First
Quarter Moon on
Monday, January 30th, 2012, at 11:10 PM EST.
On Monday night, a First Quarter Moon occurs when the
Sun in Aquarius forms a square with the Taurus Moon. There
is
a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled
to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions
affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever
project or initiative we began around the New Moon on January 23rd is
now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.
This phase of the Moon occurs at 10 degrees and 41 minutes of Taurus
and Aquarius, affecting people born with personal planets and points at
approximately 9 to 13 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and
Aquarius) most significantly.
Moon phase cycle: Bigger picture:
Jan 23, 2012 2:39 AM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
Jan 30, 2012 11:10 PM Sun Square Moon (First Quarter Moon)
Feb 7, 2012 4:54 PM Sun Opposition Moon (Full Moon)
Feb 14, 2012 12:04 PM Sun Square Moon (Last Quarter Moon)
Feb 21, 2012 5:35 PM Sun Conjunct Moon (New Moon)
(Times are Eastern Time)The Sun is in Aquarius; Mercury is in Aquarius; Venus is in Pisces; Mars is in Virgo.
The Sun is in Aquarius from January 20-February 18. During this cycle, we are motivated by our
hunger for knowledge, experience, and originality. Innovation is more
important to us than convention. We become more aware of what is outdated in
our lives, and strive to find new perspectives and new ways to do things.
The class distinctions, structure, and order that Capricorn finds appealing
now seem to be too rigid. The freedom of the individual becomes far more
significant to us. We strive to free ourselves from some of the
restrictions, inhibitions, and limitations that now feel constraining rather
than safe.
Mercury is in Aquarius from January 27-February 13.
When Mercury is in Aquarius, we are hungry for knowledge and open to new and
original ideas. We begin to think outside of the box, and our thinking
becomes more progressive and objective. Our communication and thought
patterns are spontaneous, somewhat fragmented, and liberal. This is a time
when inventive thinking is at a peak.
Venus is in Pisces from January 14-February 8. Pisces
never sees the world in black-and-white terms. Rather, Pisces sees all
the colors of the rainbow. With the goddess of love in Pisces, our love
is all-embracing, we are able to forgive and understand, we are
seducible and seductive, and we show compassion to our partners. Venus
in Pisces is tender and affectionate, although hard to reach
nevertheless, as there is a longing for something that is hard to define
and hard to satisfy. Borders and boundaries blur under Venus in Pisces.
The shadow side of this position is allowing ourselves to be victimized
or deluded, as well as evasiveness.
Mars in Virgo November 10-July 3rd, 2012. In Virgo, Mars is somewhat of a workhorse. We have a
passion for details, as well as a need to do the right thing at just the
right time under this influence. The satisfaction of a job well done is one
of your greatest incentives now. We are more precise and concerned about
performance.
Jupiter entered Taurus on June 4th. Read about
Jupiter's transit through Taurus here.
Uranus entered Aries on March 11th. The urge to start fresh,
to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally
redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain
freedom through independence is strong with Uranus in Aries.
Romance & Relationships
Venus
is in Pisces from January 14-February 8. Like Aquarius, Pisces
love is universal. However, Pisces draws no bounds in love. With Venus
in Pisces, we have compassion (and perhaps attraction) for those who are
left out, overlooked, or victimized. We are self-sacrificing, and we
have a hard time setting up borders. The walls go down, we have a hard
time saying no (especially if our compassion is engaged), but we are
also prone to avoiding all that makes us feel uncomfortable. Wishful
thinking is one expression of Venus in Pisces. We can too easily believe
what we want to believe. People can be hard to pin down, and love is
hard to define under this influence. Pisces never sees the world in
black-and-white terms. Rather, Pisces sees all the colors of the
rainbow. With the goddess of love in Pisces, our love is all-embracing,
we are able to forgive and understand, we are seducible and seductive,
and we show compassion to our partners. Venus in Pisces is tender and
affectionate, although hard to reach nevertheless, as there is a longing
for something that is hard to define and hard to satisfy. Borders and
boundaries blur under Venus in Pisces. The shadow side of this position
is allowing ourselves to be victimized or deluded, as well as
evasiveness.
This week: On Sunday and Monday, a parallel between Venus and
Chiron brings healing energy to love relationships. We are open to
romantic feelings, and more willing to act upon them. This is a good
time to make a resolution to repair, heal, and improve relationships.
Venus opposes retrograde Mars on Wednesday and Thursday, when actions,
or more likely inaction, can rub us the wrong way in love relationships.
Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:
Venus in Pisces January 14-February 8. A martyr complex, a love
for the underdog, a search for your soul mate: such are the experiences
associated with the new cycle you're now just beginning. A yen for
soul-stirring romance, a weakness for the weak, and a tendency to idealize
people and relationships ... very aesthetic, very other-worldly.
