Comet ZTF, taken by Miguel Claro on January 19, 2023, Dark Sky, Alqueva, Portugal
Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.
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Astrological Overview: January 23 - 29, 2023
Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.
MON: Mercury semisquare Saturn
TUE: Mars semisquare Eris, Venus semisquare Chiron, Sun sextile Jupiter
WED: No major aspects are exact today
THU: Venus enters Pisces
FRI: Mercury square Chiron
SAT: Sun semisquare Neptune
SUN: Sun trine Mars, Mercuery trine Uranus
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COMET ZTF: A "new" comet was discovered in March 2022, nicknamed "Comet ZTF" in honor of the Zwicky Transient Facility at Caltech's Palomar Observatory in California. The comet is unusual in that it has a bright green color, and because of its very large orbit around the Sun. It has been "inbound" toward planet Earth for the past 53,000 years, will be closest to Earth on February 1, and then will head out to continue its great adventure into the unknown.
Since ancient times, comets have been seen as messages from the gods, as well as harbingers of major events. According to the Greeks, they heralded natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. Hindus believed comets represented a disruption in the natural order of the world, or even the "death of a king." Chinese philosophers believed that comets bring good fortune.
From a present-day spiritual perspective, comets are reminders of our connection to a vast world that is beyond the human brain's ability to conceptualize. We might also imagine comets as cosmic messengers, bringing insights and information to us from the far reaches of the universe. With the bright color green of Comet ZTF and the fact that it will be visible to the naked eye over the next few weeks, we can also interpret its presence to indicate the potential for individuals to experience new heart opening and healing.
DAILY ASPECTS: Here are this week's most important planetary aspects, with my brief interpretations of each.
Monday
Mercury semisquare Saturn: Frustrations arise if we feel unable to communicate our thoughts clearly, experience delays that derail our plans, or feel that authority figures are not listening to our ideas.
Tuesday
Mars semisquare Eris: Irritations and anger can inspire impulsive actions, without consideration for the consequences.
Venus semisquare Chiron: People are especially sensitive and may deal with hurt feelings by withdrawing or distancing from a loved one.
Sun sextile Jupiter: This aspect helps to lighten the mood this evening, as we are more able to accept each person's individual quirks.
Wednesday
No major aspects are exact today.
Thursday
Venus enters Pisces: Venus will journey through the sign of The Fishes from January 26 to February 19. During this time, Venus supports the qualities of compassion, understanding, and adaptability in relationships. However, Venus in Pisces may not have strong boundaries and can also wear rose-colored glasses. Over the next three weeks, especially, it will be important to maintain a good sense of self and to use discernment with regard to potential mates, as well as with purchases and investments.
Friday
Mercury square Chiron: An underlying insecurity can lead to defensiveness and arguments today.
Saturday
Sun semisquare Neptune: We may feel at loose ends today, without a clear knowing of what we want to do or how to address a current issue. This aspect is more supportive of inner reflection than action.
Sunday
Sun trine Mars: It is easier to take risks or to try new activities with this aspect, as we have the courage to take roads as yet untraveled.
Mercury trine Uranus: Minds are inventive and open to new ideas and insights. Conversations on scientific or metaphysical subjects may be especially lively.
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IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: There is a great deal of energy at your disposal this year, and you could act more impulsively or take more risks than you usually might. For the most part, a positive attitude and good sense of humor enable you to take life more lightly. There may be some underlying confusion about longer-term goals and purposes, which causes disillusionment at times. Being aware of red flags and not falling prey to over-idealism will help you avoid pitfalls. (Solar Return Sun conjunct trine Mars, sextile Jupiter, semisquare Neptune)
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WEBINAR REPLAY: If you missed my recent "Quantum Shift" webinar, covering the next four months and including insights into Saturn's transit of Pisces and Pluto's first steps into Aquarius – No worries! You can still purchase the video replay and monthly aspect calendars from the class. Simply send an email with "Webinar Replay" in the subject line to
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TRANSLATION and AUDIO/VIDEO VERSION: This weekly Journal is now recorded (in English) AND the text is transcribed into 30 languages! You'll see a row of flags under "Available Languages" in the upper right. And, there are options to listen to the audio (in English) or watch a video directly beneath the photo (see top of page).
The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.
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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.
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About the Author
Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail
For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.
