Astrology for January 2022
2022 comes in with an intensity. Flexibility and attentiveness become the keywords, as we adapt to changing circumstances. The more flexible and stable we are at the same time, the better. (Influence of Saturn square Uranus.) So how do we find that inner stability, that inner mountain pose, grounded and centered, while alert to unfolding change, stretching into the new? Our opportunity is moment to moment skillful engagement. No wonder this coincides with the year of the Water Tiger in Chinese astrology. (Begins with the 2nd new Moon after the Winter Solstice, January 31st, February 1st in China). Imagine the grace, strength, and alertness of the noble Tiger.
Tiger is a powerful force, dynamic, passionate, and creative. Tiger years are known for creating dramatic social change, introducing bold new ideas. Are you ready for big change in your life? Now is the year to ride that Tiger, align with your vigor, courage and leadership. The Water element of this year tempers the fierceness and impulsiveness of the Tiger, giving an openminded quality akin to the sign Aquarius, open to new ideas and experience. (For the Planetary Alignments for 2022 read more here)
The Great Importance of Venus Retrograde in Capricorn with Pluto, activating the beginning of 2022
Venus retrograde in Capricorn brings us into the new year with an emphasis on slowing, reflecting, and reviewing our deepest values within ourselves, toward each other, and in regards to our planet Earth, as those will become foundational in navigating through the year and through these transitional times. Having Venus retrograde in the first month of the year highlights the importance of the quality of our relationships to each other if we are to heal and evolve, or remain stuck and devolve as a people.
We bring as much consciousness as we can to our relationship dynamics, to set the stage for a successful 2022. Venus in Capricorn seeks stability, the rules, and the limits with which we engage in relationship. Where do we cause division within and without ourselves? What motivates the tone and shape of our relationship to others and ourselves?
Venus retrograde conjunct Pluto also requires that we do soul work, creating time for reflection in January. With Venus conjuncting Pluto, the transformer, 3 times during its stay in Capricorn, we are engaged in a 3 part process of potential transformation. We can be alert to what arises in our relationships at this time as issues promote deeper reflection and patience. We can recognize within interactions the surfacing of responses triggered by past traumas, and realize the potential for healing and transformation. Venus in Capricorn conjunct Pluto corresponds with the myth of Inanna, the bright Goddess, going down below to meet her sister, the dark Goddess, Ereskigal, where she surrenders earthy possessions and powers to be initiated and reborn. Venus disappears as evening star in early January and returns as morning star around the 15th.
Jupiter is now in its own sign, Pisces, strengthening its beneficial influence. All the water signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces will experience its beneficial influence. Here in Pisces is a broadening of inclusiveness, being restorative after being under Saturn’s sign for 2020 to 2021. With Jupiter in Pisces until May 10, the arts, spirituality, empathy and service to others are highlighted. In Pisces faith is deepened, philosophical reflection on meaning and purpose is increased, meditative practices are culturally increased, exploration of the beneficial use of psychedelics and altered states for health is increased.
In Pisces, Jupiter’s mutable qualities are heightened, being adaptable, and supportive of transitional states – open mindedness expands, exploring new territory, new possibilities, giving space for new potentials, broadening our philosophical learning. The shadow qualities of Jupiter in Pisces we need to watch for are an increased sensitivity to news and each other, a lack of boundaries, a challenge to discern what is truth and what is illusion.
Uranus in Taurus and the north node transiting into Taurus, this year, continues an ongoing opportunity for breaking through to a more liberated way of being, as we reject the patriarchal conditioning. The Taurus theme is to be as fully present and centered as possible, in tune with our bodies, in tune with nature and the Earth. Simplicity is a keyword for Taurus. With the south Node in Scorpio, dramatic interpersonal interactions are to be released.
Join Susan on January 8th, 6 – 8pm PST for her presentation on the Astrology of 2022, “Crossing the Great Divide.” For more info and to sign up click here
Celestial Events for January
Jan 2 – New Moon at 12 Capricorn trine Uranus in Taurus – perfect timing to set your intentions for the year.
