Winter 2024-25 Astrological Forecast
As another winter begins, Pluto’s recent entry into Aquarius signifies the growing strength of people united in seeking safe self-determination.
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“Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun
And I say it’s all right.” — George Harrison
In the autumn of 1777, the Continental Army commanded by General George Washington had been defeated by British troops in battles for Philadelphia, the capital of the colonies. As difficult winter weather set in, the continentals took defensive positions at Valley Forge, PA. Basic necessities, food, tents, blankets, even socks and boots were in short supply. Disease ravaged the men, and nearly two thousand died.
That December, the Marquis de Lafayette, a young French aristocrat, arrived to give his moral and financial support to the American soldiers under his command. Lafayette had already proved himself a capable leader in battle aiding the Americans. He also sought to assist General Washington.
Over the winter Washington diligently worked with the Continental Congress to eliminate corrupt military suppliers and improve camp hygiene. The soldiers set to building a small city of log cabins for shelter. High overhead, Pluto arrived in Aquarius on January 28, 1778.
On February 6th, American diplomats in France successfully negotiated and signed a mutual defense treaty. Later that same month an experienced Prussian military officer, Baron von Steuben, came to Valley Forge, intent on helping the rebel cause. Washington appointed Steuben Inspector General of the encampment. By the spring of 1778 he had molded the men into a more organized and capable fighting force.
As another winter begins, Pluto’s recent entry into Aquarius is an important omen of the challenges ahead. On a personal level, respect your first impressions as well as intuitive feelings. In concert with friends and allies, identify crucial shared values and essential interests. Resist the temptation to take a dictatorial, all or nothing, “my way or the highway” stance. Cooperation is the key to successful networking.
History has shown that when slow moving Pluto is in the community oriented sign of Aquarius, bad actors who misuse power are exposed and lose that power. The growing strength of people united in seeking safe self-determination is due to increase.
The Sun In Capricorn
The winter solstice horoscope, cast for the Sun’s predawn entry into Capricorn on Saturday, December 21st, is challenging. The Sun is at odds with Neptune, an indicator of innocent idealism, unjustified faith and possible disappointment. Retrograde Mars is opposed to Pluto, signifying fierce competition as well as potential danger from overly aggressive types. A mutable sign grand square configuration involves the Moon, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn.
A bevy of poor choices can appear to be the only options but there are silver linings. Venus is favorably aligned with Jupiter, a reminder that loving tolerance as well as open-minded respect wins over friends and allies. Mental Mercury is also in a positive relationship with Mars. Be prepared to adjust your thinking and strategies. The solstice gateway itself is a timely reminder that darkness is always followed by returning light.
As the late December religious holidays near, the night of Sunday the 22nd, and Monday the 23rd, are a fine period for travel. Stresses multiply under Jupiter’s square to Saturn on Tuesday, December 24th. Bear delays or responsibilities with grace. Say no to self-criticism or judging others harshly. Some tensions persist into Christmas morning but lunar harmony with the Sun brightens the noon hour.
In a rare occurrence Hanukkah begins on Christmas Day evening. Mercury’s pending opposition to Jupiter has spirits and thoughts looking up. The fast-moving communications planet is also triggering the ongoing square between Jupiter and Saturn. Be careful not to exaggerate or boast. Like Santa, Saturn is keeping score.
Friday night gatherings are likely to be enjoyable but during the final weekend of the year plans can go kablooey at any time. Venus is testing unpredictable Uranus. The Moon is also at her ebb stage. Taking an easy, casual approach is the wisest course. The Capricorn new Moon is exact the afternoon of Monday, December 30th. This is the day to set goals and intentions for the coming two week waxing Moon period. More ambitious souls may wish to consider their New Year’s resolutions.
Party spirits are alive and well the evening of the 31st. The Capricorn Moon is making nice with Uranus and Neptune, favoring those who wish to usher in the New Year with willing friends and accomplices. If you are out late, watch your speed.
Some tensions persist into Christmas morning, December 25, but lunar harmony with the Sun brightens the noon hour.