Venus parallel Chiron January 29-30. Healing energy is brought to love relationships,
and a new cycle begins. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old
wounds. We are open to romantic feelings, and more willing to act upon them.
This is a good time to make a resolution to repair, heal, and improve
relationships.
Venus semi-square Mercury January 29-30. Communications between lovers are
superficial and unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. Superficiality in romantic
expression may exist now.
Venus opposition Mars February 1-2. Romantic needs are at odds with assertive,
physical, or sexual needs. Relations are heated and erotic, but come with an
underlying tension.
Venus quincunx Saturn February 7. A feeling that we may not be able to express our
affections, or that our affections will not be received well, can undermine us
in our relationships. Fear of rejection, emotional distancing, and
over-sensitivity.
Venus parallel Uranus February 8-9. We embrace all that is new, unusual, and
out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements. We lose our fear of taking risks at this time. We are ready to experiment, but not
necessarily ready to
commit. Peculiar, sudden, or avant garde attractions. This is an exciting but
unstable energy. Friendship in love
relationships becomes more important.
Venus conjunct Uranus February 9. We have a taste for the unusual and the avant
garde. We are itching for a change. What makes a person unique is more
attractive under this influence. Excitement and newness is valued over
permanence in social relationships. Freedom is more important than intimacy just
now. We lose our fears of taking risks in love and social situations. Romantic
infatuations, gossip, unanticipated opportunities socially or financially. We
have a greater need for self-expression, personal freedom, and social
excitement.
Venus square Pluto February 15. Intense passions, but there's a hidden agenda.
Jealousy and possessiveness are high, in direct proportion to fear of losing
partnership. Avoid starting a new relationship at this time, because it can be
characterized by these energies.
The Moon & Timing
The Void of
Course Moon is the period of time after the Moon has made
its last aspect in one sign until the Moon enters a new sign.
During Void of Course Moon periods, it is generally wise to
stick to routine rather than to begin new projects. The last
aspect the Moon makes before changing signs is indicated here,
and is indicative of the "outcome" of the matter (whether that
is a new project begun before the void period, or the answer to
a question in Horary Astrology). Void of Course in Horary
Astrology: If you were asking a question and making a chart for
the answer, as you do in Horary astrology, it is said that since
the Moon is not looking forward to any more aspects in this
sign, you would have to say that the answer is not forthcoming;
any questions asked at this time would not come to pass. The
Moon being Void is one of the Strictures against Judgment in
Horary Astrology.
The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:
Void-of-course Moon on Monday, January
30th, from 1:09 AM EST, with the Moon's
last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the
Moon enters Taurus at 1:29 AM EST.
VOC Moon on Wednesday, February 1st, from 2:06 PM EST, with the Moon's
last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the
Moon enters Gemini at 2:15 PM EST.
VOC Moon on Saturday, February 4th, from 12:07 AM EST, with the Moon's
last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the
Moon enters Cancer at 1:04 AM EST.
Void of Course Moon Table for January 2012:

Void of Course Moon Table for February 2012:

Timing with the Moon - Better Periods this Week for Electing New
Initiatives
The Moon is waxing this week -- a period that is generally
considered favorable for new beginnings, with some exceptions. (See Best Time
to Start a Business for more details).
A window of opportunity occurs this week on February 3rd from
approximately 4 PM to midnight, while the Moon is in Gemini.
Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:
Nov 10th: Mars enters Virgo 11:15 PM
Nov 22nd: Sun enters Sagittarius 11:08 AM
Nov 24th: Mercury Retrograde 2:20 AM
Nov 26th: Venus enters Capricorn 7:36 AM
Dec 10th: Uranus Direct 2:05 AM
Dec 13th: Mercury Direct 8:43 PM
Dec 20th: Venus enters Aquarius 1:26 PM
Dec 22nd: Sun enters Capricorn 12:30 AM
Dec 25th: Jupiter Direct 5:08 PM
Jan 8th: Mercury enters Capricorn 1:34 AM
Jan 14th: Venus enters Pisces 12:47 AM
Jan 20th: Sun enters Aquarius 11:10 AM
Jan 23rd: Mars Rx 7:54 PM
Jan 27th: Mercury enters Aquarius 1:12 PM
Feb 3rd: Neptune enters Pisces 2:03 PM
Feb 7th: Sat Rx 9:03 AM
Feb 8th: Venus enters Aries 1:01 AM
Feb 13th: Mercury enters Pisces 8:38 PM
Feb 19th: Sun enters Pisces 1:18 AM
Mar 2nd: Mercury enters Aries 6:41 AM
Mar 5th: Venus enters Taurus 5:25 AM
*** Daylight Saving Time begins ***
Mar 12th: Mercury Retrograde 3:49 AM
Mar 20th: Sun enters Aries 1:14 AM
Mar 23rd: Mercury Retrograde enters Pisces 9:22 AM
Apr 3rd: Venus enters Gemini 11:18 AM
Apr 4th: Mercury Direct 6:11 AM
Apr 10th: Pluto Retrograde 12:24 PM
Apr 13th: Mars Direct 11:53 PM
Apr 16th: Mercury enters Aries 6:42 PM
Apr 19th: Sun enters Taurus 12:12 PM
May 9th: Mercury enters Taurus 1:14 AM
See also: The Astrology of 2012 -
Overview.
