, provoke and speak to your mind and heart.

And importantly use this time wisely. Benjamin Franklin said, �Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.� Don�t put everything on hold until the retrograde is over. Stay awake; Uranus will insist on it! While we may be tempted to take a daring leap over the next few weeks, the cosmos will probably advise a thoughtful and planned strategy instead. Gather information, don�t be afraid to challenge your assumptions, and mentally and emotionally go out on a limb. See how it feels, soak in the vibrations. Listen for revelations. Foster humility (not easy for Mercury in Aquarius!) If you hope to shape the world, you must first shape yourself.

Until next week, let go and wear loose clothes.

MONDAY
January 10
Moon in Aries/Taurus
The Void of Course enters Taurus 6:47am
Agitation morphs into patience this morning as the Moon leaves fiery and restless Aries for grounded Taurus. This intentional sign prefers to act deliberately and carefully rather than racing about with no real plan in mind. Today we strive to find more balance between short-term benefits and long-term costs and values. A fast-food lunch may fill our stomachs quickly but how does it stack up against our nutritional and budgetary goals? Under a Taurus Moon we think about these things.

But don�t expect an abundance of restraint when it comes to turning down the decadent desert at lunch, or any other posh treat or purchase that catches our eye this afternoon. The Moon�s uplifting connection to Jupiter in Pisces mid-day makes it hard to be overly disciplined as we are feeling optimistic and hopeful. Even the best intentions for sticking to a diet, budget, or plan may temporarily waver.

This evening the Sun�s encouraging connection to Neptune helps us tap into our sense of being guided by destiny. Our faith is restored in divine order or purpose operating behind the scenes. There is an imaginative and dreamy quality to this energy which encourages intuition and sensitivity. Trusting that a bigger purpose is at work, we find it easier to be patient with ourselves and others. This generosity extends to allowing relationships and projects to develop in their own organic time frame.

This is a good time for spiritual disciplines and practices, creativity, movies, (making or enjoying), and photography. This alignment between the Sun and the planet of transcendence also promotes intuition, psychic skills, and activities that benefit from imagination and sensitivity.  

Daily Muse: Through books and photographs, I saw a world that was not my own - and I realized that there was another world. That's why I'm concerned about education because it helps our children see other worlds. (Bette Midler � Sun in Sagittarius sextile Neptune in Libra)

TUESDAY
January 11
Moon in Taurus
We may have been in a forgiving and patient mood last night, but the goodwill does not necessarily carry over through today. The Moon in Taurus connects with radical Uranus in the early morning hours and then squares authoritarian Saturn in Aquarius. We are probably not in the mood to compromise or negotiate even if our lips profess differently. This edgy and contrary energy might have dissipated quickly if it wasn�t for aggressive Mars squaring Neptune this afternoon.

This can be a tricky energy as personal wants and desires are not necessarily in alignment with spiritual goals and values. This can manifest as the classic conflict between separate and shared interests. I�m all for eliminating plastics from the world�s oceans as long as I can continue using disposable drink bottles for my convenience, where and whenever I want.

The Moon in Taurus is sounding a similar alarm encouraging us to look at the effects � short and long-term � of our behaviors especially around consumption and the use of resources. How often do we make a �Devil�s Bargain� to get what we want even though the long-term effects for ourselves and others is far from ideal? What excuses and defenses do we use to justify our actions?

The energy feels less pestering in late afternoon when the Moon makes a positive connection to retrograding Venus. All in all, the cosmic momentum for this afternoon and evening and continuing through Wednesday can feel positive and enlightening if we are willing to look at upsets and conflict and learn from them. With Venus retrograde we can take a second and third look at what we think we want, and what we consider valuable. Venus retrograde patterns are cosmic gifts for gaining awareness and replacing outdated habits with more enlightened behaviors and routines.    

Also in the mix today is Mercury in Aquarius heading towards its first retrograde pattern of 2022 on Friday January 14th. Take your time to unravel thoughts and feelings especially considering the �interesting� times we live in.

