Astro Weather January 2008

Happy New Year!

January begins with Mars still retrograde in Gemini until January 30, 2008. This configuration is playing out in my body in the return of an old inflammatory (Mars) arm and shoulder (Gemini) injury making it very difficult to type without nerve pain. So this update may be a little briefer than previous posts, or I may revise it later this month.

New Moon January 8, 2008 3:37 am pst
The new moon occurs on Tuesday morning in the sign of Sagittarius and Nakshatra of Purva Ashada, meaning the "undefeated" or "invincible star". The deity of this lunar mansion is Apas who represents the causal waters spreading in all directions. It is asssociated with the spreading of one's name and reputation. The gift associated with this asterism is called varchograhana shakti, the power of invigoration. The new moon will also be conjunct Jupiter opposite Mars retrograde in Gemini. Jupiter rules Sagittarius and when conjoined the moon gives a special yoga called geja kasari yoga which confers the strength of an elephant and courage of a lion. The new moon's influence on Tuesday's upcoming New Hampshire Presidential primary will give the winner a huge boost in the polls and invigorate the 2008 Presidential campaign.

Full Moon January 22, 2008 5:35 am pst
This month's full moon occurs in its own sign of Cancer, in the very beneficial nakshatra Pushya. Pushya means "to nourish" and the symbol of this nakshatra is a cow's udder, or flower. In India the cow is considered one of the most sacred animals. It's milk represents not only physical sustenance but also the flow of lifeforce and vitality. Cows also play a huge role in agriculture and thus also symbolize fertility and the earth. This asterism's power is to create spiritual energy, brahmavarchasa shakti, so this full moon promises to be inspiring to both artists and mystics.

Mercury retrograde January 28, 2008 - February 18, 2008
In 2008 Mercury will go through its retrograde pattern in earth signs (last year it fell in the air signs). It will station and go retrograde at 29 degrees Capricorn in the Nakshatra Dhanistra which is ruled by Mars. Two days later Mars goes direct so there may be increased miscommunication and/or transportation snafus during this time.

Saturn in mutual exchange with the Sun January 14-March 13, 2008