January 2024 Newsletter
Dearest Friends
Kindly note that the days and times given below are in PST (Pacific Standard Time). For Rocky Mountain Time (including AZ) add 1 hr. For Central Time, add 2 hours. For Eastern Standard Time, add 3 hours. For Alaskan Time, subtract 1 hour. For Hawaii-Aleutian Time, subtract 2 hours. For Greenwich, add 8 hours. For Central European time (CET) add 9 hours, for Eastern European Time (EET), add 10 hours.
JANUARY 2024
RUNE OF THE MONTH: What more perfect rune to start the year than with Hagalz “Hailstorm”? This rune points to elements of our lives being wiped out so that we may start over with a clean slate. There is no life without death. To build anew, the creative cycle requires that we let go of outmoded aspects of our lives which, moving forward, would only have weighed us down. As we enter this new year, the main question to ask ourselves is: “What in our lives no longer serves the development of our highest destiny?”.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Mercury turns direct on Monday January 1st, 2024 at 22º33’ Sagittarius. Its shadow period lasts until January 21, 2024. The degree Mercury turns direct on, is symbolized by “Immigrants entering a new country”. Today, there could still be some misunderstandings, changed minds, lost keys, disrupted schedules, and missed flights. Tomorrow, communications will shift to their new order. A wonderful way to start this new year, on a new mental basis, free from the known.
Uranus remains retrograde this whole month until January 26, 2024. Its shadow period lasts until May 14, 2024. The degree traveled in January (19º23’-19º05’ Taurus) is symbolized by: “Wisps of clouds, like wings, are streaming across the sky.” We are asked to uncover our unique gifts and talents and assert our independence. The more we embrace our true self, the more spiritually connected we are. We then become a conduit for all forms of synchronicities and divine inspirations.
Pluto re-enters Aquarius on January 20th, until September 1st, 2024. The degree traveled in January (0º-0º19’ Aquarius) is symbolized by: “An old adobe mission”. As most old, outworn structures in the world are collapsing, the new is starting to emerge from the rubbles. In 2023, Pluto still spent most of the year in Capricorn. A lot of corruption emerged at very high levels of power. As Pluto re-enters Aquarius, almost for good (it will be fully in that sign in 2025), the balance is gradually and resolutely shifting to the people taking things in their own hands. Laws that make no sense, rules that do not honor humanitarian rights, intolerance, and the lack of social solidarity are all being disparaged. The dangers of A.I. and social media are likely to come to the forefront. There could also be increased concerns regarding extra-terrestrial intelligence, and the advances of science and technology devoid of a connection to spirituality.
* * * * * * * * * * *
The Moon will be Void of Course (V/O –forming no major aspect with any planet before entering the following sign-):
On Tuesday 1/2 between 3:36 PM and 4:47 PM: when the Moon enters Libra.
On Friday 1/5 between 3:41 AM and 4:39 AM: when the Moon enters Scorpio.
On Sunday 1/7 between 12:22 PM and 1:08 PM: when the Moon enters Sagittarius.
On Tuesday 1/9 between 10:24 AM and 5:33 PM: when the Moon enters Capricorn.
On Thursday 1/11 between 6:33 PM and 7:01 PM: when the Moon enters Aquarius.
On Saturday 1/13 between 1:59 AM and 7:29 PM: when the Moon enters Pisces.
On Monday 1/15 between 8:33 PM and 8:49 PM: when the Moon enters Aries.
On Thursday 1/18 between 12:03 AM and 12:12 AM: when the Moon enters Taurus.
On Saturday 1/20 between 5:57 AM and 5:58 AM (1 minute!): when the Moon enters Gemini.
On Monday 1/22 between 12:40 PM and 1:51 PM: when the Moon enters Cancer.
On Wednesday 1/24 between 2:58 PM and 11:37 PM: when the Moon enters Leo.
From Friday 1/26 at 1:19 PM till Saturday 1/27 at 11:11 AM: when the Moon enters Virgo.
From Monday 1/29 at 3:20 PM till Tuesday 1/30 at 12:04 AM: when the Moon enters Libra.
Mark these periods in red in your calendar and avoid scheduling anything of importance during these times as they would amount to… NO thing!
* * * * * * * * * * *
Scheduling our activities using the zodiacal position of the Moon
Moon in Virgo until Tuesday 1/2 at 4:46 PM + between Saturday 1/27 at 11:11 AM and Tuesday 1/30 at 12:03 AM: Excellent for starting a new fitness program, learning, healthy nutrition, fasting, clearing our closets, cleaning our home, reorganizing our drawers…. Perfect also for detailed work, the focused use of our intelligence, and taking care of small pets….
Moon in Libra between Tuesday 1/2 at 4:47 PM and Friday 1/5 at 4:38 AM + between Tuesday 1/20 at 12:04 AM and Thursday 2/1 at 12:36 PM: Great for relationships, associations, diplomatic exchanges with others, anything related to beauty (a haircut, buying new clothes, a make-over…), art (especially painting and decorating…), a pleasant social event (concert, art exhibition…).
