Important energies for the month of January 2014:

• New Moon with Sun and Moon in Capricorn occurs on January 1, 2014.
• Full Moon with Sun in Capricorn and Moon in Cancer occurs on January 15, 2014.
• Second new Moon with Sun and Moon in Aquarius occurs on January 30, 2014.
• Jupiter retrograde in Cancer forms an opposition to Pluto in Capricorn on January 31, 2014.
• Venus turns stationary direct on January 31, 2014.

Values and Relationships

By Misty Kuceris ©2014

As the month of January 2014 begins, there are some important astrological energies that are already in full swing.

• Jupiter in Cancer turned retrograde on November 7, 2013 and will remain retrograde until March 6, 2014;
• Mars entered the sign of Libra on December 7, 2013. It turns retrograde in Libra on March 1, 2014, extending its stay in that sign and turns direct on May 19, 2014. It will remain in the sign of Libra until July 25, 2014.
• Mercury went out-of-bounds on December 16, 2013 and will return in-bounds on January 7, 2014.
• Venus in Capricorn turned retrograde on December 21, 2013 and will remain retrograde until January 31, 2014.

These three planets create an underlying theme during the month of January. Venus and Jupiter are both very important when it comes to looking at global commerce and finances. With both planets retrograde at this time, you’ll find that financial matters seem more difficult to resolve. These matters seem to be in the “stuck” position.

In your personal life, having Venus and Jupiter both retrograde can operate in a slightly different way. Venus represents personal relationships in your life while Jupiter represents social relationships. This is a good time for you to re-evaluate your relationships with other people, both in your personal and professional life. Are you letting them cross boundaries? Are you giving more in the relationships than you are getting? If so, you may need to readjust those relationships and create different boundaries with these individuals. You may also find that people from your past are now re-entering your life. Perhaps there were some unresolved issues that now can be corrected.

While Mercury will only be out-of-bounds for the first week of January, it is an interesting phenomenon to pay attention to. When Mercury is out-of-bounds, you can’t always get your thoughts collected. You can come up with some good concepts, but you don’t necessarily know how to communicate those ideas. In your relationships with other people, you may feel like you want to share some information, but you can’t quite seem to focus. Don’t worry at this time. The focus will come.

One of the most important planets to watch between now and July 25, 2014 is Mars. Because Mars has entered the sign of Libra and will remain there for close to eight months, you’ll need to understand the importance of relationships in your life and how they work. Mars will become more significant in understanding personal relationships as the months pass because Mars will also be making aspects to Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto. So, meditate on relationships that can help you feel your spiritual center as well as help you understand how to move into the future without losing your sense of power. The same help will be asked of you as well.

There are two new Moons during the month of January. The first new Moon occurs on January 1^st with the Sun and Moon in Capricorn. This new Moon is very intense because it emphasizes the cardinal grand cross that will occur in April 2014. It forms a conjunction with Pluto and Mercury in Capricorn; a square to Mars in Libra; an opposition to Jupiter retrograde in Cancer, and a square Uranus in Aries.

With the new Moon in Capricorn, you need to consider work-related matters and how they impact your spiritual existence. Capricorn represents both the prestige that you earn from your profession as well as the initiation process of elevating spirit into every aspect of your life. Often you are called upon to provide a leadership position where you need to consider not only what’s important to you, but also what’s important to others.

Technically the new Moon is separating from the square to Uranus. Emotionally this means that you need to leave chaos behind you. You need to consider how change impacts everyone in your life. You need to consider the consequences of your actions.

As the new Moon moves into a conjunction to both Pluto and Mercury, you need to see how much power you have to make changes in your life. You need to think about your choices and decide which ones are more important. You may even need to find ways to compromise rather than try to manipulate solutions.

Meanwhile, the new Moon also forms a square to Mars at the same time that it’s forming the conjunction to Pluto and Mercury. Action is required at this time in your life. You can’t put it off. And, this action involves relationships with other people. If you feel angry about a situation, find out if that anger represents a feeling that perhaps you’re giving up too much. Or, perhaps you feel that other people aren’t as supportive as you need. Once you understand the cause of your anger, you’ll be able to move forward.

Finally, the new Moon forms an opposition to Jupiter retrograde. This means that you need to look at your future from the perspective of your past actions. Perhaps there were things that you did which really didn’t move you forward. Or, perhaps you put off ventures that were important to begin and complete. Plus, Jupiter represents the desire to find spirit in your actions. So, it’s important to take the time and find out just how your actions bring more spirit into your life.

A few days after the new Moon occurs, Mercury forms an opposition to Jupiter retrograde on January 3^rd bringing out more discussions about the future and what needs to be done. On one hand, you may feel optimistic about your possibilities. You feel that you can finally find the balance between what you need to do on a routine basis in your life and what you need to do to set your future goals. Or, you may feel that life is rushing just a bit too much and you need to slow down. With Mercury in Capricorn, it may be difficult to listen to your feelings. But, try to slow down enough and pay attention.

