January 2012 marks the final month the much misunderstood planet of illusion, confusion, delusion and spirituality journeys its final 34 days in the sign of freedom, revolution, and detachment. Neptune entered Aquarius January 30, 1998 for the first time, and moves into Pisces February 4, 2012. This will be a whole new realm of lessons and ideas for humans to process and evolve with.
January 2012 - Part 1: Finishing up the Lessons (Neptune's Last Dance in Aquarius)
Neptune transits generally last 13-14 years in duration, and when Neptune changes signs the world changes with it. Neptune changes things on a feeling level. Neptune reflects the longings, dreams and desires of the collective as well as the individual, whether they be political, artistic, or even a religious. In mythology, Neptune is connected with the mermaid and the sea, beckoning mortal man to submerge himself. Some could call it a union with God or the infinite, and it becomes enticing because you no longer feel the separateness that exists between man and God. Neptune influences urge us to merge, whether it be with God or another individual. Neptune influences our deepest, most primal feelings and urges both collectively and individually.
Astrology deals with many different levels of existence and being. One level is the collective consciousness, and events that affect everyone living on planet earth. Another level is individual consciousness and growth. During years of great conflict such as we will face in 2012, we must all participate to some degree in worldly events as they occur, but we must remain individual entities with our own path to follow. We can never lose sight of the fact that as human beings we are growing and changing, and follow our greatest potential. During all difficult times the world has experienced, individuals will prosper, grow and love in spite of worldly events.
Neptune in Aquarius has been concerned with the themes of the planets that rule Aquarius: Uranus and Saturn. Saturn represents our structure and foundation, and Uranus rules sudden and unexpected situations, upheavals and revolutions that can occur. It is the planet per say of revolution, change and new ideas.
At no time was this more apparent than 09-11-2001. Neptune was at 6 degrees of Aquarius, and Saturn in Gemini opposed Pluto in Sagittarius at 12-14 degrees. Boundaries became blurred at this time and freedom was questioned. Freedoms of the American people came into question with the Patriot Act, and freedom for citizens to travel and operate freely across the globe soon came into question. Osama Bin Laden eventually claimed responsibility for the bombings blaming the U.S. support of Israel, presence of U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia, and U.S. sanctions against Iraq as his reasons for the bombing. All of these reasons imply the theme of freedom on another level. Neptune rules religion and in the eyes of many, including then President George Bush, who used the word "Crusade" to describe his war against the people he called "evildoers." Bush believed the United States of America a Christian nation, and that the government should be used to promote Christian religious projects. General Wesley Clark reported in his book the White House drew up a list of exclusively Muslim nations to target as enemies over the next four years (Afghanistan, Iraq, then Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iran, Somalia and the Sudan).
At the time of this post, Arab Spring has become Arab Winter 2011-2012 as the revolutions throughout the Middle East continue, and citizens voice their desire for a new kind of life and government. Gone are the cruel dictators of Libya, Egypt and North Korea. As Neptune moves into Pisces time will reveal the future of these countries and whether self governing democracy and free elections will succeed in this part of the world.
On American soil the Occupy movement gained momentum with citizens calling for freedom from corruption, and unfair banking and financial practices, along with the right for all citizens to have health care. Politicians and would be contenders decry the unfair foreclosures and Wall Street practices. Contenders to the White House bring freedoms of women into question raising questions about a woman's right to chose. Our foundations will be tested in the U.S. during 2012 as Uranus squares Pluto and Pluto conjuncts Venus in the U.S. chart. Americans will have to decide what they value the most during this year.
Neptune reaches its final degree on January 15, 2012. The Sabian symbol description of Neptune at 29 degrees states, "The beautifully winged insect has just come forth into glorious adult being on completion of its metamorphosis."
Perhaps it's fitting Venus will make the final aspect to Neptune outside of Saturn on January 14. Neptune is the higher octave of Venus. Venus is the planet of love and money, and Neptune is the planet of illusion, delusion and confusion. Put these two together and you have romance, illusion, intrigue and drama, and revelations. The Great Medieval Courts of the Middle Ages could have no more drama than this. You should not assume anything to be totally true or correct until this energy passes over. This will be a day many will try to convince or be convinced by others. Remember, appearances are deceiving and only facts speak the truth. It is likely we will hear of scandals on this day or situations involving money. At its highest this paring can bring true spiritual love. This day will be significant if you were born January 11-14, May 17-20, August 19-22, November 17-21, or you have a personal planet in your natal chart being aspected at 25-29 degrees of Aquarius.
