Seeking Social Serenity

Don't flatter yourself that friendship authorizes you to say disagreeable things to your intimates  The nearer you come into relation with a person, the more necessary do tact and courtesy become.
               -Oliver Wendell Holmes

Kermit the Frog sang, "It's not easy being green."  These days, the planet Venus might sing, "It's not easy being a personal planet transiting retrograde in a transpersonal sign (Aquarius)."  (Not as mellifluous a song as Kermit's, perhaps.)

With stationary Venus retrograde conjunct Chiron at this New Moon, we may experience some potentially painful need to set ourselves apart from the group (Aquarius) based on our feelings or values (Venus). Through a social misstep or misunderstanding, an old wound may be triggered, having the benefit, at least, of throwing our tendencies in groups and friendships into high relief.  Chiron transiting with the social planet, Venus, in Aquarius may bring to light particularly painful situations based on the double association of woundedness:  Chiron, the wounded healer, along with the association of Aquarius with the ankles and Achilles' Heel, our area of greatest vulnerability.

Soothing salve may come by not being in a hurry to have our feelings all sorted out, and by spending time reflecting on what we need most in friendships (Aquarius).  Without being too high and mighty about it, it's important not to compromise our truth (Mercury in Sagittarius conjunct Pluto) in defining and expressing these needs. Yet it's a good idea to be careful how we phrase things this month, as it may be easier to inadvertently wound with words than usual.

With Mars square Saturn and Venus retrograde at this New Moon, it may take us longer than usual to formulate our New Year's goals this year.  We'll have to dig deep to make sure these goals lead toward things we truly value, yet a still-resonant preponderance of fixed sign energy may help our New Year's resolutions stick better than usual.  It's a good idea to keep expectations low for New Year's Eve.  It's likely to be a wash out, with Venus retrograde and the Moon void in Capricorn, sign of its detriment.  There will be better years for romance, that's for sure.

Whereas Venus in Taurus tends to seek conservation, and Venus in Libra tends toward social harmony, in Aquarius, Venus can grant a "live and let live" acceptance of others, but incline us to exhibit extremes of detachment and insensitivity to those very same others' personal needs or concerns.  The challenge in relating during this cycle is to find a combination of effective social boundaries (Taurus) and fluid social interchange (Aquarius, sign of the water bearer) that leaves all feeling safe (Taurus) and renewed (Aquarius) instead of stubbornly (Taurus) disinterested (Aquarius) and stuck in respective positions (fixed sign Grand Cross).  Easier said than done. The upside of Venus transiting in Aquarius is it doesn't incline toward holding a grudge, and will eventually resurface from its thumb-sucking retrograde through sober Capricorn with a clearer sense of social needs and priorities, and renewed ideas on how to avoid recreating old wounds.

Keep an eye out for the dates with the most planetary aspects/intensity this month:  January 13-15 and January 27.

DATES TO NOTE:

 ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19):  The New Moon occurs in your Tenth House of authorities, reputation and career.  You may be more professionally active than usual this month, especially with the public or those in positions of leadership.  Review your approach to: friendships and groups, long-range hopes and wishes, business finances.  Tell the truth about:  your desire for travel and expansive experiences.
Best days for Aries:  Jan 5-6

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Ninth House of religion, philosophy, higher education, long-range plans and long distance travel.  New doors may open for you in one or more of these areas.  Consider taking a long range risk and mapping out some details, even if it's only opening your mind to the possibility.  Review your approach to: career, relationships with parents or authority figures.  Tell the truth about:  your joint finances.
Best days for Taurus:  Jan 7-8

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Eighth House of joint finances, sexuality and secrets.  Reviewing investments, refinancing, deepening partnerships through communication, and beginning counseling or therapy may be on the agenda this month. Deeply transformative change is rarely your favorite thing, but sometimes it's for the best.  Review your approach to: joint finances, sexuality, secrets.  Tell the truth about: relationships.
Best days for Gemini:  Jan 10-11

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22):  The New Moon occurs in your Seventh House of partnership and marriage.  New partnerships or phases of an existing partnership may emerge at this time.  Take a look at your general approach to partnership and the balance you achieve between self and others.  Review your approach to: relationships, sexuality, joint finances.  Tell the truth about: your health, work routines and organizational strategies.    
Best days for Cancer:  Jan 12-13

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22):  The New Moon occurs in your Sixth House of work, health and service.  You may want to review your health and fitness regimes or organize your work environment for greater productivity.  A doctor's appointment or health review could give you a reassuring reality check.  Review your approach to: relationships, work routines, balance of power with others.  Tell the truth about: your desire to be more playful and creative.
Best days for Leo:  Jan 14-16

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22):  The New Moon occurs in your Fifth House of romance, creativity, children and play.  New beginnings, breakthroughs or changes may occur for you in these areas.  Launch a creative project or find one you started in the past and bring it back to life. Focus on the childlike creative spirit within and bring a sense of play to whatever you do.  Review your approach to: work routines, health, children's schedules.  Tell the truth about: what works and what doesn't about your home and family life.    
Best days for Virgo:  Jan 17-19

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22):  The New Moon occurs in your Fourth House of home, family and property.  You may want to move, reorganize or redecorate your living space.  You may have more than usual the amount of activity in or focus on your home this month.  Review your approach to: children, creativity, romance.  Tell the truth about: your desire for better communication with siblings, or to feel more connected in your neighborhood.  
Best days for Libra:  Jan 19-21

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21):  The New Moon occurs in your Third House of local travel, transportation, communication, neighbors and siblings.  Opportunities for change or new starts may emerge in these areas. Communicating your needs and exchanging information with others via  telephone, e-mail or fax brings you better success than going it alone. Review your approach to:  home and family, sibling relationships, transportation.  Tell the truth about: your checkbook balance and income opportunities.
Best days for Scorpio:  Jan 22-23

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21):  The New Moon occurs in your Second House of earned money, possessions and values.  New work or income opportunities may come your way this month.  It's a great month to reconsider the purpose of your work and surround yourself with coworkers or clients who share your values.  Review your approach to: sibling and neighbor relationships, personal income, employment opportunities.  Tell the truth about: your desire to make changes in your appearance or promote yourself more.
Best days for Sagittarius:  Jan 24-25

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19):  The New Moon occurs in your First House of action, identity and personal presence.  The spotlight shines on you this month, so use it to your advantage.  Put your best foot forward and use your appearance and presentation style as a tool to enhance your confidence.  Review your approach to: personal income, personal appearance, deepest values.  Tell the truth about: where habits may interfere with your dreams.
Best days for Capricorn:  Dec 30, Jan 26-27

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18):  The New Moon occurs in your Twelfth House of spirituality, retreat and behind-the-scenes activities.  You may want to keep a low profile this month and see what your nighttime dreams have to tell you.  This may be the month you discover that relaxation actually brings inspiration that may resolve your biggest concerns.  Review your approach to: personal appearance and promotion, nighttime dreams.  Tell the truth about: your friendships.
Best days for Aquarius:  Jan 1-2, Jan 28-29

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Eleventh House of friends, groups, business income, humanitarian causes, and long-range hopes and wishes.  Beginnings or changes in these areas may occur for you this month.  Review your approach to: dreams and retreat, friendships, long-range hopes and wishes.  Tell the truth about: your career.
Best days for Pisces:  Jan 3-4

For a more in-depth look at your unique horoscope or a compatibility comparison, contact Natori at (760) 753-4319 or by email.  Have a great month!