The cyclical nature of life is reflected in astrology. One of the many reasons why this magical tool appeals to many people. It shows that life has a rhythm. A cycle that is predictable because repetition is obvious. Yet in this repeating cycle we find comfort, so a mere ritual becomes a tradition. The torch that is then passed from generation to generation, charging it with intention, with the prayers of our ancestors. The more we return to rituals, the more power they bring to our lives.
This is what Capricorn teaches us. It is robust, resilient, and holds on to traditions. It guides us to close the year with reflection. It brings the stable energy needed to hold the space while so many of us unwind for the holidays. Now is the time to reevaluate goals and intentions. Capricorn rules structure, reminding us that deep in our bones we have a memory, an inner knowing that constantly guides us.
In the period between Christmas and Epiphany, the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. These twelve nights invite us to slow down and develop visions for the coming year. The overarching message: Be open to signs in your waking and dream world. Have a diary ready, write your notes on your phone. Each night represents one of the twelve months in the new year. What signs have you encountered in these promising days? What do your spirit guides want to tell you about what the year 2025 has in store for you?
Venus entering Pisces on January 3rd helps us reach higher visions and our dream world. This constellation gives us rose-tinted glasses through which we see the world in a romantic way, full of positive illusions and expectations. Remember to stay grounded. Capricorn brings you back to earthiness, while Pisces makes you dream.
Another planet entering a water sign is Mars, which is currently in a retrograde phase until February 23, 2025. Retrograde phases are times of reflection. The energy of this particular planet turns inward as its movement reverses what appears to be backwards. The experience is an internal one. One way to remember what retrograde even means is to remember the three R's: reflect, review, and reevaluate.
On January 6, Mars retrograde will enter the sign of Cancer, where it will be a little uncomfortable. Usually, where Mars likes to be active is now being tested. In general, Mars retrograde asks us: How can we reevaluate the way we act and use our energy? How can we be more introspective in our actions? Focus on the internal so that the external can manifest naturally later.
The first full moon of the year occurs on January 13th in Capricorn's polar opposite, Cancer. With Mars in the mix, it's going to be an emotionally intense start to the year, but like every full moon, it gives us the opportunity to channel insights and breakthroughs. How do you process your anger and frustration (Mars) and hold space for those more difficult emotions (Cancer)? What are your emotions trying to show you?
This is the most powerful aspect of this Full Moon, guiding us to observe our emotions rather than act on them. Take this as an invitation to release any emotional baggage and clear the slate as you enter 2025.
We are paving the way for the beginning of a new solar season, that of Aquarius. On January 19, the Sun enters this futuristic sign. Often mistakenly called the water sign, it is actually associated with the element of air. As the symbol of the water bearer, it brings water (knowledge and wisdom) from tribe to tribe. Air connects, opens the heart and lets us breathe in new and innovative things. In Capricorn season, we reevaluate our goals and aspirations; in Aquarius season, we bring them closer to the community. With Venus conjunct Saturn, we will understand that to achieve our goals, we must do the external and internal work alongside each other.
We end the month of January with the New Moon in Aquarius. Once a month, the Sun and Moon, the masculine and the feminine, meet in the cosmos. Through their intertwining, they connect in a harmonious way, allowing new energy to enter. Ask yourself: what impact do you want to have? Where can you bring more innovative thinking into your life and how can you serve others? Take an evening for yourself, connect and feel the energy of the coming month. What do you want to achieve in this lunar cycle?
The month of January feels stagnant compared to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Immerse yourself in the emptiness, rest, and allow your visions to unfold step by step. The answers lie in the silence.
Check back every month on the blog here on Moonhub for a cosmic update and what magic awaits you in the upcoming lunar cycle. Every cycle has its ups and downs. Let's learn to flow with it by becoming cosmically savvy. Until then, stay warm and have a magical start to 2025.
About the author
Inés Kelly is an integrative astrology, human design and ancestral worship consultant. She has been writing about the moon, seasons and astrology since 2019. Her multicultural background has given her insight into different rituals and traditions, which she shares with the community.