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Retrograde Mars makes an opposition to Pluto during the wee hours of Friday, January 3rd. Be tactful and on good behavior around this date. Some folks are likely to overreact, with or without provocation. Calmer and wiser heads prevail on Saturday the 4th. Get togethers evoke warm memories as the Sun is sextile Saturn.
On Monday, January 6th, pay close attention during the morning commute. Still taking a backwards track, Mars has returned to emotional Cancer. Mercury is in a testing square to Neptune. Feelings can get the better of thinking. Inclement weather may also present challenges. The middle of the day is best for business and other demanding tasks. A challenging first quarter Aries Moon requires self-control Monday evening. After a socially challenging late Tuesday afternoon, the celestial influences grow kinder. The latter part of the week brings smooth progress. Mercury’s Wednesday morning entry into Capricorn benefits those who have business to attend to.
By Friday, January 10th, full Moon fever is in the air. Excitement builds, enhanced by Mars’ Sunday afternoon trine with Neptune. Artists as well as art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts are energized. The full Wolf Moon in Cancer is exact on Monday evening, the 13th. The Moon is joined by Mars, and the Sun is close to Pluto. Fortunately, Neptune favorably aligns with the opposing planets. If you must engage with demanding types, be creative. Use your imagination. Try cooperating without surrendering your power or principles. Those who face imminent threats find refuge in loving relationships, Mother Nature and sacred teachings.
The dust from the full Moon takes longer than usual to settle. On Tuesday, January 14th, Venus is square Jupiter. Be careful to avoid making commitments you cannot keep. Recognize situations where folks are too eager to please. On Wednesday the 15th, the Sun opposes Mars. Teamwork is a balancing act. Cooperative efforts can be efficient one minute and hit the skids the next. Wednesday night is especially tricky. Move with caution. Calmer skies dominate from Friday, January 17th into the weekend. Enjoy the good vibes while we have them.
The Sun In Aquarius
On the afternoon of Sunday, January 19th, the Sun enters Aquarius. Traditionally this solar shift has ushered in winter’s deepest cold. These days, one never knows what the weather will be like. The Sun’s approaching conjunction with Pluto underscores the magnitude of challenging issues at hand. Pluto’s track record as an exposer of secret abuses of power suggests there will be a continuing stream of stories about corruption. Newton’s Third Law of Motion also applies to politics: “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” In this case, public condemnation is the response.
A waning Libra Moon holds forth on Monday, January 20th, Inauguration Day. Lunar squares to Mercury and Mars point to the challenges in uniting the country. Disagreements loom large on Tuesday the 21st. Be consistent in your words and actions. Mixed trends bring good as well as troubling news on Thursday, January 23rd. This is a powerful day for meetings and forging new alliances.
The social scene receives a nice boost over the weekend of the 25th and 26th. Friendship and romance are favored by Venus’ stellar Saturday evening trine with Mars and her scintillating Sunday evening sextile to Uranus. Parties and shows are good fun.
On Monday, January 27th, Mercury arrives in visionary Aquarius. It’s a fine time to think about your future, but wait until the Aquarius new Moon on Wednesday, January 29th to set plans in motion. This new Moon is also the beginning of the Chinese Year of the Snake. Happy New Year! Auspicious lunar and solar trines to Jupiter promise happiness and prosperity during the coming weeks. On Thursday the 30th, Uranus resumes forward motion in Taurus. This is fabulous day for planting seeds for the future.
February begins with agreeable energies. Venus is conjunct Neptune on Saturday the 1st. The waxing crescent Moon in Pisces is conjunct the charming duo. Everything is in place for a magical, thoroughly enjoyable day. The positive vibes continue throughout the weekend and on into Monday, February 3rd when Mercury forms an uplifting early evening trine to Jupiter. Teachers, writers and travelers can expect one of their better days.
The new Moon on January 29th is also the beginning of the Chinese Year of the Snake. Auspicious lunar and solar trines to Jupiter promise happiness and prosperity during the coming weeks.