Daily Muse: I like to be the right thing in the wrong place and the wrong thing in the right place. Being the right thing in the wrong place and the wrong thing in the right place is worth it because something interesting always happens. (Andy Warhol � Mars in Taurus square Neptune in Leo)

WENSDAY
January 12
Moon in Taurus/Gemini
The Moon Goes Void of Course at 11:39am enters Gemini at 7:08pm

The cosmic skies are clearer today with the Moon in Taurus allying with the Sun in Capricorn overnight and with Pluto, also in Capricorn, midday. Both aspects give us a sense of alignment or even inevitability. Whenever the Moon and Pluto partner up in a positive and supportive way, emotions are deep, profound, and resilient. We don�t run away from risks or from pain. We accept disappointment as an opportunity for growth and transformation. We expect good and are motivated and confident as we approach our activities and interactions. We take responsibilities for our thoughts and actions.  

The Moon is void of course after it connects with Pluto (11:39 am PST) until 7:08 tonight when it enters Gemini. This afternoon is perfect for self-reflection and making plans for change.

The Gemini Moon is usually good, or at least interesting for social interactions and communications. However, just because there is a plethora of words or ideas, doesn�t necessarily make them credible. Keep your wits about you tonight and practice using your intuition to read between the lines and recognize when facts are really fantasy or wishful thinking. Others may be telling us what they think we want to hear or �improving� on the truth to make it more interesting, shocking, or palatable. Unless the topic is fictional storytelling, be on your toes. You might sharpen both your intuitive and communications skills by listening carefully and thinking before you speak.

Daily Muse: All great speakers were bad speakers at first. (Ralph Waldo Emerson � Sun and Mercury in Gemini)

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THURSDAY
January 13
Moon in Gemini
Pay extra attention to your thoughts and words today. The cosmic energy is heavily weighted towards sharp, incisive, and effective communications. The Moon is in Mercury-ruled Gemini � the master communicator and orator. And the Moon is in a favorable and strong trine aspect with Mercury this afternoon and with disciplined Saturn in Aquarius (also a mental Air sign) tonight. To further punctuate this energy, Mercury is relatively stationary as it prepares to go retrograde in Aquarius early tomorrow morning (3:41 PST). (For the astrologers in the crowd, Mercury is a few degrees away from Saturn today making it conjunct but will not reach a perfect conjunction with Saturn until March, after it�s retrograde pattern.)

This is auspicious energy for writers, bloggers, speakers, and especially for editors. The latter is favored as collectively, all of the above points to the ability to use elevated levels of reason, logic, and discernment. This is not a day for frivolous or superficial communications. It is a day for targeted messages cutting through confusion, exaggeration, and subterfuge. Effective communication is intentional and designed for a specific purpose and audience.

People may be more serious today and it is a good time to consult with professionals like lawyers, accountants, teachers, doctors, architects, or others who are experts in fields requiring specific knowledge and experience.

Daily Muse: We all know that light travels faster than sound. That's why certain people appear bright until you hear them speak. (Albert Einstein Mercury conjunct Saturn in Aries)

FRIDAY
January 14
Moon in Gemini
Mercury Goes Retrograde 3:41am
The Moon goes Void of Course 6:22pm
Individually and collectively, we are on the precipice of significant changes this year. But before we set plans into motion, we get to reflect backwards. Today Mercury joins in the effort by stationing retrograde at 10 Aquarius. The planet of thinking and communication remains in backwards motion (metaphorically speaking) until February 3rd. If you are feeling a bit reticent about the future or what to do next, there�s a good astrological reason. As Mercury retrogrades it is closely connected to disciplined Saturn and squaring unpredictably radical Uranus. I am reminded of the proverbial advice � �Don�t throw the baby out with the bathwater.�

It�s time to look forward with expectation and willingness to move out of our comfort zones, but not without getting our plan together and setting a firm foundation first. The combination of Venus and Mercury both moving retrograde can help us do just that � review our priorities and strategize a plan appropriate for changing times and evolving goals.