Affirmation for the New Moon in Capricorn
“May I open to change, flexible in recognizing opportunities. May my intention be toward accomplishing those things I deeply value during this year.”
photo by Scott Lenhart
Jan 8 – Susan’s 2022 Astrology talk, “Crossing the Great Divide, Imagination, Resilience and Visionary Engagement” Perspectives and Navigational map for 2022. For more info and to sign up click here
Jan 8 – The Sun conjuncts Venus – Inferior Venus Sun conjunction, 19 Capricorn. This seeds a new Venus, Sun, Earth cycle. What are your intentions in relationship? How can the quality of your consciousness grow in your interactions? The Dalai Lama says “Kindness is my religion.” What are the values that will lead you/us into 2022.
Jan 11 – Mars at 20 Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces – a time to be aware of exaggeration, overdoing and a lack of clarity.
Jan 14 – Mercury goes retrograde at 10 Aquarius through 24 Capricorn. Direct on Feb 3rd – With Mercury retrograding through air to earth signs, we review the patterns in our thinking, in relationship, and how we can give form, grounding, and structure to our ideas. Be flexible with schedules and technology, as the trickster is afoot, reminding us to be light on our feet moment to moment.
Jan 16 – The Sun at 26 Capricorn conjuncts Pluto – A day of sensitivity to our deeper issues, the revealing of what has been hidden.
Jan 17 – Full Moon at 27 Cancer – A full moon of great sensitivity, especially as the Moon opposes Pluto. Things that have been hidden may surface for acknowledgment and transformation.
Affirmation for the Full Moon in Cancer
“Under this sensitive full Moon may I honor my feelings as passageways to my deep wisdom. May I hear its guiding messages. ”
Jan 18 – Uranus at 10 Taurus goes direct – The archetypal forces of Uranus; change, disruption, and breakthrough to inspiration and new awareness, are strengthened.
Jan 19 – The Sun enters the fixed air sign Aquarius – We begin to expand out after the focus of earthy Capricorn. Tune in to what we share together and new insights that move us toward our future.
Jan 24 – Mars enters Capricorn – Mars is said to be exalted in Capricorn, the sign it can best focus its active energy. Align with your goals and objectives. Be steady in your movement and organization of time.
Jan 29 – Venus goes direct at 11 Capricorn – Now’s the time to begin to integrate and embody the realizations we have had over the past two months while Venus has been retrograding.
Jan 31 – New Moon in Aquarius, conjunct Saturn and squaring Uranus – This New Moon highlights polarization between old and new, or it highlights flexibility to meet the present with stability in one’s core, grounded, and stretched to new possibilities.
The Twelve signs for January: Sun and Rising Signs
Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): Dear Aries, with Jupiter now in Pisces, the place of growth for you is through inner reflection and imagination. This is a restorative time for you. You might imagine filling yourself with rest and rejuvenating health routines, filling your cup so to speak in preparation for Jupiter entering Aries on May 10th. As part of this restorative phase, I see you going to the studio, cultivating your yoga and meditation, taking solitary walks in nature, or recording your dreams. Messages from your subconscious can serve as guidance. Engaging with your creativity, whether art, music, or dance, renews your sense of self. It builds your confidence. Before Jupiter enters Aries, it is best to complete projects, and clear unresolved issues. This fresh start, when Jupiter enters Aries, will propel you into action, and help to enlarge your world with new excitement. Your vitality will increase. So for January be sure to take time for deep relaxation and restorative practices. The Cancer full Moon on the 17th calls you to home and family. This is a powerful full moon to be aware of your inner sensitivity. Keyword for January, “Restorative”
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): Dear Taurus, with Jupiter moving into your house of groups and future plans what a great time to think up new ways to teach in group situations, or to dream up new ideals for the year ahead. With your planet, Venus, retrograding in a harmonious Earth sign, reviewing how to practically organize your life is extremely supportive. Whatever insights have come to you since December 19, especially the ones that you have been mulling over for a long time, now is the time to imagine the change. Uranus still graces your sign with inspiration to engage in your life in new ways, while Saturn requests a plan. It’s hard to make changes as a Taurus, but now is the time to grow into something new. You are supported! Under the Cancer Full Moon on the 17th, communication is favored. If you are a writer, you may touch an inner depth that allows healing both for yourself and a sibling. Keywords for January, “Imagine and plan for change”
