Tikkun Olam & Year of the Metal Rat Capricorn Old Moon, then Aquarius New Moon

Dear Friend and Reader:

This is about to be an interesting week. I know we are surfing the wild waves of "interesting times" (or maybe just Twitter) these days. However, the way this week's astrology lines up with collective events, we've got a real moment.

	An old crescent Moon over Menton, France, in 2006 with the sister stars of the Pleiades cluster. Overexposing the crescent Moon allows us to see the dim lunar night side illuminated by earthshine — light from sunlit planet Earth. Photo by Vincent Jacques via APOD.

This week is all about the Moon, which is a pointer to other events. Think of the Moon as the cue ball in pool. Inherently neutral, it knocks into the other planets by aspect. It also picks up the energy of its sign more than any other object in the chart.

We just experienced a lunar eclipse on Jan. 10 (I know, it feels like a month ago, but it was a little over a week). The subsequent New Moon will be in Aquarius on Friday, Jan. 24. Before we get there, the Moon passes through Capricorn, making conjunctions to all that stuff going on there.

That includes Saturn and Pluto, though it starts with Pallas Athene, Pholus, Quaoar, the South Node, Jupiter, and then finally Pluto, Saturn, Ceres and Chariklo. I've only named one asteroid — appropriately, the goddess of law and politics, Pallas. The rest are planets or various shades of minor planet, and they tell some interesting stories of how the institution of family holographically transforms into government and corporations.

What is this all about? It will feel different for everyone, though pay attention to the way that your concept of family may rule your life. Getting some independence is easier said than done, then the phone rings and it's (pick a relative) who wants to (pick an activity) and then you get there and remember why you don't want to do that (because they drive you crazy or make you feel inferior or induce you to hate yourself or whatevs).

Monday the Moon is conjunct Mars and square Neptune, basically in one gesture. Mars square Neptune will be hanging around all month and the Moon inserts us (as in our feelings, personality, events) into it. This is an "avoid self-destructive behavior" kind of thing, i.e., if you're pissed off, don't drink a bottle of wine and wonder why you feel worse.

	"Family Dynamics," acrylic painting by Naomi Gerrard.

Under any intense Neptune setup, you must devote yourself to truth. Truth is not some grand abstraction. In this context, it means getting past how you think you feel, what you think you know, and what you want to believe, and going deeper.

Keep an open mind, so much as that is possible. Use a wedge if you need to. Walk around muttering, "Where's your data?" (That is the investigative reporting mantra.)

The Sun enters Aquarius on Monday at 9:55 am EST. This will open the energy up a little; it's a more social vibe than what we've been experiencing. The Aquarius Sun is square Uranus in Taurus all week. This will keep us perky and alert. Surprise yourself and do something a little extra interesting.

Also note that on Monday the Moon, Venus and Nessus square up. This translates to, "Be aware of the victim trip," which is a pandemic of our times. Not everything is a transgression.

You don't need to be a survivor of anything to be acceptable to others. Don't worry, you are not "over-privileged." You probably work your ass off for the opportunities you have.

Then the Moon enters Capricorn on Tuesday, Jan. 21 just seconds before midnight EST. The combination of Moon, Pallas, Pholus and Quaoar will tell you most of what you need to know. Notice how your family constellation manifests in your office, circle of friends or intimate relationships (boss as uncle, receptionist as little sister, janitor as your oddball cousin, that kind of thing).

	USPS stamp for the 2020 Lunar New Year.

Commune with your favorite ancestor (hi Aunt Josie!). Tap into some of their old-fashioned wisdom and/or hand back a few issues you would rather not have. Or maybe ask for guidance.

This is hilarious astrology for the beginning of an impeachment trial. (Politico reports that various legal filings are due over the weekend through Monday, and that the Senate reconvenes at 12:30 pm Tuesday, after the federal holiday. I have confirmed this with the Capitol Police.)

Things get deep with the Moon conjunct Pluto, Thursday, Jan. 23. I think this is a get-real moment in the impeachment. For us humans on the ground level, Moon-Pluto often has a lonely or lone wolf feeling. It also cautions against any form of power grab or obsession with authority, especially in Capricorn.

