January ‘25 astro-weather

The 1st of January kicks off with powerful first-degree energy—Mars, Pluto, and the lunar nodes are all lined up on the 1°. Over the coming months, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will join the party as they shift into new signs. The year 2025 is shaping up to be a major energetic shift, bringing incredible opportunities (or "portals," as they're often called these days) for integrating and grounding higher states of consciousness. It's a chance for personal growth and overall life improvement.

At the same time, 2025 marks the start of a more yang-driven energy. Personal awareness and initiative will be key. Many people—those sometimes referred to as "sleepers"—might not feel or use this shift to its fullest potential. For them, this energy will show up in more mundane ways, maybe even shake things up a little. But unless they actively work on themselves, their lives might not see much positive change.

As we go through to 2025, I'll share more insights about these opportunities. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter and follow my Instagram so you don’t miss out on any updates!

On January 3rd, Venus moves into Pisces—a placement where she truly shines. Pisces loves Venus, and in this sign, she expresses her highest qualities. Think idealistic, emotional, creative, spiritual, altruistic... but also deeply vulnerable. Relationships will take center stage, and with Venus in Pisces, there's a natural tendency to idealize them. Venus in Pisces can be absolutely beautiful—but it can also be tricky if expectations don't align with reality.

This is a perfect time to focus on spirituality and introspection. Venus in Pisces gravitates toward universal concepts and higher values. However, there’s a catch: Pisces has no boundaries. It’s easy to drift into idealism or sacrifice too much of yourself for others. That’s where this placement can feel challenging. The key here is to maintain your sense of self, practice healthy boundaries and self-love.

On the same day, we have the exact opposition of retrograde Mars and Pluto. This isn’t the final exact moment between these two planets, as Mars, in its direct motion, will form another exact opposition with Pluto. We’ve all already witnessed the destructive energy of this opposition in actions toward the end of 2024, all around the world. It has been marked by bloodshed, clashes with authorities, and even the fall of governments in some countries.

This aspect brings themes of control, manipulation, and impulsivity. It is highly inadvisable to engage in conflicts during the Mars-Pluto opposition. Instead, a calm and strategic approach is recommended. Acting impulsively during this time can have serious consequences. To help mitigate the intensity of this energy, engaging in vigorous physical exercise can be beneficial. Avoid manipulative behavior and steer clear of situations where you might be manipulated. This is an extremely volatile energy, and actions can quickly lead to "an eye for an eye" scenarios. It’s also a good time to create distance between yourself and external provocations. On the other hand, the beginning of January is ideal for self-improvement, psychological work, healing from trauma, and confronting deeply rooted emotions.

The following day, January 4th, brings some relief amidst the chaos with a sextile between the Sun and Saturn. Just two days later, on January 6th, Mars moves into Cancer, which may help, even just a bit, to alleviate some of the intensity in the air. A positive side of these transits is the protective instinct that may arise. People become more inclined to defend and care for those they love or what they love. The focus shifts to security and the closest environment.

During Mars in Cancer, actions are driven by emotions, which can be advantageous, especially since the same day brings an exact square between Mercury and Neptune. Mercury - Neptune square can distort rationality, presenting illusions or outright falsehoods as truth. It’s a time to turn inward, explore your emotions, and act from a place of inner understanding. This is not a period for rigid rationality or blindly accepting what is presented to you.

On the other hand, Cancer is considered a weak placement for Mars. This can manifest in passive-aggressive behavior, emotional reactivity, and inner insecurity. Mars in retrograde further complicates things. Mars, being “the most direct of all planets” and action-oriented, struggles with retrograde motion, which goes against its very nature. Mars doesn’t even understand the definition of the “retrograde”. The combination of being in Cancer and retrograde suggests unresolved emotional matters may resurface, and conflicts may easily arise. It’s important to remember that the last significant aspect Mars made before entering Cancer was its opposition with Pluto. This means any conflict that arises now can backfire dramatically. Instead of reacting impulsively, focus your energy on constructive communication and improving your inner state. Care for the people you love, offer support, and prioritize maintaining your peace.

On January 8th, Mercury enters Capricorn, bringing a grounded and practical mindset. After recent introspection and emotional processing, now is the time to start organizing things rationally on a mental level. The focus shifts to goals, with clear and structured communication. This transit encourages responsibility and discipline in both thought and speech.

However, Mercury in Capricorn can also lean toward pessimism and rigid thinking. It's important to remember that its dispositor, Saturn, is still in Pisces, urging you to maintain faith in your aspirations regardless of external circumstances. This is an excellent time for setting both short-term and long-term goals, prioritizing what truly matters, and engaging in professional communication.