The planet of structure (Saturn) will trine Neptune January 15-February 3. This represents a time span that is a window of opportunity to solidify hopes, ideas, and compassion to others, and find a way to solve problems that is both positive and in line with reality. It is a mature appreciation for beauty and the mystical, that which lies beyond reason, and compassion and bring to fruition answers, ideas and events that have a positive, solid and uplifting result. This energy applies to individuals as well as couples and governments and governing techniques. Saturn trine Neptune is a creative flow of ideas and longings, compassion and action built into action and solid structures. The energy is there. It is up to us to take advantage of it.
January 2012 - Part 2: The Transits
January 2012 marks the final month of Neptune's journey through the sign of Aquarius. When Neptune moves into Pisces on February 4, 2012, the human race will begin a whole new cycle of experiences. (Read previous post - Finishing Up the Lessons: Neptune's Last Dance in Aquarius).
On Christmas Day, 2011, Jupiter the planet of expansion went direct. This started the forward motion of the planet of money and gain. Whatever Jupiter touches it expands, and if it is making contact with a planet in your personal chart you may experience some type of increase or growth. Jupiter is in Taurus, the ruler of the second house of money, and a great placement considering the worldwide economic situation. Jupiter in Taurus has kept the financial situation in the US from becoming worse than it was in 2011. It will be in Taurus until June 11. Those born under the sign of Aries should see financial gain this year, as well as Libra. A helpful placement for Taurus, Capricorn, and Virgo. (Much depends upon what other planets are transiting your personal chart).
We begin the New Year with Uranus at the 0 degree Aries point, or the World Point. Aries at 0 degrees relates to events that affect the entire world. At the time of this post, we are experiencing a worldwide economic downturn, Iran is threatening to interfere with oil shipments, Syria is fighting its own bloody civil war, and North Korea laid its head of state to rest, facing a future with an untested leader. US President Obama has asked Congress for an increase in the debt ceiling, the Presidential race is heating up, and Occupy Protesters have gained momentum. All these events can affect the world, and Uranus will remain at the 0 degree point through January 9, when it moves to 1 degree. The world has seen a lot of turbulence with this transit and will continue to be an unsettled, if not hostile place in many respects as Uranus squares Pluto becoming exact in June of 2012, as well as August-September. Pluto and Uranus have about an 8 degree orb, as astrologers say, which means the square is basically in effect all of this 2012. As it becomes exact, the energy intensifies and events/change occurs. The combination of the two planets will bring potential earth changes, conflict and clashes, situations involving oil and nuclear conflicts, as well as conflict with business, banking, economics, politics, and structures that have been solid in the past. It is a volatile disruptive transit and we will see continued military hostilities around the globe. This will make 2012 a very challenging year.
Other significant transits for January include:
January 1 - Mercury squares Mars at 19 degrees of Sagittarius. This is an argumentative transit looking for a fight or disagreement. Be aware of your mood and don't contribute energy to the transit.
January 8 - Mercury enters Capricorn, changing Mercurial energy and ushering in a more conservative month when it comes to communications. Mercury rules our mind and Capricorn is the natural ruler of the tenth house of business. Back to work, and focus on what is important! Mercury trines Jupiter on this day, bringing optimism to conversations and thoughts. Good morning for financial transactions. By 1:05PM Mercury leaves the positive trine and applies to a square to Uranus. Mercury square Uranus may result in a change of focus that occurs suddenly. It can result in arguments, bad moods, and lead to technical difficulties or accidents. Be careful driving and be aware that whatever occurs will happen suddenly and unpredictably.
January's full Moon occurs on January 9, at 2:30 AM EST at 18 degrees of Cancer. Cancer full moons are the most emotional of all, and moods can change quickly. Issues relating to the home, family members or close relationships will be in focus. Mercury square Uranus bringing sudden unexpected news in some cases, and expect to experience mood changes or be around those who do. You may have sudden flashes of insight, but write it down or it could leave as quickly as it came. It is likely we will hear unexpected news of accidents, volatile debates, and news involving the home, homeland, or families. Weather conditions may be erratic as may vehicles on the road. Be careful!