The Moon enters Aquarius Friday, followed by the Aquarius New Moon at 4:42 pm EST. The New Moon is in degree 5 of Aquarius. This has a cool Sabian symbol — "A council of ancestors is seen implementing the efforts of a young leader." This is exciting in the context of all the aforementioned Capricorn.

The Lunar New Year (i.e. Chinese New Year) is Saturday, Jan. 25. This is the Year of the Metal Rat. Traditional wisdom holds that success and prosperity are the result of careful planning.

PS — Mars is square Neptune on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 5:34 am EST. This has been lurking in the background of everything. That is a reminder to have your fact-checking team working overtime throughout all the time covered in this article. Make your choices on what is constructive; what holds the world together; what repairs the world.

As is said in Hebrew, Tikkun olam.

With love,


A Note About 2020 and Personal Astrology

Dear Friend and Reader:

It's been a little over two weeks since I finished RESPECT, part two of your 2020 reading. I felt the astrology of this year was so significant I needed to cover it twice.

We are living through unusual times — an understatement, I know — and many people are being pressured to catch up with themselves. That means making long-overdue decisions, fixing problems that have been lingering around, and finally getting on with those elements of your actual purpose.

	MacBook selfie — traveling somewhere, probably New York City.

I have worked as a personal consultant to thousands of people at just this kind of stage of their lives: the point where you figure out your choices matter. The place where you feel vulnerable. Where you understand that change must come.

Whether you're making your decisions preemptively or at the last minute, I have a pair of readings that can help you.

Part one is called INTELLIGENCE, a chapter-length essay for each sign and rising sign. These are my most comprehensive written readings ever.

Part two is called RESPECT, a consultation-length audio reading for each sign and rising sign. As my customers know, I am gifted with the ability to do a full-strength reading using transits and the solar chart. I read not a single sign but the whole chart, so the result is that you get a whole reading.

Astrology is not therapy, but my readings are designed to be therapeutic several different ways. First, I create a calm, introspective space to do the work. I remind you of your inner being; that is who I'm speaking to. The real you who it's easy to forget. (My audio readings come with gentle, alive, original music.)

My whole purpose as an astrologer is to remind you of your power of decision, and to help you see your options. And as an astrologer, I have a sacred duty to help you use time well. We are accustomed to seeing time as a kind of enemy; I am here to introduce you to time as your friend.

Particularly within the grind and madness of the current world, my readings are oxygen and sunshine and water.

The other day, I got an email from a customer about my recent Capricorn Studio reading, the first project I did after finishing RESPECT. She wrote:

Eric I wanted to compliment you on the excellent articulation you did in a straight forth, informative manner, in the Capricorn Astrology Studio reading. I am a Capricorn Sun and ascendant with my Moon in Aquarius, so this was like a personal reading for me. So I extend my deep heart felt gratitude for this gift. I also love the way you include prior times when we may have experienced the astrology, for it gives me a further historical insight into the mastery of who I am and why I am here. Thus validating my own intuitive process that values my uniqueness and allows more awareness and clarity towards freedom of choice. All the very best to you. Kindest regards, Janet

Best of all, my readings are designed to be affordable — a tiny fraction of a personal astrology reading, a fraction of the cost of a single therapy session, and yet providing you with thoughtful mental and emotional nutrition that will feed you for years. Even my very old readings speak to the moment.

They are designed for both Sun and rising sign. You may share them with close friends and loved ones.

We are offering a new option — combined RESPECT and INTELLIGENCE by individual sign.

You may also get all 12 signs of both RESPECT and INTELLIGENCE. Why would you want that? It's excellent, interesting reading, and every sign is relevant. Listening to one sign's recording a week will help you expand and refresh your worldview.

If you would like some other option, please write to us, or call (845) 481-5616. You may also find more options here.

Thank you for your business, and for trusting me as your astrologer.

With love,

PS — We love when you call and purchase by phone. We want to hear from you.

