January 2010

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AFTER READING THE INTRODUCTION, SCROLL DOWN TO YOUR PERSONAL HOROSCOPE

This year gets off to a slow start with Mercury retrograde in Capricorn until January 15 and Mars retrograde in Leo until March 10. After then, the ride through 2010 accelerates to high speed with our hair on fire.

Until January 15, business and career matters proceed slow as molasses. Many of us will continue to look for progress that seems to elude us. Use the days until Mercury goes direct for the purpose of retooling. Give thought to the future and how that looks in your individual life. Question the status quo and how others treat you. Those of us born during the middle two weeks of any month are especially confronted by Mercury’s tricks and delays. The best way to deal with Mercury retrograde is to finish projects that were begun prior to this retrograde period. Stay focused on minor details so that the small stuff does not make you sweat.

Mars turned retrograde in Leo December 20 and remains so until March 10. Mars is about action. While he is retrograde we must temper our actions with a mature sense of purpose. Pick your battles wisely and avoid blowing your top needlessly. This is not the time to seek revenge, but it is the time to evaluate the motives behind those smiling faces that ultimately seek to fool us. Sit still when you feel out of balance. Just like Mercury is retrograde, now is the not the time to get started on new ventures. However, now is the time to consider where you want to go in life once March 10 arrives.

Since Mars is retrograde in Leo, this sign will feel less expressive and confident than usual. Leo and their fellow fixed signs Scorpio, Aquarius and Taurus can make some terrific future plans while Mars is retrograde. The challenge for these fixed signs will be to get past stalemates and unnecessary drama until March.

Saturn in Libra since last October 29 turns retrograde January 13 to May 30. Saturn shows us what we need to change in our lives. Since this great taskmaster has been moving through Libra we have been concentrating on changing the ways we relate and the company we keep. Great examples of this can be found in the news surrounding politicians, sports heroes, and celebrities including the dalliances and business connections they have hidden from the public view.

Remember that we continue to feel Saturn squaring Pluto in Capricorn (exact January 31). We have been feeling this pinch since late October and will continue to feel it into February. The most notable result of this aspect is the current recession and unemployment. Money and business matters will not ease just yet. Luckily, though, the good will of Jupiter conjunct Neptune remains in affect through mid month fueling our hopes for a break in the current downturn.

While Saturn is retrograde in Libra until April 7, many of us will be taking a practical almost a cynical look at our close relationships. Use caution against becoming too critical and consider how your behavior can change the current circumstances.

Saturn backs into Virgo April 8, goes direct in Virgo May 30 and finally leaves Virgo in July 22 once and for all until 2036. Virgo, especially those born around the Virgo/Libra cusp, gets one final dose of Saturn’s lessons. Use those days to complete the tough stuff with maturity and you will be so much better off in years to come because you have done your personal work.

The first new Moon/Solar Eclipse of 2010 occurs at 1:11 am CST January 15 at 25 degrees Capricorn. This event, while conjunct Venus, happens within four degrees of the north node of the Moon. As the Sun and Moon both move toward the north node, our emotions become intense and events will shake us in our shoes January 3-18. However, since this new Moon is connected to Venus, we are compelled to reconcile even in the face of political opposition. Hopefully, our compassion and need to make amends is not due to a natural disaster such as an earthquake. Those of us born at the middle of any month are especially blessed with new beginnings over the next six months, but all of us must use caution to insure our well being around this powerful eclipse.

In hindsight, an eclipse occurred at this same position on January 15/16, 1991. On January 13, 1991 the citizens of Lithuania stood up to Soviet tanks in front of the Lithuanian parliament 1 . The Soviet army backed down and Soviet domination of Lithuania ended.

On January 16, 1991 the White House announced that Kuwait liberation from Iraq had begun under the codename Desert Storm2 . Indeed, we can expect powerful events to take place this month and in the coming weeks.

Jupiter, ruler of expansion and our need for self-improvement movement moves through Pisces January 17 – June 6 and September 8 – January 22, 2011. Jupiter was once considered the ruler of Pisces so this transit bodes well for Pisces along with their fellow water signs Cancer and Scorpio. Fish are sure to see an improvement in their status and reputation, but must be sure that the augmentation does not come to their waste and hips as a result of an enthusiastic appetite. In any case, Pisces rules dissolution so that fat can be melted away with easy, but so can economic stability.

Since Pisces is a compassionate sign there will be an increase in help for those who have the very basic needs. Health and human services will be increased along with care for the aged and even animals in need. The plight of elephants along with the inhumane treatment of animals is sure to be in the news.

Pisces rules alcohol and drugs and thus we will see their usage increase as well as an advancement in the treatments for addiction and other diseases. At the opposite end of positive Jupiter’s expansion is gluttony. With the other tough economic aspects already in force we could see and increase in inflation as we experienced in 1974 and 1975 while Jupiter was in Pisces.