Economically things could be difficult in the world. World trade may be falling behind. You may see problems not only in the United States but also in other parts of the world. Employment may be the key problem.

When Mercury forms a sextile to January 6^th, you find yourself paying attention to routine matters in your life. You feel that it’s important to take care of personal business. You have the ability to focus on what’s important. But, with Venus retrograde forming a square to Ceres later in the day, you find that you don’t want to compromise your ideals to get things done. While not compromising may cause some tension in your personal relationships, that may not be a bad thing. Pay attention to your ideals so you know the best thing to do.

When Mercury was in Sagittarius on December 16, 2013, it went out-of-bounds. During that time period it was very difficult to come up with ideas and concepts. Now that Mercury is in the sign of Capricorn, it is returning in bounds on January 7^th. This gives you a chance to come up with ways to communicate your needs with other people. You may even come up with some plans that can bring projects to fruition.

It’s very important that you are careful on January 8^th. Mercury forms a square to Ceres while Mars forms a square to Jupiter retrograde. In April 2014, Mars will kick off a cardinal grand cross which involves Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto. Today is a precursor to potential events that will occur in April 2014. Arguments that begin today will not be resolved until April 2014, if at all. Discussions will center on the importance of compromising while still trying to defend your actions. You may want to push your point, but you may not get anywhere. The energy of this day could also indicate a major security breach as it relates to computer information. So, do everything possible to protect your information.

On January 11^th, Venus retrograde forms a sextile to Saturn. This is the second time that Venus forms this sextile. The first time that this occurred was on November 23, 2013 when Venus was in direct motion. The third time that it will occur is on February 24, 2014 when Venus is again in direct motion. Normally when Venus forms a sextile to Saturn, you really feel good about yourself. You feel as if you have your life in order. Relationships seem to be going well. Your finances are doing well. With Venus forming this sextile three times, it’s important for you to look at your commitment relationships and see if they are meeting your needs. Are you able to balance your material and spiritual life with the people you are involved with? If there were difficulties with relationships last November 2013, you need to review those problems today. If you found things were going well for you in November 2013, look at what you were doing and repeat that today. If you avoid resolving relationship problems today, you will be forced to resolve them in February 2014 when this aspect occurs for the third time.

This is also a good time to review your financial commitments and see if they are bringing you the financial security that you need to have. If not, it’s time to look at those commitments and see which ones are pulling you out of your budget. Perhaps you need to let go of those commitments. If you’re not sure what to do now, you will know in February 2014 when this aspect occurs for the third time.

Mercury enters the sign of Aquarius later in the day on January 11^th. Because the sign of Aquarius is co-ruled by both Saturn and Uranus, the way the energy works can vary. You may find that you are taking things too seriously in your life and it’s now time to make changes. Or, you may find that your mind is so open to new ideas that these concepts seem a bit unusual even to you. The balance here is to let new ideas simmer while you determine just how valid they are in your life. Once you understand how valid they are, you’ll be able to determine whether they are worth implementing in your life or just tossing away.

When Mercury forms a square to the Moon’s Nodal Axis on January 14^th, you may feel some conflicts between what you thought was important in your life and what you really want. It’s a conflict between your known past and your desired future. The Moon’s North Node deals with your desires. The Moon’s South Node can indicate self-defeating behaviors that prevent you from achieving those desires. This is actually a good day to jot down all those behaviors and determine whether or not they are enabling your success. This is also a good day to release fears which prevent you from achieving your goals. You may even want to pay attention to what other people have to say because they can offer you some very sound advice.

The full Moon that occurs on January 15^th has a Sun in Capricorn and a Moon in Cancer. This full Moon forms a square to Ceres indicating that you need to understand what you want in life and determine whether some compromises are necessary to achieve your goals. There has to be a balancing act between family and work. With the Moon going void-of-course after the full Moon is completed, you may not be able to take action right now. You’re really better off meditating on the balance you need to achieve between family and work.

Mercury forms a quincunx to Jupiter retrograde a few hours before the Sun enters Aquarius on January 19^th. While you want to rush into the day and make decisions, you’re better off moving slowly and taking your time. There’s a tendency to be over optimistic about your possibilities to the point that you don’t really see them very accurately. You could make mistakes. You might say too much and your words could get you into trouble. Even with the Sun in Aquarius which helps you understand new possibilities in life, you need to be careful. So, open your mind to new possibilities but take time to understand how those new possibilities could impact your life.

If you said too much on January 19^th, you might regret it on January 25^th when Mercury forms the square to Saturn. However, if you took time to think about new possibilities and waited to act on them, this square between Mercury and Saturn could really work in your favor. Your ability to use critical thinking will increase. You’ll see the pros and cons to various situations. You’ll know when to act and when to hold back.

