Monthly Vedic Astrology Forecast

Full Moon in Gemini New Year's Eve - January 1

The Moon is full for the second time in December at 16° Gemini, in the lunar mansion called Ardra, associated with change and renewal. The Moon will be about 10° away from Ketu, the South node, while the Sun is likewise about 10° away from Rahu, the North node of the Moon, which will result in a partial lunar eclipse visible to all of Asia, Europe and most of Africa. In addition to the Sun and Rahu being opposite the Moon, Venus and retrograde Mercury also occupy Sagittarius, aspecting the Moon by opposition. The combined influence of Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius, Saturn, ruler of Aquarius where Jupiter is located, and Mercury, ruler of Virgo where Saturn is located will act to shape this blue moon spectacle, as well as much of the planetary setup for the rest of January. The energy of change and renewal is afoot, as shown clearly by this full Moon, but the theme is patience with slow, careful growth beginning in early stages. With Mercury retrograde currently as the lord of the full Moon, we may feel extremely energetic, but not extremely focused. This will be a good night for free-form celebration that doesn't rely on tight plans and coordination. Gaze at the moon and feel the freshness of a spring rain wash over every part of your life (figuratively!) as we prepare to come about in a new direction.

Saturn Retrograde January 13 - May 30

The theme of slow growth and deliberate change is bolstered as Saturn begins a retrograde cycle that lasts through 2010's second quarter. Saturn is the slowest moving visible planet and is the ultimate planetary boundary setter in the sense of his role as the wisdom that recognizes both the illusion of ego and the limitations of the material world. His is the constant reminder to take responsibility on all levels of existence, and his teachings can lead seekers to the goal of balance that allows the ego to serve the healthy function of evolution without getting lost in the endless corridors of self-centered behaviors. Saturn is useful for the task of separation from "I, me, mine" attitudes and actions.

While Saturn is in Virgo for the next 2+ years, it will urge us to take responsibility for our health, from our personal physical states to the delicate balance of elements that make up our environment, which is a part of us in our physical manifestation as human beings on this planet. In the political arena, this may manifest as the implementation of health care reform and stricter environmental regulation aimed toward protecting the health of plants, animals and humans. While Saturn settles into his retrograde cycle, from mid-January through May, we have the chance to settle into a detailed, thorough analysis of our state of health: how we maintain it, how we handle incidents of health crisis, who we trust with taking responsibility for our health, what threatens health, how do we protect health, what service does general health provide on personal and collective levels, what sacrifices must be made to promote health, etc. All retrograde cycles are much better for review, revision and analysis than for implementation of new approaches. Saturn's slow, deliberate nature may bring up feeling of impatience as many hunger for change now, but overcome anxious feelings in order to benefit from the wisdom of observation, analysis and age that offers the lessons of history.

Sun Enters Capricorn January 14

The Sun moves into Saturn's terrain on January 14, which will give some gentle fire to Saturn's gathering slowness. Capricorn is Saturn's earth sign, and can be pictured as a rocky slope that requires patience, endurance, fortitude and detachment from discomfort in order to climb. Use the Sun's one month transit of Capricorn to sharpen these skills. Make yourself an exercise calendar for the month, set personal goals and lay groundwork toward them, as examples. With all of the slow energy around, don't expect leaps and bounds, but rather a slow, firm beginning. In honor of Capricorn and in honor of the Sun's glory, perhaps some capering would be in order, just to keep things light.

Mercury Resumes Direct Motion January 15

By the time Mercury stops and turns around on January 15, he will find himself alone in the room with Rahu, all his friends moved on into Capricorn. With Mars and Saturn both retrograde as well, Mercury has lead us toward the fact that we must stop what we're doing and look around as we consider what needs to change in order to keep hope and spirit alive. Mercury will be hovering around Rahu during both the partial lunar eclipse of December 31 and the solar eclipse that occurs on January 15. Mercury rules communication and other interchange between entities. His usual quick nature is hampered during retrograde cycles, so we may find it difficult to express ourselves both due to the final streak of retrograde energy, but also due to the eclipsing effect caused by Rahu. It may be difficult to let out what's on the inside. Remember that Mercury retrograde can linger for about a week after direct motion is resumed. Yes, that means most of January is really out of the question for attempting any really big moves. Meditate while you wait...

New Moon in Capricorn January 15

At about 12:15 am MST on January 15, the Sun and Moon conjunct once again to start our new lunar cycle, this time at just past 1° Capricorn in the lunar mansion called Uttarashada. This is the third month in a row that the new Moon occurs in sandhi which is the transitional zone between signs. Planets are usually considered weakened in this state. In addition to this good news, this new Moon is also affected by a solar eclipse that will be visible to most of the eastern hemisphere, where it will be daytime and residents will see the Moon pass in front of the Sun. Though in a different sign from Rahu, who is in the late degrees of Sagittarius, the Sun and Moon will only be 5° away from the "dragon's tail," resulting in this eclipse. This further weakens both the Sun and Moon, as well as Venus, who is exactly conjunct with this new Moon. Uttarashada is associated with stability, insight and persistence, so this only furthers the importance of the suggestion to move slowly or stop altogether in order to get a very clear picture of the current situation with the idea in mind that we need to choose new pathways wisely in the midst of what is a precarious situation for much of the world given the economic instability, the unhealthy food production system and the misuse of resources that prevails on the planet at this time. I suggest a moment of silence at this time, wherein we may have the opportunity to look at and think about what we've done to get ourselves where we are. After that, we begin to ponder what we will have to sacrifice to move forward with dignity. Serious stuff, people.

Venus-Mars Opposition January 24 - January 30

Venus and the Sun plod along up the trail as January progresses, walking straight into a direct opposition with retrograde Mars in Cancer during the last week of January. All of this slowness, plodding, waiting, analyzing and taking responsibility may begin to wear on us, and it may begin to show as the planets that represent the male and female aspects of our human passion and desire face off. Let's refresh the screen on Mars, who entered a retrograde cycle in his sign of debility in December: Mars likes to go forth and conquer, but is severely hampered by backward motion in an underwater environment. Neither pens nor swords function well submersed in water. Mars is frustrated, astrologically speaking. Be aware of how the streak of Mars that lives within each of us reacts to this state. Decide beforehand how you will channel the energies of frustration that Mars may bring about. With Venus and the Sun seeking higher ground across the way, Mars may feel even more crippled. It would not be surprising should skirmishes of various kinds erupt during this week.

Full Moon in Cancer January 29

The slowly strengthening Moon reaches the point of fullness late in the evening on Friday, January 29, exactly conjunct with Mars. After a very shaky beginning to the lunar cycle, the Moon reaches full strength in her own sign, which may ameliorate the situation of Mars, albeit temporarily. It should be a fantastic sight to see in the night sky, with Mars a bit redder and brighter due to his retrograde status. The Moon is full in the very last part of the lunar mansion called Pushya, which is considered to be one of the most auspicious nakshatras. This day may be one on which we have a moment of comfort, calm and clarity in the midst of a persistent challenging period. This Moon can remind us of the bigger picture, the underlying reason for doing what we do and bolster us as we continue to find a path toward better means and ends. Envision the blossoms and fruits of the starts that are being conceived, planted and nurtured on so many levels. Let the vision of that beauty be an inspiration.