On January 13th (CET), there’s a Full Moon in Cancer, which will conjunct retrograde Mars, amplifying the energies of Mars and Pluto. On the same day, Mars forms a trine with Neptune on the North Node. While this is a trine, the atmosphere may still feel hazy, and conflicts could arise from unclear situations.

This Full Moon represents the culmination of the psychological work and introspection mentioned earlier. It will be a challenging period, but it also holds the potential for profound insights. This is a favorable time for creative expression, connecting with spiritual practices, and trusting your intuition.

During the Full Moon, the Sun will be in a trine with Uranus, facilitating the initiation of bold, radical decisions. This lunation could mark the culmination of insights you've gathered, manifesting as a drive to advocate for change, embrace your authenticity, and open yourself to the unknown. For some, these shifts might feel destabilizing or uncertain, making it essential to connect with like-minded individuals to collaboratively develop and nurture original ideas.

On January 14th, Venus forms an exact square with Jupiter. In this alignment, Venus holds more strength, being exalted, while Jupiter is in its exile. This aspect brings a sense of optimism and cheerfulness but can also lead astray with promises or expectations that may not be fulfilled. The square invites us to broaden our perspective and explore new horizons. It carries a highly creative energy, making it a great time to channel your creativity into your endeavors. However, as this is a square, caution is advised against overindulgence, impulsive spending, unrealistic expectations in love, and imbalances in giving and receiving.

The very next day, January 16th, the Sun opposes Mars. The spark ignited during the Full Moon now spreads into a powerful and dynamic energy. This alignment carries a combative vibe, both externally and internally, but it also boosts motivation and determination. This aspect highlights conflict—whether in your surroundings or within yourself. To harness this energy effectively, it’s essential to channel it through physical activities or direct it toward constructive goals. Maintaining patience and diplomacy is key to navigating this volatile energy without succumbing to impulsive reactions. The following day, January 17th, the Sun forms a sextile with Neptune, introducing a sense of idealism into the unfolding dynamics.

On January 19th, Venus forms a conjunction with Saturn, bringing a sense of calm, sobriety, and reflection on recent events. This conjunction emphasizes seriousness and responsibility, and in healthy relationships it can foster feelings of stability and security. In matters of finance, this aspect promotes practicality and less spending (remember Venus square Jupiter?) and encourages a mature approach. It’s a time to express maturity in love, focus on lasting values, and set clear boundaries in both love and finances. So, what to do during a Venus-Saturn conjunction? Strengthen the base of your relationships, prioritizing long-term security and reliability. Refresh your approach to managing finances, focusing on sustainable and practical choices. Consider what holds enduring significance in your life and relationships. And most importantly - take responsibility. Although Venus and Saturn may seem quite different at first glance, they share a harmonious connection. Venus rules Libra, a sign where Saturn is exalted, demonstrating that these two planets are capable of finding common ground and working together effectively. Also, on January 19th, Mercury forms a sextile with the Venus-Saturn conjunction, enhancing the ability to reach compromises, agreements, and proposals that support long-term values. This transit fosters clear and constructive communication, allowing for thoughtful discussions that prioritize stability and practicality. Later in the same day, Sun ingress Aquarius.

As soon as the Sun enters Aquarius, it is met by Pluto, with their conjunction becoming exact on January 21st. This is an aspect of transformation and personal power. It marks a time when you gain a clear vision of your new identity—one you've been contemplating and, prior to that, delving deeply to uncover. Every conjunction represents a seed from which a new narrative will grow. With this conjunction, all the previous clearing, realizations, and ideas begin to take shape and gain clarity. It is a potent moment to embrace the changes and transformations you've been preparing for and to step confidently into this emerging chapter of your life.

On the other hand, the Sun-Pluto conjunction can also signify conflicts—whether with authorities or within oneself. It can bring fears and repressed emotions to the surface, especially given the influence of Mars currently in Cancer. This is an aspect that can highlight excessive control, making any transformation under its influence intense and deeply felt. It’s essential during this time to practice compassion—for yourself and others. While the energy of the Sun-Pluto conjunction offers a profound opportunity for empowerment, it also reminds us that we are the creators of our lives and must take responsibility for our current state.

