Many ask how astrology works. Here is the best explanation I know of: “True without error, certain and most true: that which is above is as that which is below, and that which is below is as that which is above, for performing the miracles of the One Thing; and as all things were from One, by the mediation of One, so all things arose from this One Thing...”  

~The Emerald Tablets of Hermes

Chiron, the Wounded Healer, enters Pisces after traveling through Aquarius for 5 years. After completing a process of refining social structures & social freedoms, Chiron in Pisces represents a personal & collective shift towards healing wounds related to spirituality: the next few years should be rich with opportunity for dissolving the illusory sense of separation, from others and from the Source of all being.

The masculine archetype is heating up right now as the Sun ☉ touches fiery Mars ♂ in the sky at 15º Aquarius. The warrior god is all about taking decisive action towards a desire and breaking new ground, with confidence and courage. This energy is shining bright and may be strongly felt, either internally or around you. This only happens once every two years. Enjoy the heat and intensity! And hopefully the heat and intensity can be enjoyed without any hurt involved...

A New Moon at 9:31pm. The dark sky at this phase of the lunar cycle is like a blank canvas providing an opportunity to start over and create something new... It is in Aquarius, the archetype of CHANGE - wanted or not, and possibly shocking. It is needed. The task in Aquarius is to discover one’s current inner truth, even if it is radical, and be stubbornly dedicated to it.

With the Sun, Mars, Neptune, and Chiron all also in Aquarius, and Mercury entering Aquarius tomorrow (Feb 3), the Aquarius archetype is unfathomably intense right now.

Saturn (planet of hard work and karma) retrograde in Libra (sign of partnership, justice, and harmony) is a major review period. It can correlate with taking a hard look at the reality of a relationship, or its absence; remind us of old ties that may need tending, or of ethics in love we wish to reclaim and uphold... For Libra peace is the sacred goal, but we are urged to be thoughtful & loving as we grasp for it.

The Balsamic Moon - the very last phase before the New Moon. In the planting cycle this phase corresponds to the plant dying away; something comes to an end. Time to let go. At the same time you have already planted seeds and have a subtle perception of a new beginning to come, even though it has yet to take form....

Today I happened to see this remarkable video reminding me of the Sabian Symbol for 1º Aries: “A woman has risen from the water, a seal has emerged also, and is embracing her.” Then I realized Jupiter is moving from 0º to 1º Aries right now. Amazing synchronicity. Note that the seal is perfectly personifying Jupiter in Aries. Jupiter = warmhearted and jovial; Aries = bold & courageous, yet innocent.

As Saturn ♄ retrogrades on 1/26 thru 6/12, the commitment to work persistently toward goals and the ability to fulfill responsibilities with discipline, in order to lay a strong foundation for one’s life & being, will be up for assessment. Saturn retrograde gives an opportunity to pause and reflect on one’s progress, catch up on missed steps, and redefine ambitions for the purpose of building something more stable.

Personally I am looking forward to the pause, reflection, and catch up time! All planets direct has been intense!! Check to see where you have Libra ♎ in your chart. Saturn will be moving backwards from 17º Libra to 10º Libra, showing which area of life you have been working hard in and where the reflection/reassessment will be taking place.

Since Saturn is about boundaries and responsibilities, one way to harness Saturn Retrograde and the idea of reassessment, is to determine if you need to set better boundaries because you have taken on too much responsibility and feel overwhelmed or overburdened...

Optimistic Jupiter ♃ enters fiery Aries ♈, initiating a brand new 12-year cycle. Over the next 4 months, wherever Aries is in your chart, expect a rush of vitality and exuberance to be born within you, an expansion of courage and desire to step forward, and a fresh exploration of your higher truths.

Today the Sun joins Mars, Chiron & Neptune in Aquarius ♒, bringing the essence of the Water Bearer strongly into focus. The glyph ♒ is 2 serpents, symbolic of knowledge, which the Water Bearer is pouring forth. Aquarius opens us to revolutionary breakthroughs, freeing us from structures and paradigms no longer adequate for the expansion of consciousness that is unfolding, within oneself and collectively.

Sun in Aquarius from 1/20/11 to 2/17/11
Mars in Aquarius from 1/15/11-2/22/11
Chiron in Aquarius from 2/22/05 to 2/9/11
Neptune in Aquarius from 1/29/98 to 4/4/11