By Debra Infante
In January, two benefic planets, Jupiter and Mercury, are now in direct motion which increases our desire for greater knowledge and new ideas. Venus, planet of relationships, transits through Scorpio and Sagittarius, allowing us to heal and transform relationships. The Sun conjuncts Pluto, and brings the strength to move through hardship and redefine our identity. Mars and Mercury are conjunct this month, a time to be mindful and work through our differences of opinion.
Jupiter, planet of spirituality and prosperity, just recently went direct on December 30, 2023, so we start the new year experiencing the forward momentum of benefic Jupiter. Jupiter is moving slowly, and will only travel several degrees during January – from 11 to 13 degrees Aries. When Jupiter was retrograde in the last four months, we focused more on our spiritual growth and reflected on our true philosophic beliefs, values, and aspirations. Now with this new awareness, we might feel the need to express even greater compassion, generosity, and gratitude to others. We feel more optimistic about our goals and dreams and what we can accomplish in this new year.
Mercury, planet of communications and the intellect, goes direct January 1, 2024 at 27 degrees Scorpio, having been retrograde since December 13, 2023. You may find greater mental clarity as Mercury goes direct, so if you had any communication issues or arguments during the retrograde phase, now is a good time to clear the air and forgive. Mercury direct is a good time to review what you learned during the retrograde phase, and now see if you need to make any changes in plans or projects for the future. It’s easier to make better decisions now with Mercury direct, as there is less confusion and greater insight on how to proceed.
On January 7, 2024, Mercury transits gandanta degrees of 29 Scorpio to 0 degrees Sagittarius, indicating a time to let go of old patterns of worry or mental exaggeration, and to practice greater awareness and objectivity. Later, on January 18 and 19, Jupiter trines Mercury at 11 and 12 degrees and can bring insight and increased ability to negotiate.
Venus, planet of love, relationships, and finance, has been transiting the Mars-ruled sign of Scorpio since December 24, 2023, and can bring up intense emotions and deep shifts in how we relate to others. Venus in Scorpio and asks us to review our commitments with others, and we uncover new depths of understanding with our existing relationships. Some relationships may even go through a significant transformation. But watch for an increased need to control others. By letting go of control, you can enter new realms of freedom.
On January 17 and 18, Venus transits the gandanta degrees of 29 Scorpio to 0 degrees Sagittarius as it shifts from a water sign to a fire sign, a positive time to let go of old hurts and misunderstandings with others and to practice forgiveness. At the end of the month, on January 28, Jupiter in Aries will trine Venus in Sagittarius at 12 degrees, bringing some grace, creativity, and socialness.
The Sun transits the Saturn-ruled sign of Capricorn from January 14 to February 13, 2024, and while in Capricorn the Sun will conjunct Pluto at 5 degrees on January 19, 2024. The Sun/Pluto conjunction occurs one day every year. This can be a powerful combination as we are asked to go deep inside with whatever arises around this time. Possibly some hidden elements can surface concerning your identity, self-esteem, or career choices that you need to heal. On a more external level, issues can arise involving a leader or government concerns as we explore the root cause. This is a day to use your energies in a constructive and transformative way.
Mars conjuncts Mercury in Sagittarius at 21 to 23 degrees for several days, from January 25 to 27, 2024. Mars/Mercury conjunction requires patience as this can be a verbally, confrontational energy. We may get into debates with those who we feel are challenging us, and we may judge things prematurely. So slow down and calm the mind. Meet stressful situations with care and courage. Meditation, pranayama, and spending some quiet time in a peaceful environment are good remedies.
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 training 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 http://ayurveda-sedona.com/yoga-and-vedic-astrology/about-vedic-astrology/
