January 2022 Astrology

1.2 - New Moon in Capricorn

New moons are times for setting intentions. For planting seeds that we want to grow. For introspection.

Capricorn is an extremely goal-driven sign. It reminds us that we can achieve whatever we want to, as long as we have a plan/system/structure in place and the willingness to continue to put one foot in front of the other, even during the difficult moments.

This new moon is a great time to plan out what we want the upcoming year to look like. A time to ask ourselves: What do we want to accomplish? What goals do we want to set for ourselves? How do we show up + relate to our work? What systems can we create to get done all that we want to do? Are there any structures/systems in our lives that need to be created/destroyed?

1.2 - Mercury enters Aquarius

Mercury will be in Aquarius from Jan 2 - Jan 25, then again from Feb 14 - March 9.

The planet of communication enters the sign of the rebel. With this combination, we are motivated to think outside the box. To question authority. To be a bit rebellious with our thoughts and how we communicate them. Aquarius also has a strong humanitarian component to it as well, so this is a good time to think about how we can be of service to humanity. Combined with the new moon energy happening on the same day: how can the goals that we set for ourselves this upcoming year be imbued with the intention of helping others?

1.14 - Mercury Retrograde

The first Mercury retrograde of the year lasts from January 14 - February 3. It will span 2 signs - the first half will start out in Aquarius, and then on the 25th it will retrograde back into Capricorn where it will stay until it goes direct again.

Anytime planets go retrograde, rather than that planetary energy expressing outwardly, it turns the energy inwards. Mercury is the planet of communication + travel + technology, and Mercury retrogrades have become notorious for throwing a wrench in each of those areas of life.

But if we look for the underlying purpose, Mercury retrogrades are a time to review, reflect, and reassess. To turn our communication inwards, to open up our inner dialogue, to get clear with ourselves.

From the 14th - the 25th when Mercury RX is in Aquarius, it provides us an opportunity to reflect on how we can align more with our unique individuality + purpose, and how we can share that with the collective. From the 25th - Feb 3rd as it reverses back into Capricorn, we will have a chance to reflect on the intentions + goals we set for ourselves this upcoming year. The second half of this cycle might also see an uptick in “miscommunications” within our work lives, as Capricorn is associated with the business world.

Another thing to note is that Venus is also retrograde during this Mercury Retrograde cycle, which means we can expect exes or unhealed relationships from the past to come up. There may be an urge to reach out to them (or they may reach out to you) but you might want to wait for Mercury Retrograde to be over and then decide if you still want to reach out or respond.

1.17 - Full Moon in Cancer

Full moons are a time for releasing. For letting go of what doesn’t serve us. For shedding the layers that are weighing us down.

During any given full moon, tensions + emotions are heightened, as the sun and the moon oppose one another. This particular full moon turns the volume up even more, with Pluto (the planet of transformation) opposing the moon. Pluto is small but mighty, always making its presence known.

Cancer is the nurturer of the zodiac. As a water sign, it is associated with our emotions and sensitivities. This full moon in Cancer asks us to tend to our emotional needs. Being opposed by Pluto, there is an opportunity to nurture any deep wounds, so that we can step into the next phase free of the emotional baggage that is weighing us down.

As a cardinal sign, there is an added emphasis on taking initiative. If at some point during this full moon you could give yourself the space to simply take a breath, take a bath, journal, meditate for 2 minutes, put a hand over your heart and ask yourself what you’re feeling, what you’re needing. Whatever resonates with you and brings you into greater alignment with yourself. That allows you to tune in to what’s going on on a deeper level, and to do what you need to nurture yourself.

1.18 - Uranus goes direct

Uranus has been retrograde since August 18, 2021. It won’t go retrograde again until August 24, 2022.

Uranus is the change-maker of the planets. Its purpose is to shake things up. To get us to think/feel/act differently. It can earthquake us into action.

Over the past 5 months, its retrograde period has given us the potential for inner transformation - to make changes on a personal level. When it goes direct on the 18th, that inward energy will start to flow outwardly again. The changes we have made on ourselves will have the chance to show up in more concrete ways with the people/places/relationships in our lives.

1.19 - Aquarius season begins

Aquarius season will last from January 19 - February 17 this year.

Aquarius looks at things differently. It is the sign of the rebel, the revolutionary, the genius, the humanitarian. It is progressive + forward thinking + future-oriented. It is a sign that goes against the grain, and craves freedom and individuality above all.

Given this emphasis on individuality, uniqueness, and freedom, this time of year asks us all to step into our individuality more. To get clear on who we are, rather than who others want us or expect us to be.

It urges us to think outside the box. To use this time to look at things differently, to change our perspectives, to challenge the status quo. To notice where we are conforming and to remind us that when we free ourselves of that conformity, we allow others to do so as well. It is our duty to share our gifts with the world.

1.24 - Mars enters Capricorn

Mars will be in Capricorn from January 24 - March 6.

Mars, the planet of action, LOVES being in Capricorn, a sign that likes to take action. This 6 week stretch will light a fire under all of us to get up and go. To create the structures/systems that we need to be in place in order to make shit happen. To actively pursue the goals we set for ourselves under the Capricorn New Moon. To be disciplined and ambitious and bold in those ambitions.

1.29 - Venus goes direct

Venus has been retrograde since December 19, 2021. It won’t go retrograde again until July 2023.

My teacher Steven Forrest has a great article about the opportunity this most recent Venus Retrograde cycle gave us to heal old relationship wounds. As Venus goes direct (and stays direct for the next 18 months!), we have the chance to move forward in our relationships. To use the wisdom that we gained during the retrograde cycle to break toxic patterns or behaviors, and allow our relationships the space to flourish.