Moon in Scorpio between Friday 1/5 at 4:39 AM and Sunday 1/7 at 1:07 PM: Perfect for scientific research, esoteric studies, self-transformation, shamanism, dealing with the mysteries of life, death, and sexuality, as well as insurances and issues involving personal power.
Moon in Sagittarius between Sunday 1/7 at 1:08 PM and Tuesday 1/9 at 5:32 PM: Perfect for traveling, religious and/or philosophical activities or matters related to higher education and the law. Excellent for lecturing, learning, perfecting a foreign language, exploring other cultures… Perfect also for athletic training and tending to large animals (horses….).
Moon in Capricorn between Tuesday 1/9 at 5:33 PM and Thursday 1/11 at 7:00 PM: Good for furthering our ambitions, asking for a promotion, enlisting the support of people in positions of authority, making a good impression, re-structuring our business, and redefining our long-term goals…
Moon in Aquarius between Thursday 1/11 at 7:01 PM and Saturday 1/13 at 7:28 PM: Perfect for philanthropic activities, charitable organizations, meeting with friends, making new acquaintances. Good also for inventions, far out, progressive ideas, inter-dimensional and time travel, anything related to UFOs, computers, and technology in general….
Moon in Pisces between Saturday 1/13 at 7:29 PM and Monday 1/15 at 8:48 PM: Great for meditating, sitting by the ocean, anything related to the sacred, dancing, painting, swimming, dreaming, music, photography, film, sleeping, channeling, connecting with the mystical, the magic and the oneness of all that is…
Moon in Aries between Monday 1/15 at 8:49 PM and Thursday 1/18 at 12:11 AM: Perfect for intense physical activities, anything requiring forceful, direct action and self-assertion. Good also for leadership, spontaneity, good will, being a way shower, initiating new projects or bringing our car to the mechanic….
Moon in Taurus between Thursday 1/18 at 12:12 AM and Saturday 1/20 at 5:57 AM: Perfect for any financial matter: paying our bills/debts, asking for the money that is owed to us, opening a bank account, investing in real estate, buying, and selling. Perfect also for a stroll in the park, going to the countryside, connecting with our Mother the Earth… Good also for gardening, pottery, sculpting, as well as bodywork…
Moon in Gemini between Saturday 1/20 at 5:58 AM and Monday 1/22 at 1:50 PM: Excellent for multi-tasking, curiosity, any form of communication, exchanging information, sending e-mails, calling friends and acquaintances. Great also for social activities, attending conferences, reading a book, watching a documentary, gathering data on various topics, connecting with new people….
Moon in Cancer between Monday 1/22 at 1:51 PM and Wednesday 1/24 at 11:36 PM : Perfect for family activities, especially those involving children. Good for spending more time at home, cooking, nurturing ourselves and those we love, inviting the people we cherish over for dinner. Excellent also for drawing, creative writing, humor, and anything requiring imagination and a touch of craziness….
Moon in Leo between Wednesday 1/24 at 11:37 PM and Saturday 1/27 at 11:10 AM: Excellent for anything glamorous, dramatic performances, being in the public’s eye, throwing or attending an elegant party, playing with children, romance, and creativity in general…
* * * * * * * * * * *
This month’s intentional meditation started on December 26 when we took out as many blank sheets of paper as we had intentions and place them near a window, on a balcony or in a garden so that they basked in the light of the Full Moon in Cancer at exactly 4:33 PM. Once that moment passed, we gathered our Full Moon charged blank sheets and placed them in a folder.
On Thursday 1/11, take out your blank full moon charged papers and write on each a concise, positive intention. Place them on a balcony, in a garden or near a window so that they are out by exactly 3:57 AM for the New Moon in Capricorn. Once that moment has passed, staple them together and put them away in a folder expecting the manifestation of all your dreams….
Next month’s intentional meditation starts on Thursday 1/25 at 9:54 AM with the Full Moon in Leo.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Monday 1/1: Venus Square Saturn (5:26 AM)
A day marked by a certain loneliness and cold heartedness. Our emotional life is likely to be slowed by duties and obligations that feel strenuous. Social encounters are more work than fun. Our finances could be stretched to the limit. A day best spent reorganizing our daily surroundings to create more comfort.
Thursday 1/4: Mars enters Capricorn (6:58 AM) till February 12
During the next 6 weeks, our actions are measured, grounded, and structured. Our reactions are sober and mature, and our desires controlled. Our ability to sustain long hours of persistent efforts is intensified. No matter what personal sacrifices they entail, we see our projects to the finish line.
Monday 1/8: Mercury Square Neptune (5:24 PM)
Communications are elusive. Truths are hidden. Lies, deceit, deceptions are likely. We tend to drift into daydreaming and impractical schemes. Not a good day to enter any kind of partnership or signing legally binding documents. Because of their amplified effect, alcohol and drugs should be absolutely avoided. A day best spent resting, watching a feel-good movie, reading an inspiring book, listening to music or painting.
