Headlines
A pair of oddball Aquarius New Moons are the main “skylights” of 2015’s first two months. Other important events include Mercury retrograde, Full Moons in Cancer and Leo, Mars strongly aspecting Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Venus, and a powerful “Finger of God” featuring Jupiter, Chiron and Pluto!
- 1/4. Full Moon in Cancer
- 1/13. Juno-Chiron-Pluto Yod peaks
- 1/20. Sun enters Aquarius
- 1/20. Aquarius New Moon #1
- 1/21. Mercury Retrograde Begins
- 1/22. Juno-Pallas Athena-Uranus Grand Trine peaks
- 2/3. Full Moon in Leo
- 2/6. Pallas Athena-Jupiter-Uranus Grand Trine peaks
- 2/11. Mercury Retrograde Ends
- 2/18. Aquarius New Moon #2
- 2/22. Jupiter-Chiron-Pluto Yod peaks
The Story So Far
As January opens, we have two retrograde planets: Juno thru 3/13 and Jupiter thru 4/8. And the pervasive energies of revolutionary transformation (a Uranus-Pluto square), as well as universal love, compassion and spiritual awakening (Neptune in Pisces), remain powerful for years to come!
Concise Overview
This section contains brief forecasts for the most important astrological events in January and February. Be sure to also check out the forecasts in my semimonthly email newsletter, which go into much greater detail!
It’s a great time to broadcast your unique offerings to the world around New Year’s Day with Mars opposing Jupiter (21°41′ Aquarius-Leo).
Full Moon in Cancer
2015’s first lunation, on 1/4 at 11:53 PM EST, is a doozy: it forms a Grand Cross with the Uranus-Pluto square and the lunar nodes! Any Full Moon in Cancer (this one’s at 14°30′ Cancer) is good for making life-affirming adjustments in the areas of family, nurturing, home, security and the deep unconscious.
Aspects
Because Uranus and Pluto make strong hard aspects to the luminaries, the energy of revolutionary transformation permeates this lunation. This suggests making quick, decisive changes to the status quo wherever it doesn’t serve the highest good. The squares made by the lunar nodes to the luminaries raise the bar even higher: the adjustments you make should put your life more in alignment with your life purpose.
Other aspects to the luminaries flesh out the picture. Vesta’s opposition to the Moon calls on you to nurture a higher cause with your actions so that others will benefit from them. And soft aspects from Chiron show that mentoring and healing are easily available to support you if you seek them out.
Sabian Symbol
This Full Moon’s Sabian Symbol is, “A group of people who have overeaten and enjoyed it.” What this symbol doesn’t show is the downstream effects of this self-indulgent gluttony: digestive discomfort and weight gain, and the possible denial of nurturance to those who truly need it.
This symbol is an apt metaphor for our global obsession with endless economic growth, which is devastating the Earth’s resources, species and environment. The sooner we broaden the Cancerian definition of family to include our planet and all the living things on it, the sooner we can adopt a saner paradigm that doesn’t threaten humanity’s survival. (For a hard-hitting but hopeful take on this topic, check out Naomi Klein’s amazing new book, This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate.)
Yod: Juno-Chiron-Pluto
Committed partnerships, be they romantic or platonic, are ripe for positive adjustment under a Juno-Chiron-Pluto Yod. Any wounding that occurs will show you where the trouble spots are so that they can be healed. It’s up to you to decide whether transformation or release is the better strategy. This Yod begins on 1/1, peaks on 1/13 and ends on 1/20.
Obstacles may impede your progress under a Mars-Saturn square (2°12′ Pisces-Sagittarius) around 1/15. Regain your momentum by holding a clear vision of your goal and applying consistent effort to its achievement.
Even the best of committed partnerships can rise to the next level with Uranus trine Juno (12°52′ Aries-Leo) around 1/17. If you make quiet time to receive intuitive insights in this area, you may find them surprisingly easy to implement.
A strong desire to experience altered states may arise with Mars conjunct Neptune (5°55′ Pisces) around 1/19. This is an ideal time to dive into the bliss of divine connection and receive creative inspiration from your Muse.
The Sun enters Aquarius on 1/20 at 4:43 am EST. For the next month, put special emphasis on expressing your authentic self, following your intuitive flashes and serving others with your special gifts.
Aquarius New Moon #1
A New Moon occurs on 1/20 at 8:14 AM (0°8′ Aquarius). New beginnings in the previous paragraph’s Aquarian expressions are supported.
This New Moon is barely in Aquarius, occurring at 0°8′ with the Moon only a quarter-hour out of Capricorn. This sets the stage for a rare second Aquarian New Moon in February, and invites consideration of how the energies of Capricorn and Aquarius can be helpfully integrated. Adjacent signs are always birds of different feather, since neither their modes or elements are naturally compatible. But a little creative thinking can go a long way in helping them work together harmoniously.