Communication and interaction remain at the forefront today with the Moon in Mercury-ruled Gemini. Expect a distraction or confusion mid-afternoon when Luna squares Neptune in Pisces. Intuition is probably more accurate than reason. Emotional expression and feelings might be difficult to understand and even harder to articulate clearly.

This evening the Moon�s opposition to Mars could prove challenging as we are feeling selfish, impatient, or impulsive, or a combination of the three. People may be demanding and reactive. Not the best night for a social activity unless participants are good at remaining emotionally detached and independent in the context of strong personalities. Give yourself and others personal space and don�t expect people to be overly cooperative or easy going.

Daily Muse: Nowadays I am often the veteran on the set. I try to be conscious of the effect that my words and actions have on the people with whom I�m working, mindful of how one single comment could affect someone�s life trajectory.
(Ron Howard � Five planets retrograde in Natal chart including Mercury)

SATURDAY
January 15
Moon in Gemini/Cancer
The Void of Course moon enters Cancer 8:11am
We may be dreaming about hibernating close to home today, but we can be coaxed out with the right incentive. The Moon crab-walked into her home sign of Cancer this morning and a desire for domestic bliss includes playing mother, nurturer, or cheerleader to whoever is in need. Mid-afternoon Luna�s positive trine to Jupiter in Pisces may create the illusion our resources are infinite, and our energy is never ending. Unfortunately, not true. Be careful of over committing even for a good cause.  

With a few helpful boundaries in place the hopeful connection between the Moon and Jupiter sets the stage for an enjoyable and cozy afternoon and evening. Cancer Moon energy is good for nesting. This is a good time to consider updates or a new addition. I�m thinking a new paint color, chair, or throw pillow, but if your mind goes to babies, kittens, or puppies, so be it! Having a few people over for an intimate dinner, family game night, or a movie marathon are great options too.

Daily Muse: Our stories may be singular, but our destination is shared� If there's a child on the south side of Chicago who can't read, that matters to me, even if it's not my child. If there's a senior citizen somewhere who can't pay for their prescription, who has to choose between medicine and the rent, that makes my life poorer - even if it's not my grandparent. If there's an Arab-American or Mexican-American family being rounded up by John Ashcroft without benefit of an attorney or due process, I know that that threatens my civil liberties. And I don't have to be a woman to be concerned that the Supreme Court is trying to take away a woman's right, because I know that my rights are next. It is that fundamental belief - I am my brother�s keeper, I am my sister�s keeper - that makes this country work. (Barack Obama � Moon in Gemini trine Jupiter in Aquarius)

SUNDAY
January 16
Moon in Cancer
We awake with eyes wide open. The Moon in Cancer connects with electric Uranus but even more stimulating, the Sun in Capricorn has it�s annual meeting with Pluto. This is serious and transformational energy. It can reignite motivation and passion on multiple levels. We are clear eyed about what needs to change even if we are not sure of the path forward.  

The Sun Pluto conjunction suggests there are emotionally compelling issues and decisions to be grappled with today. Family or domestic responsibilities and concerns are likely although these may very well be intertwined with matters involving work, career, finances or love. It�s possible we are feeling stuck, weighed down, or delayed by commitments we have made or responsibilities that have been evolving over time. Perhaps a family member or close friend needs our help, is relying on us and our resources, or is asking us to make a personal change or decision.

The Moon in nurturing Cancer wants to answer the call and increases our sensitivity to the issues. With the Moon opposing Venus we can expect we are feeling ambivalent and unsure about our next steps. Considering options and weighing factors is an important step in coming to a solution we can live with and feel good about. We can�t possibly know all the possible consequences of our actions and we don�t need to. Trust yourself and your connection to the good within to make choices that will reflect love and ultimately be in the best interest of all.

Listen for revelations today that spark new curiosities and adventures. The Sun�s meeting with Pluto is powerful stuff!

Daily Muse: I like people who don't accept boundaries, like Florence Nightingale. and Napoleon or Louis XIV, though I'm not sure how much I'd have liked to meet them. I admire people who aren't circumscribed by circumstance. (Julian Fellowes � Sun conjunct Pluto in Leo)