January – March 2014

We start with a Venus Retrograde in Capricorn lasting until January 31. This will be a time to evaluate our relationships and what is worth pursuing. The house in which Venus falls in our own charts will determine the types of relationship under scrutiny. However we shouldn’t do anything drastic while the retrograde is in effect as this is not a great time for any direct action. To compound things we have Pisces/Aquarius Mercury Retrograde between February 6 – February 28. The first quarter of the year Jupiter is also retrograde so our faith will be tested, especially when Jupiter Rx forms a T-square with the ongoing Uranus square Pluto around February  24.

First though we will have to contend with Jupiter opposite Pluto on January 31. Jupiter on Sirius is powerful and fortunate giving “Business success, journeys, help from relatives, ecclesiastical preferment.” while Pluto on Nunki in the bow of the archer is generally seen as fortunate too and is associated with the Lovers card in the tarot. It is interesting that Venus goes direct on this lovers star. Nunki gives “truthfulness, optimism and a religious mind.”

Jupiter Opposite Pluto

Those relationships that do survive the Worth Test will renew our faith in the power of love to bring success. But the opposition between Jupiter and Pluto at 12º Cancer/Capricorn cannot be ignored. It could be difficult since the aspect between these two can be pretty fanatical and obsessive despite the fortunate stars, in fact Sirius could heat up the obsession factor big time. So those touched by this aspect might be trying unfeasibly hard to mend a relationship through their passionate unconditional love. If the relationship does not respond to your persistent Jupiter optimism do please learn to let go. If you do not, then Jupiter square Uranus (As part of a T-square with Pluto) on February 26 will do a fantastic job of shattering your dream romance into tiny little pieces.

Relationships started in January may have a lot to live up to. It will be hard to keep ones expectations realistic. Decan 2 Cardinal signs will find it hard not to coerce their partners into making commitments before they are ready. Or they may be at the receiving end of bullying tactics from an over enthusiastic/ambitious partner. Romantic connections are further disrupted by an uncomfortable Mars retrograde in Libra starting March 1. This occurs in a relatively easy part of the sky however, so even if relationships fizzle out the partners will probably remain good friends. The brilliant energy from Spica/Arcturus could bring together exciting intellectual groups. This is a potentially a great time for brainstorming, but not for starting anything new. Even if Mars is in detriment in Libra, the slowing down of the planet of war and competition might be a good thing. I think it will manifest unlikely but creative combinations, and bring unusual alliances.