THE INCOMING ENERGIES have been intense this past week. Just in the last two days, we've had an M2-class solar flare, a minor geomagnetic storm, and solar wind speeds consistently above 600 km/sec, which is in the "Moderately Elevated" range. All of these factors contribute to consciousness expansion, but they can also cause fatigue, sleep disturbances, and other unexplained physical, emotional, and mental symptoms. 

While we can't predict solar flares or solar wind with accuracy, we can rely on the rhythms and cycles of the planets in our solar system. For instance, we know that the Sun and Moon will be on opposite sides of the zodiac on Monday of this week, and that a Full Moon will occur. As astrologers who watch the interactions of the planets, we also know that it will be significant event because the Full Moon is in strong aspect to Pluto, Eris, and Neptune.

AT THE TIME of the lunation, which occurs at 3:48 p.m. PST on Monday, January 17, the Moon will be at 27°50´ Cancer, with the Sun at the same degree of Capricorn.

People tend to be more emotional at the time of a Full Moon, and with this lunation in sensitive Cancer, feelings will be especially strong on Monday. We may feel a great deal of empathy for others, and have a strong desire to protect and care for those who are vulnerable. At the same time, people can be more moody than usual, as well as more defensive or withdrawn. 

The opposition of the Moon and the Sun at the time of a Full Moon always encourages us to find a balance of polarities. In this lunation, we are asked to pay attention to our feelings (Cancer), but also to keep some grounding and objectivity (Capricorn) so that we do not get lost in an emotional wash.

WHEN THE FULL MOON reaches its peak, powerful Pluto will be at 26°29´ Capricorn, within two degrees of being exactly opposite the Moon. Any time the Moon and Pluto interact, we can expect an increase in emotional reactivity. This is due to Pluto's tendency to bring to a boil feelings and issues that have perhaps only been simmering up to now.

Dwarf planet Eris in Aries is also a factor in Monday's Full Moon, being square the Moon, the Sun, and Pluto. Together, these planets will form a configuration called a cardinal T-square. A T-square indicates heightened tension that must be redirected in constructive ways if we are avoid head-on collisions. 

Controversies are likely to be especially heated with this Full Moon. People can be very impatient, impulsive, strong-willed, or even aggressive, tending more toward confrontation than collaboration.

THIS REMINDS US to find the "missing leg" of the T-square we just talked about. With a T-square, three legs of a four-legged table are in position. To keep from wobbling, we must find the missing leg -- in this case, the missing cardinal sign, which is Libra. Libra is the sign of balance, harmony, interdependence, and fairness. These are the qualities we must focus on to successfully manage the effects of the T-square.

Thankfully, we have good support from Neptune, the asteroid Pallas Athene, and the dwarf planet Ceres during the Full Moon.

NEPTUNE AND PALLAS ATHENE conjoin in Pisces on Monday and will be in flowing trine aspect to the Moon. Neptune is the planet of Transcendence, helping us rise above the dramas and traumas of the physical plane, and reminding us of the spiritual dimensions. The asteroid Pallas Athene helps us to connect with our spirit guides, to employ our spiritual practices, and to use nonviolent resistance if feeling threatened. Together, Neptune and Pallas Athene enhance telepathic and psychic abilities, and strengthen faith.

Ceres is in Taurus and will be in helpful sextile aspect to the Moon on Monday. Named for the Earth Mother Goddess, Ceres in Taurus can provide some stability to this otherwise unsettling Full Moon. It also encourages us to spend time in nature and to ground ourselves into the energy of Gaia.

TWO OTHER very important astrological events occur this week, both on Tuesday. The planet Uranus will come to a standstill, having finished its retrograde (backward motion) phase and readying to go direct again. Whenever a planet "stations" in this way, its influence is heightened for a week or more before and after the exact day.

In other words, Uranus' energies have been strong for at least a week and this will continue for the coming week, too. Uranus is in earthy Taurus, so manifestations can include earthquakes, increased volcanic activity, surprising weather or environmental situations, and other unexpected events that can tend to throw us off-balance.

