By Debra Infante
This new year brings some very impactful and powerful events, especially from January 12 to 18, 2023. Mars, planet of action, goes direct on January 12, 2023, having been retrograde since the end of last October. On January 17, 2023, Saturn, planet of discipline and focus, changes signs and moves from Capricorn to Aquarius. Whenever Saturn, the slowest moving planet, changes signs, it is a major transit and now Aquarius significations will be emphasized for several years. Mercury, planet of communications, goes direct on January 18, 2023.
Mars, planet of action and assertiveness, has been retrograde since October 30, 2022, and now goes direct on January 12, 2023 at 13 degrees Taurus. As Mars slowly moves forward, it will remain in the sign of Taurus until March 12, 2023. When Mars is retrograde, it’s a great time to review your past actions, motivations, and compulsions. Hopefully, during the Mars retrograde phase, we learned how to respond to difficult circumstances without doing harm. Now as Mars goes direct, projects and plans can begin to move ahead, as our frustrations start to dissolve, and our enthusiasm returns.
We are inspired and determined to put our energies into stimulating and positive goals.
This most significant astrological event in January is Saturn changing signs, moving from the earth sign of Capricorn to the air sign of Aquarius on January 17, 2023. Saturn has been in Capricorn for about three years, since January 23, 2020. Saturn averages 2 ½ to 3 years to complete its transit through a sign, and now the fixed sign of Aquarius is highlighted as Saturn will remain there until March 29, 2025. Saturn rules both Capricorn and Aquarius, but Aquarius is its moolatrikona sign, which makes this transit comfortable for Saturn, and may give more favorable results.
Saturn is a planet that requires truth, authenticity, discipline, and neutrality. Effort, hard work, and service are required with Saturn. We need order, stability and a strong foundation with Saturn. As Saturn transits are long, patience and perseverance are also needed to do well.
Saturn transiting the progressive, alternative sign of Aquarius can bring great interest and innovation in science, technology, metaphysics, or humanitarian concerns. Aquarius is a community-oriented sign, so families, organizations, global concerns, and even group consciousness may be a major focus. Saturn in Aquarius motivates us to come together with others to inspire and express our creative energies for the greater good.
As Aquarius is a fixed air sign, Saturn transiting this sign can make us headstrong and frustrated, becoming more set in our beliefs as we refuse to change. Learn to be more accepting and flexible with new ideas and possibilities, be open to honest change, and let your heart lead. Be present, mindful, and kind, while letting go of the superficial in life. Take quiet time to meditate or commune with nature.
If your Ascendant is Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, or Scorpio, this transit of Saturn through Aquarius is especially impactful for you as it creates a transiting Shasha Yoga, that requires a positive expression of Saturn’s highest energies. Let Saturn help you with detachment, peacefulness, equanimity and greater insight into life.
Mercury, planet of communications and the intellect, has been retrograde since December 29, 2022, and remains retrograde until January 18, 2022. Use these first few weeks of January as a time of deep reflection and review of the past year. Take some time to assess what you’ve learned and carefully consider your intentions for 2023. After Mercury goes direct at 13 degrees Sagittarius on January 18, it’s a better time to clear up any miscommunications you may have experienced with others during Mercury retrograde, as now you can observe past situations with a greater understanding and mental clarity.
Debra Infante is a practicing Vedic astrologer and teacher. She began her studies of Vedic astrology in 1995, and was certified by The American College of Vedic Astrology as an approved teacher (Level I) in September 1999. She has taught Vedic astrology to the students in the yoga teacher trainings at 7 Centers Yoga in Sedona, AZ from 2002 to 2020. Debra can be reached at (928) 639-0623 or dinfante108@gmail.com for astrological consultations by phone or in person. Contact her to receive her monthly Vedic astrology article. You can also find her at https://ayurveda-sedona.com/yoga-and-vedic-astrology/about-vedic-astrology/
