Mercury and Uranus Go Direct, and Other Major Astrological Shifts from January 16 to 22, 2023

Letting Go of the Past and Moving Forward with New Energy!

Please note that this and all my other forecasts are based on the sidereal zodiac used in both Vedic and Western sidereal astrology, not the tropical system used by most Western and some Vedic astrologers. All the astrological charts below are calculated according to the sidereal zodiac and Lahiri Ayanamsa.

We will have several important astrological shifts this week, with the main theme centered around moving forward with new energy! We should also be aware that any new beginnings may also require releasing, healing, and letting go of the past.

The Annual Reunion of the Sun and Pluto January 16-20 (Exact on January 18): Intense Energies Require Caution

The Sun will align in a close orb with Pluto. These planets will be within an effective orb of influence from January 16-20. They will become conjunct on January 18. Depending on one’s natal chart, this transit can suggest emotional intensity, explosive or transformative events, power struggles, or some unsavory exposure to the darker underbelly of life.

Pluto conjoining the Sun can also enhance personal and psychic power that will help us solve or transform problems. Additionally, certain leaders in government or industry may be locked into various battles during this time, and we should probably be prepared for stormy events.

Saturn’s Transit into Aquarius on January 17: Time to Prepare for a Sea Change!

Saturn’s transit into Aquarius on January 17 represents a sea change, coming on the heels of Saturn’s difficult transit in Capricorn over the past three years (since January 2020). Please check out my previous article all about Saturn’s new transit in the sign of the Water Bearer. This transit should start to bring some karmic balance into the world, as the Lord of Karma and Truth will be traveling through his own abode of Aquarius, the sign of right human relations, personal sovereignty and responsibility, expanded intelligence and awareness, divine love, and higher wisdom.

Mercury Stations Direct on January 18: Fresh Energy and Smoother Communications

Take a deep breath and congratulate yourself for getting through a challenging Mercury retrograde period! Mercury will station direct on Wednesday, January 18, at 8:12 AM EST at around 14 degrees Sagittarius. Use the World Time Buddy to convert to your own timezone as needed. Mercury stationing direct should start to open up some fresh new energy flow for many of us. Check out my previous article about this if you want more details.

The Waning Balsamic Moon from January 18-21: Time for Resting, Healing, and Releasing the Past

The Moon is waning in its Last Quarter phase. The Balsamic “Crescent” Moon phase will begin on January 18, when the Moon is transiting 45 degrees behind the Sun.

This image above depicts the beginning of the Balsamic Moon phase, when it is at about 16% illumination, and will be waning further from that point on.

The Balsamic Moon phase is a transitional time of the month when the light of the Moon diminishes. This is when we should focus on resting, healing, meditating, praying, dreaming, cleaning, clearing, and releasing the past. When the light of the Sun, the soul of the world, is not being reflected to us through the Moon, we must instead go deeper within to connect to the inner Light.

The New Moon on January 21: Time To Set New Intentions for the Month Ahead

The New Moon falls within Uttara Ashadha nakshatra, which is ruled by ten beneficent gods known as the Vishvadevas. These gods represent creative energy and virtue. Lord Ganesha, the Remover of Obstacles and the Lord of New Beginnings, is also a ruler of this nakshatra. On this New Moon, be sure to invoke Lord Ganesha to help set new intentions for the month ahead. This is an excellent time for it, as the New Moon in Uttara Ashadha has the power to give permanent victory.

Uranus Stations Direct on January 22: Prepare for Shocking Surprises and New Ideas

Uranus will station direct on Sunday, January 22, at 5:59 PM EST. It has been retrograde since August 24. When Uranus stations direct (and for about 10 days either side of this event), we should expect some wild times in the world, but also new and inspiring ideas coming in.

Uranus is transiting in warlike Aries in the fierce nakshatra of Bharani, suggesting some potential for dramatic or shocking “seismic eruptions” around this time, both metaphorically and literally. Uranus is a higher octave of Mercury. Mercury is said to represent our thinking mind, whereas Uranus represents the divine mind. So it should be interesting to have them both moving forward in the same week.

Venus in Aquarius on January 22: Unique Creative Expression, Vision, and Ingenuity

Venus will be changing signs, moving from Capricorn to Aquarius on January 22. Venus will remain in Aquarius until February 15. In Aquarius, Venus has intuitive gifts and experimental tendencies that can give rise to unique creative expression, vision, and ingenuity. On the other hand, sometimes when Venus transits in Aquarius, feelings of poor self-worth are activated in those who innately struggle with such issues.

Venus Conjoins Saturn from January 21 to January 24, with the Exact Conjunction Occurring on January 22: Reality Check for Relationship or Financial Issues

At its entrance into Aquarius and in the few days before and after, Venus will conjoin Saturn. This creates a very nice yoga (combination) for some natal charts, depending on the houses that Venus and Saturn rule and occupy. This combination could also indicate a reality check for anyone struggling with a financial or relationship issue.

Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese New Year Begins on January 22: Ushering in the Year of the Rabbit or Cat

The Lunar New Year begins on January 22 in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese culture. Various celebrations are held that go on for many days. The Lunar New Year in 2023 ushers in the Year of the Yin Water Rabbit according to the Chinese and Korean zodiac. The Lunar New Year celebration in Vietnamese tradition is called “Tet,” which ushers in the Year of the Water Cat in 2023. Both the Water Rabbit and Water Cat are said to be contemplative years when the focus should be on strengthening self-control, enhancing health, creating peace, and improving relationships.

I hope that this weekly update is illuminating and useful to you. May you have a peaceful and fulfilling week ahead!

May the winds, the oceans, the herbs, and night and days, the mother earth,
the father heaven, all vegetation, the sun, be all sweet to us.
Let us follow the path of goodness for all times,
like the sun and the moon moving eternally in the sky.
Let us be charitable to one another.
Let us not kill or be violent with one another.
Let us know and appreciate the points of view of others. And let us unite.