Happy New Year, friends!
Murphy was a Capricorn
Major Edward A. Murphy, Jr. was a West Point graduate and aerospace engineer who worked on safety systems for ambitious US Air Force projects. His job required “defensive design” and planning for worst-case scenarios.
Murphy’s Law: Anything that can go wrong will go wrong, probably at the worst possible time.
Murphy’s Law seems like the opposite of positive thinking, but Murphy wasn’t fatalistic. He was committed to preventing poor outcomes through planning and diligence. He worked on important and dangerous projects and learned that to achieve success, you must find everything that might go wrong and fix it!
Murphy was a Capricorn.
He was born in the Panama Canal Zone on January 11, 1918. His birth time is unknown, but he had the Sun, Mercury, and North Node in Capricorn, and probably the Moon.
Welcome to Capricorn Season!
The Sun moved into Capricorn on December 21, as it does yearly. Capricorn is a hotspot for planetary activity in January as the Sun, Mars, Mercury, and Venus move through.
To understand Capricorn, it might help to think like Murphy. As a cardinal earth sign, Capricorn placements like to take actions that are practical and useful. Capricorns are masters of assessing the environment for opportunities (and risks) and are willing to take on important projects, no matter how difficult. This month is an opportune period to take stock, think critically about your situation, and act decisively. New year resolutions and intentions are reinforced.
You also have support from buoyant Jupiter in Taurus, who is sextile (a 60-degree angle), with conservative Saturn in Pisces. This combination urges you to balance hope with caution and growth with reserves. Rather than make a significant change all at once, take things step by step. Consider what might go wrong and take steps to prevent it.
Week 1 (Jan 1 - 6)
It’s hard to jump back into routine after the holidays, but the planets are getting into formation with us. January 1 is Mercury’s last retrograde day. Beginning January 2, all the planets are in direct motion (except Uranus, who is always doing something weird. As above, so below! It’s time to move forward.
The Moon is waning and reaches the last quarter phase on January 3. Hold off on new projects and spend this week cleaning up, taking stock, and making plans.
Mars’ entry to Capricorn on January 4 is the most significant planetary event of the week. Mars is the planet of focused drive and action, and he is upgraded in Capricorn until Feb 13. You’ll likely have increased energy, stamina, and a desire to be productive for the next six weeks. Use it well!
Week 2 (Jan 7 - 13)
On January 8, enthusiastic Mercury faces a square (90-degree angle) with illusory Neptune. If you want to check your calendar, this happened on December 27 and November 27. Make an extra effort to communicate clearly and be cautious with commitments, as there might be confusion or deception. Daydreams can be captivating, and you might find yourself swept up in wild ideas or fantasizing about new horizons.
The New Moon is January 11, when the Sun and Moon meet at the 21st degree of Capricorn. This New Moon has an underlying symbolism of separation and endings. Use it to break a habit or remove yourself from an unsupportive situation. Many people will feel ready to take risks and go their “own” way, even if a sacrifice is required. Every new beginning comes from an ending.
On January 13, Mercury comes back into Capricorn after his retrograde adventure. For a week, there will be four planets in Capricorn - Mercury, Mars, Sun, and Pluto. It’s Capricorn season in full swing.
Week 3 (Jan 14 – 20)
The waxing Moon reaches the first quarter phase on January 17, at 28 Aries and square to Pluto (a 90-degree angle). It’s emotionally uncomfortable, and you may take further action on last week's decisions. This time, there is no going back.
On January 20, the Sun meets Pluto, and they both step into Aquarius. Pluto’s move into Aquarius is a BIG DEAL. Last year, Pluto teased us with several weeks in Aquarius (March 23 –June 11) before retrograding back into Capricorn, where he has been since 2008. Pluto spends most of 2024 in Aquarius but will return to Capricorn one last time from September 1 to November 19. After that, it’s Pluto in Aquarius until 2044. I created a series of Instagram posts on what this means, collectively and personally. I will compile those posts and send you a separate email. Watch for it this week and take notes about what you see and hear around Jan 20-21.
Week 4 (Jan 21 – 27)
Venus moves into Capricorn on January 23, taking the Sun’s place, so four planets still give us heavy Capricorn energy.
On January 25, we have a Full Moon at 5 Leo. This is a loud, dramatic Full Moon because it forms a T-square aspect pattern. In space, the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun and Pluto, and Jupiter is halfway between those two points. It’s a pattern that reflects tension and challenge. On top of that, Mercury is moving close to Mars in Capricorn, so thoughts and words can quickly become inflammatory.
Watch for breaking points in long-standing tensions and emotional outbursts this week. Physical altercations are also possible. You might feel this transit internally or see it in the world around you. Please be careful about your safety and long-term consequences. It lingers into next week.
Week 5 (Jan 28 - 31)
Uranus resumed direct motion on January 27, so all the planets in our solar system are moving forward, and things are speeding up. There are a handful of transits taking place January 27 - 29 between Mercury, Mars, Venus, and the outer planets in Taurus and Pisces. Friday and Saturday may be contentious, with some easing on Sunday. At best, this weekend’s activity can bring fresh insight and a desire to resolve differences, with hope and help on tap.
In February, the planetary action shifts from Capricorn to Aquarius, activating Pluto’s new territory. The first quarter of 2024 offers an excellent opportunity to set yourself up for success. Life gets more turbulent in late March and April, so build a strong foundation now.
Golden Hours
All times are CST.
Friday, January 12
The Moon in Aquarius is happily between aspects with Venus and Jupiter. The morning (until about 10 am) is suitable for giving and receiving support and nurturing growth. Later, could you take actions that protect and fortify your resources? Do you have some maintenance work for your home, vehicle, money, or body?
Thursday, January 18
The Moon in Taurus has easy-going aspects all day. What makes you feel good? It doesn’t have to be complicated. Eat a favorite food, spend time with loved ones, snuggle with your pets, and watch a good movie.
Sunday, January 28
The evening is a balm after the stormy weekend weather. You might plan a date night, or engage in creative projects, social events, or indulgent self-care. People are usually in good spirits when Venus trines Jupiter (a 120-degree angle).