Welcome 2016! Every New Year is an opportunity to experience something different; and after an unsettling 2015, during which we have all felt some form of transformation (for better or worse) we are now facing the dynamic, anxious year of 2016. This year we are going to rethink our strategies, philosophic views, religious and spiritual systems on which we base our existence. Patience will continue to be a virtue in 2016, offering us a chance to do just that as two planets turn retrograde to start off the year.
As with all New Years we are motivated by hopes and wishes for the future, so this month begins the same way as mental Mercury enters futuristic Aquarius on January 1st. For the first seven days of 2016 we will hungry for knowledge and are open to new and original ideas. As Mercury moves into the air sign of Aquarius we can feel our feet come off the ground and our minds fly free. Mercury in Aquarius brings us into the realm of genius, at least for a little while. Our communication and thought patterns are spontaneous, somewhat fragmented, and somewhat more liberal. However, Mercury will turn retrograde in Aquarius on January 5th and then backtrack into Capricorn on January 8th--until he starts moving direct again on January 25, 2016. Mercury will not be the only planet that turns retrograde in January; idealistic Jupiter turns retrograde on January 7th as well, beginning his four month hiatus through analytical Virgo.
As will all retrogrades, it’s a time to delve into the past, to review our current circumstances and to complete unfinished projects before we can move onto new experiences. However, on January 3rd, restless Mars enters tenacious Scorpio adding fuel to our desires for increased activity. When the masculine energy of Mars combines with the intensity of Scorpio, we care deeply about everything that is important to us. Issues take on a life and death importance. We take everything personally. We obsess over everything. We get possessive and jealous. Scorpio is also a sign of precision and deep perception. If we can get past its tendency to sulk and throw tantrums over not getting our way, the presence of Mars here can provide some powerful insights and intense concentration. And, we'll have the energy to really push to get things done. Half-hearted does not happen during this alignment—so be wise, and think before you act this month.
The first New Moon of 2016 will occur on January 9th all done up in strategic Capricorn. This lunation adds to the general trend toward what's based in real wisdom. Capricorn is a no-nonsense sign that helps you stand on more solid ground. It's a sign that stands firmly rooted in a tradition or area of knowledge, on the path to mastery. It's a good time to ponder where your true talents lie. How will you make your mark this year? What is your contribution to the world? What kinds of skills, training, real-world experience, education, will you need to accomplish your goals?
The momentum changes on January 20th when the radiant Sun enters eclectic Aquarius. There is no better example of the energy involved in futuristic thinking than the way we start feeling while the Sun moves through Aquarius, sign of the Water Bearer. Aquarius is an air sign, and a fixed one at that. Its energy is about thinking. The Aquarian energy is capable of seeing and understanding a mountain of information. It is detached, unemotional. It looks at things on a world wide scale. During this transit we find ourselves looking towards humanity with a greater hope for the future as we begin to think of inventions that will make the world a better place.
Our relationships become serious business on January 23rd, when Venus moves into Capricorn bringing with it an efficient, practical feel. The sign Venus is traveling through describes what kind of things we like and what makes us feel comfortable. In Capricorn what makes us comfortable are things that are useful and functional. No extra frills. When it comes to expressing the love so deeply associated with Venus, Capricorn sees your willingness to help get some work done as the true meaning of love. Don't bother with all that hugging and kissing stuff-- until the job is finished, that is. Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign, combining the desire to initiate things with the depth and breadth of the physical world. It deals with the running of business, of understanding how to make the cogs of the wheel go around and how to get them into the wheel so they will. It's the sign of the Boss, the Manager, and the Leader. When Venus visits this sign she brings a softer touch to the management style. She talks softly but still carries a big stick.
The first Full Moon of 2016 happens on January 23rd, in Leo, the sign of the artist, player and lover. Spontaneity is contagious, and this lunar culmination inspires everyone to express themselves freely. Leo gets the improv and storytelling rolling, making it a fine time for parties. At this Full Moon, this is a time to celebrate your achievements. Maybe you need to take the spotlight and face those fears. Perhaps there is something you’ve wanted to do but it could be uncomfortable. This Moon says give it a try – in fact, it’s shouting. Go on, you can do it!
Read all about what 2016 looks like astrologically and also your 2016 Horoscopes by clicking on banner below.
Happy a spectacular New Year!!
