Micro-Forecasts

One more week of that 90-day period after the last eclipse in December brings emotions full circle. A Full Moon blows out of the water any pent up emotions. Watch your driving and working with anything electronic. It may be that it is time to rewire the office or consider investing in new equipment to get the job you want to get done really done. Only you can decide what systems work best for you, because you are the one that is responsible. Others may not agree, but you are the one putting up the money or time, so be clear.

Venus sextile Neptune adds a dreamy fog to her early transit through the sign of Taurus, accentuating our need for earthly pleasures and self-indulgence. As winter comes to a close, spring fashion beckons, toe nails cry out for a pedicure, and chocolate never looked so good!

If you’ve been confused as to what to do or say, particularly around personal relationships, then this is the week for doing that! The First Quarter Moon offers the opportunity to build a new plan/blueprint and when Mercury enters Aries, new ideas come in from all sides and from many people. However, challenges in relationships appear at week’s end as Venus, the planet of relationship and personal values, jousts with Saturn who doesn’t hold its punches. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Set boundaries — get it done.

Saturn has been traveling through Libra for the last two years, developing our patience, endurance, and responsibility in relationships. Venus is the ruler of Libra, so her opposition to Saturn, who has been living in her sign, will test all that we have been learning the past two years. The question is, are you up to the test? Saturn first entered Libra from October 2009 thru April 2010, retrograded back to Virgo, and then entered again for the long stay on July 21, 2010. Part of the lesson is what role do you often play in relationships and do you like that role, or do you need to change it? Considering that this transit goes on until October 5, 2012, what you learn will be deep and lasting.

Another one of those ‘weeks that were,’ the 90-days after another eclipse from three months ago. Knowledge is power and this new information combines beautifully with that fresh creative energy of the New Moon on the 21^st. Communications require a direct approach, but with a tactful delivery. Being direct is helpful to others, but there are positive ways in which to do this and very negative ways in which to do this. Choose right. Truth often hurts, but it is the shortcut to resolution. Think about how you say something before opening your mouth on the 23^rd…even if it takes a day.

When the Sun conjuncts Chiron the need to heal some aspect of your life is highlighted. This transit is a process where what you learn must be shared with others, which is where a greater healing occurs.

Whew! A week full of activity — lots of ‘action days’ and the 90-day fireworks from the eclipse of three months ago. This week you have peripheral vision regarding the events of three months ago — you see what needs to be done. Resulting are choices requiring decisions about professional and personal relationships, contracts and agreements mid week. Once decided, go out for a glass of wine or a great meal at week’s end — probably a good idea.

Venus and Pluto at a hard angle, and Valentine’s week no less, signify transformation in a relationship. Something has got to give and it will cause a deeper understanding if both parties are willing.

This is a week loaded with ‘action days.’ Lots of change and shift is in the air. Mercury conjunct the Sun turns the brain switch on and the Saturn Retrograde, though feeling slow the first part of the week, is the key to finally maintaining order and completion. Sudden meetings, phone calls or connections with people you like and respect may show up out of the blue at week’s end. Take the time to embrace the opportunities.

Venus traveling through Aries is direct and a bit impatient. Relationships may feel unusually energized when Venus conjuncts Uranus. Out of the blue love connections may dazzle and excite, just be aware that if you are seeking something with long-term potential this is probably not it, so enjoy it for what it is.

Another week of mystery, as transiting Neptune leaves Aquarius for the last time. It won’t be back there for 165 years! The last fourteen years are over and a new fourteen year cycle begins. For those born in late Taurus, Scorpio, Leo or Aquarius, this promises clearer focus and the release of control. For those born at the beginning of Pisces, Virgo, Gemini or Sagittarius, the next two years require reconnecting with your more spiritual/creative psyches–they miss you! For workaholics, taking time off is the first step. It’s time for more creative activities.

Neptune’s transit through Aquarius affected everyone in some way, take a moment to review the last fourteen years. Areas ruled by Aquarius were touched by Neptune’s imaginative energy. Great advances in technology brought people together in an instant: social networking, virtual meetings via Skype. And Neptune’s dreamy influence had some creating online personas and living in parallel worlds. Then there were great examples of Neptune’s dissolving of boundaries. The world became smaller, information and ideas traveled faster. But Neptune also creates an inability to think clearly and cause deception. So, being manipulated by technology is no surprise. Do you ever just stand in line anymore, or is your smart phone occupying your attention?

This is one of those rare weeks where Mars, the planet of motivation and direction, begins its retrograde period. This often delays plans and sends people scurrying to find an answer here and there. Plans that have been unclear up to now may require another couple of months before you have all the relevant information you need to create an organized plan. As Americans, this doesn’t sit with the impatient aspect of our psyche, but, in fact, may be the wisest thing we can do until Mars goes direct in mid April!!! Use this time to research and talk with others from different cultures.

Every two years Mars goes retrograde for over two months. Mars energy is naturally directed outward. During this retrograde period, one’s drive tends to repress; physical expression, assertiveness, desire, and competitive self-interest wane. Emotions that are usually externalized become internalized. Rather than allow this to cause frustration, use this time to review what is not working and what can be improved.

This week’s Last Quarter Moon is about winding down the events of the last three weeks. As the Sun squares Saturn on the 19^th, then enters the more objective sign of Aquarius on the 20^th, crystal clear clarity seems feasible. You get unstuck! Good agreements and new insights into how to do things differently are more possible as the week nears an end and the fresh energy of the New Moon appears.

There is innovative energy waiting to be harnessed. Revisit your goals and set an intention for this New Moon cycle, then see what happens. Venus’ conjunction to Chiron is an opportunity to heal insecurities that keep one from true intimacy and to learn to trust others, and especially to trust oneself.

This week has lots of ‘action days,’ when planets align with each other charging the environment with impatience along with the desire to make decisions now. Seek out information and consult from others who specialize in areas you know nothing about. Then put everyone’s ideas together and listen to your own intuition on January 13. January 14 is a great decision making day.

After weeks caught up in the holiday blitz and doing for others, sensuous Venus may entice you into a little self-indulgence. Saturn’s practical energy may have you thinking twice but give yourself a treat, even if it’s just a new nail color.

Contracts and agreements are the highlight of the entire week. Look at all of that Mercury activity. All these Mercury aspects are in a fabulous alignment with the other plants of opportunity and windfalls. This is also a great week to finish the resume, complete the article, the class, the paper or write the short story. Just make sure they are all submitted and in that mailbox before the Full Moon on January 8. It is always a good idea to submit items between New and Full moons.

As Mercury finishes its long journey through Sagittarius, think back to what was going on in early November. Look at your calendar and check to see if there are any appointments that still need to be rescheduled. Did you have to cancel any social engagements with friends? Now that the holiday rush is over, make time for those old friends you couldn’t find time for. This is a very good use of Mercury in Capricorn.

Good luck and blessings on all your communication efforts this week.