Looking on to next Spring/Summer, Jupiter and Uranus both enter Aries in June followed by Saturn going back into Libra in late July. Don’t forget Pluto will still be in the early degrees of Capricorn. This results in what is called a cardinal t-square. International relations shift and more than one country will be faced with making constitutional changes. The changes that occur in our societies, governments, and economies will come up sudden and swift. Prepare for an exciting ride but remember that most exciting rides are bumpy ones. Forget the doom and gloom and prepare emotionally and financially for the coming changes in this important year as the resolution begins.

January 4 - The Sun in Capricorn is conjunct Mercury. This is usually a great time for communication, but since Mercury is retrograde there will be difficulties with most written or verbal conversations. Read the fine print and wait a few days before shredding any papers.

January 5 - Mercury still retrograde in Capricorn is conjunct Venus. Heartfelt emotions can be resolved especially if you are Capricorn, Virgo, or Taurus. Since Mercury is retrograde, choose those words carefully when conveying any message.

January 11 -The Sun in Capricorn is conjunct Venus. Capricorn looks good in that conservative attire. Fellow earth signs Virgo and Taurus shine also, but Aries, Cancer, and Libra are a bit out of sorts and cannot seem to get it right with their outfit or their relations just now.

January 13 - Venus and the Sun are sixty degrees from Uranus in Aquarius. This is an exciting aspect and we are apt to feel anticipation for one reason or another. People we meet now are new and different, but alas, they are just passing through our lives.

January 18 - Venus enters Aquarius until February 11. Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini are hot but aloof. New and different kinds of people are what Aquarius likes now so if you are offbeat there is hope for finding love with an Aquarius. Otherwise, group endeavors are greatly favored through February 11.

January 19 -The Sun enters Aquarius until February 18. Aquarius is at one of their yearly peaks and Libra and Gemini are not too bad off either. Now is the time for Aquarius to charge their battery in order to deal with the events of the coming years. Aquarius, look out for your best interest. The rest of us are up for group dynamics. It is through working together in cooperation that we can get what we want at this time.

January 21 -Venus in Aquarius is one hundred twenty degrees from Saturn retrograde in Libra. This sensible aspect has us taking a logical approach to the ways we handle our money and our honeys. Avoid using the wrong words early in the morning.

January 24 -The Sun in Aquarius is one hundred twenty degrees from Saturn. A methodical approach gets so much accomplished down to the finest detail. However, as the day proceeds to afternoon and evening, chaos will ensue.

January 26 - Venus in Aquarius is opposite Mars retrograde in Leo. Relationships have us perplexed, as we work to impress and compel loved ones. Slow down and don’t use flashy displays of affection or sacrifices to win affection. Let them love the real you, soup sipping and all those other idiosyncrasies that make you wonderful you.

January 30 - The full Moon at ten degrees Leo occurs at 12:18 am CST opposite Mars and sextile Saturn. Those of us born at the very end or very beginning of any month are most affected by this anxious emotional lunar event. Use caution to avoid accidents. Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius, and Taurus are wound tight. Since Saturn and Pluto are exactly square we are sure to feel down for a day of so until our dramas subside.

Capricorn continues to feel a pinch whether that is financial or an unfriendly energy coming from bosses and family. Lately, life seemed slow and dull just because your days have been void of happy and exciting results. Use the current timeout to step back and plan for the future. Rebalance your self in relation to others. The new Moon eclipse January 14 adds the excitement you thought you were missing to the next six months. Circumstances require goats to step up to a new level of maturity as the to roles you play in life become more serious. January 5 – 19 is full of opportunities, challenges, and drama. Avoid explosive situations and people during the first three weeks. Capricorn is redefining your sense of self. Best days 4th, 15th, 24th,

Aquarius cannot help but ponder the rules and regulations that you hold onto for good for bad. Listen the symbols you see and the dreams you dream in order to understand what you do and do not need in your life now. Aquarians born January 29- February 8 even more than the rest are challenged to prove their worth but must choose battles wisely in order to avoid public disgrace. Rash behavior is not the way to garner attention. Second children or grannies need your support in the face of an uphill battle. Do not abandon your scruples for compromise and watch your step, as you are clumsier than a tap dancer wearing shoes on the wrong feet. Delay signing business contracts, as potential partners are most likely unsuitable. Best days 7th, 15th, 25th

When fish hit a concrete wall, they say, “damn”. Over the course of the next several months Pisces is challenged with climbing over walls put up by friends, bosses and partners of all sorts. Misunderstandings occur, so speak concisely and have your facts straight while Mercury is retrograde through January 15. The new Moon eclipse January 14 signals big decisions and new options over the next six months. Luckily, Jupiter moves into Pisces January 17 affording opportunities to swim over most dams through June 5. During that time Pisces is sure to receive accolades but you are warned to stay away from the dessert tray. Resist impulsive spending and jumping to any conclusion. Minor health matters have Pisces and their pets up and down. Best days 8th, 9th, 18th, 19th

Rams ruler, Mars, is still retrograde which has Aries less active than usual. Don’t fight the downtime or the issues that family, friends, or career present. The ways you relate to everyone is changing and that has many of your relations puzzled because you do not fall into their codependent mold. Most matters are on hold until the 15th and it is not until the week of January 18 until you actually get a break in the current ice floe. This is no time to respond to the doldrums with rash decisions or behavior. Disappointments with honeys and business matters occur through April 7 possibly because no one can meet your new standards. Adjust your ideals only when those changes feel appropriate to your good sense. Best days 2nd, 11th, 20th, 21st 29th

