Monthly Vedic Astrology Forecast

Grand Cross in Cardinal Signs rings in New Year January 1

The New Year arrives under the sign of a grand cross made by four of the other planets that circle our Sun, as we look out from our earthly home to the space that surrounds us. In the evening sky on January 1st, we can see Mars in the constellation of Aries overhead, while watching Venus and the Moon set soon after the Sun (that is assuming it's not overcast or raining where you are.) Out of our view, but there none the less on the other side of the Earth, Jupiter travels slowly through Libra, opposite Mars in Aries, and Saturn travels even more slowly through Cancer, opposite the Moon and Venus in Capricorn. This configuration is referred to as a "grand cross," and this particular one is occurring in what are known as the "cardinal" signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. The cardinal signs are known for their qualities of initiative, action, forward motion and decision. This configuration will hold throughout this month, although the planets that occupy Capricorn will be changing.

Mars spends last month in Aries January 1 - February 5

I have spoken nearly incessantly during the past six months about how strong Mars' influence has been since beginning of his lengthy campaign through Aries. Mars entered Aries in early August 2005, completed a retrograde cycle, and is making his final pass through his fire sign this month, moving on into Taurus on February 5. Mars' march in the next four weeks may seem to pick up a strong, steady momentum due to the grand cross energy. This will also be the last month of the mutual aspect of Mars and Saturn, which came as a relief to me for a moment, until I realized that there will be a conjunction of these two planets in June. Seeds planted this month may show up again at that time. Interaction between Mars and Saturn is characterized by friction in most cases, much like the friction caused by combining the overconfidence of youth and the smug wisdom of experience. Wow, that kind of reminds me of the brash attitude of "The New World" contra posed to the conservative attitude of traditional culture. All judgment aside, one can see this battle of archetypes at work in our world today, underlying the complex web of political intrigue that makes up the lives of people, cultures, and governments of the world. This month is a crucial time to set a course for the adventure that is your life from this day forward. If changes need to be made in your life, take the reins and start moving. The world may be your oyster, but getting those things open isn't easy, so take a clue from Mars and get to work (and don't cut yourself on that shucking knife.)

Mars Opposite Jupiter January 8 - January 18

While Mars and Jupiter will occupy opposite signs until Mars moves to Taurus early next month, they will be in very tight opposition through the middle of the month. Jupiter's optimism, expansion, and positive attitude could greatly help to enliven our focus on the future during this period. Because changing course or shifting gears can be uncomfortable, which may be in the stars for many of us at this time due to the cardinal grand cross, we can draw on the beneficence of Jupiter in Libra to guide us as we move forward. Jupiter in Libra is ruled by Venus, who is currently retrograde and will move from Capricorn back into Sagittarius on January 13, where she will move back and forth until February 24. During this time, Venus and Jupiter will exchange signs, putting them into a position to foster harmony in relationship. From mid-month through the end of January, we will be in good position to explore, adjust, and open up our relationships with others and to perceive how our relationships orient us to the world at large.

Venus Begins New Synodic Cycle January 13

Venus will disappear from view in the evening sky on January 8, conjunct with the Sun on January 13 (as the Sun moves from Sagittarius to Capricorn and Venus moves from Capricorn to Sagittarius), and will become visible as the morning star on January 21 in the sign of Sagittarius. This is known as the heliacal rising of Venus. Here is an excerpt of an article by Sandra Mosely:

Babylonian and Mesoamerican astrologers paid close attention to Venus, particularly to her first appearance as a morning star, which was considered a dangerous time. The Babylonians called Venus the double phased Ishtar -- the morning star of war and the evening star of love. The Mesoamericans linked the morning phase of Venus with Quetzalcoatl, one of their major gods, believing that this was a time when leaders are struck down and natural disasters occur.

Bruce Scofield, astrologer and researcher, has observed certain types of events occurring around the time of the interior conjunction and Venus rising as a morning star. He states that typical news items are of airplane crashes and the discrediting, resignation or loss of power of public figures. He warns that individuals who are "ruled" by Venus may suffer upsets of an emotional or biological nature at these times.

Given this opinion, there could be some activity of note during the week between January 13-20. Look at both the choices you are faced with and the forces beyond your control during the second half of this month and attempt to determine how they combine to assist you in bringing balance via change. This is the beginning of a new Venus cycle, and things may be shaken up in the interest of evolution. Practice of detachment could be useful in the face of this astrological phase: Venus' energy can be "sticky," attractive, attached, and binding. If you feel the need for space, it may be due to the energy of Venus during this time.

Full Moon in Cancer January 14

The full Moon this month occurs at 0° Cancer, reflecting the bright light of the Sun and occupying her own water sign. There is a seriousness associated with this full Moon due to the Sun's position in the first degree of Saturn's earth sign of Capricorn combined with Saturn's own position in Cancer at this time. The Sun – Moon axis is crossed with that of Jupiter – Mars, further highlighting the grand cross energy mentioned above. The Moon and Saturn will both be influenced by Mars from Aries at this time, which could further indicate disruptions to the peace. This configuration could also indicate feelings of hopelessness and depression. A remedy for this would be to make a conscious effort to socialize and draw on the energy of Jupiter in Libra and Venus in Sagittarius as described earlier.

New Moon in Capricorn January 29

The energy of the full Moon will move steadily forward as the Moon wanes, conjuncting with Jupiter on January 23, with Venus on January 27, with the Sun at 15° Capricorn on January 29, and finally with Mercury a bit later in the day on January 29. This new Moon is in very tight opposition to Saturn and could further open the possibility of feelings of fear and depression. It is good to be aware of this so that compensation for that can be made during what could be a time when we're stepping forward in new directions. Ask a friend to act as a reminder or witness in case you get bogged down by emotions and lose track of your source of inspiration.

Things are going to begin to move this month, ready or not. Choose your direction carefully and be sure to plant your seeds where you really want them to grow. Try to maintain a healthy balance between what you may perceive as grim reality with its practical obstacles and the promise of growth, expansion, and evolution beyond your wildest dreams. The illusion of duality is our greatest obstacle as we walk as humans on this earth. Put your trust in Truth and your feet on the path.