A Year of New Beginnings
The Art of Astrology
By Kari Noren-Hoshal
New ideas to your plan over the next two weeks between the Full Moon and the New Moon of the 26th.
It is important to get as much work done as possible between January 5th and the 10th as Mercury will go retrograde on Sunday the 11th at about 11:45 a.m. From today through February 1st it will be more difficult to complete communications. Mercury is the planet of communications and short distance travel. During this three-week period we will have the opportunity to re-think, re-consider and return merchandise. Use this time creatively to re-evaluate your plans for the year given the new political climate that will begin to emerge at month’s end. Mercury goes retrograde at 7 degrees Aquarius on January the 11th and will go direct at 21 degrees Capricorn on Sunday, February 1st. During this time, communications relating to Aquarius and Capricorn-ruled politics, science, business management, government and humanitarian concerns will be especially affected. Computers are ruled by Aquarius so BE SURE that your computer files are backed up as this is a very likely time for a widespread virus to break out. A transportation crisis, possibly involving terrorism, is also likely to occur at this time. Be careful when traveling on mass transit such as planes, trains, the subway or metro. If you see anyone who appears suspicious move away from the area asap! Because Mercury will not return to the degree at which it went retrograde until February 21st, keep your guard up through this date when Mercury will continue to be in the “Mercury retrograde shadow.” Gemini natives should plan to avoid significant travel out of state20in January and February and should be especially careful with their computers. You are likely to be feeling that your wires are crossed for the entire period between January 11th and February 21st because the retrograde is occuring in a fellow air sign.
The tension builds through the week of the 12th through the 18th as Innauguration Day approaches. It is very synchronistic that the innauguration of our first African American president occurs one day after Martin Luther King’s birthday and the first day of the Aquarius Sun period. It is also an interesting synchronicity that this year marks the Bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday celebration on February 12th. The Sun enters Aquarius on Monday the 19th. Happy Birthday Waterbearers! Aquarius is the fixed air sign of the zodiac which deals with human intelligence. Hence the key phrase for Aquarius is “I Know.”
Aquarians are intelligent people who enjoy a challenge. They are future oriented and enjoy coming up with a variety of solutions to any given problem. Generous with their time and resources, Aquarians are known for their great capacity for friendship and their humanitarian work to create equality in society. Aquarians also help us to differentiate between those who are really high-minded and those who are just posturing. This is a time for opening up to new ideas and possibilities. We are inspired to make changes in our concepts and ideas. Innovative approaches20to old problems become apparent now. Freedom is the key to what inspires Aquarians most. Abraham Lincoln, who fought against slavery, is an example of an Aquarius freedom fighter. Considered strange for his ideas at the time, he is now heralded as one of our greatest presidents. Aquarians have benefited over the past decade by having outer planets Uranus and now Neptune in their sign. Together these planets have been stimulating changes that reflect our overall global awareness. Now that Jupiter has moved into Aquarius on January 5th, this is a time in which old world oppression is no longer widely tolerated and the ideas of Aquarian sun sign natives are not only heard but appreciated.
The Presidential Innauguration is likely to be the most highly attended of our nation’s history as more than 1 million Americans stream into Washington on Tuesday the 20th. The closing of schools in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties as well as Baltimore City will help to streamline what promises to be the nation’s biggest ever traffic jam. The innauguration will take place at 12 noon on the steps of the U.S. Capitol building. While the moon will be void of course in Scorpio from 10:40 p.m. of the night before, it will move into Sagittarius as President Obama is speaking at 12:30 p.m. So, as long as the ceremony lasts beyond 12:30 p.m., our new president will bring the visionary and hope-inspiring energy of Sagittarius to our nation on this day and during his presidency. It is also auspicious that the20first aspect made during Obama’s presidency will be an encouraging sextile between the moon in visionary Sagittarius and the sun in humanitarian Aquarius.
