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Transits

January, 2009

ASTROLOGY.COM'S MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS

IN THIS ISSUE:
** Note from Astrology.com:
--Free Samples: Life Cycle Reading, World Peace Reading, Best Friends Reading
--Free Fun: Celebrity Birthday of the Month, Survivor by the Signs, Your Attraction Factor, Feng Shui Quiz
** All about Aquarius
** Your Starcast for January 19 to February 17
** Astrolesson: Mercury Retrograde

January 19: Sun enters Aquarius

'The times they are a-changin,' sang Bob Dylan, and nothing broadcasts that sentiment more than Aquarius! Are you ready to revolutionize your world and to mix things up a bit? Use this solar period to leave old habits behind and create a fresh vision for the future. Because Aquarius is a sign of groups and teamwork, don't try to do everything all by yourself. Instead, join with like-minded people. It's time to find and connect with your community.

Chinese New Year is on January 26, with a new Moon is in Aquarius and a solar eclipse ... heralding quite a dramatic year! Chinese astrology is very different from Western systems. Since it's always good to get another point of view, check out our free sample Life Cycle Reading, which is based on the ancient wisdom of Chinese astrology. Read about the five stages of your life: birth, youth, maturation, adulthood and retirement to get a complete picture of where you are and where you are going!

Aquarius energy embraces independence and encourages community building. While we may not see eye-to-eye on everything, it doesn't mean that we can't find common areas of agreement to achieve a more peaceful world. Have you wondered how you can best make a contribution? Our free sample World Peace Reading reveals your Sun signs' innate talents.

Friends celebrate our victories and counsel us when we don't know which way to turn. What would life be like without them? Do you have specific traits and qualities you look for in a friendship? Are certain characteristics total turn-offs? Our free sample Best Friends Reading shows you where your friendships rank. Just enter your and your friend's birth data to find out -- now!

It looks like 'friend' Jennifer Aniston is hitting her stride these days. Born February 11, 1969, Jennifer had early success but showed us that she has plenty of staying power. Now a major movie star, she chooses interesting and sometimes quirky projects just like the quintessential Aquarian that she is! Since transit Jupiter has entered Aquarius, it looks like a successful year awaits her. Happy Birthday, Jennifer! Find out more about this lovely girl-next-door and other talented Aquarius artists in our Celebrity Section!

What would you do if you were far away from civilization with a group of people you never met before? The popular TV show 'Survivor' recently wrapped up the last season with a 57-year-old winner! Do you think you have the strength, mind and instincts to survive the physical, mental and social challenges? Check out our Survivor by the Signs to see if you have what it takes to walk away with that million dollar prize.

Do you know why you are irresistibly attracted to some people, while others don't even rate a second glance? The descendant in your birth chart is the point that begins the Seventh House of relationships. Its sign describes those qualities that you seek in a mate. In Your Attraction Factor, enter your date, time and place of birth for insight about the person who draws you like a honey bee to flowers.

Is your home a calm oasis? Or, do you have to dig through piles of papers every time you want to find something? One of the uses of Feng Shui -- a Chinese system of directing energy flow -- addresses the placement of objects in the home. The purpose is to create happiness and harmony. Our Feng Shui Quiz: Invite Harmony Into Your Home will help you utilize and understand this ancient system. Isn't it time you did something to enhance your environment?

Keep reading for your Starcast, which will take you through the month's astrological events, and prepare you for all the interesting pathways and byways ahead. And be sure to check out this month's Astrolesson: Mercury Retrograde.

Happy Birthday to all you Aquarians out there! Your ability to be true to yourselves and carve your own unique path in life is an inspiration to all of us! Let a favorite Aquarius know just how much you appreciate them by sending a free astrological e-card!

Another great gift to give is the empowering wisdom of the Astro12 DVD series! Learn all about your Sun sign and how it relates to other forms of divination, all while viewing breathtaking images of our precious planet.

Let's get this show on the road by telling the Aquarians out there exactly what they want to hear (which, fortunately, also happens to be the whole truth about this sign): You, Aquarius, are one of a kind. Every single Water Bearer is absolutely unique in every possible way -- and there's a very real reason for that. These folks work hard to ensure that they're completely and noticeably different from the crowd. And just in case others don't pick up on it from the way they dress or the jewelry they wear, Aquarians get their point across the moment they voice their opinions. But those opinions, while radical and rebellious, are also somehow completely, totally and inarguably logical. In short, those born under this month's sign are the ultimate observers of humankind, which makes them able to not just understand but also empathize with any and all points of view -- no easy task.

When it comes to relationships, the influence of Aquarius's ruling planet -- unpredictable, freedom-loving Uranus -- is obvious. If you're a Water Bearer yourself, you know you've got a taste for what might gently be called 'the unusual.' (In other words, anyone who's liable to startle your friends and family when you bring them home for Sunday dinner will do just fine.) But before you issue that all-important invitation, there's a very specific list of qualities you run over in your mind: If they're completely different from anyone you've ever known, that's a plus. And if they honestly don't know how to be prejudiced against anyone, in any way, you may well be in love -- and you've certainly found a potential match.

