THE BEGINNING of a new calendar year is usually a time when we expect to feel excitement and anticipation about what lies ahead. This year, however, we may feel a bit cautious, unsure what to expect, perhaps based on how the past two years have unfolded. While it is true that every day is a new day, and that the first day of January symbolizes an opportunity to begin anew, life itself is a continuous thread.

As 2022 begins, we are still navigating the lingering effects of recent planetary events. In particular, the influence of the Saturn-Uranus square that perfected on December 23 is still very strong. We see this effect in the return of physical/social restrictions (Saturn) that limit individual freedoms (Uranus), as well as in the unpredictable weather and chaotic events (Uranus) that are disrupting life's routines (Saturn).

THE CURRENT TIMELINE is also complicated by Mercury and Venus being in "traveling conjunctions" with Pluto. Although these two planets rendezvous with Pluto every year, the effects of their alignments usually last for just a few days. This year, however, Mercury and Venus are both within "orb" of Pluto for a much longer period due to their retrograde (backward motion) phases.

True to its namesake, the mythical god of the underworld, Pluto acts as a catalyst for profound transformation. When it interacts with other planets, we can find ourselves drawn into darker emotional realms that feel very uncomfortable. The deep feelings that arise – and our choice of how to respond to them – reveal much about what lies behind our personality "mask."

DURING PLUTO TRANSITS, that mask is often torn away. People tend to be more reactive, compulsive, and impulsive as they react to the fears and other emotions that have been triggered. The task, ultimately, is for us to become more self-aware. Instead of blaming another person or the situation for how we feel, our job is to realize that our responses are fueled by deep fears that need our attention.

As we acknowledge the deeper emotion behind a reaction, find its originating source, and work to heal the root cause, that emotion no longer has the power to control us. We become in charge of our reactions to life's circumstances. Thus it is that we achieve personal empowerment, one of the primary purposes of a Pluto transit.

AS MERCURY AND VENUS interact with Pluto over the course of several weeks, we can be drawn into complex situations in the areas ruled by the two planets: relationships, finances, values, and self-worth (Venus); and communications, travel, education, and our overall mental state (Mercury).

The Venus-Pluto conjunction can be considered active from early December through early March. The effects may be strongest around the days that Venus exactly conjoins Pluto, on December 11 and 25, 2021, and on March 3, 2022.

We can expect the Mercury-Pluto conjunction to be active from late December through late February. Mercury exactly conjoins Pluto on December 30, 2021, and on January 28 and February 11, 2022. These dates are times when we are likely to see specific developments related to the aspect themes.

I'LL TALK MORE about these two "traveling conjunctions" – and much more – in my "Finding Ground" webinar, which airs live in just 10 days! Please see the full description of the class below. To register, click here: https://findingground2022.eventbrite.com   

After registering, watch for a confirmation email from [eventbrite.com] and follow-up messages from []. If these don't show up in your inbox, please check your spam/junk folder.

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

Monday

Jupiter square nodal axis: Outdated belief systems prove counterproductive. Old judgments, self-righteousness, fanaticism, and dogmatic beliefs can get in the way of establishing new lines of communication. We are challenged to listen in addition to speaking with clarity and honesty.

Tuesday

No major aspects are exact today. 

Wednesday

Venus sextile Neptune: It is easier to access compassion and forgiveness today. With Venus currently retrograde, this is a good time to review and release relationships from our past.

Thursday

Mercury semisquare Neptune: A tendency to daydream makes concrete thinking difficult.

Sun semisquare Jupiter: A conflict between a part of us that is ready to take a risk and another part wants to stay with what is familiar so that we can feel in control of a situation.

Friday

No major aspects are exact today. 

Saturday

Pallas Athene square Mars, sextile Sun, sextile Venus: After dealing with some lingering self-righteousness, we are able to access a deeper level of empathy today that helps us accept the oneness of all.

Sun conjunct Venus: Relationship themes are highlighted today, but with Venus retrograde, we may still be reviewing the past. Or, a person from earlier in our this-life or past-life experience may come again into our awareness. 

Sunday

Mercury sextile Chiron: This is a good day to mend bridges, as we are more able to be tolerant and openminded. 

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: This year, relationships and personal values are highlighted. You may even reconnect with someone from your past, either from earlier in this life or from another lifetime. While caution is to be advised, due to a tendency to over-idealize the situation, there is much support for creating new relationships that represent a breakthrough in some way. You are more comfortable being your authentic self this year, and also more allowing of others' idiosyncrasies. This new flexibility allows you to let go of needing to be in control and encourages you to follow your intuition in all areas of life. (Solar Return Sun conjunct Venus, semisquare Jupiter, trine Uranus)

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: Jupiter square nodal axis
• TUE: No major aspects are exact today
• WED: Venus sextile Neptune
• THU: Mercury semisquare Neptune, Sun semisquare Jupiter
• FRI: No major aspects are exact today
• SAT: Mars square Pallas Athene, Sun sextile Pallas Athene, Sun conjunct Venus, Venus sextile Pallas Athene
• SUN: Mercury sextile Chiron