In this case, since divine intelligence is infinitely smarter than any human rationality, let Aquarius’ intuitive flashes set the agenda. Then let Capricorn’s industriousness and organizational skills work out the details.
Aspects
Service to a higher cause is supported by a Vesta conjunction, while a sextile from Saturn reinforces the Capricornian energy just mentioned. (Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, embodies the same archetypal energy.)
Sabian Symbol
This New Moon’s Sabian Symbol is “An old adobe mission in California,” an example of a long-enduring spiritual structure. This can be seen as an earthly metaphor for the immortal consciousness which is your true identity. What you truly are will endure longer than any church, any earthly structure, or even the Earth itself. May you awaken to it soon if you haven’t already!
Mercury Retrograde Begins
Another Mercury retrograde period begins on 1/21 at 10:54 AM and lasts through 2/11. Mercury retrograde is always a good time for reflection and planning. It’s also ideal for completing projects already underway and making repairs. If possible, avoid starting new projects or making major purchases. This Mercury retrograde takes place entirely within Aquarius, so reflect on the Aquarian themes already mentioned.
Grand Trine: Juno-Pallas Athena-Uranus
A Grand Trine makes it easier to find a harmonious balance between the June Cleaver and Xena the Warrior Princess that live inside you. The equilateral triangle formed by Juno (June Cleaver), Pallas Athena (Xena) and Uranus begins on 1/11, peaks on 1/22 and ends on 2/6.
Everything in life has its appropriate time, whether it’s cooking the perfect family meal or vanquishing an archenemy on the field of battle. Let your intuitive flashes (Uranus) guide you as to how and when to express your urges toward domesticity (Juno) or warriorship (Pallas Athena).
Inspired creativity, divine union and experiencing the divine in others are powerfully supported around 2/1 by a Venus-Neptune conjunction (06°21′ Pisces).
Full Moon in Leo
February’s Full Moon shines forth on 2/3 at 6:09 PM (14°47′ Leo). Stepping more fully into the spotlight – as a leader or performer – is supported. Also take a look at how well you’re nurturing children (including your inner child), and whether you’re making enough time for fun, rest and relaxation.
Aspects
A Jupiter conjunction gives this Full Moon an extra dose of luck and joy. The Moon also conjoins Juno, amplifying the effects of the Juno-Pallas-Uranus Grand Trine that peaked on 1/22. The Moon also forms the tip of a Yod with Chiron and Pluto, amplifying the energies of healing, mentoring and transformation.
Sabian Symbol
This Full Moon’s Sabian Symbol is, “A street pageant moving along a street packed with people.” This symbol’s interpretation is a no-brainer: get out there and strut your stuff!
Grand Trine: Pallas Athena-Jupiter-Uranus
In this Grand Trine, Xena leaves June Cleaver behind with the Beav, Ward and Wally and gallops into battle on her own. Feminine assertiveness (Pallas Athena) receives harmonious expansion (Jupiter) and intuitive support (Uranus) for its unique expression in your life. Strategic planning and practical creativity are also energized. This Grand Trine begins on 1/25, peaks on 2/6 and ends on 2/27.
Being emotionally challenged by your beloved is more likely around 2/9 under a Venus-Chiron conjunction (15°38′ Pisces). Consider it an opportunity and work with them to heal the underlying issue. It may also be helpful to seek out a qualified advisor to assist you.
Mercury Retrograde Ends
The Mercury retrograde that started on 1/21 ends on 2/11 at 9:57 AM. For optimal results, hold off on new beginnings and major purchases until after the New Moon on 2/18.
There’s opportunity for a change in your financial fortunes as Ceres squares Uranus on 2/12 and conjoins Pluto on 2/15. Ceres represents abundance, while the multi-year Uranus-Pluto square represents revolutionary transformation.
To capitalize on this, use the Law of Attraction to tell the universe exactly how much money you want, and by what date. Follow the intuitive flashes that will pop in to guide you, and release whatever obstacles stand between you and your goal.
Aquarius New Moon #2
January’s New Moon was barely Aquarian, but February’s New Moon (2/18, 6:49:46 pm) is only in the sign of the water-bearer by the skin of its teeth. It occurs at 29°59′ Aquarius, and the Moon enters Pisces 10 seconds later! (The Sun is right on its heels, entering Pisces two and a half minutes later.)
The foundational interpretation of an Aquarian New Moon remains the same as last month: it supports new beginnings in embodying your authentic uniqueness, following your intuitive flashes and serving the collective with your special gifts. But with this lunation being about as borderline as it gets, we once again need to consider how the meanings of the neighboring signs can be integrated.
For starters, Aquarius and Pisces both represent intuition. Aquarian intuition is like a lightning strike, while Piscean intuition is like a waterfall. So follow your inner guidance, whether it flashes or flows. These signs’ energies can also combine to energize spiritual awakening, creative breakthroughs, and compassion and unconditional love within community.