Note: Times given ET.
This Week's Calendar

 
Mercury semi-square Venus. Difficulties in social or romantic communication
are possible today. On the other hand, we may make more efforts to be polite
and to communicate. Hypersensitivity, and lack of mental discipline. Our
minds wander.
 
Mercury sesquiquadrate Mars. Impulsive communications and hasty
decision-making. We can accomplish more if we are careful not to be too
hasty and forget details. "Haste makes waste".
 
Venus opposition Mars. Passions run high. Jealousies are possible. Impulsive
decisions affect our finances and/or established relationships. We stir up
problems in order to fulfill a need for excitement.
Last Week
Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time
(ET).
Daily Trends
Calendar
See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs.
What's In Store By the Stars - Daily Astrology Trends
January 29
The Moon is in Aries all day, and its lack of major aspects with
major planets suggests an easier time shaping what we want out of the
day on an emotional level. With an Aries Moon, we can be bolder than
usual. Craving activity and action, we might more easily step out of our
comfort zones in order to pursue our desires. The desire to begin new
projects, or simply to make a fresh start emotionally, is strong.
January 30
The Moon enters Taurus early into the day. Venus parallel Chiron today
suggests healing energy is brought to love relationships. We are open to
romantic feelings, and more willing to act upon them. This is a good
time to make a resolution to repair, heal, and improve relationships.
With
Mercury semi-square Venus, however, we may be especially sensitive. A First
Quarter Moon is exact at 11:10 PM EST, when the Sun in Aquarius forms a
square with the Taurus Moon. There is
a crisis theme surrounding any quarter Moon phase, as we feel compelled
to take action. Shortly after, we are made aware of how our actions
affect those close to us, perhaps through trial and error. Whatever
project or initiative we began around the New Moon on January 23rd is
now off the ground, and it may face its first obstacles.
A void of course Moon occurs from 1:09 AM EST, with the Moon's
last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Neptune), until the
Moon enters Taurus at 1:29 AM EST.
January 31
The Moon is in constant Taurus all day, and
we are more aware of our need to enjoy the sensual pleasures of
life--eating, drinking, listening to music, and so forth. Our emotions
are steady, and common sense rules when it comes to handling domestic
matters, money, and work. We instinctively know that patience is
required for matters to naturally move forward. We tend to resist change
and to fall back on old habits and patterns under this influence.
Finances and possessions might come into focus now.
February 1
The Moon is in earthy, practical Taurus until 2:15 PM EST, when
it enters communicative Gemini. Venus in Pisces opposes retrograde Mars
in Virgo today. With this influence, others' actions, or more likely
inaction, can rub us the wrong way in love relationships. We can be
impatient and hasty. Passions run high and jealousies or competitiveness
may be stimulated. Impulsive
decisions affect our finances and/or established relationships. We may stir up
problems in order to fulfill a need for excitement.
A void of course Moon occurs from 2:06 PM EST, with the Moon's
last aspect before changing signs (a square to Neptune), until the
Moon enters Gemini at 2:15 PM EST.
February 2
The Moon is in inquisitive Gemini all day. Under this
influence, there can be a great deal of movement in our daily lives. Our
emotions are in a state of change and flux, and it can be difficult to
get in touch with our deeper feelings and desires. There is a strong
need to communicate and to express our ideas. Siblings, relatives, or
neighbors and community involvement are especially important to our
emotional well-being under a Gemini Moon. We adapt easily to change, and
in fact we crave surprise, novelty, and intelligent responses in others.
February 3
The Moon is in changeable, sociable Gemini all day, and
our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and
learn. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, and curious, but it
can also be restless and fickle. Today, Neptune enters Pisces, the sign
that it rules, where it will transit until 2025. Neptune is in its own
terms, and this is a strong position. This long-term influence can bring
spirituality, compassion, and universal love into strong focus. Mercury
parallel Pluto today can help channel and focus our thoughts, although
if this overdone, obsessive thinking may be experienced.
February 4
The Moon leaves Gemini and enters Cancer early into the day, at 1:04 AM
EST. We tend to respond to challenges and stress by
retreating or withdrawing under the influence of a protective Cancer
Moon, and we are especially concerned with family and close loved ones.
We are motivated by a feeling of belonging and by the need for security
and familiarity.