PPS — You can also check on the status of your membership, and we offer a discount for early renewal. Just call (845) 481-5616. If you have to leave a message, we will get right back to you. Daily Birthday Readings from Planet Waves

Here are the next week's Birthday Readings; if it's your birthday this week, many happy returns to you. Please note you can also read these entries as daily posts on our main website. Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020 (The Day of Dreams and Visions) Support from confidantes and from professional allies is an important resource to take advantage of this year. You are traversing a cycle of immense personal transformation. Channels are open, but you must make use of them, so don't let yourself become isolated. Connect with those you love, who uplift and strengthen you. Seek out appropriate guidance, when necessary. Opportunities for deep healing are at hand. Now is the time to consciously work through old imprints, suppressed rage, or self-concepts that no longer serve who you're becoming. Trust the process.

— By Victoria Emory Monday, Jan. 20, 2020 (The Day of the Freewheeler) Your chart describes possible opportunities opening up in the social realm. Not so much the cool blue networks of the internet, but real meetings with flesh-and-blood humans. Venturing out into unusual or different places could result in you forming all sorts of new contacts, from business to the bedroom. Dare to explore, and to speak up. Have faith in your charm: it carries you further than you realize. Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 (The Day of the Front Runner) As you develop, occasionally you find you've outgrown certain relationships (of any sort). This is usual: the connections we make generally serve a purpose of some kind. Letting them go helps clear the path for new people to enter our lives. Notice anyone seeming to cling to you for the sake of doing so; set firm boundaries consciously, and be courageous in keeping them. Take full control of where and how you expend your energy. Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020 (The Day of the Vortex) Activity in Capricorn, your solar 12th house, places a focus on your spiritual path and intuition for the year ahead. Pay attention to your sensations and any patterns you notice. Keep a dream diary, and observe how your dreams make you feel as well as their actual content. Remember that this is ultimately about working with your internal compass to steer in the best possible direction. You may safely trust yourself. Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020 (The Day of Character) Your birthday takes place on a busy day, astrologically speaking. Several threads in your life that appeared to be separate are suddenly showing themselves to be part of a larger pattern. This is likely to herald a new sense of purpose forming, though be patient and allow the theme to develop at its own pace. Meanwhile, for the time being focus on tying up any loose ends. You're going to need the extra room in your diary. Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 (The Day of the Aloof Icon) A New Moon on your birthday reminds you that you are the one in charge of your life, and choosing your direction. Others may try to pull you one way or another, yet they cannot succeed without your consent. Even in challenging situations, you have more choice than might be immediately clear. Be bold in advocating for yourself, and do not hesitate to take up opportunities to aid your personal growth and wellbeing. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020 (The Day of Destiny) It would seem this is an optimal moment to get the next phase of your life underway. In order to do so, you may need to review some of the beliefs you have been holding onto, and potentially visit unfamiliar spaces. Treat any discomfort you may feel as a reminder to stay awake. Possibly it's a sign that you're making necessary changes in preparation for getting closer to your goals. Flirt with the dissonance, play with it and make it yours. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020 (The Day of Striking Deeds) Prepare for some foundations you've laid in the past year to begin coming to fruition — potentially in a rather spectacular way. From time to time the barest of nudges can lead to rapid acceleration. Keeping up with the rate of change might not always be easy, though treating each new development as a fun adventure will help. Go with the flow, gather your chutzpah, and take some bold steps forward.

