With the spectacular Full Moon ushering in a new season and a new calendar year, other outstanding features astrologically are Saturn in the first degree of Capricorn and Mars–Jupiter conjunction in Scorpio sextile aspect (60 deg) to Pluto in Capricorn. Venus in Capricorn is sextile to Neptune in Pisces this week as well, making a complex display of planets for the 1^st week in January. Saturn’s sojourn in Capricorn is for a three year stay, exegesis in December 2020. Saturn is strong in Capricorn as it is very compatible with the earth sign it is said to rule. Capricorn knows his stuff, so Saturn in that sign should be ready to eliminate excess and focus on achievement.  Each individual should be able to take more responsibility now, to achieve plans and goals. This could be a challenging time for government power in democratic nations. In autocratic nations, there would be more ruthlessness, as the rulers cling to their positions, status and wealth.  With Uranus now returning to direct motion, the revolution continues.

Wednesday January 3^rd– The status of women undergoes a dramatic change, as oppression is challenged in cultures world-wide. Venus in Capricorn is sextile to Neptune in Pisces as women are dissolving old traditions.  Jupiter in the sextile aspect to Pluto is demanding more justice even in nations that have traditionally been ruled by authoritarian religious figures. Kim Jong Un mirrors the power threats from the US. Mars in Scorpio approaches the conjunction with Jupiter for shared goals. The Moon in Leo adds pride and valor to the mix. The challenge for peace has never been greater. The Moon forms a square aspect (90 deg, harsh) to Mars and Jupiter, late in the day US times, fomenting action.  The quincunx aspect (150 deg, challenging) from the Moon to Pluto could test the patience of the ruling force. The lunar transit of Ceres in Leo promotes agricultural concerns as well as the protection of future generations. The food supply and survival are closely linked.

Thursday January 4^th – The Moon in Leo links with Mercury in Sag and Uranus in Aries to form a grand trine configuration.  While this adds to speed and ease of movement, increased thought and inspiration and execution of plans are favored as well. Inspired or spur-of-the-moment decisions could have long-range ramifications (note that a symbol for Aries is the Ram). While quick thinking may save lives, deviousness may work against protections. Mars approaching Jupiter with one degree orb and Venus is conjunct the Sun with less than a degree orb in Capricorn. Self interest is prominent in action (Mars in Scorpio disposed of by Pluto in Cap), while social considerations or cleverness (Venus in Cap) of form and may make adaptations the actions taken. Chiron and Uranus are as yet in the semi–sextile aspect, (30 deg, slightly favorable) as the pitfalls of too harsh an action become obvious. Revolutionary actions (Uranus) must be tempered with the knowledge of historical failures (Chiron the wounded healer).

Friday January 5^th – The Moon in Virgo with a trine aspect (120 deg, easy) to Saturn in Capricorn early this morning could be the cautious response needed to the ongoing social and political demonstrations. Critical analysis of positions taken could modify responses to the more ruthless acts of authority if in a helpful vein. Venus in Capricorn moves closer to the Sun today, bringing some relief to the embattled forces. While Mars and Jupiter are in close conjunction aspect, and in a sextile aspect (60 deg, friendly) to Pluto, aggressive moves could play into the hands of authority. The Moon opposing (180 deg, extracting) Neptune in Pisces later in the day could be the compassionate response to opposition, or a move to completely destroy their forces by dubious means, undermining the legitimacy with covert actions.   

Saturday January 6^th – The build-up of power with the Sun–Venus conjunction approaching Pluto in Capricorn indicates a potentially explosive situation.  The Moon in Virgo comes along to a trine aspect (120 deg, easy) to the very center of this triple planetary alignment.  Mercury in Sagittarius is in a trine aspect to Uranus. This has some religious or political aspects behind any actions taken, actions which may lead to an explosive display of power. Sports competition could be indicated as well. The more cogent advice may be given to leaders of impetuous natures, urging restraint. Mars in Scorpio may have the will to act, but is under the social restraint with the conjunction to Jupiter. This pair is also in a sextile aspect (60 deg, friendly), a moderating influence on the power house in Capricorn, and with the Moon sextile to Mars–Jupiter as well, humanitarian concerns with Neptune opposing the Moon, could help to deflate the situation. A soft revolution, one less violent but effective, could result.

Sunday January 7^th – Mars supersedes Jupiter today, as individual actions become more powerful, attempts to invade the power structure could now succeed. The sextile aspect (60 deg, helpful) from Mars is to the midpoint of the Sun and Pluto in Capricorn. This working trine aspect of 60 deg is more likely an insider or a double agent that is able to influence decisions and ultimately actions.  The quincunx aspect (150 deg, creative) from Ceres in Leo to Venus in Capricorn is the tag-a-long reminder, the importance of reigning in actions that would be detrimental to children and the innocent life of future generations. The Moon ingress to Libra occurs today, as attempts to balance the outcome for all sides, may lead to a successful outcome.  The Moon forms a square aspect (90 deg, harsh) to Saturn, in attempts for moderation with a prodding or a jolt of awareness. Competitive sports could be an agent here is de-escalation of threatening use of power and atomic annihilation.

Monday January 8^th – The competitive challenge strikes with the Moon in Libra in a square aspect (90 deg harsh) to the Venus–Sun–Pluto conjunction in Capricorn.  (See image above) Decisions made now can have a wind range of consequences and effects for the future. To join into the game you must play by the rules (Saturn in Cap). With high-level talks between the North and South Korean governments taking place soon to do just that, this could lead to the break-through in relations. Having made his demands and having achieved his militant goals for nuclear capability, Kim Jong-un is now ready to join the Olympics from a position of (apparent) power. The 3^rd quarter Moon phase indicates a resolution in conflict, and insight into the cycle that began on December 18^th when the Moon was in conjunct Saturn. We also noted the Ceres influence from Leo quincunx aspect (150 deg, creative) to Pluto at the New Moon. This seed moment for the cycle is now bearing fruit.

Tuesday January 9^th – The Sun and Venus transcend or supersede Pluto in Capricorn, as we are able to glimpse the inner-workings of secretive power groups. Mars and Jupiter are sextile aspect (60 deg, helpful) to the group of planets in Capricorn, and work to expose the inner nature of decision making. The Moon opposes Uranus in Aries with a 180 deg aspect early in the day. This is followed by a sextile aspect (also 60 deg) from the Moon to Mercury in Sagittarius. Opposing views are on the table, as discussions get underway. The situation is advantageous as each side wishes to gain from the process, and is therefore willing to work with the other side. The Moon enters Scorpio late in the day, forming a sextile aspect to Saturn in Cap. Thus agreements are solidified and progress is made toward a more hopeful future, reducing tensions and promoting peace.

Thanks for reading my forecast for the week.

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Gimelstar 
January 2, 2018   
Jerusalem, Israel