M42: The Great Nebula in Orion. Credit & Copyright: Fényes Lóránd
Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.
Current and previous weeks astrological overviews
In This Article:
- What is the Saturn-Pluto cycle, and why is it significant?
- How does the Saturn-Pluto semisquare challenge personal sovereignty?
- What planetary aspects are influencing transformation this week?
- How can dismantling limiting beliefs lead to spiritual growth?
- Why is inner power the key to navigating external circumstances?
Astrological Overview:
January 20 to 26, 2025
Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological overvuew 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 Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 8 hours for Universal Time (UT).
MONDAY: Mars square Eris, Sun semisquare Saturn
TUESDAY: Mercury square Chiron, Sun conjunct Pluto
WEDNESDAY: No major aspects are exact today
THURSDAY: Mars sextile Uranus, Mercury opposite Mars, Mercury trine Uranus
FRIDAY: Mercury square Eris
SATURDAY: Mercury sesquiquadrate Jupiter, Venus trine Mars
SUNDAY: Mercury sextile Neptune, Venus sextile Uranus, Saturn semisquare Pluto
*****
THE SATURN-PLUTO CYCLE: Saturn and Pluto aligned in Capricorn in January 2020, marking the start of a new synodic cycle between the two planets. That conjunction began a 33-year period in which humanity — and each of us individually — is gaining a clearer understanding of our true source of power and authority.
The global crisis that began to unfold at the Saturn-Pluto conjunction has had great impact on all of our lives. Events in 2020 and beyond tested our ability to maintain our inner strength while dealing with situations that were outside of our control. It represented the first phase of what ultimately will be a great dismantling of our reliance on external authority, and of our human tendency to allow outer circumstances to determine our well-being.
SATURN-PLUTO SEMISQUARE: Since May 2024, Saturn and Pluto have been dancing in and out of being semisquare each other (separated by 45 degrees). This is the first significant hard aspect between the two planets since their 2020 alignment, and is thus challenging us to take the next step in reclaiming our innate sovereignty. Any ways in which we "stand down" and hand over the reins of our lives to others are being challenged, especially if we give authority figures the ability to disempower us or else expect them to rescue us.
Next Sunday, January 26, the third and final Saturn-Pluto semisquare perfects (the first two aspects were exact on May 6 and September 25 of last year). However, the effects of the aspect will be strongly activated much earlier in the week, since the Aquarius Sun is semisquare Saturn on Monday and conjunct Pluto on Tuesday.
As we once again work with this Saturn-Pluto influence, we must ask ourselves: what limiting perspectives we are still holding onto, that serve to convince us that power lies outside of us? With Saturn in submissive Pisces, where do we continue to play the victim or martyr? And with Pluto in progressive Aquarius, in what ways do we resist or fear stepping into greater mastery?
This week, as we perhaps navigate another external circumstance that appears to be outside of our control, we have a choice. We could succumb to the old, fear-based beliefs that tell us we are powerless, and thus dissipate our energy in blaming others. Or, we might instead choose to actively dismantle those limiting interpretations of reality. To help us in this process, we can acknowledge and tap into the only source of true power, the vast spiritual energy that lies within us, and allow it to both support us and guide our steps going forward.
ASPECTS THIS WEEK: Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important planetary aspects, day by day:
Monday
Mars square Eris: Tension is palpable as the god of War and the goddess of Discord square off. People may act impulsively, defensively, or aggressively under this aspect, driven by fear or anger.
Sun semisquare Saturn: The Sun is activating the Saturn-Pluto semisquare today and tomorrow. This side of the equation, the Sun-Saturn semisquare, indicates feelings of restriction, isolation, and discouragement.
Tuesday
Mercury square Chiron: It is important to touch base with our inner child today, the part of us that feels that it has no voice. As we embrace this part of us with love and understanding, and listen to its fears without judgment, it has the opportunity to heal.
Sun conjunct Pluto: People are especially ambitious, passionate, and strong-willed with this aspect. There may be a drive to take control and some could be manipulative or secretive. Episodes of social injustice and inequality cause strong, visceral reactions. The transformative nature of Pluto, which takes us through a process of death and rebirth, is highlighted.
Wednesday
No major aspects are exact today.
Thursday
Mars sextile Uranus, Mercury opposite Mars, Mercury trine Uranus: Opposing opinions are loudly voiced and it could be hard to find common ground. People are emboldened, willing to take risks, and may take actions into their own hands. Intuition and innovation are enhanced and new insights are possible.
Friday
Mercury square Eris: This is an argumentative aspect. Communications are challenging and people are unlikely to take the time to truly listen to each other.
Saturday
Mercury sesquiquadrate Jupiter: This aspect is an indication of information overload, so it will be important to take a break from the news. There is a tendency to exaggerate the facts to prove a point or to demonstrate one's authority.
Venus trine Mars: Personal relationships and creative self-expression are supported by this aspect. There is an easier flow of energy between loved ones.
Sunday
Mercury sextile Neptune: The imagination is enhanced and it is easier to express compassion. This aspect supports intuitive communications and psychic perceptions.
Venus sextile Uranus: We are more easygoing in relationships, due to an increased ability to allow each person to be authentic and true to themselves.
Saturn semisquare Pluto: This is the final pass of a long-term transit, which began in May 2024. We will feel the effects of this semisquare for at least the rest of January.
*****
IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK (January 20 to 26, 2025):
Your process of personal transformation is fully engaged now, as you get in touch with aspects of your being that may have been hidden or unconscious until now. There is a strong need for freedom and autonomy, as well as a resistance to being told what to do. It will be important to let go of judgments and criticism, of either self or other, for you to take most advantage of the many opportunities for expansion and positive change that will come your way this year. (Solar Return Sun semisquare Venus, opposite Mars, semisquare Saturn, trine Uranus, sextile Neptune, conjunct Pluto)
*****
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.
*****
CLASSES AND WEBINARS by Pam Younghans:
WEBINAR REPLAY: If you missed my recent webinar and wish to know more about the energies of 2025 (and the next three months in particular) — no worries! You can still purchase the replay, slideshow, and monthly calendars of the webinar, which is entitled "A Dark Night's Journey into Day." Please send an email with "Webinar Replay" in the subject to
DAILY ASTROLOGY: For my daily astrological insights, including lunar aspects not covered in this Journal, please follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamyounghans/
*****
For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.
*****
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.
books_astrology
Article Recap:
The Saturn-Pluto cycle, initiated in 2020, has ushered in a period of transformation, challenging humanity to redefine power and authority. As the final Saturn-Pluto semisquare perfects this week, it highlights the need to reclaim inner sovereignty and dismantle limiting beliefs. Planetary aspects throughout the week intensify themes of transformation, conflict, and intuitive breakthroughs. Embracing spiritual energy and self-awareness allows us to navigate these influences and move toward greater mastery and empowerment.
#SaturnPlutoCycle #AstrologyInsights #PersonalSovereignty #SpiritualGrowth #PlanetaryAspects #TransformationJourney
