Libra (23 September-23 October)
Things will be moving quickly for you as 2014 begins and for some the pace of life feels a little too fast, as if you have some catching up to do. There are a few reasons for this but one of them is a powerful New Moon on New Year’s Day which takes place down at the base of your chart focusing on your home, your family, your past and where you come from.
This New Moon sees the Sun and Moon next to one another in the sign of Capricorn and they’re joined this time around by Mercury (communication) and Pluto (loss/power). This suggests an important conversation is on the cards regarding your home or family and that you have a big decision to make.
It’s likely to be a personal situation that is no longer tolerable, whether this involves someone in your family or your living situation. Pluto is often involved when you can’t go on with things the way they are and you know that change has to come, even if it feels painful. What’s important to realise with this New Moon is that whatever you say or decide is likely to be final and there’s often no going back once you’ve made up your mind or stated your point of view.
New Moons represent new beginnings and they’re a brilliant symbol for making a fresh start but this New Moon indicates that first you have to let something (or someone) go.
Whatever this means for you personally will reverberate throughout the rest of the month and it may take you most of January to come to terms with what you decide or to feel comfortable with your decision. This is because your ruling planet Venus is retrograde, i.e. on go slow in the sign of Capricorn until the last day of the month when it turns direct. When a planet’s retrograde, it internalises the energy and you’re happy to reflect or ponder your situation but find it more difficult to take action. It’s as if you’re not quite ready yet with Venus on go slow.
At times this won’t be easy and you could experience a real push-pull within yourself or find yourself at odds with someone close. This is because Mars, the action planet, is currently in your sign of Libra and going great guns. It’s full steam ahead for Mars wanting to push personal goals to the top of the agenda, get moving and make things happen, very different to Venus’ slower energy. If you do feel stuck, physical exercise would be a great outlet now, boosting your energy levels and helping you deal with any anger that arises.
Things may come to a head on or around the Full Moon on the 16th which also cuts across the Cancer-Capricorn axis of your horoscope, ruling work and home, plus on the same day Venus and Mars make a square aspect in the heavens. This is such a lively start to a new year and even though being a Libran you’re not someone who likes conflict, it feels as if you can’t avoid dealing with major issues.
Let’s not forget that Jupiter, planet of opportunity and expansion, is up at the top of your chart ruling your career and vocation. From now until the summer, this is an excellent time to pursue your career goals and to say ‘yes’ to the opportunities that come your way. Take note of the symbolism and then apply it to your own life.
I suspect that some of you will be offered work or jobs that take you abroad or it might mean changing things around at home, whether that includes working unusual shifts or being busier than before. How to balance the home/work lifestyle especially if children or older family members are involved is a pressing issue but by the end of the month you’ll feel as if you’re getting things right.
On the day that Venus turns direct, there’s a powerful Jupiter-Pluto opposition in the heavens, again cutting across the signs of Cancer and Capricorn. This is great symbolism for a major de-cluttering session and setting up a new recycling regime or even starting a compost heap. Regeneration is a Jupiter-Pluto theme and creating something new out of something old.
However, it also feels as if something has to give and you can’t have everything your own way or keep everyone happy. When you say ‘yes’ to one opportunity or lifestyle, you invariably have to say ‘no’ to something else. It may feel as if it’s a tough decision, but by the 31st you’ll know what you want to do.
There’s also lots of fun to be had in January which at times will be a welcome escape from the more serious issues that arise. Mercury enters your fellow air sign of Aquarius on the 11th and is followed by the Sun on the 20th and Aquarius rules fun, entertainment, children and love affairs. So throw yourself into the social swing and create new opportunities to be with friends and to laugh and be happy. If you’re looking for love, take note of what happens on the 17th, the 29th and the 30th.
On the last of these dates there’s the second New Moon of the month which is special for January. Set your intentions for love and/or starting or growing a family and make a wish. New Moons are powerful symbols for new beginnings and can make your dreams come true.