January 13 - Mercury conjuncts Pluto. This is a harsh and obsessive transit. Anytime a planet aspects Pluto the tendency is to obsess. In a more positive vein it is a great transit for researching, planning and getting to the bottom of any issue. Information may be revealed. Today is about getting answers and superficial will not suffice. We may hear of accidents, information revealed about powerful people, and Mercury-Pluto transits generally involve situations concerning media and/or propaganda. Information comes into the open about important matters, that can include business. The news may be about sex or scandals involving public figures. Venus conjuncts Neptune on the same day, and this is a transit of duplicity and distortion. Venus is the planet of love and money and Neptune is the planet of illusion, delusion and confusion. Put the two together and you have romance, illusion, intrigue and drama, and revelations. The Great Medieval Courts of the Middle Ages could have contained no more drama than this. You should not assume anything to be totally true or correct until this energy passes over. This will be a day many will try to convince or be convinced by others. Remember, appearances are deceiving and only facts speak the truth. Venus-Neptune marks the final planetary transit to Neptune, as it leaves Aquarius, other than Saturn. This transit will be significant if you were born January 11-14, May 17-20, August 19-22, November 17-21, or you have a personal planet in your natal chart being aspected at 25-29 degrees of Aquarius.
January 14 - Venus enters Pisces. The planet of love enters the sign ruling the sixth house of service and work. Pisces is ruled by Neptune, the planet of illusion, delusion, confusion and lack of clarity. Neptune works best with little ego and this will be one of the lessons of Venus's 29 day journey through Pisces. Works best for Water and Earth signs.
January 19 - The Sun squares Saturn. This is a hard aspect, all about responsibilities, limitations, and restrictions. On this day we may hear news of courts, and laws, as well as restrictive situations. Not a good day for financial news, and may be especially harsh if it is hitting a personal planet in your natal chart aspected by Capricorn at 26-29 degrees.
January 20 - The Sun enters Aquarius. Aquarius is a fixed sign generally associated with freedom and independence. Ruled by Uranus (and Saturn) Aquarius is about non-conformity and rebellion. I have seen many wars and military skirmishes start with the Sun or other planets in Aquarius. You may discover new possibilities this month.
January 21 - The Sun sextiles Uranus, a positive, uplifting transit, indicative of inspiration and new ideas. January 22, the Sun squares Jupiter. Jupiter has a tendency to over-do things. Keep it in perspective, and you may have a good weekend.
January 23 - We have a New Moon at 23 degrees of Aquarius. The New Moon sextiles Uranus, and this moon may well bring new inspirations, ideas and developments. This moon is about freedom, original inspiration and getting out of a rut. We will likely hear news of revolutions, governments and new ideas.
January 24 - Mars retrogrades at 23 degrees of Virgo. The planet of action retrogrades roughly every several years. Mars rules action and men, sex and vitality and when Mars retrogrades look for action to slow down and become more subtle. Mars will remain retrograde until April 14, when it will go direct at 3 degrees of Virgo. Mars remains in Virgo until July 4. You will be affected more so if you are a Virgo or born under a mutable sign: Gemini, Sagittarius or Virgo. Mars in Virgo relates to work situations and health. This period will usher in a more hypercritical energy, minutiae, worry and a generally overly critical period. Good for analyzing, but bad if projected toward others. There may be much dissatisfaction with work, and concerns over health and healthcare. I will address this aspect in a future blog in the near future. Look for news about health and healthcare, work, jobs, and bank audits.
January 27 - Mercury opposes Saturn. This is harsh energy indicative of concern with responsibilities, serious or negative news, arguments, accidents, and critical concerns. We may hear of accidents, hostile debates, changes in laws and governments, and many people will be concerned with serious matters. Relationships can break apart. This will affect your personal chart if you have personal planets aspected at 25-29 degrees of Libra.
January 28 - Mercury enters Aquarius. We are entering the fixed part of the winter with the Sun and planet of communication in the sign ruling freedom and detachment. Mercurial energy will change from conservative Capricorn to a sign that is generally lighter, freer and less concerned with tradition. I expect much news from the Middle East and other places and people around the globe who seek freedom.