Yet another Aquarian symbol takes place on Monday the 26th with a Solar Eclipse and New Moon takeing place at about 3 a.m. This is also the day of the Chinese New Year and the beginning of the year of the Ox. On this day we have the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, Chiron, Neptune and the North Node all on the sign of Aquarius! Jupiter’s influence upon this Solar Eclipse (in close aspect to both the Sun and the Moon) is significant in that it expands our hopes and dreams for the future. It is possible that we will receive some news from the Obama administration on this day that will raise our hopes. Aquarius is the 11th and penultimate stage of the zodiac wheel. Above all, it represents group consciousness where humankind evolves beyond individual needs of the personal ego, the family, the nation, and the race to an indentification with “The Family of Man” and all mankind. This Solar Eclipse represents a stage in human evolution where the individual talents of each individual contribute to the whole. No one person is the leader and we are all responsible for the world we create and inhabit. The energy of this extremely potent New Moon can be used to join a humanitarian group of some kind. You may find that you are networking online with people in other parts of the country or world who share similar ideals. Join the global village. T ogether we are stronger and the distance between us is diminished by our common ideals and contributions.
Happy Day! Mercury returns to direct movement on Sunday, February 1st at about 2:15 a.m. We end the month on a progressive note. If we have used our time wisely during this first momentous month of the Obama presidency, we have re-considered our vision and plans for the future and fine-tuned those to include participation in a humanitarian effort to make a difference. Think globally, act locally!
Now let’s take a look at the celestial “weather forecast” for each sign of the zodiac.
ARIES: March 20-April 18: This looks like a good year for the Ram! The move of Jupiter into Aquarius falls into your 11th solar house of friends and organizations. You will find your horizons widening as you become involved in ever greater circles of people of like mind. Unlike last year where you felt overwhelmed by responsibility, there are now some capable folks who will actually come forward to help. Imagine that! Saturn’s move into Libra on October 30th will bring a lot of professional responsibility your way. While you may resent the extra duties that come your way between late September and the early spring, the rewards will be yours as well. Look for good returns on your blood and sweat investment at the end of 2010. Your best days at work in January are the 5th and 6th with the moon in Taurus and the 7th and 8th with the moon in Gemini, th e 12th and 13th with the moon in Leo, the 20th through the 21st with the moon in Sagittarius, the 26th and 27th with the New Moon in Aquarius and the 30th with the moon in Aries. Your best social days this month are the Aries moon New Year’s weekend of the 3rd and 4th, and the Aries moon weekend of the 31st and 1st of February.
TAURUS: April 19-May 19: Keep up the good work Taurus! With Saturn and Pluto both in earth signs last year, you felt a responsibility to make the most of every minute. As a result you have streamlined your processes and padded your bank account. Make hay while the sun shines through October of this year when Saturn moves into Libra and the trine to your sun begins to wane. Opportunities may not be quite as plentiful next year. Jupiter in Aquarius this year indicates a high degree of stress at work will catch you unaware from time to time, bringing some flus and other ailments your way. You can avoid this periodic whammy by maintaining a reasonable exercise program and creating time for meditation and rest. You are going to need it! Your best days at work this month are the 2nd with the moon in Pisces, the 5th and 6th with the moon in Taurus, the 7th and 8th with the moon in Gemini, the 14th and 15th with the moon in Virgo, the 19th with the moon in Scorpio, the 23rd with the moon in Capricorn, the 28th and 29th with the moon in Pisces. Your best social days this month are the Libra moon weekend of the 17th and 18th and the Capricorn moon weekend of the 24th and 25th.