Tuesday 1/9: Sun Trine Uranus (4:07 PM), Mars Sextile Saturn (6:40 PM)
Unexpected events bring much excitement. A person we haven’t seen in a long time could make us measure the extent of our own evolution. Innovative changes bring renewal. Our projects are furthered by practical work, structured energy, and controlled actions.
Friday 1/12: Mars Trine Jupiter (2:42 AM)
We meet challenges with an enthusiastic attitude and much excitement attracting favors and financial rewards. Fabulous for a long-distance trip, starting a university level training, or taking an interest in philosophy or religion.
Wednesday 1/13: Mercury enters Capricorn (6:49 PM) till February 4
During the next 3 weeks, we may be more silent, only speaking if we have something to add to the conversation. An excellent time to go back to school to study a topic that advances our career. Our thinking is serious and mature. We seek the company of people who are successful and can help us fulfill our own professional ambitions.
Monday 1/15: Sun Sextile Neptune (4:38 PM)
Deeply sensitive to poetry, music, and painting, today we tend to be more dream-oriented. Overly considerate of others, we need peace and silence to regenerate. A good day for artists who are particularly inspired.
Thursday 1/18: Mercury Sextile Saturn (12:49 AM)
Our thinking is serious, disciplined, and grounded. We are not afraid to spend the necessary long hours to complete backlogged work. Our communications are succinct and efficient. We prefer silence and solitude to meaningless chatter. Our planning is intelligent and our attention to practical details, impeccable.
Friday 1/19: Mercury Trine Jupiter (1:31 AM), Venus Square Neptune (7:49 AM)
A day of mixed blessings. On one hand, we feel exuberant, happy, and optimistic. This is a fabulous day to go on a long-distance trip, or engage in a deep study. On the other, we could fall prey to an illusionary romance. Unrequited love, deceit, and lies could create a fog that undermines our dreams of perfection. Let us also be careful with get-rich-quick-schemes. Our finances could be preyed upon by less than honorable characters. Being over-trusting in love and money is ill-advised.
Saturday 1/20: Sun Conjunct Pluto (5:46 AM), Sun enters Aquarius (6:07 AM) till February 18, Pluto re-enters Aquarius (4:50 PM) till September 1
Today, specifically, our leadership is amplified. We should pay extra attention to our thoughts and feelings as they have the power to affect our environment. During the coming month, we value independence, originality, and freedom. We are drawn to humanitarian endeavors, develop our inventive spirit, and could feel rather rebellious. Our friendships assume a greater than usual importance. Regarding Pluto in Aquarius, kindly refer to the opening paragraph.
Tuesday 1/23: Venus enters Capricorn (12:50 AM) till February 16
During the next 3 weeks, our approach to love is practical. We are likely to be attracted to someone who is older, more mature, ambitious, and/or successful. We seek solidity and stability both in love and in our financial affairs.
Friday 1/26: Sun Square Jupiter (11:18 PM)
Formalities feel stuffy and tedious. We could be rather restless. Our good resolutions in terms of health and finances are likely to get broken. Questions regarding the quality of our judgement and our moral values come to the forefront. Staying as moderate as possible and demonstrating humility and gratitude is essential.
Saturday 1/27: Mercury Conjunct Mars (6:59 AM), Venus Sextile Saturn (10:03 PM)
Direct in our speech, we may respond before thinking things through, but our rash comments are definitely honest. We call a spade a spade and have little interest in being subtle or diplomatic. We seek stability, reliability, durability, and integrity in our relationships. A good day to move in together, get engaged or married. Our approach to romance is grounded and realistic. Financially, without being stingy, we err on a more conservative side.
Sunday 1/28: Mercury Trine Uranus (1:07 PM), Venus Trine Jupiter (5:02 PM)
Today, new information, changes of plans, and exciting people disrupt our routine for the better. We are more inventive, dynamic, and open to the unknown. Technology and science are appealing. Our social encounters are gracious, warm, and loving. We feel generous towards those less fortunate than ourselves and are enriched by artistic and cultural activities.
Monday 1/29: Mars Trine Uranus (3:41 PM)
Our daily routine could be interfered with. New, exciting circumstances precipitate much needed changes. Stimulating people bring dynamic ideas that support our independence. The more we go with the flow, the more we shall find that those disruptions are pointing us in a more appropriate direction for our own evolution.
Wishing you the best New Year ever!
In Loving Light.
Michelle Karén, M.A., D.F.Astrol.S.
Astrologer, Shaman, International Conference Speaker
Author of Astrology for Enlightenment (Atria Books, Simon & Schuster)
Founder of the Online Llankay, Munay, Yachay School of Shamanic Studies
www.facebook.com/ michelleKaren8867
www.youtube.com/c/MichelleKarenAstrologerShaman
3961 E. Chandler Blvd.
Suite 111-161
Phoenix, AZ 85048