Aspects
To emphasize these archetypal energies further, this lunation aspects the modern rulers of Pisces and Aquarius. The Sun and Moon are conjunct Neptune (ruler of Pisces), and are semi-square and at the midpoint of Uranus (ruler of Aquarius) and Pluto. Pluto calls for you to release all that doesn’t serve you, and to embody the unimaginable power that only becomes available when you surrender your ego to divine service.
Sabian Symbol
This New Moon’s Sabian Symbol is, “Moonlit fields, once Babylon, are blooming white.” Babylon’s generic meaning is a bustling city, so this image shows nature taking over a depopulated metropolis. The image of moonlit fields blooming white is peaceful but also contains a mystery, since the true color of the fields is unknowable by moonlight.
The image is deeply peaceful, just as you are when you live by the flow of your intuitive guidance. And the image of nature reclaiming the city is a beautiful metaphor for the ease and radiance of divine consciousness – your natural state – taking the place of agitated thoughts and turbulent emotions.
Even the unknown color of the fields is apt. The indescribable bliss of divine consciousness cannot be imagined, only experienced. It is only after experiencing a degree of awakening that one can perceive the extraordinarily vivid true colors of reality. After this, colors seen only through the physical eyes, like these moon-white fields, are perceived as pale reflections of the glorious colors perceivable only with expanded divine awareness.
Relationships, sexuality and creative expression get a major boost around 2/22 under a Venus-Mars conjunction (1°41′ Aries). Both new beginnings and the reinvigoration of what’s already begun are energized.
Yod: Jupiter-Chiron-Pluto
Ready to step into the spotlight as a performer, leader, healer or mentor? How about amplifying the energies of healing and transformation in your life? Both these opportunities are energized by a Jupiter-Chiron-Pluto Yod that begins on 2/11, peaks on 2/22 and ends on 3/3.
Void-of-Course Moons
It’s best to avoid starting important new projects or making major purchases during these times. “Business as usual” is the best strategy for these periods, which occur when the Moon has made its last major Ptolemaic aspect but has not yet moved into the next sign.
- 1/1, 7:19:54 am-12:09:51 pm (Gemini)
- 1/3, 6:55:43 am-8:08:38 pm (Cancer)
- 1/4, 11:54:23 pm-1/6, 6:03:46 am (Leo)
- 1/8, 12:05:38 pm-5:58:54 pm (Virgo)
- 1/10, 10:46:37 am-1/11, 6:57:39 am (Libra)
- 1/13, 4:47:35 am-6:45:03 pm (Scorpio)
- 1/15, 6:52:45 pm-1/16, 3:01:57 am (Sagittarius)
- 1/17, 2:26:22 pm-1/18, 7:05:10 am (Capricorn)
- 1/20, 4:44:23 am-8:00:32 am (Aquarius)
- 1/21, 8:46:12 pm-1/22, 7:48:49 am (Pisces)
- 1/23, 6:13:55 am-1/24, 8:32:23 am (Aries)
- 1/26, 9:24:16 am-11:38:20 am (Taurus)
- 1/27, 9:19:32 pm-1/28, 5:37:09 pm (Gemini)
- 1/30, 4:25:29 am-1/31, 2:09:43 am (Cancer)
- 2/1, 8:37:52 am-2/2, 12:41:57 pm (Leo)
- 2/4, 12:31:59 am-2/5, 12:46:58 am (Virgo)
- 2/6, 5:10:14 pm-2/7, 1:44:45 pm (Libra)
- 2/9, 6:59:17 am-2/10, 2:06:23 am (Scorpio)
- 2/12, 12:33:23 am-11:47:35 am (Sagittarius)
- 2/14, 10:16:05 am-5:25:22 pm (Capricorn)
- 2/16, 3:18:06 pm-7:14:14 pm (Aquarius)
- 2/18, 6:48:23 pm-6:48:33 pm (Pisces)
- 2/20, 3:06:34 pm-6:14:06 pm (Aries)
- 2/21, 7:36:50 pm-2/22, 7:29:15 pm (Taurus)
- 2/23, 9:58:23 pm-2/24, 11:54:54 pm (Gemini)
- 2/26, 3:44:35 am-2/27, 7:50:43 am (Cancer)
- 2/28, 12:54:21 pm-3/1, 6:35:16 pm (Leo)
Semimonthly Forecasts
Check back around the 1st and 15th for updated forecasts.
Whatever your Sun Sign, Benjamin’s forecasts can help you make the best use of the current astrological energies.
All dates and times are in the U.S. eastern time zone. Events are most powerful on the dates listed, but their influence will be active for at least several days before and after.
Everyone is affected by these global transits. However, you will be most powerfully impacted when moving planets activate sensitive points in your natal chart.
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