Greetings Earthlings,
Here I sit, the twinkling Christmas lights beaming across the street at my dear neighbor’s. Soon we will be in the deep dry cold of January – the time you’ll be reading this. The lights will be gone, and I’ll pull down the blinds to keep in the heat. Time will become something to endure and tasks, like taxes, will predominate. Time and business are Capricorn things, and this is Capricorn season.
For my friend Cassandra, time has become a fifth element, or Spirit, the animating force of life itself. She feels it’s a “sacred responsibility we carry in the four elements of our incarnated selves.” It’s something to ponder, especially since the ruling planet for Capricorn is Saturn, and Saturn is currently in spiritual Pisces and will be throughout this year. Karma matters is what this says to me. Play nice.
The big cosmic news for 2024 is a zeitgeist shift in the form of Pluto moving into Aquarius and a solar eclipse that sweeps its shadow across the nation.
The simplest concept to keep in mind for the year ahead is this – nothing will be the same. Some of the cosmic changes ahead of us are slow and subtle, their influence only evident in the rear-view mirror. Some are surprising and possibly frightening. Or, conversely, exciting. The simplest way to go through 2024 is with open eyes and a sense of awe. There’s plenty of fear out there and I’m not going to go through the list – Lord knows you’re feeling it. On top of the cosmic shifts, we’ve got a national one too as the USA deals with a Presidential election this year. Oy vey.
Somehow, we need to be grounded in a year of deep change. So how would you put down a taproot in a swirling sky of stars? It’s easy to root in the earth of Taurus, but with change-agent Uranus in Taurus, even that is changing. Dear Ones, you must become flexible in all ways. And especially in your ability to hold peace in your heart. This is the place of mastery, always.
From one cosmic wanderer to another… here’s my take on the year ahead:
The year starts off with Pluto re-entering Aquarius, along with the Sun no less, on January 20th, 2024. The birth of the collective is the evolutionary intent of this time. The cosmos acknowledges the changing of the prevailing climate and the nature of society itself. We come to understand ourselves as a species as never before. This awareness will grow over time.
On April Fool’s Day, Mercury cracks a cosmic joke and turns retrograde until April 25th. Between now and then is a good time to practice self-awareness. But then again, isn’t it always?
Next up, a 5-degree Libra Full Moon eclipse on March 25th. This is the release before the planting at the April 8th total solar (new moon) eclipse, whose shadow sweeps a dark path across our continent.
The April 8th, total solar eclipse at 19 degrees Aries, holds portent for us all. Its shadow falls across the south and east of America. We’re moving into new terrain. Go for something new. Go beyond what you already know. This applies to our country and the direction we can take in renewing our government and the systems of our society. New experiences and a greater capacity for love are possible, not without some struggle, for isn’t birth always a struggle? We have the potential to recognize our Oneness. This is the quintessential Age of Aquarius, renewed. A cultural note here – the Navajo nation is not fond of eclipses and will shut the reservation down and the residents will stay indoors during the time of the eclipse.
Twelve days later on April 20th, keep your wits about you. The God of Wisdom meets the God of Chaos. Jupiter and Uranus conjunct in the sign of our earth – Taurus. Will there be a massive earthquake? Some kind of news? I suspect we already know most of the consequences of our actions, but this could be entirely new. The marriage between Artificial Intelligence and botany could emerge now. Strange bedfellows but possible.
Hold onto your hats, May 25th when wise Jupiter enters the informational overflow of Gemini. A teacher once described this aspect to me as an elephant on roller skates.
Don’t expect too much forward momentum in the following months, one planet after another turns slowly retrograde. Including Mercury from August 5th to August 28th.
We may feel like we’re between a rock and a hard spot when Jupiter squares Saturn on August 19th.
Things feel like they’re going backwards when retrograde Pluto re-enters Capricorn on September 1st. Retrograde planets often invite inner work. Shaman Carla Fox feels this period of time is excellent time “to take a big leap upwards in energy and evolution.” Pay attention to what’s happening in the inner landscape of your heart.
The fall brings a couple of cosmic openings with two eclipses and a sense of renewal. September 17th is a Full Moon lunar eclipse at 25 degrees Pisces, followed two weeks later by a New Moon solar eclipse at 10 degrees Libra.
The planets slowly begin to turn direct and Pluto re-enters Aquarius. Things are going forward again. Well, for a week. Mercury turns retrograde on November 25th and goes direct December 15th.
A big fly in the ointment is Mars. Responsible for forward motion and breaking new ground, he turns retrograde in Leo on December 6th and re-enters Cancer, turning direct well into 2025 at the end of February. This could make for a cold winter and a feeling that no progress has been made at all. Do not despair! This has always been the way of the world and you can make good use of this energy by re-focusing your energy on what means the most to you.
Let’s take a closer look at January.
The first month of the year begins in a hopeful way. The energy shifts profoundly on the 4th when Mars enters capable Capricorn. It’s time to get to work. Capricorn invites us to consider our very best effort. It’s interested in form and development, in success and the enjoyment of earthly pleasures. Capricorn holds history as sacred and does not like waste.
January 11th marks the beginning of the year with its first New Moon in Capricorn. With positive angels to change-agent Uranus, you might find new and more efficient ways of doing the things you need to do. It’s all about respect for the things you have including your work and family. It’s an excellent time to start new projects or to follow through on your intentions (Mars and Jupiter in trine). Ruled by Saturn in gentle Pisces, this New Moon asks us to remember to practice gratitude.
January 12th and 13th, Mercury aspects the Galactic Center again (it did it just before Christmas). Is there some pearl of wisdom you forgot to assimilate? Retrieve the intel you need to up your game and improve your life.
Mercury enters Capricorn on January 14th and turns our attention to life’s practicalities.
January 18th and the Sun begins its connection with Pluto. These two celestial bodies enter Aquarius together on January 20th. This is the date of Inauguration of the President of the United States which occurs every four years, the next one being January 20th, 2025. It seems as if the cosmos is pointing something out to us about leadership.
Happy birthday Aquarius! You’ve got some interesting things coming your way over the next twenty years.
January 22nd and Venus aspects the Galactic Center. Perhaps she is reminding us that our true wealth comes from fresh air and pure water.
Venus moves into Capricorn on the 23rd encouraging passion for order and the right rule of law. It’s a good time to make rugs from scratch and enjoy other old-timey Capricorn pursuits.
The Leo Full Moon on January 25th could be somewhat over the top as both the Sun and Moon form a square with abundant Jupiter. It could be a great time for a party. Bring out the cards, set up the poker table.
January 26th and Mars and Mercury meet. Oh oh… no fighting please. It’s a good time for a fiery debate but respect is essential.
The month ends on a equitable Libra Moon and the restoration of peace.
Whew! What a ride this cosmic scene is. Please remember that the planets don’t cause anything. We are simply entwined with the greater order of things. Everything is connected. Reflections are everywhere if we care to look.
Thanks for reading, and remember, you matter, we are all connected, Earth is our home and love is our destination.
Your astrologer,
Dulce
