iVillage

Transits

January, 2008

ASTROLOGY.COM'S MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS

IN THIS ISSUE:
** Note from Astrology.com:
--Free Samples: The Real You Reading, Romantic Compatibility Reading, Year of the Earth Rat Forecast
--Free Fun: Celebrity Birthday of the Month, Valentine's Day by the Signs, Kissing by the Signs, Survivor by the Signs
** All about Aquarius
** Your Starcast for January 20 to February 17
** Astrolesson: The Angles

Are you ready to be a world changer? This independent air sign likes nothing better than to break the rules, bring innovative changes to replace old worn-out ideas, or just to simply mix things up a bit! While the Sun transits always-interesting Aquarius, it's time to color outside of the lines and create something new and different. Life's too short to do the same thing all the time, right?

Don't you just love to meet authentic people with whom you don't have to play 20 questions just to get to know them? People who keep it real are refreshing and interesting. Do you know your personal strengths, as well as those traits that could use a little work? Check out the free sample The Real You Reading to find out unique insights into your personality and even your karmic direction.

As important as it is to be a strong individual, remember the old saying, "Love makes the world go around!" With Valentine's Day occurring during this solar period, take a peek into your relationship dynamics with our free sample Romantic Compatibility Reading. You'll discover what attracts you to each other, as well as what could keep you apart. Just input your own birth info as well as the data of that special someone.

Early February marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, signaling that it's time to tune in to a new animal and a fresh start for you! This is the Year of the Earth Rat, and promises to be an exciting year! How does the Rat influence you? Get your Year of the Rat personal forecast with all of the highlights.

There is no better representative of strong, independent Aquarius than Oprah Winfrey, who was born on January 29, 1954. Truly a woman who marches to the beat of her own drummer, she's a trendsetter and a powerhouse. She is the first woman in history to own and produce her own talks how and, the consummate humanitarian, she created a school in Africa to give girls there an opportunity for a sterling education. Happy Birthday, Oprah! We can hardly wait to see what you'll do next! Find out more about Oprah and other Aquarius celebrities in our Celebrity Section.

How do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Do you love picking out the perfect card? Will nothing less than a dozen red roses open your heart? Each Sun sign has a different way of expressing love on this important day. Read about how you may be celebrating Valentine's Day this year in our Valentine's Day by the Signs.

Speaking of romance, what does your Sun sign say about your kissing style? And, how about the one you're kissing? Is a little PDA normal for you, or do you prefer a private moment? Do you kiss on the first date? Check out Kissing by the Signs to find out which sign is the perfect match for your own kissing style.

'Survivor' is a TV show that took the world by a storm! Talk about unusual people! How do you think you'd do if you had to survive by your wits, skills and strength? And importantly -- why? Whether you were sent to a tropical island or into the Amazon jungle, how would you survive? Before you sign up to be on the show, read our Survivor by the Signs and read about each sign's survival instincts. Forewarned is forearmed!

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: The Angles.

Happy Birthday to all you Aquarians! Your willingness to be true to yourselves serves as an inspiration to all of us! Let an ever-friendly Aquarius know just how much you appreciate them -- send your favorite Aquarius a free astrological e-card!

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.

Get ready to carve out your own unique path and leave behind old routines that don't fit who you are today as the Sun enters the free-spirited sign of Aquarius. You'll be able significantly improve your circumstances with the helpful trine between Jupiter in ambitious Capricorn and Saturn in hard-working Virgo on January 21. The love planet Venus joins Jupiter in commitment-focused Capricorn on January 24 followed by one of the biggest astrological events this year when Pluto, the transformer, enters Capricorn on January 26 emphasizing the themes of responsibility and self-reliance. But, watch out for misunderstandings when Mercury turns retrograde on January 28 and watch your temper when warrior Mars turns direct on January 30! February 6 brings a new Moon solar eclipse in Aquarius making all of your new plans and fresh starts more dramatic and noticeable. And when Venus enters Aquarius on February 17, it's time to socialize and get together with friends!

January 20: Sun enters Aquarius

The sign of the Water Bearer, although sometimes mistaken for a water sign, is actually an air sign, which is all about ideas. Nothing is more Aquarian than revolutionary concepts. Every year as the Sun transits Aquarius, you have the opportunity to break out of your familiar, snoozy routines, and color outside the lines. It's time to do something totally different, innovative and exciting!

January 21: Jupiter trine Saturn

This is an exceptionally harmonious aspect, with the two social planets of expansion (Jupiter) and contraction (Saturn) in the signs of the worker (Virgo) and the builder (Capricorn). This bodes well for social and economic investment not only for counties and towns but also for individuals. In your own life, you can improve your lifestyle significantly. Make sure you take advantage by setting goals and seizing opportunities that are all around you. In general, this is an aspect that favors long-range planning.

January 22: Full Moon in Leo

The full Moon in Leo is always a time of culmination, so make sure you put your heart and soul into whatever you do. Full Moons -- always an emotional time anyways -- are intensified by Leo's bravado. Respecting yourself and others is important, so pay attention to how you treat those around you. But most of all ... have fun! Go out to the movies, throw a party or grab the kids and head to an amusement park. Work needs to be balanced with play.

This full Moon will most affect those born July 20-24, October 29-27, January 20-24 and April 19-23.

January 24: Venus enters Capricorn

Enough exploration! As Venus enters earthy let's-build-something Capricorn, your relationship focus turns to commitment. You only want to invest your time and energy into relationships that have a future. Capricorn loves being constructive, so now is the time to build a solid relationship that brings you happiness.

