2024 is here, and what a momentous year it promises to be! All dials are set on ‘go’, right from the start.
Just in the nick of time, Jupiter turned direct on December 31. Mercury follows suit on January 1, and thank goodness for that! We have had enough of Mercury’s shenanigans over the last three weeks. It is a relief to start the year with Mercury and Jupiter in direct motion.
As we start the year, the Moon is in Virgo – perfect for making plans, getting organized and setting good intentions. The Moon trines the Sun in Capricorn and Jupiter in Taurus, but technically, this is not a Grand Trine, since the Moon moves too fast. It does, however, create a harmonious, down-to-earth energy pattern, perfect for getting your ducks in order.
Mars, still in Sagittarius, separates from a square with Neptune and closes in on a semi-sextile with Pluto. The storm is subsiding, but we are now dealing with the aftermath.
Pluto is on the brink of changing signs later this month. This episode is significant. It is the last ‘toe-dip’ before it finally completes the transition from Capricorn to Aquarius in mid-November. This radical energy shift will stay with us for the next 20 years!
January 1-8, 2024
On January 1, Venus squares Saturn. Still in Sagittarius, Venus is full of sparks – but Saturn in Pisces puts the dampers on and pushes for a more serious conduct.
On January 3, Venus casts a quincunx to Jupiter and a sesquiquadrate to the North Node, while Mars semi-sextiles Pluto. There are some problematic issues to consider that will shape the dynamics of the times ahead.
The following day, Mars enters ambitious, hard-working and determined Capricorn, an ideal matrix for his dynamic energy.
A square between the Sun and Chiron presents new challenges. Chiron will make a lot of commotion over the coming months, suggesting that health topics will be prominent topics again. That does not automatically mean acute threats, but perhaps a lack of resources or staff to handle public health needs or other aspects of the pandemic aftermath.
January 9 – 11, 2024
On January 9, Mercury squares Neptune and semi-squares Saturn.
Fudging, withholding, or blurring information is causing friction in the system.
The following day, the Sun trines Uranus, and a surprise move can cut right to the core. Mars sextiles Saturn but casts a sesquiquadrate to Uranus, while Venus forms a semi-square with Saturn. A busy day for the planets, and their motions keep us on our toes. We might have to iron out the effects of a provocation or faux pas.
All this commotion builds up to the New Moon in Capricorn on January 11. The Sun and Moon square the North Node, stressing the ultimate question of where we are heading.
January 12 – 17, 2024
On January 14, Venus quincunxes Uranus and trines the North Node, while Saturn semi-squares the North Node. A diplomatic hoopla creates a stalemate. The Sun – Neptune sextile on January 16 means well, or at least gives that impression. But Mercury sesquiquadrates Uranus the following day – a reminder that things beyond our control can disrupt our lovely dreams.
Mercury sextiles Saturn on January 18 and trines Jupiter the following day, promising a move in a more positive direction. But Venus squares Neptune on January 19, highlighting a disparity between fantasy and reality.
January 20 – 27, 2024
January 20/21 brings a seismic astrological shift. The Sun conjuncts Pluto as they enter Aquarius together. This moment has symbolic significance, which may or may not manifest in external events on that very day. But it marks a turning point.
Venus enters Capricorn on January 23. In this sign, Venus does not bluff. The semi-sextile she casts to Pluto as she changes signs acts as a reality check. Uranus, the wild card, forms a semi-sextile with the North Node, which may present an unlikely possibility.
Mars and Mercury, closely together in Capricorn, square Chiron during the Full Moon in Leo on January 25. They draw attention to health issues once again. Communication and emergency response may be inadequate. The Sun semis-sextiles Saturn and Venus sesquiquadrates Uranus on January 26, and the following day, a Sun -Jupiter square, and a Mercury/Mars conjunction become exact. These patterns have been building up for a few days and ‘blossom’ on the Full Moon and the following days. Also, Uranus turns direct on January 27, wrenching up the energy dynamics another notch.
January 28 – 31, 2024
On January 28, Mercury and Mars square the Nodes, seriously disrupting the game plan. They also trine Uranus, providing for an extra layer of uncertainty. But Venus sextiles Saturn and trines Jupiter, suggesting that there may be an unsuspected benefit. A lot is going on at the end of the month, and it won’t get boring. Yet, it is uncertain which way the wind will blow. Some manoeuvres will probably backfire, creating unintended results.
On January 30, Mercury semi-squares Saturn, and the next day, the Sun semi-squares Neptune. Despite the incredible momentum since the Full Moon, not everything will go smoothly, and there are things to iron out or clarify.
Summary
The second half of the month is highly dynamic. Be prepared for the unexpected, but don’t be afraid of trying new approaches. Making good progress now means taking the initiative while keeping on your toes with all senses alert.
