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Moonshadows, by Jenny Noble.

 New Moon in Capricorn
January 14, 2010 11:11 pm PST.

This horoscope applies from the New Moon in Capricorn ( January 14) to the New Moon in Aquarius (February 13)

When the Sun and Moon meet each month (New Moon) there are frequently other planets nearby. Being closer to the centre of the Solar System than we are, Mercury and Venus follow smaller orbits; thus we never see them far from the Sun. This month it happens that the Moon cycle begins with Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Pluto all in Capricorn. That’s quite a cluster, but perhaps just what we need to settle back into our responsibilities and schedules after the holidays.

That serious tone blends easily now with the innovative urge of Uranus in Pisces, so the coming 4 weeks are an excellent opportunity to incorporate changes in our procedures. Later in the cycle, Jupiter and Venus both move into Pisces, bringing even an more imaginative and compassionate approach. This is really our time to act on our charitable urges and let our feelings guide our responsibilities. Our generosity can be very effective under these influences, so act on those impulses to be kind!

That doesn’t mean the intensity of the times is abating, however. In fact we can look for some long-standing challenges to surface and demand to be dealt with. (This may be a further development of things that came up around mid-November 09, and may not be fully resolved until August 2010.) The coping mechanisms that usually help us deal with internal and external tensions might just not be enough to contain the pressures we’re under, both personally and world-wide. Comforting illusions are no help in this situation. It’s time to turn and face the demons.

In such times our allies are more important than ever. We may find them in surprising places now. The imaginative realms – arts, dreams, spirituality – can generate heart-felt changes after the intellect exhausts its possibilities. While Venus is in Aquarius (Jan 18-Feb 11) we find solidarity with people who share our visions for society. The first week of February is a good time to look for our “tribe”.

The Sun goes into Aquarius on Jan. 19, and faces off with the Full Moon in Leo on the 29th (10:18 pm PST). Full Moons bring to light underlying issues and concerns, but can also illuminate the way forward. With feisty Mars in the current picture, we find courage and energy to be pro-active or hunker down in a defensive stance. Guess which is more helpful!

Aries, this is your month for taking stock of your role in the world. It may be that you’re asked to take a more prominent role in some public project. The 3rd week of January could bring relationship challenges, someone pulling away just when you want to get closer, or vice versa. That emotional Full Moon on the 29th will clarify the situation, but it may take until March for you to feel like you can do anything about it. Meanwhile, there’s a lot you can learn about fitting your independent spirit into the dynamics of a group. You can be a team player and still a star.

For most of this cycle, Taurus, your ruling planet Venus glides through cool, detached Aquarius. You may be wanting a little more space than usual from Jan 18-Feb 11, and someone might not like it around the 26th. Mine a vein of clear, common sense on the 21st, when you can offer a particularly rational perspective. The emphasis now is on understanding your core beliefs and how they support you – or otherwise.

Gemini is used to moving quickly and changing fast, so it’s probably seemed like a pretty slow winter so far. Especially if you’ve been locked into someone else’s agenda for most of December and January. On the other hand, that someone’s resources might be pretty useful if you’re patient enough to work with them. Things start moving forward again about the time of this New Moon, and the pace picks up after Feb. 10. Enjoy the flashes of insight and inspiration on Feb. 6, and put them to practical use on the 12th.

When those you are close to are undergoing trials by fire, it can feel like all the energy and power are with them. For Cancer right now, their dramas cast a cloud over your home sanctuary. A period of testing can reveal cracks in your foundation, either physical or emotional. At the end of the process, you’ll know for sure what really holds you up. With the planets of love (Venus) and hope (Jupiter) moving into helpful places for you, there’s much support through education, travel and connecting with what you truly believe.

Hang on, Leo, the Sun is coming up! Once it enters Aquarius (Jan 19) you’ll be able to see more clearly where others are coming from. You can connect with helpful partners now, though there may be some ego-driven solar flares around the Full Moon of the 29th. Curb your impulse to fire back; simmer down and let things unfold until you have more information or a broader perspective.

Virgo, this cycle begins with a very strong creative impulse for you, and I’m not talking about needlepoint. Your ability to envision profound changes in your life is at a peak. There’s a big difference between wishes and intentions. Intention is a promise you make to yourself, building on the realistic self-understanding you’ve developed over the past 2-3 years. This month begins a year when helpful others will show they care. If you’re clear on where you intend to go, you’ll recognize the ones who can help you get there.

Libra, the pleasures of the coming month (especially Jan 18-Feb 11) may be somewhat subdued, but lead to profound and lasting growth. Some form of service may renew your sense of purpose in life. Early in February be aware of what pulls at your heart-strings; that’s where you can really make a difference. Meanwhile, make some play dates with your buddies. Older folks might be the most satisfying companions now.

Scorpio, your theme this month is communication. Especially in the first week, choose your words carefully to convey the most accurate messages you can. If misunderstandings have arisen lately, it would be good to clarify your position while keeping an open mind to the other side. Trying to understand multiple viewpoints now will make it easier to remain objective toward the end of January, when any challenge might feel like a confrontation. The world turns a little friendlier after Feb. 11. 

Jupiter rules Sagittarius, and its move into Pisces is good news for you. For one thing, there could be some financial relief in the early part of February, possibly from an unexpected place or your own inventive resourcefulness. (No, I don’t do lottery numbers!) Is there some hidden asset in your home or family? You may find it helpful to explore the past or muck about in your subconscious; what you find may be more benign than you expect.

They say a Capricorn is never surprised by bad news, but that’s an exaggeration. This month, tune your receptors to the possibility of surprising news that pleases you very much indeed. There’s a special kind of opening to this New Moon, since it’s also a solar eclipse in your sign. That often signals major beginnings and endings, especially if it occurs near your birthday. Unusual opportunities or heart-warming connections with extraordinary people may unfold for you, especially if you can hold steady in the midst of a storm.

Aquarius, this is a behind-the-scenes kind of cycle for you. A lot’s lot going on beneath your radar. It can turn out to be quite helpful, but you’ll need to be ready to spot opportunities and act on them while they’re fresh. From Jan 18-Feb 11, Venus travelling through your sign helps you look and act your friendly best, with even a flash of glamour on Feb. 7. That’s got to help!

Big Daddy Jupiter’s coming home to you, Pisces, so prepare for some part of your life to expand. If you don’t want that to be your pant size, have a talk with yourself about indulgence. Jupiter can bring the “I deserve it, I want it, and everyone loves me so they won’t notice my enormous butt” kind of optimism. You don’t need false confidence; you have plenty to be proud of, especially when you act on your compassionate feelings.

Next column: Aquarius New Moon, February 13.

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