January 25: Pluto enters Capricorn

On January 25, Pluto ends its 13-year transit through belief-driven Sagittarius, and enters achievement-oriented Capricorn. This is arguably the most important planetary event of the year, shifting the focus on ethics, religion and travel to a focus on building and accomplishment. Whenever Pluto changes signs, people's obsessions change as well. Responsibility and self-reliance become major themes in the years ahead, making this a time to improve outmoded, bankrupt systems.

January 28: Mercury turns retrograde

Mercury retrograde periods are famous for misunderstandings and glitches in communications and travel. Cars end up in the shop and travel arrangements go awry. This is not the best time to buy vehicles or media products. You can wait three weeks, can't you? Double check your travel reservations and bring something good to read in case you get delayed. This is a wonderful time to review various areas of your life. If you know your chart, look to see where Mercury is retrograding (this time in Aquarius) and see where it will benefit you to take care of unfinished business.

January 30: Mars turns direct

Whew! Warrior, action-packed Mars has been held in check since last November. Think of a small child who hasn't been able to go out and play for two-and-a-half months and, well, you get the idea. Once the door opens, all of that energy wants to release. Most plans and projects will move forward -- slowly at first, but then pick up momentum. Some situations will come to an end, and you're likely to feel that it's time move in a new direction -- and it is!

February 6: Sun conjunct Mercury

Get out your journal and record whatever's on your mind. As retrograde Mercury conjuncts the Aquarius Sun, you receive a high-speed download of data making connections that will be useful to you later in the month as Mercury turns direct. So, store that information away for now; write about it and speak with your friends about your ideas. Just don't act on them until Mercury turns direct on February 18.

February 6: Solar Eclipse in Aquarius

The new Moon is always a time of new beginnings, and when that new Moon is also a solar eclipse, those new beginnings are especially dramatic. In Aquarius, the mantra is, 'I've got to be me!' This eclipse also stimulates your need to be part of something bigger, so socialize and catch up with your friends, or join an organization with a cause close to your heart. Neptune's conjunction to this eclipse can bring a desire to develop your spiritual life. If you try to be super logical about anything at this time, you may end up more confused in the long run. For now, just open up to the possibilities of a larger sensibility. This eclipse occurs at the north node, urging you to let go of the past and invest in the future.

This new Moon will most affect those born February 5-9, May 6-10, August 8-12 and November 8-12.

February 10: Sun conjunct Neptune

A dreamer, a poet and an idealist are examples of Neptunian expression -- as is someone wrapped up in a fantasy life to escape the mundane parts of life. This aspect is all about the search for bliss and transcendence, and if you can harness the spiritual power of this conjunction you'll be able to make significant progress toward your aspirations. Start by writing down exactly what you want, and then imagine manifesting it.

February 14: Sun trine Mars

Sometimes you feel an immediate rapport with people, other times it seems no matter how hard you try, you just can't get along. When the life-giving Sun in the air sign Aquarius forms a supportive trine with Mars in communicative Gemini, you have the necessary ingredients to get your plans off the ground. People give you the help you need, so don't be shy about asking for it!

February 16: Sun conjunct north node

There are times to reap, and times to sow. Within days of a solar eclipse, the Sun will either conjunct the north node (the future) or the south node (the past). Because last week's Aquarius solar eclipse was at the north node, you receive celestial help. The Sun energizes that assistance, and you'll know which steps to take next.

February 17: Venus enters Aquarius

This is a great transit to connect with like-minded people. Venus is the planet of relationships, and when in friendly Aquarius, you'll feel like spending time with people who share your values. If you're looking for a relationship, attend events that promote a cause near and dear to your heart. If you are married or in a committed relationship, look for opportunities as a couple to make new friends.

Enjoy the Sun's transit in Aquarius!

When astrologers talk about angular planets, they are referring to planets that are conjunct the Ascendant (1st House cusp), Descendent (7th House cusp), Medium Coeli (M.C. or Midheaven), which is the 10th house cusp in some house systems and near the 10th House cusp in others, and Imum Coeli (I.C.): the 4th House cusp or close to it. Planets located in any of these four locations speak very loudly in the horoscope and in the personality of the person.

These four points form a cross within the circle of the chart. This cross is called the 'Cross of Identity,' with the Ascendant representing personal identity and the Descendent relationship identity. The MC at the top of the chart represents public identity as in your worldly status, reputation or vocation. This point represents how the world sees you and how you impact the world. At the bottom of the chart, the IC represents your family identity. This is your foundation -- what you stand on in life.

Any planet within a few degrees of these four points colors the identity. For example, if Mars is conjunct any these, that assertive, aggressive and fiery nature will be apparent to everyone. If, instead, Mars is buried in a house far away from these angles, it may take awhile before you witness the more assertive tendencies of the person.

Here's another example: Uranus conjunct the MC will bring the independent and innovative or rebellious proclivities into the career arena. Everybody will see that this individual needs to bring originality to his or her work. This person needs plenty of room to breathe within the career environment, otherwise their maverick tendencies will very well become problematic.

Venus conjunct the Ascendant signifies a lovely person physically (Venus is how you attract) as well as someone who is interested in promoting harmony and peacefulness. Actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie has this placement, which truly makes sense. When you look at a chart, be sure to take notice of the angular planets. This will help you sharpen your skills in chart interpretation, and you will be amazed by how much people identify with their angular planets!

Eager to dig deeper and really get a firm handle on this thing called Astrology? Check out our variety of Astrology Lessons, and soon you'll be able to communicate about the cosmos with the best of 'em!