On January 23rd, Mars forms a sextile with Uranus, accelerating progress in everything we've been working on - being that conflicts or breakthroughs in finding solutions. On the same day, Mercury opposes Mars while forming a trine with Uranus, further amplifying mental energy and the rapid unfolding of events. This is an excellent day for brainstorming, as the Mercury-Mars opposition stimulates quick problem-solving. There’s a heightened motivation for communication, with people feeling an urge to express their opinions. However, the opposition can also lead to clashes in viewpoints, so it’s essential to be mindful of tone and approach in conversations to avoid unnecessary arguments. Expect impulsiveness, a fast-paced environment, increased nervousness, and potential frustration. To channel this energy constructively, focus on activities that combine physical and mental exertion. Competitive sports, puzzles, or other mentally engaging activities can help. A notable challenge of this transit is the risk of arguments becoming almost automatic, with people engaging in disputes unconsciously. The way out lies in Uranus, which brings innovation through its trine with Mercury and sextile with Mars. This suggests the importance of doing something unusual to break the cycle—try a new place, activity, or topic that neither party would ordinarily consider. By embracing novelty and stepping outside routine patterns, you can harness this energy creatively, finding fresh perspectives and resolving tensions in unexpected ways.

On January 26th, Venus forms a beautiful trine with Mars, bringing an energy of passion and harmony to relationships. This aspect strengthens attraction and charisma, making it an excellent opportunity to enhance your appeal and enjoy positive interactions with others. It’s also a time to find joy in action—whatever you do, try to see it as pleasurable rather than laborious. Avoid falling into the overly simplistic “Me Tarzan, You Jane” dynamic. While playful passion might be fun in private, it’s less suitable in professional or public settings where this energy may lack maturity. Depending on individual birth charts, this aspect can sometimes manifest as an overload of passion, which could be problematic for those prone to aggression. Alternatively, it might lead to superficial connections, where people act without fully considering the company they’re with or their surroundings. This transit is best enjoyed through lighthearted social activities, such as attending concerts, movies, or parties. It’s a time to connect with others in a relaxed and playful way while keeping a balance between passion and decorum.

On January 29th (CET), we welcome a New Moon in Aquarius, beautifully trined by Jupiter. This New Moon brings a much calmer and gentler energy compared to the combative Full Moon earlier in the month. It marks a time of stabilization and renewal following the turbulence of mid-January.

At the time of this New Moon, Venus finds itself between Neptune and Saturn, symbolizing a delicate balance, or maybe even a choice, between reality and ideals. The presence of the North Node amplifies the theme of choices and aligning with our true path. Use the energy of this New Moon wisely, as it has a powerful potential. The choise is, of course, yours. Venus also forms harmonious sextiles with Uranus and retains the active trine with Mars, offering opportunities for creative, balanced action and meaningful connections.

A day earlier, on January 28th, Mercury enters Aquarius, immediately greeted by Pluto. This transition of Mercury will feel particularly potent, as mental focus shifts from Capricorn’s structured thinking to Aquarius’s innovative and open-minded energy. Mercury in Aquarius fosters logical and innovative thought, though it may struggle to express emotions effectively. With Pluto’s influence, this conjunction intensifies the potential for deep analysis, revealing hidden truths, and uncovering secrets—possibly even shocking revelations on social media or in public discourse. However, this alignment can also bring manipulative tendencies, such as the imposition of ideas or the manipulation of public opinion. It’s important to remain grounded, as Mercury-Pluto energy can lead to obsessive thoughts or heightened tensions. Don’t let fear or manipulation overshadow the positive, fresh energy of the New Moon. This is a powerful time to confront hidden fears and emotional blockages, initiating transformative shifts in mindset.

And at the end, 30th f January, Uranus turns direct and Sun trines Jupiter. The direct station of Uranus brings a surge of positivity, signaling the release of blockages and the potential for new beginnings. It accelerates progress and facilitates change, amplifying the drive for individuality and freedom. Looking at the broader context of this month and the close of 2024, it’s as if the Universe has been purifying and fine-tuning us for this pivotal moment, preparing us to turn our focus toward the future with renewed clarity and determination.

With Mars soon resuming direct motion as well, this period sets the stage for a full-speed-ahead approach to everything we’ve been planning and reflecting on over the past few months. Uranus going direct encourages authenticity and staying true to yourself—inviting us to boldly embrace our unique paths.

Adding to this momentum, the month concludes with a regal aspect: the Sun trine Jupiter. This alignment brings favorable conditions and optimism. Although neither the Sun nor Jupiter is in a sign that highlights their full potency, this aspect feels like the light at the end of the tunnel for January astro-weather. It symbolizes an opportunity to glimpse the rewards of our efforts and the potential for growth, even in less-than-perfect circumstances.

As Mars prepares to move forward next month, the energy will begin to feel lighter and less stagnant. Until then, it’s vital to focus on inner work. Retrograde Mars offers a rare chance to change the trajectory of your life by reassessing your goals and motivations. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide the direction in which to channel this transformative energy.