Monthly Astro-Forecast; New Moon in Aquarius

The new moon in Aquarius on January 24th (exact at 9.42pm here in the UK) brings a breath of fresh air. After weeks of heavy Capricorn energy, the new moon brings a seed point for radical change, for some lateral thinking to break us out of "that's just the way it is". Aquarius energy is space, truth, ideals, clarity and perspective. The focus shifts away from the personal ambition of Capricorn and towards the collective, community building and group evolution rather than personal security and stability. The strong Capricorn energy moves on a little, or at least we are able to see other options and other inputs. That said, Aquarius is a fixed sign and might be weighed down by all the planets in Capricorn. We may need to watch out for rigid or even fanatical thinking. Rebelling or challenging authority for the sake of it is also a risk and we'll need to keep our highest truths in mind as a basis for action.

Venus also brings in some new energy for this lunation, meeting Neptune in Pisces on January 27th and infusing us with empathy and magic. This is a connection which carries us away to other realms and allows us to use the fertile waters of the imagination to soften any harsh Capricorn thinking. There's also a risk of escapism with this transit, of escaping to life as we wish it was rather than dealing with life as it really is. Ideally, we visit the realm of the mysterious and return with otherworldly wisdom and inspiration for new growth, replenished by our connection with universal energies. On February 7th Venus moves on into Aries, sparking our passions and firing us up to defend our values. There's a spark of light and warmth which may be much needed after this heavy Capricorn winter. On February 10th Venus meets Chiron, reminding us to connect with our inner warrior and let our passions inspire our healing. For me, this transit is a reminder that the world needs us to be our fullest selves and to fight for what we are passionate about right now.

Uranus makes a helpful aspect with Chiron on February 15th, another reminder to be true to our maverick selves. Its a subtle connection but brings the potential for breaking out of entrenched patterns and healing feelings of alienation or isolation. The following day, Mars moves into Capricorn and in the coming weeks will fire up all the slower planets which are already there, energising and empowering but also perhaps forcing, imposing or insisting. As always, awareness and balance are needed.

On February 17th, Mercury turns retrograde in Pisces, pulling us once again into our own emotional depths. There is space for imagination and empathy, softening any rigid energy left from Aquarius and Capricorn seasons. The Sun moves into Pisces a couple of days later and on 20th February, Jupiter in Capricorn and Neptune in Pisces form a helpful sextile, emphasising that process of softening and finding meaning in the work and structure of Capricorn. The Pisces vibe expands, which again might bring spiritual connection or overwhelming confusion. This last phase of the zodiac cycle is about release, letting go and putting our individual growth in service of the collective.