Many have perceived that the beginning of this month can feel a bit sluggish. This is mainly related to the fact that Mercury, Mars and Uranus are still moving retrograde.
Their direct stations are likely to shift this energetic trend, though.
Mars D Jan 12 2023 08°Ge07′
Mercury D Jan 18 2023 08°Cp08′
Uranus D Jan 22 2023 14°Ta56′
Mercury’s recent retrograde station at 24 degrees of Capricorn has been quite significant. This is because it somehow reactivated the energies of the 2020 crisis, which originated in this particular area of the zodiac.
WARS OF WORDS
Quite symbolically, Mars’ retrograde movement through Gemini has raised all sorts of media-related issues over the last few months. Last but not least, Harry’s publication of his memoir, “Spare”, is set to uncover interesting facts about the British royal family. Perhaps quite surprisingly, he ends up acting out the very symbolic purpose of his natal Chiron-Uranus opposition in Gemini-Sagittarius. I would suggest that this is not a coincidence at all, because his natal Chiron is at 8 degrees of Gemini, in the 5th House of self-expression. As specified above, Mars is about to station direct exactly in that zodiacal position. Harry’s natal configuration speaks volumes about his lifelong need to deal with the feeling of being an outsider. Therefore, the information war which now wages against the royal family is mostly a manifestation of this complex Geminian influence. Harry’s rebellious streak is rooted in his Chiron-Uranus opposition, the axis through which he needs to express ideas which are obviously seen as a threat by the more traditionalists, as well as the family.
In astrology, we contemplate polarity and dualism; this applies universally to planets, angles, signs and houses. It needs to be noted that Dane Rudhyar described the 11th House, opposite to the 5th, as a place in which we take “creativity” to the next level. In fact, within the 11th we often find opportunities to bring our personal image into a social setting, where we can offer our personal insight if we are capable of doing so. Harry’s natal Uranus in the 11th can be hardly controlled, and it speaks directly, bluntly, perhaps too unexpectedly, to the world at large.
The transit of Neptune in opposition to his Sun is definitely raising questions. Furthermore, Uranus is approaching his IC by transit. This is definitely a life-changing period, during which he is being called to reassess his connection with the roots. During the next few years, while the planet transits across his Moon, North Node and 4th House, he may lift the veil further. I wonder how the Uranian transit can promote reconciliation, but we never know with this surprising planet.
An interesting piece of information has leaked out before the publication of his memoirs, and it involves an alleged physical confrontation between him and the brother William, heir to the British throne. I don’t find it surprising that William’s natal Mercury is in Gemini, at 8 degrees as well.
FINANCE
The stock market has suffered enormous losses throughout a whole year of bearish moves. A few months ago I pointed out that the Full Moon of January 2022 was quite close to the last peak of each major US index. It seems evident that it was the lunation which “officially” activated the USA Pluto return. The country is still going to be in this vortex for a while; I will also add that we may have not seen the full extent of this long transit yet.
However, January 2023 might be a crucial month, because it could finally unlock a trend reversal, and at least bring some temporary financial relief. We have now gone full circle since the beginning of this bearish phase; in fact, today’s Full Moon in Cancer will occur in the same area of the zodiac. Against all odds, we might shortly witness a major trend reversal in global finance. I find it quite symbolic that today, on the day of this Full Moon in Cancer, Wall Street has opened higher, as job reports from December may lower worries about future rate hikes.
As usual, this might happen in sync with the easing of other international issues, such as the COVID wave which recently originated in China. I have recently mentioned that once Mars stations direct, we may get some relief from the Low Index we have been experiencing during this Northern winter. Mars remains outside the outer planets’ zone, therefore this season may not be as “restrictive” as the past two winters. China has declared they will raise restrictions on January 8th, just before the upcoming station of Mars. Comparing the dire astrological factors which were at play in 2020/21 and the current skies, there should be no reason to worry about a full comeback to a fear-ridden world in lockdown.