Winter in the Stars

The wheel of the year turns when the Sun enters the tropical sign of Capricorn on December 21 making the transition from autumn to winter. The chart for this event provides hints for the upcoming season. At this time the Sun and the Moon are in happy alignment. The Sun represents the head of state, the boss, the person in charge while the Moon represents the population as a whole, public opinion, women, and common public needs. Retrograde Mercury is closely involved in this configuration. Mercury, of course, rules the media as well as public opinion and youth. In retrograde motion we all need to be sure we are getting the straight scoop and not some PR spin. Venus in Scorpio opposing Uranus in Taurus signals financial fluctuation in the markets and in art, pushing boundaries. The atmosphere is unsettled – public opinion reflects the unrest that the public is feeling. Housing can become a critical issue during this period.

At the Full Moon on December 26, people are vocal about the issues of the day. Public schools and students are the focus of legislative bodies, town and city councils. Mercury has retrograded back into Sagittarius and is joined by Mars. Mars in Sagittarius likes to make decisions first and ask questions later. Sagittarius rules higher education. Teachers and schoolmasters could be contesting regulations laid down by various school boards.

The New Moon in Capricorn on January 11, 2024 lets us know that winter has really set in. Mercury is direct and any mixed messages are finally cleared up. Mars, hidden in the 12th house, squares off with Jupiter. Mars wants to make war while Jupiter is making treaties. Venus, not directly involved, has a lot of strength here and she is the mistress of diplomacy. Overall, domestic affairs take precedence and public consciousness alters grassroots opinions.

By the Full Moon on January 25, 2024 Pluto will have moved into Aquarius. Pluto has been in Capricorn since 2008. Between March and June of 2023 Pluto popped in and out of Aquarius, retrograding back into Capricorn. In 2024, it will retrograde back and finally move into Aquarius for good until 2044. Pluto’s entrance into Capricorn ushered a huge financial crisis in 2008 the like which had not been seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The American Revolution began with Pluto in Capricorn and ended with Pluto in Aquarius. The French Revolution occurred while Pluto was in Aquarius. Pluto’s tentative steps into Aquarius during 2024 will provide us with a taste of what is to come. Disintegration, transformation, and elimination are the hallmarks of Pluto. Aquarius, a fixed air sign, cries for freedom, fellowship, and supports the common man. Against the backdrop of world events and crises during this Full Moon, regular folks will be balancing the budget, keeping busy locally and making travel plans.

The New Moon in Aquarius on February 9 accompanies some shocking events that lead up to and fall around that time. Something out of the ordinary which could involve public health, unions, food supply, and working conditions. At this time it is best to stick to your routine, keep your work and home space in order. Clear out the junk that has accumulated. Some structured play time or amusements take the edge off any work-a-day worries. On the 14, Mars joins Pluto, so expect some explosive action around that date. More than likely it will be local and could involve traffic or daily commutes. Don’t let it hamper your Valentine’s Day romantic activity. Venus in Capricorn is contemplating a committed relationship.

At the Full Moon on February 24 Venus has moved on and taken the position of strictly friendship. Any romance now with Venus in Aquarius must begin in friendship. If it ends, it will end in friendship as well. This Full Moon has Sun in dreamy Pisces and Moon in practical, down-to-earth Virgo. Saturn sits very close to the Sun, reining in any impracticalities that the Sun in Pisces may impose. Venus and Mars, running together, aids and abets group activities and organizations founded to benefit the populous. This is a great time to make connections and touch base with all your running buddies.

In between this Full Moon and the upcoming New Moon, Mars will be kicking up some dust, squaring off with Jupiter on Feb 27 then Uranus on March 9. Wherever Mars goes, he brings energy and often, anger and belligerence. In an athlete, Mars will get you over the finish line, a positive use of this energy. The not so positive use of this energy creates conflict and often violence. A Mars/Jupiter alignment can bring an overabundance of a natural element. Jupiter rules borders between countries, treaties, judges, courts, and religion. There is a lot here for Mars to stir up. A Mars/Uranus alliance often accompanies violent upheavals. Uranus finishes what Mars starts. Uranus rules electricity, technology, and invention. Those are the positives. The negative often coincides with explosions, crashes, earthquakes and other severe storms. If we are lucky the spark Mars ignites will be the spark of genius that Uranus so often fosters.

At the New Moon on March 10 we are deep in Pisces territory. Sun and Moon together are joined by Neptune. Unlike the intellectual air sign Aquarius, watery Pisces feels and senses things that are not readily obvious. Joined by Neptune, intuition plays a role in everyday affairs. Be warned and wary this combination can have you looking through rose-colored glasses. In the wider world, budgets and societal values come under scrutiny. Pisces is about serving selflessly, without expecting any gain. This quality is scarce in our current society and some folks begin to question that.

Overall, this is a season of unrest. There’s a rumble in the jungle that can’t be quite discerned. Yet. People, events, weather, and earth changes rock our foundations. Remain focused. Get clear in your mind and body, where you are and where you want to be. Become a fact checker and work hard to maintain your sea legs as the world around you rocks and rolls.