By Angel Lopez:
January’s astrology brings with it the usual beginnings that a new year brings, but it’s also ushering in some energetic endings as well. It’s Capricorn season, but that sign’s influence is losing some steam. That’s because Jupiter and Saturn, who both spent a good amount of time in that sign, have moved on to Aquarius. Jupiter will be there for most of this year, while Saturn while be there for about two and half years. In Aquarius, these planets will be pushing you toward understanding how to steer your inherent gifts and proposed goals toward helping the greater collective out. It makes sense, since we’re all being more greatly exposed to the selfish nature of our culture. As part of the present spiritual movement, it’s important for you to see how you can rise above the ego-driven mentality that pervades society and put yourself to use toward something greater. And there is something in it for you, if you choose to take the call.
You get to move into this year being more boldly you, unafraid of criticism and judgement. 2021 is the year to let your authenticity soar, and January can help you ease your way into it.
Another ending and beginning comes on January 6th with Mars ending its rare six-month sojourn through its fiery, impatient home sign of Aries and moving into Taurus, the sign of grounded manifestation. This allows for all that was initiated in the last six months to take actual root. Those ideas or projects will begin to take physical form, allowing you to feel like you can put your creativity and spirit to practical work. Some of these things will fall away, but this will only help you focus on what’s actually going to bring you some tangible results. Remember too that your uniqueness wants to bloom, so those projects that allow your innermost self to flourish will come alive, while any that only support an outdated version of you may flounder.
January 8th has two energetic shifts at play as Venus moves into Capricorn while Mercury finds itself moving into Aquarius. Mercury loves playing in the land of this innovative air sign, where it can tinker with its ideas some more and find new ways to approach the old. At first, this will butt up against that Mars energy in Taurus, as Taurus likes a methodical approach whereas Aquarius likes a throw it all against a wall and see what sticks approach. But once they see they have a common goal in mind, which is helping you to grow yourself and the work you want to do, they’ll come together. Venus, the planet of partnerships, naturally plays well with that Taurus energy, so you may find some helpful people surfacing as you try to move ahead. Partner with those who offer you vision but with a grounding comfort.
Don’t sell yourself short and settle for whoever shows up.
This stands for love too. Venus in Capricorn is an ideal time to make sure everyone in your corner is there for the long haul, shares or supports your ambitions, and respects you for the wild brilliance and beauty that is solely you. Again, move toward letting others see all of you, so anyone who hinders that should be in the taillights.
The Capricorn New Moon arrives on January 12th, and it’s here to remind you that transformation is always the key to thriving. You must be willing to evolve in this lifetime, which 2020 aimed to show us in a major way. Well, this new moon wants to remind us of all we learned in the last year. Did you set out to release some old baggage or beliefs but have still been carrying them into the new year? This is when the Universe reminds you of what you need to let go of to begin again in a whole new way. Who do you want to really be in this brave new world we’re heading into? Approach yourself with a sense of innovation and vision some big goals for yourself in the year to come. If you didn’t make those resolutions or ambitions at the start of the year, this is your second chance to do so. And know that anything you can commit to now, with your whole being, can come into fruition. It will take hard work and some determination, but it’s possible, so it’s important that you really focus on what you want to bring into true, physical form right now.
This new moon is a spell, and your heart can help you cast it if its passion is in the seed of what you say you want to grow.
Uranus, the planet of change and inspiration, gets out of retrograde jail and motions direct in Taurus on the 14th, where it’s ready to support some of the growth you’re trying to make. Uranus is a quick mover though and will shift things on a dime, so be aware that you may get some sudden shocks to the system around this time. Just know that they’re earthshaking but ultimately geared toward assisting you in breaking through any stubborn blocks you’ve kept in the way. The Sun will also be sharing energetic space with Pluto, the planet of deeper soul growth, which will only amplify your call to push forward, whether you’re actually ready to or not.
On January 19th, the Sun shifts into Aquarius, sending an energetic pulse to us all that it’s time to really awaken our pull toward unique expression. We’ll also see the need to be part of shifting this world for the better. The trouble is, everyone has a differing opinion on what that world looks like, so this time can come with antagonism. Know that it’s up to you to simply tune into your own personal expression for what can assist in societal growth. Aquarius season is a time to activate your own truth and do what you feel is authentically right. You’ll know that if you’re infringing on others’ freedom or causing them harm that you’re on the wrong path. Otherwise, use this season to tap in more directly to what makes you tick and how to continue manifesting your unique nature in the world.
The 23rd brings a conjunction with Saturn, which will really be a test of ownership around your unique abilities and beliefs.
The Leo Full Moon comes on January 28th, and this one is full of wild excitement. Venus and Pluto will be conjunct in Capricorn, which can bring profound connections and deepening of relationships. It can also see some come to an end if it brings any awareness that it’s not for the long haul. In Capricorn, this planetary union wants to help you align with those who mean business and can support you beyond the moment. The Sun will also be conjoined with Jupiter, the planet of luck and abundance. The two can shine an optimistic light when they’re together, so it’s exciting to consider how they can help you find some joy in what’s to come. They’re in Aquarius, so they want to shine on what’s healing, which can help you tap into some of the creative expression energy of Leo.
What joyful expression and play helps you to connect to your inner child and reminds you of what comes with being alive? This day will guide you toward it.
The month ends with the first of Mercury’s three retrograde phases for the year. This first one occurs in Aquarius, so it will be technology heavy. Be patient when it comes to all devices and emails. You may also find your mind wanting to slow down in general, which can make communication challenging. Know that there will be some real misunderstandings with this one, as everyone has something to say but can’t quite get the words right. Don’t push yourself with this one. It’s important that you think first and then speak, especially when it’s something close to the heart. Otherwise, you may just speak out of turn or say something you don’t actually mean just to pick a fight. And nobody needs anyone being argumentative just for argument’s sake right now. Speak with belief and integrity, not with attitude and ego.
Angel Lopez is a film producer, writer, astrologer, and co-host of the podcast, THE SPIRITUAL GAYZ alongside his husband, our Spiritual Guru Brandon Alter. Angel has been studying and working with both tarot and astrology for twenty years. He hosted the astrology web-series, ASTRO TALK WITH ANGEL, and writes the blog ASTROLOGY REALNESS. He has also had pieces published on Upworthy.com and The Huffington Post.
On the film side, Angel produced the Sundance Film Festival award winning film DEAR WHITE PEOPLE, as well as the features THE DINNER and STATE LIKE SLEEP. He also wrote and directed his own short film, I CAN’T WITH YOU, which had its premiere at the 2016 HollyShorts Film Festival, and he recently finished producing filmmaker Justin Simien’s second feature, BAD HAIR.