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Astrological Overview: January 1 - 7, 2024
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.
Monday: Venus square Saturn, Mercury stations direct
Tuesday: No major aspects are exact today
Wednesday: Venus quincunx Jupiter
Thursday: Mars enters Capricorn
Friday: No major aspects are exact today
Saturday: Sun square Chiron
Sunday: Mercury trine Eris
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A NEW YEAR BEGINS: Welcome to 2024! Based on the astrological influences, the coming year is going to provide us with a wide variety of life-changing experiences — ranging from major opportunities to significant challenges.
From the lineup of planets conjunct powerful Pluto in January-February, to a pivotal Total Solar Eclipse and the groundbreaking Jupiter-Uranus alignment in April, to the surprising Mars-Uranus conjunction in July, to the first Pisces eclipse in September, to impatient Mars opposing Pluto and then going retrograde in theatrical Leo at the end of the year, we're in for the adventure of a lifetime!
DAILY ASPECTS: Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important planetary aspects:
Monday
Venus square Saturn: With Venus in easygoing Sagittarius now, we have an increased need to feel free of attachments and restrictions. But realistic Saturn is square Venus today, reminding us that a responsible life usually requires that we follow certain guidelines and even rules. This aspect offers a reality check and challenges us to assess how we feel about our commitments, whether to a relationship, to a creative endeavor, or to a financial investment.
Mercury stations direct: After being retrograde since December 13, Mercury now turns to face the future. As the Messenger Planet slowly begins to move forward and picks up speed over the coming days, it supports our likewise making progress on plans and projects that may have been stalled or on hold for the past three weeks.
Tuesday
No major aspects are exact today.
Wednesday
Venus quincunx Jupiter: Moderation is key with this aspect. While the desire to settle an issue and simply be done with it is strong today, we will need to be careful of making too grand a gesture — whether it be in an effort to reconcile a relationship or to break free from all restrictions.
Thursday
Mars enters Capricorn: While the god of War is in Capricorn, from January 4 to February 12, "slow and steady wins the race." In general, we tend to be more cautious in our actions and slower to respond in anger. However, Mars in ambitious Capricorn can also manifest in a heightened display of authority and a lack of sensitivity to the emotional needs of others.
Friday
No major aspects are exact today.
Saturday
Sun square Chiron: Feelings of insecurity may arise today, especially in situations that require us to take charge or to be in a position of leadership. Hostility that is expressed under this influence is often a mask for fear. It will be beneficial to pay attention to the truth of our feelings, rather than judging them or trying to hide them from ourselves. Once we become aware of the frightened inner child who is driving our reactions, healing becomes possible. The space is then opened for us to sit down with that child and embrace them with acceptance, understanding, and love.
Sunday
Mercury trine Eris: We are not shy about expressing our opinions today. This can be a helpful influence for taking action on a new plan or project, especially one that fulfills a need to feel independent and free.
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IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: You may feel more restless than usual this year, with a heightened need for new experiences or to express your independence in some way. You may surprise yourself by your openness to changes in a specific area of your life, depending on the house placements of both your natal Sun and transiting Uranus. However, old insecurities and even fears may arise along the way, giving you the opportunity for greater self-understanding. Accepting that you have an inner aspect of yourself that is less than confident challenges you to embrace self-care in a way that may not feel natural for goal-oriented Capricorn natives. Please see the description of “Sun square Chiron” on Friday’s aspects list above for more guidance. (Solar Return Sun trine Uranus, square Chiron)
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TRANSLATION and AUDIO/VIDEO VERSION: This weekly Journal is 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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CLASSES AND WEBINARS by Pam Younghans:
In MY "Breakthroughs & Awakenings" webinar on Wednesday, January 10, I'll start with an overview of the entire year, including a graphic I've created showing the timeframes each important aspect is in effect. The rest of the webinar will focus on the planetary influences we'll be working with January through April, including that historic Jupiter-Uranus conjunction on April 20. If you'd like to learn more, please visit https://PamJan-April2024.eventbrite.com
My next monthly astrology class, covering the Month of Aquarius (January 20-February 18), is set for Wednesday, January 17! To learn more and to register, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/solar-month-class-aquarius-2024
INSTAGRAM: I'm now posting daily astrological updates on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/pamyounghans/
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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.