— By Amy Elliott Monthly Horoscopes and Publishing Schedule Notes

Your extended monthly horoscope for January was published on Friday, Dec. 27. We published your extended monthly horoscope for December on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Please note: we normally publish the extended monthly horoscope after the Sun has entered a new sign. Aries (March 20-April 19) — Events this week will give you a hint of the future. The Sun enters Aquarius, one of the most vibrant angles of your solar chart. This will draw you out into the world in a whole new way, and open up your social options. Yet there is much more: this zone of your chart is about your vision for your life; your highest ideals; your true sense of mission. While it's always available, few people are able to access the highest potential of this house. Over the next few months, you're going to feel the momentum shift in this direction, though the Sun's entry combined with Friday's New Moon will arrive with both some ideas and the yearning for freedom. The important thing to remember about Aquarius in all of its forms is that it responds on the density level you arrive with. Bring fear and you will see darkness. Bring love and generosity and you will feel the potential. Get your full Aries reading by Eric here.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — New professional horizons are opening up for you. Don't rush the process; feel it out gently, one step at a time. The first opening arrives this week, as both the Sun and Moon cross the midheaven angle of your solar chart. That is only the beginning; you will be adapting to this energy all year and well into 2021. Uranus in your birth sign is spurring you into wanting a revolt, an uprising, and a whole new life. Yet Aquarius counsels patience and a consistent approach. And more than anything, you'll be learning to be accountable to yourself in a whole new way. I'll have more to say about that as the weeks unfold, though this particular moment is about feeling, thinking and envisioning where you might want to be a year from now. Listen inwardly for your calling. You have one, and it will come to you. Do not chase it; listen for it. Get your full Taurus reading by Eric here.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — We live in the time of narrow horizons, where people think they're satisfied with the "virtual tour" of the Taj Mahal. We think that taking online classes means going to university. It's true all of this opens up possibilities for people whose options are extremely limited, though that is not you. This week's astrology is inviting you to set your troubles aside and take up residency in a much wider and more interesting world. You are being invited to leave familiar ground and explore something entirely new and different. Rather than being about the armchair travel of the digital realm, go where you can meet people in person and experience a bona fide adventure. This could also be in the realm of knowledge. Yet the place to go is an actual library — preferably a big one. You get the idea, right? Explore the world physically, not on a glowing rectangle. Good things will happen when you do. Get your full Gemini reading by Eric here.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Your astrology this week is an interesting blend of dreamy and sobering. You can dream all you want, and experiment with passion and beauty — as long as you know the difference between being creative and self-destructive. There may be a fine line at times, and you will need your methods of reality checking. Make all of your decisions sober, and sleep on them before you finalize them. Inspiration under the influence of a substance may be brilliant and valid — though you will want to check from a few more points of view. Get to know someone a little before you're intimate with them, even if that means one long conversation. Under this astrology, even you might be inclined to dive in. Remember that all kinds of pleasures await you, from the carnal to the sublime. This would also be the week to make a movie, or re-watch your top-five list. Get your full Cancer reading by Eric here.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — This week's New Moon in your opposite sign Aquarius will open up a social universe for you, if you let it. You may also open up a new dimension of friendship with a close partner or friend. Many people aspire to have their partner, spouse or lover be an actual companion, and if you've ever struggled with that, the way is about to open. A key to this is to participate in group experiences where you feel at ease. If you're traveling with a partner, give them space to explore socially, and keep a grip on any jealousy that you may experience. More than that, you are invited to experience the pleasure that can only come from acknowledging that those you care about are indeed their own people. This works both ways: be bold about expressing who you are, particularly in the social realm. It is possible to be considerate and also to remember that everyone is responsible for their own feelings. Get your full Leo reading by Eric here.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Time flies when you're working well. You're entering one of the most productive times of year for you, which will give way to being one of the most productive times in your life. What you've been through in recent years has cleared out the channels of your creativity and passion. To really discover this, you will need to try it out. That means experimenting with what you do, and your method of doing it. Also, you're a natural born collaborator. This is essential. Though Virgo can have a hermit-ish reputation, where work in particular is concerned you need company and you thrive on it. You have the discipline to be not only a natural leader, but also an ongoing font of ideas. You may feel like you lack the confidence, though this is something always gained through experience. I don't mean bravado; I mean basic faith in yourself and in your abilities. Get your full Virgo reading by Eric here.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You can now practice feeling safe. Up till now, you've had a lot of practice feeling insecure and shaky and uncertain about your situation. Feeling grounded and like you belong on the planet is a skill. Learning to inhabit your own four walls — as if they are your own — is a skill. You will know you're entering this state of mind and feeling when you experience yourself as being more daring. Being drawn to the unfamiliar, playing with what is uncertain, and experimenting with your curiosity, are signs that you feel safe. Laughter is a sign that you feel safe. All this is born of a kind of self-assurance that is at once gentle, and that comes from within you, not from the outside. I've observed that the notion, "When that happens, then I will feel good about myself" is rather commonplace. However, that is not how it works, and this is plainly obvious when you begin to figure it out. Get your full Libra reading by Eric here.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Have you finally made up your mind about something? Or changed your mind about it? Think carefully and slowly. You may not think it is your own awareness that has changed, but rather your circumstances. Yet those circumstances nearly all involve your mental environment, which is inside you. When it comes to your opinions, you're a tough customer. There are times you pride yourself on being unmoved and un-swayed by the facts. It's almost as if you would prefer to move them. Yet it would seem a particular idea you've been harboring for a long time has developed a crack. It may take you a little time to notice this. If you study the fault line, you may observe that the two halves of your concept didn't even fit together. You might take solace and even celebrate being wrong about something. What is correct and real and honest contains the real juice. Yet not everyone is ready for it. It's about time you are. Get your full Scorpio reading by Eric here.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Amidst much other exciting astrology, Mars continues to make its way across your sign — a transit that spans from Jan. 3 through Feb. 16. The peak of that journey takes place later this week, right around the time of the Aquarius New Moon on Friday. The scenario looks like this: you are feeling your desire to bust loose and do your thing, and to fly in that particular way you know you love. Then, that seems to impact on the insecurities of someone close to you, perhaps a domestic partner. Their "role" is to hold you back, and this can lead to subtle but persistent tension. Yet another way to think of this is that they are giving a voice to your own fears; that you assign the role to someone else. You might take some solace in that this is a fairly common occurrence. Still, you don't need to delegate your emotional condition to others. Own yourself fully. Take this as your motto: "It's not about them, it's about me.". Get your full Sagittarius reading by Eric here.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — You are at the very epicenter of a before and after moment of your life. By that, I mean something you've been headed toward for a long time, and that you will see in retrospect as the moment your changes took hold. It is difficult to see now, though I strongly suggest you embody some awareness that helps you integrate this possibility. You may be standing at a branching of the road, trying to decide which path to choose. This can be frustrating, as there have been so many setbacks, delays and disappointments leading to our current moment. Yet you have chosen your path; you have chosen or rather accepted your purpose. There is no point in experiencing your current position as a space of futility or struggle. Take up the gift that has been given you. Persist through any difficulty you may encounter in these first steps along your new trajectory. Walk lightly, and treat yourself gently. Get your full Capricorn reading by Eric here.

