The start of the year, we have a Venus-Saturn conjunction. We also see Mars and Mercury going direct in mid-month, and Saturn’s return to Aquarius. It is a slow start but things pick up momentum, and by February, the landscape changes.
Full Moon in Gemini on January 6 in Punarvasu
The month starts with a full moon in Gemini in the nakshatra of Punarvasu late in the day on Jan 6th. There is a theme of returning to an old way of doing things with this moon, with the ruler mercury in retrograde, aspecting Gemini.
And Jupiter, the controlling planet of Punarvasu, in 10th from the moon, so we could be thinking about revisiting career matters, restarting or reviewing work situations. This moon gets no malefic aspects so thinking can be clear though you will likely be revisiting matters.
Mars turns direct in Taurus in the nakshatra of Rohini on January 12
The next big event of the month is on January 12th when Mars goes direct in Taurus in Rohini. At this time, Mars is in trine with Venus, ruler of Taurus and trine with the moon, controlling planet of Rohini so whatever matters were stuck will start to flow smoothly.
On Dec 8th we had an important full moon in Taurus in Rohini, with a close conjunction of Mars, also called a lunar occultation. At that time this hiding or eclipsing of Mars could have meant that areas ruled by Mars in your chart went thru some changes. Now whatever matters had been hidden or transformed due to the Moon’s occultation can come to the surface.
Some hidden truths can be revealed pertaining to that which Mars represents for you. It could also mean a jolt, or a reset of all that Mars signifies in our chart. Areas that Mars represents in your chart will now open up with new opps. Aries and Scorpio will feel some relief now too.
Mars personifies brothers, land, real estate, so these significations will be impacted. Mars from Taurus aspects its own sign of Scorpio but also Leo and Sagittarius, so these signs will get a boost and confidence to forge ahead now. If you are going thru a Moon dasha, then this Mars transit thru Rohini can test your nerves at times.
Sun transits Capricorn from January 14 till February 13
Then, shortly after that on Jan 14, Sun moves into Capricorn. This occasion of the Sun’s movement is celebrated every year as Lohri in the North India marking the end of winter, and is celebrated with a bonfire accompanied with dancing and singing. In South India, this is known as Pongal. This happens every year on Makar Sankranti.
Sankranti is always the movement of the Sun into another zodiac sign. But Makar Sankranti is celebrated especially because it marks the end of winter and is the beginning of the Sun’s movement upward, turning north. It is considered as the time of light, also known as Uttarayan, time of the Gods. When the power of the deities increases considerably. And this is also the movement of the Sun toward exaltation.
Scientifically, this is now considered to be after the Winter Solstice in late December but we still mark this Sankranti as significant. The movement into Makar Rashi is significant and is still marked as a special occasion.
If you wanted to strengthen your Sun, this is the time to do it by offering a donation. Especially during this 24 hour period when the Sun moves into Capricorn – 12 hours before, and 12 hours after. For the first three days, Sun will be with Saturn in Capricorn and approaching Venus.
Saturn Returns to Aquarius from January 17 till March 29, 2025
This is a very important transit for Saturn as this is Saturn’s mooltrikona sign, where it feels very comfortable as it does in any air sign, but especially Aquarius.
See what Saturn rules for you, these matters will see some positive shifts. If you felt stuck regarding these matters you will see some progress, a breakthrough now.
The other positive thing about this shift is that Saturn stops aspecting Jupiter now, giving Jupiter the liberty to expand without restriction. Now, Saturn aspects Rahu in Aries which could slow down progress for where Aries falls in your chart.
Detailed video discussing impact on each sign is below:
Mercury goes direct on January 18 in Sagittarius
Then following day on Jan 18, we see Mercury going direct – great for all Mercury matters moving ahead in full speed. Travel can be beneficial now, with Mercury in Sagittarius and its ruler Jupiter in Pisces.
Education endeavours will get a boost and putting your plans into action for new starts – now is the time to do so, doors and opps will open up with just a bit of effort.
New Moon in Capricorn on January 21
Then we have the new moon happening late in the evening on Jan 21st . This new moon is in Capricorn in the nakshatra of Uttarashada at approx 7 degrees. Money matters can be prominent now, and there can be some distance in relationships at this time.
We have Pluto very close to this new moon cycle. Heightened intensity in relationships could also result in power struggles This can also trigger past memories or deeply buried emotions now due to an event or circumstance. Your mood can also experience some ups and downs, esp in close rels. Your intuition would be spot on now – see where Cap falls in your chart to see how you will be impacted.
Whatever comes up can have you feeling distant with others esp as the next day Venus moves into Aquarius and joins Saturn in a close conjunction. This Venus Saturn pairing has been lingering since the beginning of the month, and now becomes exact around the new moon cycle.
So problems and distance in rels has been brewing, but by Jan 25 when the moon reaches Pisces, whatever it was, will subside.
Happy New Year.