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): Dear Gemini, with Jupiter in Pisces and entering your house of career, it’s time to stretch into new possibilities. Or perhaps you have a new dream that you are aspiring to fulfill. Jupiter is supporting you. People now view you as someone to learn from, or someone they enjoy working with. With your planet, Mercury retrograding this month, you review and update your beliefs. Perhaps you review more closely what is meaningful to you, where your purpose lies. With Jupiter in Pisces increasing your mutability (Gemini being also a mutable sign) for the best results, practice grounding and centering as mutability is adaptable and stretches to include everything. Honor your boundaries. Under the Cancer full Moon you become aware of your deep sensitivity and your imagination. That is a unique gift of yours as you slow down, and drop into your body, as you listen. Keyword for January, “Aspiration”
Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 21): Dear Cancer, with Jupiter transiting your house of travel, philosophy, learning and teaching, you might ask yourself what is it I most want to learn this year? Where and what do I want to explore? Jupiter during the first half of the year is in harmonious relationship with your Sun. What better time to grow your purpose and to attune to what is most meaningful for you. Once Jupiter goes into Aries on May 10th, you’ll be ready to go for it, to share it. Energy will support whatever it is that you are aspiring toward. Under the Cancer full Moon on the 17th, be thoughtful of increased sensitivity. Keep good boundaries as you may especially be aware of the challenges that others are dealing with. You might hear the Moon say, “Honor and bless yourself. There’s no one like you.” Keywords for January, “Stretching my mind”
Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 22): Dear Leo, with Jupiter in Pisces in your house of intimacy, investigation and research, collaboration, healing, and investment, you may want to deeply explore topics of interest. This can be a time when shared intimacy is easier to to access, and you learn more about your partner. Jupiter may increase your attunement and insights into your financial investments and your shared finances, for here, it brings good fortune. You experience a deep immersion into a transformative process within yourself, or between yourself and others, before Jupiter goes into Aries and graces your house of travel and learning. Under the Cancer Full Moon on the 17th, retreat and meditate. This is a soul time for you, a time of gathering, and attuning to the larger dimensions in which we live. Keyword for January, “Investigate”
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): Dear Virgo, with Jupiter in Pisces entering your house of partnership, enjoyment with the one you love is enhanced. Now your life is enriched with new friends or beneficial contacts. Reach out to connect with those you care about as enjoyment, enrichment, and fun are enhanced. Your planet Mercury, retrogrades through your house of health, habits, and work. You may want to adjust your diet or exercise routine. What in your daily ritual and work needs adjusting and fine-tuning? Under the Cancer full Moon your sensitivity to others is enhanced. Gather with a few of your good friends to share your creativity and bonds of belonging. Keywords for January, “Enjoyment with the ones I love”
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): Dear Libra, as Venus is your planet, its movement through its retrograde cycle carries much influence. All meditation, self reflection, and self care benefits you this month. It is a time for clearing out the old, while clarifying what kind of organization, structure, and values will lead you into renewal, growth, and well-being for the year. Venus retrograde now highlights your home and family, bringing reflection and insight to what’s essential at those deeper levels. Jupiter in Pisces activates the area of your chart having to do with health, your habits, and your working environment. It expands your focus on self improvement, and gives you new opportunities in your day to day working environment. Under the Full Moon in Cancer on the 17th, which is activating your house of career and aspiration, setting your intentions toward what it is you are wanting to manifest in the outer world is supported. Keyword for January, “I am One in body, soul and mind”