---

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You are about to embark on a bold adventure — perhaps the most incredible ever. It's not going to storm through your life all at once, though the signs of change and progress are at hand. You may well feel worn down from some inner struggle that goes back years and has recently come to a head. You may feel like you just cannot get the pieces of yourself to fit together inside of you, though it's time to think of your process differently. It's possible to feel debilitating bitterness and resentment if you are caught in the mire of the past. You have a right to feel angry if you are caught in the karma, the denial and the effects of the sins of others. It is time to invite a new feeling into your life; a new purpose; a new meaning. Do not expect others to make up for what you've been through. Resolve to be your own cause and your own means. Embrace gently the help that is offered to you. Get your full Aquarius reading by Eric here.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — You are now in an unusually strong position. From the look of your solar chart, this involves having endured some significant social hardship or strife. That, in turn, is part of a much larger process of reorienting yourself within society. I do recognize that in the analysis of most people, their lot in life is cast. They cling to their place in society, modest as it may be. Your place in society has changed. You are free to walk your full height. You may let go of the habit of speaking in hushed tones, and express yourself in a clear and confident voice. Treat people as your respected equals, which means not as your superiors. Most of all, do what you feel called upon to do, without needing permission. Rather, you have the choice of informing people of your plans, or not. This may seem a little awkward at first, though I am certain you will grow to love it. Get your full Pisces reading by Eric here.

---