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Astrology Update
An update for 22nd January 2024, by Patricia Godden
Most astrology is based on the apparent movement of the planets as seen from the Earth because that is where we all live. This system is called geocentric. There is another system called heliocentric that looks at the positions of the planets from the Sun. It is interesting to look at the movement of the outermost planet, Pluto, in these two systems.
As seen from the Earth in the geocentric system, Pluto has been moving between Capricorn and Aquarius since March 2023. On 21st January 2024, Pluto again moved into Aquarius where it will remain until early September. At that time it will regress to Capricorn for two and a half months before finally settling in Aquarius for about twenty years.
In contrast, when viewed from the Sun in the heliocentric system, Pluto and all of the planets only move in direct motion. As there is no retrograde motion, the planets only move into a new sign once during each cycle of the zodiac. Using the heliocentric system, Pluto moves into Aquarius on 22nd January. It feels as if this adds significance to the geocentric movement of Pluto into Aquarius on 21st January.
As viewed from the Earth, the Sun moved into Aquarius on 20th January. The centre of the solar system and the outermost planet are currently both in this sign indicating that humanity is striving to learn more about Aquarian qualities. So what are these qualities?
Aquarius is the air sign with the soul lesson of brotherhood through love. It might seem as if there is not much love in some parts of the world at present but there is potential for change through the creative power of spirit, signified by the Sun, and the power of transformation linked with Pluto. It is possible for there to be individual freedom even within a group, be that at a local level or internationally.
One of the rulers of Aquarius, Uranus is in the last few days of its annual retrograde phase during which new ideas and different ways of thinking have been coming to light. These have included, amongst many other things, revelations about technology and financial dealings. After Uranus goes direct on 27th January, those ideas may manifest in what might seem like a shift in reality.
Uranus in Taurus interacts with the south node of the Moon in Libra and the north node of the Moon in Aries. These interactions call for adaptation and learning how to consider others while also being courageous and able to take the lead in new enterprises. Much could be achieved by incorporating further qualities of Aquarius such as objectivity and impartiality.
Mars and Mercury are both in Capricorn. There could be much discussion about how to organise different matters in governments and large organisations. Much energy could be invested in ambitious but carefully thought out goals that could contribute to the integration of new initiatives taken in the light of past experience.
Saturn, the co-ruler of Aquarius, is in Pisces. There is the possibility that some of the old rules governing society may slowly dissolve enabling greater compassion and consideration of spiritual values to emerge. These could be the basis of new approaches to life that are more relevant to the current needs of society.
On 25thJanuary, the full Moon is in Leo while the Sun is in Aquarius. This highlights the soul lesson of love and how love in the human heart can radiate out to all life on Earth. It resonates with what was mentioned earlier: that individuality and independence can be in harmony with consideration of global needs.
Tense interactions between Jupiter in Taurus and the Sun and Moon suggest that effort may be required to make the most of the energy of the full Moon. One way might involve offering a helping hand. Such a simple act of service can mean a lot to someone in difficulty.
Chiron has been close to the north node of the Moon in Aries since early December 2023 and will continue to be so until the end of May 2024. This is an opportunity to address issues relating to identity as an individual while considering other people. It also feels as if there could be a deeper impetus, of finding the spirit of love that is inherent in each one of us and seeing how it could be used in our own lives and interactions with other parts of life on this planet.
Keep well, stay happy.