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Tuesday, February 4th is eventful. During the early morning hours, Venus enters Aries, and Jupiter returns to forward motion. Many folks openly express their opinions and share their feelings. All the same, choose your audience and words thoughtfully Tuesday night. The first quarter Moon energies conspire to make communications challenging. Thursday, February 6th is a good day for planning sessions and other meetings. Family ties require care and attention during the weekend of the 8th and 9th. Security as well as familiar faces and places are especially prized on Sunday.
The earth may literally shake as the new working week begins. The Sun and Mercury are at odds with Uranus. The Moon is almost full. Evolutionary as well as revolutionary forces are in play. Leaders are questioned. Some will fall. The “anything can happen” atmosphere has many souls feeling tense. Keep cool. Meditate. Go for a mindful walk or gym workout. The excitement and edginess peak on the morning of Wednesday, February 12th, when the Snow Moon in Leo is exactly full.
Mental Mercury enters Pisces during the early morning of Friday, February 14th, Valentine’s Day. Try your hand at writing a poem for a special someone. Love grows more universal as the afternoon turns to evening.
Relationships continue to take center stage over the long President’s Day holiday weekend. The waning Moon is in Libra, the tactful sign of beauty, balance and harmony. Saturday night gatherings are happy and warm. Keeping the peace during the afternoon of Sunday, February 16th is far more challenging. Protective types are quick to take offense, very likely because of a past experience. Thanks to harmony between the Sun and Moon, Monday the 17th features far more agreeable energies.
The Sun In Pisces
The Sun enters Pisces before dawn on Tuesday, February 18th. Hints of spring may be notable attractions but with the Moon in Scorpio, emotional histories are also a powerful draw. Forgiving, letting go and moving on is worth the effort during the midweek period.
Thoughts of a better future grow more insistent with Thursday the 20th’s last quarter Sagittarius Moon. Mercury’s square to Jupiter the same afternoon underscores the benefits of positive thinking. However, it could take several more days before certain issues are thoroughly understood and settled. Sunday the 23rd is a superior day for both planning or taking action. Fiery Mars, burning proudly in Leo, turns direct that night. Certain projects that have been on hold will soon take on new life.
The Pisces new Moon on Thursday the 27th signals the start of a promising activity cycle. Be sure to include a healthy dose of realism in your plans. As we turn the calendar page and March begins, hopes are high, in some cases too high. On Sunday, March 2nd, the Sun is in a bullish square with Jupiter, and Mercury is conjunct Neptune. Imagination is captivating but expectations can far exceed possibilities. Nevertheless, progress is good. Mercury arrives in Aries before dawn on Monday the 3rd. Energy and momentum are sustained by a waxing Moon and the Sun’s late week trine to Mars.
It isn’t until the Sun conjuncts Saturn on Wednesday, March 12th that the pace briefly slows. By this date we are close to the full Worm Moon in Virgo, which also happens to be a lunar eclipse. The Moon is exactly full during the wee hours of Friday morning, March 14th. The karmic implications are huge. The Moon is conjunct her own South Node, while the Sun is part of a stellium also featuring Saturn, Neptune and the lunar North Node. Mercury has stationed. Revelations, realizations, prophecy and the settling of old scores accompany the alignment. A nefarious plot may be exposed. For others, long sought goals are attained.
Mercury turns retrograde on Saturday, March 15th, at 2:46AM. The waking hours of the day bring thoughtful conversations as well as welcome news. The final major planetary aspect of winter is the Sun’s conjunction with Neptune. There will not be another comparable pairing in Pisces for more than a century and a half. The magical alignment is exact the evening of Wednesday, March 19th. Open your mind and heart and dare to dream! Fondest wishes, humanitarian causes and spiritual quests are well supported.
With one eye looking to the future and another reflecting on the past, the astrological year has run its course. Before dawn on Thursday, the Sun will enter Aries and a new zodiacal cycle begins.
Eric Linter offers a complete range of astrological services including readings and classes. Contact him at stars@ericlinter.com or by telephone at 508-541-4115. Read his Daily Forecast on the Spirit of Change homepage at spiritofchange.org or sign up to receive Eric’s daily forecast right in your inbox each morning.