There are actually two new Moons which occur during the month of January 2014. This won’t be the only time this happens this year. You’ll also experience two new Moons during the month of March 2014.

This new Moon in Aquarius which occurs on January 30^th forms a quincunx to Jupiter retrograde and a sextile to Uranus. This means that you have the opportunity to come up with new ideas that could lead to future successes. But, you’ll need to make adjustments in how you approach your goals. You’ll need to consider that perhaps the old rules won’t work and it’s time to come up with some new rules. Since Pluto is approaching an opposition to Jupiter retrograde and Venus is slowing down to turn direct, you need to think about your financial security. You also need to plan for your financial future. Old bills need to be addressed. New budgets need to be determined. More fiscal responsibility needs to occur.

As the month of January draws to a close, Jupiter retrograde forms an opposition to Pluto. Mercury enters the sign of Pisces; and, Venus turns stationary direct on January 31^st.

This is the second time that Jupiter forms an opposition to Pluto. The first time that it occurred was on August 7, 2013. The third time that it will occur is April 20, 2014. What’s important about Jupiter forming an opposition to Pluto three times is that Jupiter also forms a square to Uranus within a short time period. Therefore, when Jupiter forms the opposition to Pluto, it is creating the energy of a cardinal T-square which is also the energy for personal initiation and global strife.

In August 2013, Jupiter formed the square to Uranus on the 21^st, approximately two weeks after it formed the opposition to Pluto. In August 2013, both Edward Snowden and Private Bradley (now known as Chelsea) Manning were in the news. Snowden was granted asylum by Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, on August 1^st. Meanwhile Manning was convicted on August 21^st and sentenced up to 35 years for violating the Espionage Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

On August 4, 2013, Iran inaugurated a new president, Hassan Rohani who is considered a liberal in Irani political circles. While the International Community doesn’t believe that Iran will stop building its nuclear programs, both Rohani and leaders of various countries, including the United States, are in negotiations with Rohani to see if modifications can be made to the nuclear program and certain sanctions lifted against Iran.

Bashar Assad, President of Syria, according to the United Nations investigation, used chemical weapons on August 21, 2013 in his fight against civilians and opponents in the civil war. The shelling and rocket attacks were on Eastern Ghouta, suburbs located to the east of the capital, Damascus. The United States was faced military action against Syria. However, Russia announced that it would work with Syria to remove all chemical weapons. With the United States people tired of war, this tactic was more acceptable and, perhaps, caused a sign of universal relief.

The trial of Bo Xilai, August 22, 2013 through August 26, 2013, in Jinan, China may have caught the rest of the world by surprise because Xilai was seen as a rising star in the political party. Both the “new left” who are against China’s move to making money and Maoists considered him in the highest regard. Yet, he was given life imprisonment for accepting bribes, embezzling money, and abusing power to protect his wife. His wife, Gu Kailai, was sentence to prison in March 2012 for the death of British businessman Neil Heywood. Many observers outside of China felt that the real motivation behind the trial was a political purge tactic.

Again, Jupiter forming a square to Uranus will not be that far behind at this time. Jupiter retrograde forms the opposition to Pluto today, January 31^st, and Jupiter retrograde will form the square to Uranus on February 26, 2014. Some of the same issues that occurred the first time are surfacing in the news again now: Various media outlets are suggesting that criminal charges against Snowden be dropped since they see him as a whistle blower. The chemicals which made the weapons used in Syria will be picked up and disposed of during the next several months. Iran and China will make the news again as well.

When Jupiter forms an opposition to Pluto, there is a question of how far can you push things in life before authority steps in and stops you. Or, perhaps a better question to ask yourself is: How far can you pull the rubber band before it snaps and you hurt yourself?

When Jupiter forms an opposition to Pluto there are also the questions: Just what can the government keep secret before it’s revealed to the entire world? And, what is the price that revealing this information really has in the world? Snowden was concerned that the NSA spied indiscriminately against not only terrorists but United States citizens that were just living their daily lives. Jupiter rules the desire to be free. Pluto rules the desire to keep everything hidden. Both sides believe what they are doing is for the good of all.

Normally when Jupiter forms an opposition to Pluto, you need to consider how important is it that you tell the world everything vs. how important is it that you keep information to yourself. However, throw Uranus into the mix and it’s as if you really don’t have any say in the matter. Other people are throwing out information and asking you to decide what to do. There’s a feeling that you don’t really have any control at this time.

Perhaps it’s a good thing that Mercury enters the sign of Pisces on January 31^st. You may be able to approach matters with more compassion. You may be willing to listen to other people. And, perhaps Venus turning stationary direct later in the day will also help. When it was in retrograde motion, from December 21, 2013 to January 31, 2014, you needed to review your feelings, especially in relationships. You also needed to take care of financial matters. But, because Venus was retrograde, you didn’t know quite how. Now, with Venus turning direct, you have a better sense of what it is you need in your life, both in relationships and financially. You can move forward with your life as you put your values first.