This week, we are experiencing a couple of planetary shifts that you will feel intensely! We’ll discuss why this is worth paying attention to and how to navigate it all with ease.
At the start of the week, Mars retrogrades back into Cancer. This is actually quite a challenging astrological placement, as Mars is in its fall in Cancer. As we have mentioned before, planets rule certain signs and have signs that they are comfortable/stronger in and signs that they are less comfortable/weaker in.
Mars is the planet of action, initiation, and taking the lead. It is fiery and direct, and it loves to be independent and unattached to anything or anyone. So you can imagine it is not very comfortable for such an archetype to be in a watery, sensitive, and emotionally oriented sign such as Cancer. Therefore, when we collectively have this placement occurring in the heavens, it tends to be a time when you may feel stifled or blocked in your ability to make things happen.
On top of Mars being in Cancer, it is also retrograde, further intensifying this energy of feeling stuck or unable to start and finish things.
Right now, you are being asked to go inward and focus on directing your efforts and energies inward. Pay attention to your emotional world, and ask yourself: What wounds, traumas, and habits get in the way of your confidence in your ability to stand on your own two feet and accomplish the things you set out to?
There is no such thing, ever, as “good” or “bad” placements in astrology. However, everything has its time/season. Take it easy during this time, and don’t fight yourself or try to force things to happen or go a certain way, especially when you feel thwarted. Once again, get curious about what is going on within you and what emotions motivate and drive you to take action in general.
Some of the positive traits of Mars in Cancer include that it is very sensitive to the emotions of the people around it before making any choice or decision. Mars here is very influenced by the effect that its behavior has on other people and how it impacts them and their emotional well-being. We can all learn something from this energy and practice not being so self-absorbed and one-track-minded when we hope for things to go a certain way.
Moreover, one of the ways that Mars in Cancer energy can manifest is that you may be feeling more emotionally charged and sensitive. Maybe if someone says something that hurts your feelings, you would be more prone to lashing out or getting defensive. Look out for this tendency, try to practice mindfulness, and question why certain things affect you in a particular way.
More often than not, it will be something reminiscent of a difficult or painful memory or dynamic from your childhood or older wounds and traumas.
On the other hand, Mercury moves from Sagittarius into Capricorn, which is another significant planetary shift.
As you may know, Mercury is the planet of communication and the mind, and having it in Capricorn is a grounding energy in the midst of all these things happening. When Mercury is in Capricorn, you may be thinking more seriously or practical about your ideas and mental pursuits. It is not a time for lofty, grand, and impractical ventures, which are actually a lot more Sagittarian in nature.
When Mercury is here, it is good to make lists of the things you want to accomplish. It is also a time when communication feels more sensible and level-headed. You may have a more practical and collected approach to sharing/expressing your thoughts.
All in all, try to find a balance between these two opposing energies/signs on the Cancer/Capricorn axis. Learn how to feel your feelings and tend to them while also remaining rational and thinking things through pragmatically before taking action! These are both cardinal signs, which are great for initiating new things and manifesting/bringing things into physical form.
Planetary Locations During This Week
- The Sun: Capricorn (December 21, 2024 – January 19, 2025)
- Mercury: Sagittarius (November 3, 2024 – January 8, 2025) Capricorn (January 8, 2025 – January 27, 2025)
- Venus: Pisces (January 2, 2025 – February 4, 2025)
- Mars: Leo (November 3, 2024 – January 6, 2025) Cancer (January 6, 2025 – April 18, 2025) Leo (April 18, 2025 – June 17, 2025)
- Jupiter: Gemini (May 25, 2024 – June 9, 2025)
- Saturn: Pisces (March 7, 2023 – May 24, 2025)
- Uranus: Taurus (Until April 25, 2026)
- Neptune: Pisces (Until March 30, 2025)
- Pluto: Aquarius (November 19, 2024 – March 8, 2043)
Daily Astrology Snapshots
Monday, January 6th
Sun
Capricorn
Moon
First Quarter Moon in Aries – the energy is active, fiery, and possibly even feisty these next few days!
You might be feeling more restless and agitated, so make sure to direct that energy somewhere useful and constructive.
Astrological Aspect
Mars retrograde moves into Cancer – you may be feeling emotionally volatile and charged during this period.
Be honest about your feelings with others so you don’t end up suppressing emotions and eventually exploding!
Tuesday, January 7th
Sun
Capricorn
Moon
Taurus – whenever the Moon is in Taurus, you are more likely to feel the desire to be chill, mellow, and grounded.
Use this energy to your advantage and allow yourself to relish life’s simple pleasures.
Astrological Aspect
Moon in Taurus sextile Venus in Pisces – you might feel a stronger desire to connect with your loved ones and express affection more easily today.
Wednesday, January 8th
Sun
Capricorn
Moon
Taurus
Astrological Aspect
Mercury moves into Capricorn – over the next month, you can expect communication to be more pragmatic, sensible, and grounded.
This is a great time to put your thoughts and ideas into physical form!
Thursday, January 9th
Sun
Capricorn
Moon
Gemini – energies are more light-hearted and fluttery. You can think of Gemini as a butterfly.
Allow yourself to float between different things these few days, and do not feel the need to be tied down or commit to one thing.
Astrological Aspect
Moon in Taurus conjunct Uranus – energies are electric and experimental today!
Answer the call towards change and allow yourself to break out of emotional ruts and patterns that no longer serve you.
Friday, January 10th
Sun
Capricorn
Moon
Gemini
Astrological Aspect
Moon in Gemini conjunct Jupiter – you might feel extra mentally stimulated today with a stronger urge to put your thoughts and feelings into words.
This is a great day to communicate your emotions and pursue things that mentally engage and excite you!
Saturday, January 11th
Sun
Capricorn
Moon
Cancer – the energy is more internal today. You may be feeling more sensitive and emotional. Give yourself that space. It is a good day to go inward and reflect on your feelings.
Astrological Aspect
Moon in Gemini square Venus in Pisces – it is very possible that you feel conflicted between your emotional needs and what you experience within your relationships.
Make sure that those you are in connection with can meet you on an emotional level. Also, practice expressing your needs and boundaries more and more with your loved ones.
Sunday, January 12th
Sun
Capricorn
Moon
Cancer
Astrological Aspect
Mars in Cancer trine Neptune in Pisces – this is a great day to direct your energy inwards and focus on tending to your emotional world.
It is also a great time to pursue practices that allow you to express your feelings and relationship to spirit.
Next, join astrologer Terence Guardino for this week’s video astrology forecast.