Taurus is occupied with the big picture of their life and right now that picture does not seem to be in color. Take the current timeout to retool your sense of adventure. Adjust your beliefs and let go of thoughts and situations that put limits on what you strive to achieve. New acquaintances and group interactions make life’s challenges easier to digest January 17 through June 6. However, the daily routine is very stressful around January 14. Use caution when traveling at that time. Work is tough and can be even tougher if your or a loved one’s health is a factor to consider. Laugh off meddlesome relatives or insensitive coworkers through April 8. Bulls must be the stalwart family members into March. Best days 4th, 15th, 24th

Mercury retrograde and the new Moon eclipse have Gemini preoccupied with unproductive thoughts and obsessions. Manage your mind and take your focus off negative situations and unsupportive partners. Do this by strategizing your way out of financial snafus and intimate situations that have gone awry. Innovate in order to regenerate where you seem to be spiraling out of control. Think before speaking so that your words make a good impression as opposed to entertaining. Play fair with neighbors and siblings who want to spar. Those relationships are complicated right now. The best way to make progress with any venture is to persist in your efforts. Use caution when moving about the planet or accidents will temporarily take you out of the game of life. Best days 7th, 15th, 25th

Relationships with loved ones, business partners, or even enemies have Cancer concerned. Enemies are most likely the easiest people to handle through March 10. However, Communication with everyone is very important now in order to clear the air and compromise. Previous promises must be kept to the letter or both Cancer and their cohorts must sit down to renegotiate over the next several months. Misunderstandings begin to resolve at mid month and crabs start to feel very optimistic January 17 to June 6. Many of you will travel and grow in new directions through mid 2010. Opportunities are abundant so take the best ones in preparation for a big new direction during the summer. Resist rash decisions that can jeopardize your financial security. Best days 2nd, 8th, 9th, 18th, 19th

Mars retrograde in Leo has Leo feeling less charmed than usual. Your ability to follow through is lacking here and there as your energy is not consistent with the challenges you face. Abstain from behavior that garners negative attention. This is not the time to try to make a point as your efforts will be pointless and only serve to make you appear self serving. Consider new services to provide. Tend to your health and diet in the short term so that you can stay vigorous for the long haul. Shared ventures and intimate connections are favored after mid January. Leo will be blending resources with others in order to accomplish a common goal. Credit and financial matters improve, as does the spiritual aspect of your life. Best days 2nd, 4th, 11th, 20th, 21st 29th

Virgo is energized by events that occur during the first half of the month. Situations considered both positive and negative compel you to take steps to express your needs and desires. Delays and minor details attempt to undermine your efforts through January 15. Consider these detours as opportunities to refine your ultimate goal, especially monetarily. Partnerships of all sorts come into play January 17 – June 6. You will receive a surprising amount of help where most ventures are concerned throughout the year. Those who are looking for love are certain to find it with an older person. Legal matters of all sorts go well in 2010 but you must not forget the fine print in any situation. Business and love go well January 21. Best days 4th, 24th

Home and family issues have Libra in a bit of a dither as the month begins. Many of you will be wondering where you should land while others have family upsets that must be solved. Mom’s finances and well-being are on some Libra minds. Maintain balance where friends and children are concerned. Consider the resources you have at hand including your God given talents along with your bank balance. Those born mid October are compelled to make deliberate changes in the short term while Librans born around September 25 feel restricted by unavoidable circumstances. Get old business finished so that you can be ready for the big changes that come in June, July, and August. Research the family tree to discover your roots. Best days 7th, 15th, 25th

Mom’s side of the family challenges Scorpio to take charge when those relations need assistance. Siblings are no help, and in fact you are sure to be irritated by the drama they and your neighbors bring to any situation. You will have to stand your ground and speak your mind more than once during the first part of January. Scorpio embarks on a new thought process in the months ahead. Some of you will begin a new course of study while others take pride in a new form of self-expression. Throughout the course of 2010 Scorpio is more comfortable with who they have become. You will not be afraid to let others know exactly who you are which will deepen your intimate relationships this year. Best days 8th, 9th, 11th, 18th, 19th

Money matters should be put on hold until mid month. You don’t have all the facts at this point and most likely your logic is not very even keeled where money is concerned until after mid January. After that, Sagittarius will be embarking on new financial ventures throughout the next six months. That includes developing new skills as well as uncovering resources you may not have known you possess. Look to your inner self to find peace and harmony. Home and family disputes and issues are easily resolved this year and Sadge finds a new sense of belonging. New home purchases and redecorating serve to satisfy your sense of adventure. Personal growth must be balanced with excessive behavior through June. Recognize and embrace only viable opportunities. Best days 2nd, 12th, 21st, 29th

1. http://irzikevicius.wordpress.com/2008/01/13/january-13-1991-–-lithuania’s-‘winter-war’/