A void of course Moon occurs from 12:07 AM EST, with the Moon's
last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the
Moon enters Cancer at 1:04 AM EST.
Daily Trends
Calendar
If it's your birthday today, see our feature,
If Today is Your Birthday
Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year.
Moon Signs This Week:
When the Moon
is in Aries
 We're
motivated by a strong desire to start fresh. A gut instinct to start something
new is with us now, as well as the gumption to do so. Our pioneering impulses
are strong, and we feel energetic, spontaneous, and enthusiastic. We may also be
tactless and impulsive now. Excess energy is best channeled into physical
activity.
The Moon in Aries generally favors the following activities: Quick actions that
yield immediate results. Undertakings that involve the self and the personality.
(Staying power may be lacking). Self-assertion, taking on challenges, beginning
short-term projects. When the Moon is in Taurus
 We
are motivated by the desire for serenity, security, peace, and comfort. The Moon
is at her most sensual and constant in Taurus. Our basic impulses are to relax,
resist change, and "stop to smell the roses". Life slows down a little, and we
get comfortable. We may also be inclined to stubbornness and materialism under
this influence.
The Moon in Taurus generally favors the following activities: Substantial and
material actions that yield solid results. Financial activities, and those
involving personal possessions, applying for a loan, beginning a potentially
long-term relationship, music, home decor.
When the Moon is in Gemini
 Our
basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon
in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive
curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, and curious, but it can
also be restless and fickle.
The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and
communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning,
letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, short trips.
When the Moon is in Cancer
 The
restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive
need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us
under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it
rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular
by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with
what motivates us.
The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic
activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family
get-togethers.
When the Moon is in...Transits of the
Moon through the Signs.
This Week's Planetary Positions By Sign (General Trends):
Sun in Aquarius This is a time when your
path of self-development and expression becomes more and more unusual -
setting you apart from the crowd and from all that is traditional. The new,
the futuristic, the high-tech are the hallmarks of your lifestyle as the
cycle gets underway. Ideas and technologies that change the way people live
- not just one person, but many - are a major new focus in your life.
Involvement with ideals and idealistic groups enhances your sense of purpose
and mission.
Mercury in Aquarius The tried and true
doesn't cut it anymore: it's the new, the unique, and the original that
catches and holds your interest now. Idealism, rationality, and critical
thinking become more and more a part of your mental patterns and the way you
communicate. You are inventive, original, high tech.
Venus in Pisces A martyr complex, a love
for the underdog, a search for your soul mate: such are the experiences
associated with the new cycle you're now just beginning. A yen for
soul-stirring romance, a weakness for the weak, and a tendency to idealize
people and relationships ... very aesthetic, very other-worldly.
Mars in Virgo As a new cycle dawns in
your life, there arises a passion for details, a need to do just the right
thing at just the right time, and a burning desire to have a place for
everything and everything in its place. This can be hard on the digestion if
taken to extremes! The satisfaction of a job well done is one of your
greatest incentives now.
Jupiter in Taurus A kind of Midas touch is signaled by the new cycle
now dawning in your life. Prosperity and security take center stage in your
thoughts; a gentle but committed conservatism brings you all kinds of good
things. Take care of the material things, and the spiritual will take care
of itself: that's your orientation now.
Saturn in Libra Relationships and fairness take on a
special importance in your life under the cycle you have just
begun. An insistence on principles that don't allow room for
personal differences can be a self-defeating tendency. True
partnership means commitment and being responsible to the other
person - a lesson that takes on greater importance as this cycle
progresses.
Uranus in Aries A clean break with
the past in some respects is signaled by the cycle you have just begun. What
YOU need, YOUR freedom and independence, shattering old molds: these are the
things that energize you and take priority in your life. Uniqueness and
originality set you apart.
Neptune in Aquarius Humanistic ideals and a belief that technology
and social reform can create a utopia become powerful and inspiring images
at this time. Personal and selfish concerns seem petty and ignorant - and
all the more so if they are part of the status quo. Liberty, equality,
fraternity: are they the ultimate answers or only the foundations for
something that transcends them all?
Neptune in Pisces Things spiritual
and psychic take the driver's seat of your imagination as you begin a new
cycle. The fine arts and all manner of fantasies assume a larger-than-life
importance. Surrendering to fate, karma, and other powers greater than
merely mortal may be seen as the ultimate liberation. If all is maya
(illusion), what is the reality that gives rise to the world of appearances?
Pluto in Capricorn As this new phase dawns for you,
the pursuit of social/political power and status has a way of
seeming necessary and inevitable - and let nothing stand in its
way. It starts out small, but has bigger consequences than you'd
think. Ambition, responsibility, a place for everyone and
everyone in their place...
The interpretations in this box are from the
Day
Watch software.
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