Of course, persuading an Aquarius to give up their precious freedom is a tall order -- but the rewards are well worth the efforts! In short, holding on with an open hand is absolutely the only way to keep things going when you're flirting with unconventionality -- but once Aquarius has found the one, they'll make of their partner not just a lover and a spouse, but also a lifelong best friend.

Learn more about independent, altruistic Aquarius, or look into any other sign at our Sun Sign Central.

Not an Aquarius? Look beyond your Sun sign and find out where the Water Bearer might appear in your own birth chart with a free sample Astro Identity Reading.

This solar period is all about the future. First, the Sun's entrance into group-oriented Aquarius tunes you into the larger world helping you to break into new territory and to advance your most exciting ideas. Then brush off the cobwebs of old ideas that could use sprucing-up as retrograde Mercury returns to Capricorn on January 21. On the 23rd, the Sun conjuncts optimistic Jupiter, and it will seem like anything is possible! The solar eclipse in Aquarius a few days later on January 25 puts a big exclamation point on your most innovative ideas and emphasizes the importance of teamwork. Celestial help arrives as the Sun conjuncts the north node on January 28. Then, on February 1, Mercury turns direct ending its retrograde that began January 11. As Venus enters Aries on February 2, pay attention to the status of your love-life. Because Venus retrogrades next month in this bold sign, you will be living with this energy all the way until June 6! On February 4, Mars enters independent Aquarius, and it's time to do something innovative. Then, on February 5, Saturn and Uranus oppose each other, so make sure you are maintaining a healthy balance between your responsibilities and your desire to make changes in your life. The lunar eclipse in Leo on February 9 brings a dramatic culmination to this month's earlier solar eclipse. Jupiter's conjunction to the north node on February 13 reminds you to be a team player. Then Mercury enters Aquarius on February 14, bringing a much-needed fresh point of view. We end this solar period with Mars conjunct the north node on February 16 and Jupiter on the 17th when, if you haven't received the message yet: Out with the old and in with the new!

January 18: Mercury conjuncts Jupiter

This may be the only major aspect for the week, but when Jupiter amplifies communicative Mercury, you'll have plenty to say and so will everybody else! Because Mercury is still, this marks a week where the dialog gets louder about what everybody is already thinking and talking about. Some of the discussion will feel exciting; for some of it you may want to get some earplugs! Whether you join the conversations or not, one thing is for sure -- you won't be able to ignore them!

January 19: Sun enters Aquarius

The Sun's transit into Aquarius this year receives a boost from Jupiter's recent entrance into this humanitarian sign that is so group-oriented. Aquarius is a sign interested in seeking knowledge and breaking through into new territory and ideas. This is a time to break out of the box and delve into concepts that are interesting, unconventional, surprising or way ahead of the times. When you think about it, don't you feel like it is time to do something totally different, innovative or exciting? Yep! It is time to march to the beat of your own drum rather than follow the rhythm laid down by others.

January 21: Mercury re-enters Capricorn

As Mercury retrogrades from airy Aquarius back into earthy Capricorn, it is time to return to ideas and conversations that were on the front burner at the end of 2008. The goals you had and some of those ideas about what you want to achieve this year are worth a second look. Capricorn is quite practical and getting a firm grasp on what will work and what won't, can be helpful now.

January 23: Sun conjuncts Jupiter

Jupiter is like a magnifying glass. Whenever this optimistic planet forms a conjunction, it makes the sign qualities and the body it touches a bigger theme than it would be otherwise. This is a whole lot of Aquarius, which is about 'we' consciousness. Whether it is the group, the community or your friends, the message is this: Let's all come together, join hands and sing 'Kumbaya'!

January 25: Solar eclipse in Aquarius

If you haven't already been thinking about Aquarian ideals with the Sun, north node and Jupiter in this group-oriented sign, you will now! The Moon joins the Sun forming a new Moon and a solar eclipse. Eclipses are visually spectacular and, in astrology, they herald dramatic events. This is no time to isolate! Teamwork is the motto now. Group involvement -- whether investing in a cause close to your heart or spending more time with friends -- will move you forward and help you be successful. Jupiter's conjunction to this eclipse stimulates excitement and enthusiasm.

This new Moon will most affect those born January 24-28, April 25-29, July 27-31 and October 28-November 1.

January 28: Sun conjuncts North node

All solar eclipses occur at the south or north node. The north node represents the future, and the south node is a symbol of the past. Because last week's Aquarius solar eclipse was at the north node, you have celestial help. Today, the Sun energizes that assistance, and people or events reveal the next step you should take in life.

February 1: Mercury turns direct

When Mercury turned retrograde on January 11, you began a process of review. It has been important to loop back to old conversations and ideas to see if they were worthy to bring with you into the future. Although making decisions may have felt next to impossible these last three weeks, hopefully you have taken care of unfinished business, have carried out a thorough review, and are now ready to move your plans forward.