We must also note that Uranus is in hard sesquiquadrate aspect to Mars when it stations on Tuesday. The Red Planet adds another level of eruptive energy to the mix, and perhaps anger as well.

However, we must remember that at its higher frequency, Uranus is the planet of Higher Consciousness. Since its energy is very strong this week, we can benefit from any practices that include accessing the Higher Mind and increasing our link to higher-level information and perspectives.

ALSO ON TUESDAY, the nodal axis changes signs: the North Node moves into Taurus and the South Node moves into Scorpio.* The Moon's nodes are in a pair of signs for about 18 months, and their position reveals humanity's next steps in spiritual growth. 

Since May 2020, the North Node has been in Gemini, with the South Node in Sagittarius. During this time, we have been called to learn to think for ourselves, to speak our truth, but also to develop the qualities of open-mindedness. Our evolutionary progress has required that we leave behind self-righteousness, fanaticism, and the tendency to judge others. While it's clear that we still have some work to do in these areas, this week we are starting a new semester, with new classes on the schedule.

(*Please note that there are two ways of calculating the placement of the nodes – I use the "true node," whereas some astrologers use the "mean node.")

THE NORTH NODE points us to our path of soul growth, while the South Node shows us what might be holding us back from making progress. Over the next 18 months, we are advised to develop the higher vibrational qualities of Taurus and to transcend the shadow qualities of Scorpio. (Please note that in about nine years, the nodes will be reversed, and our growth will depend on developing the higher qualities of Scorpio and transcending the shadow side of Taurus.)

In essence, our calling over the next 18 months is to focus on "finding ground": to rise above crisis and drama by staying grounded and calm; to let go of being overly preoccupied with what others are doing by maintaining good personal boundaries; to move beyond annoyance and resentment by cultivating patience and forgiveness; and to simplify our lives by knowing what we truly value and dedicating ourselves to appreciating the everyday gifts of life.

HERE is a list of the most significant aspects we'll be working with this week, with my brief interpretations:

Monday

Neptune conjunct Pallas Athene: See above.

Full Moon, 3:48 p.m. PST: See above.

Tuesday

Mercury sextile Chiron: An opportunity to clear the air, to communicate and listen with an open heart and an open mind.

Uranus stations direct: See above.

Mars sesquiquadrate Uranus: See above.

North Node enters Taurus, South Node enters Scorpio: See above.

Wednesday

Sun enters Aquarius: We begin a new solar month, during which we can be more drawn to Aquarian qualities and experiences. In general, Aquarius is individualistic, progressive, equality-minded, and eager to share what it knows.

Thursday

Mercury semisquare Neptune: Thinking can be foggy today, causing miscommunication or confusion of direction.

Friday

No major aspects are exact today.

Saturday

No major aspects are exact today.

Sunday

Sun conjunct Mercury: With Mercury retrograde, this conjunction is best used for introspection, personal journaling, or reviewing plans. The insights we gain now can be best utilized once Mercury goes direct on February 3.

Mars semisquare Saturn: Frustrations arise when our immediate desires are not fulfilled, or we run into a string of red lights when we're trying to get somewhere quickly. 

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: Your words and opinions are especially strong this year, and you may have a very clear idea of exactly what needs to be done to achieve personal and career goals. If you combine your passion with integrity, conscience, and caring, you can make significant strides in almost any area where you choose to direct your energies. Be aware, however, of a possible lack of tact when focusing on getting the job done; your choice of words can have powerful effect on others. (Solar Return Sun conjunct Mercury, conjunct Pluto, trine Ceres)

In peace and with gratitude,

Pam

Aspects of Note This Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.

• MON: Neptune conjunct Pallas Athene, Full Moon 3:48 pm PST
• TUE: Mercury sextile Chiron, Uranus stations direct, Mars sesquiquadrate Uranus, North Node enters Taurus
• WED: Sun enters Aquarius
• THU: Mercury semisquare Neptune
• FRI: No major aspects are exact today
• SAT: No major aspects are exact today
• SUN: Sun conjunct Mercury, Mars semisquare Saturn