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): Dear Scorpio, as Jupiter moves into the water sign Pisces, it begins to harmoniously support your expression and creativity. Jupiter in Pisces encourages you to enjoy yourself, play, and activate your imagination. It highlights your house of children and emphasizes love and romance. With Jupiter in Pisces your meditation practice can grow and your ability to share your wisdom with others is enhanced. Jupiter will strengthen your self confidence and helps you shine. The full Moon in Cancer, that takes place on the 17th, falls in your house of travel and learning, and all the ways you expand your consciousness. With Cancer being the 9th sign from Scorpio, your beliefs take in your sensitivity. Under the light of this Moon you can attune to the deepest truths in your psyche. Keywords for January, “Feeling into my heart”
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): Dear Sagittarius, Jupiter sweeps down into the deepest part of your being, stirring your inspiring and idealistic waters. Your home becomes your sanctuary, a place where your meditation and growth can take you to new places of insight. It’s the time to let your dreams inform you with their wisdom. Strong guidance comes from within. With your ruling planet, Jupiter, in the other sign it rules, Pisces, more ease and beneficial outcomes can develop through the year. Keep your eye on overdoing, or taking on too much, as Jupiter’s expansive self thinks it can do it all. The challenge will be sorting through all the opportunities. Under the Cancer Moon on the 17th, you can affirm the beneficialness of your collaborations with others, honoring the sensitivity that flows between you and your partner(s). Keywords for January, “My sanctuary is within, supporting me”
Capricorn (Dec 21- Jan 19): Dear Capricorn, Jupiter now enters your third house, the area of your chart that represents communication, writing, exchanging and sharing your ideas, and extended family and friends. More opportunities present themselves in which to share your thoughts as well as to listen deeply to others. With Pisces in this area of your chart you have the capacity for empathy, and imagination that creates a wonderful rapport with others. It sparks the poet inside of you. The challenge will be how to organize all the interesting opportunities you have with others and not to take on too much. Under the light of the Cancer full Moon on the 17th, your partnership with the one you cherish is highlighted. Your relationships are in a transformative phase as you navigate new ways to be in the world. Keywords for January, “Awareness is my navigator.”
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): Dear Aquarius, while Saturn has been transiting your house of self awareness and identity you have felt challenges. Perhaps you have taken on more responsibility, placed your awareness on this master teacher’s guidance, or carried concern for the one you love. Saturn wants you to slow down and focus, taking that Saturn sickle to old thoughts and patterns that no longer serve you. With Jupiter moving into Pisces, dive into your poetic voice and bring that talent forth. Or perhaps you are the more scientific Aquarius who wants to dive into the mystery of the workings of the universe, this earth, and the human psyche. Jupiter lifts your talents up to be used in new ways. With Jupiter transiting your second house of money, you find your finances improve as long as you don’t overspend. The Cancer Moon on the 17th, lights up the area of your chart that has to do with health, and refinement of oneself. You might commit yourself to a daily yoga practice, strengthen your meditation, or start a new exercise routine. Keywords for January, “Empathy and imagination become my guiding forces.”
Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): Dear Pisces, Jupiter enters Pisces once every 12 years. You might look back and see what growth took place twelve years ago. Now you enter a new beginning. Your empathy, compassion, and imagination grows. Suddenly people notice and appreciate you in a way that hasn’t taken place for some time. You feel more bouyancy and opportunity in your life. Jupiter brings good fortune with it and blessings for health and well being. What’s important during this time is to be aware of not taking on too much, and to create healthy boundaries. The tendency of Jupiter in Pisces is to do all of everything. So cultivate that Venus in Capricorn trait of seeking structure and organization for your greatest benefit this year. With the full Moon in watery Cancer on the 17th, your emotions are stimulated. Seek always the heart of the matter. Your imagination and spirituality are enhanced. Keywords for January, “I have faith in the new beginnings I am initiating.”
Susan Heinz is a professional astrologer in Santa Cruz for 39 years, bringing together traditional & esoteric astrology, Tarot and Qabalah. For info on her Friday monthly astrology groups, her Qabalah, astrology and/or painting classes, and for personal readings, call (831) 479-3751, or go to www.susanheinz.co