Astrology By Dorene
ASTROLOGY REPORT
FOR JANUARY 2008
By Dorene A. Carrel. Click here for more about Dorene.
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The New Year begins with a powerful planetary alignment that occurs both at the beginning and end of 2008. On January 2, Pluto forms a challenging opposition with Mars in the last degree of Sagittarius and Gemini. In March, the same opposition occurs in the signs of Capricorn and Cancer. Then in December, Pluto aligns again with Mars in the sign of Capricorn. This planetary energy is very transformational, though its initial effects can be unsettling. It is likely to bring some deep and lasting changes to our lives and the world around us. This energy is intensified by the aspect degree being aligned with both the galactic center and the world point. With so many major planets in earth signs, this favors more earth changes as well, especially earthquakes and volcanic activity. As 2008 is a one vibration in numerology, this year will herald some important new beginnings.
Mars in Gemini continues in a retrograde motion until the end of January. We can use this period to reevaluate the effectiveness of how we move forward with life goals. It is also favorable to evaluate our patterns of communication, especially in our significant relationships. Are we achieving more unity and cooperation or more resistance? This Mars/Pluto alignment will tend to bring out our more willful, stubborn side, which can cause negative reactions or stalemate situations. There is a greater opportunity to more clearly see our relationships as mirrors for our own inner process. Writing in a journal would be an excellent spiritual practice to begin this month.
On January 6, Venus is in a hard alignment with Saturn. This week can be very challenging for relationships, as Saturn in Virgo brings a more critical distance. However, we can use the time for attending to our own personal growth and taking a discerning look at how our relationships either enhance or diminish our greater goals. The planetary energies this month will tend to bring out the more independent, feisty side in individuals. We will also be in a more practical frame of mind, which may lead to our making some long-overdue changes.
The New Moon occurs on January 8 at 17 Capricorn 33. A favorable alignment with Uranus will bring some added creative inspiration. Capricorn themes include a focus on career, organizations, responsibility, tradition, structure, discipline and being grounded. It will be best to leave any new beginnings until late February because of the Mars and Mercury retrograde cycles. However, we can look at how we might bring more restructuring and discipline into certain life areas in order to achieve more satisfying results with long-term goals. Jupiter is in favorable alignment with Saturn on January 21, so we should see some positive results from our changes at that time.
The Full Moon takes place on January 22 at 2 degrees of Leo. On the same day, Mercury aligns with Neptune in Aquarius. This energy is favorable for getting in touch with our "inner child" sense of imagination and self-expression. How can we bring more enjoyment and play into our lives? As the planetary intensity increases, we will need more ways to de-stress and let go from daily pressures.
Leo energies favor creative expression, children, taking risks, being self-confident and heart-centered. The Mercury/Neptune aspect also favors bringing in messages from spirit guides, angels or other spiritual sources.
On January 25, Pluto enters Capricorn, where it will remain until June 13. Pluto then retrogrades back into the last degrees of Sagittarius before entering Capricorn again in late November. As Pluto will be in Capricorn for over 20 years, expect the beginnings of major changes in government, business and other institutions that have seemed fairly stable until now. Pluto is also aligned with Venus this week, which may bring some major economic shifts.
On January 28, Mercury turns retrograde at 24 Aquarius until February 18. Since Aquarius rules technology, we may experience a lot of computer malfunctions at this time. This would not be a good time for purchasing or installing any type of computers or software. Retrograde periods generally favor research and other introspective type of activities.
As the month ends, Mars turns stationary direct on January 30, at 24 degrees of Gemini. As Mars trines Mercury, combining physical and mental activities could prove to be a useful way to generate rewarding new ideas. We can now research and plan our next goals and actions -- to begin when Mercury turns direct in February.
Blessings to all for a wonderful New Year filled with peace, joy and prosperity!
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Dorene Carrel is available for personal astrology consultations and can be reached at dorenea5@yahoo.com. Dorene has over 30 years of experience as an astrological counselor and is certified in Astrocartography. Her consultations include personal, career, relationships, relocation charts and numerology. Services include natal, transits/progressions, numerology, compatibility and relocation.
Dorene is also a professional editor, specializing in the subjects of personal growth, metaphysics and holistic healing.
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