February 2: Venus enters Aries

Pay close attention to the themes that emerge in your love-life as the relationship planet enters bold Aries. Venus will turn retrograde next month in this sign, which means you will be living with this energy through the first week of June. This is not a stay at home placement! Get off the couch, turn off your computer and go out and do something! Single? Get physical! Racquetball, tennis or even dance classes are great activities to meet someone new. Are you already in a committed relationship? Fan the flames of passion! Bring your partner flowers, plan a vacation or train together for a marathon. It is the doing that sparks love -- so get moving! Otherwise, the love planet in the warrior sign might try to pick a fight.

February 4: Mars enters Aquarius

As Mars leaves pragmatic Capricorn and enters Aquarius, it is time to celebrate your independent spirit, get creative and do something innovative. This is a march to the beat of your own drum energy that stimulates outside-of-the-box thinking. If you can harness the assertive energy of Mars and the determination of this fixed air sign, you can make inroads into areas you never thought possible.

February 5: Saturn opposite Uranus

Maintaining a healthy balance between your responsibilities and your desire to make changes in your life is the task of this opposition. If you have resisted the message for change (Uranus) since last November at the time of the first opposition in this series, you will be reminded of the importance of change now. On the other side, if you have been super rebellious, neglecting your responsibilities (Saturn), you will receive an important message about accountability now. Either way, the challenge is to build upon your experiences while also being open to change.

February 9: Leo lunar eclipse

Few events spell d-r-a-m-a more than an eclipse in Leo! Just as lunar eclipses are quite spectacular visually, astrologically they highlight and underscore an important theme in your life. Leo is a sign of leadership, fun and creativity making this a great time to shine in any of these areas. Look to where the sign Leo is placed in your birth chart for more information. Neptune's placement in this eclipse shows idealism is strengthened, but so is the possibility of disillusionment or scandal. The full moon is a culmination from the new beginnings of the last new moon, which was a solar eclipse in Aquarius on January 26. The full Moon is always an emotional high tide time. In the days following the full Moon but before the next new Moon, get a plan together to maximize what's working or to make changes that will make you feel more comfortable.

This full Moon will most affect those born February 7-11, May 9-13, August 11-15 and November 11-15.

February 13: Jupiter conjunct north node

Last December 18, the north node entered group-oriented Aquarius with the message that team-work moves you forward and being too self-focused holds you back. As planets transit through Aquarius, they conjunct and energize this theme. Jupiter is like a magnifying glass; everything gets bigger and more noticeable with Jupiter's energy. You'll hear plenty about the importance of working together this week.

February 14: Mercury enters Aquarius

Mercury turned retrograde in Aquarius last month on January 11. Now direct, Mercury returns to this free-spirited sign bringing a fresh point of view after a needed reassessment. You have original ideas; now is the time to develop them and see just how far you can go with them. If you know which house in your chart Mercury is traveling through, you can apply those ideas to that area of your life. Above all leave old concepts behind. It is time to be future-oriented, inventive and to think outside of the box.

February 16: Mars conjuncts north node

Last week Jupiter and the north node came together in a conjunction. This week active Mars energizes the we-are-all-in-this-together message. Contribute to your neighborhood watch, sign-up to volunteer for the local PTA or join an organization that promotes a cause close to your heart. This is the month to put your personal concerns into a larger context -- and then to do something about it!

February 17: Mars conjunct Jupiter

You will feel like you gulped down rocket fuel with action-planet Mars being amplified by expansive Jupiter. This is a classic over-doing aspect. If you can direct all of that energy you will accomplish more today than you have all year! You can make significant progress now as your goals, projects and plans get the energy they need.

February 18: Sun enters Pisces

It is time to withdraw and limit some of your social activities so that you can pay attention to the larger issues that direct your life. As the Sun transits though this sensitive and spiritual water sign, turn inward. What motivates your choices and your outer-world activities? Tap into your muse. Start a dream journal, sign up for voice lessons, or join a dance class. Give your logical mind a rest! Pay attention to your feelings and intuition to bring you and your life into balance.

Enjoy the Sun's transit in Aquarius!

Even those who don't know anything about astrology know about Mercury retrograde. The glitches, delays and misunderstandings that are the hallmark of any Mercury retrograde period are infamous. Yet when you pay attention to Mercury's cycles including the retrograde, you can make the most of this time by not pushing forward with your projects and plans when it is time to review them. Because this messenger-planet rules communications and travel, some of the common retrograde occurrences are delayed plans, computer glitches and stalled cars. If you can, wait until Mercury turns direct to launch anything new or to purchase anything that is related to communications or travel. This month, Mercury turns retrograde January 11 and remains so through February 1, making this a perfect time to deepen your understanding of this interesting planet. By being aware of this occurrence in the heavens, you can actually use Mercury's retrograde to your advantage. For example, Mercury's current retrograde begins in Aquarius, making this a great time to reconnect with old friends. On January 20 when Mercury returns to Capricorn, review the practicality of your ideas. Of course, if you know your own chart, examine which house Mercury is traveling through for more information. Most importantly, work with this cycle -- don't resist it! This helpful motto will remind you of what to do during any Mercury retrograde period: slow your mind down, gather information, put off making any decisions.