GEMINI: May 20-June 19: Love that air sign energy Gemini! Jupiter’s move into Aquarius activates your 9th solar house of philosophy and travel and harmonizes with your sun. You may find yourself traveling overseas this year on a spiritual journey or taking a journey of the mind through books, films and online. The spiritual connection will be at its strongest on three dates this year when Jupiter conjuncts Neptune in Aquarius on May 27th, July 10th and December 21st. The move of Saturn into Libra on October 30th creates another trine or harmonization in your creative and romance life as it falls into your solar 5th house. You will find that the fall of 2009 will be both busy and productive. You will just need to find some convenient escape hatches for times when the pace is too frantic. Enjoy Twins! Your best days at work this month are the 7th and 8th with the moon in Gemini, the 9th with the moon in Cancer, the 12th and 13th with the moon in Leo, the 16th with the moon in Libra, the 26th and 27th with the New Moon in Aquarius and the 30th and 31st with the moon in Aries. Plan your important meetings for January 7th and 15th when the moon will trine (or harmonize) with Jupiter in Gemini and Libra. Jupiter will bring prosperity to air sign natives Gemini, Libra and Aquarius on these days.
Your best social days are the Aries moon weekend of the 3rd and 4th and Saturday th e 17th with the moon in Libra.
CANCER: June 20-July 21: Metaphysics is bound to take a front seat in your life’s theater this year. Jupiter in Aquarius falls into your solar 8th house of the occult, metaphysics, financial partnerships and sexuality. This may also be the year you form a serious business or personal partnership. Are you getting married? Be extra careful when reporting income on your taxes this year as those are ruled by the 8th house and don’t rule out the possibility of an inheritance this year. Saturn’s move into Libra in late October will present some challenges on the homefront. You may be interested in buying a home or apartment. Make a careful assessment of what the monthly costs will be before taking the plunge. Your best days at work this month are the 2nd with the moon in Pisces, the 5th and 6th with the moon in Taurus, the 13th and 14th with the moon in Virgo, the 19th with the moon in Scorpio and the 28th and 29th with the moon in Pisces. Your best social days this month are the Cancer Full Moon weekend of the 10th and 11th when you may want to lay low with fuzzy slippers, comfort foods, dvds and your favorite pal. Even though it’s just the two of you, you’ll enjoy yourselves to the max!
LEO: July 22-August 21: The Jupiter opposition to your sun this year puts you in the driver’s seat. You will work harder and travel further this year than you ever have before. There is no way to predict where y ou will go as trips will come up out of the blue. Keep an open mind as you will learn a lot from these Jupiter-oriented trips. There is a lot of stress that comes with this kind of Aquarius-oriented year. Be sure to keep up your healthy habits at all costs. When presented with an opportunity, go for it this year, but learn to balance the high points with some much needed down time. The move of Saturn into Libra in late October also presents learning and communication opportunities. You may be working to acquire some professional skills that will take you further. You will be able to sell yourself and your services well under this Saturn transit increasing your income over 2009 and 2010. Your best days at work this month are the 7th and 8th with the moon in Gemini, the 12th with the moon in Leo, the 16th and 17th with the moon in Libra, the 20th and 21st with the moon in Sagittarius and the 30th and 31st with the moon in Aries. Your best social days this month are the Aries moon New Year’s weekend of the 3rd and 4th and the Libra moon weekend of the 17th and 18th.
VIRGO: August 22-September 21: Keeping a steady routine is the way to make the most of this year. Jupiter in Aquarius falls into your solar 6th house of duties and routines. The more you take care of your irons in the fire, the more they will yield for you. Consistency is the name of the game in 2009 with a delicious inspiration or two coming your way via Aquarius. Aquarius is t he higher octave of Mercury, your ruling planet. During the conjunctions of Jupiter and Neptune you are likely to experiences some flashes of insight that can be very beneficial to your sense of well-being as well as lucrative to your wallet. Those special dates are May 27th, July 10th and December 21st. Saturn’s move out of your sign on October 30th is a day to celebrate! Now the binding restrictions of the past year and a half will begin to ease up a bit. You have had a heavy hiking boot of responsibility jammed up into your ribcage since September of 2007. You can take a deep breath now! The worst is past. Saturn has been polishing the diamond of your soul by restricting you from indulgence and inspiring you to become leaner and meaner. Admit it, you have learned a thing or two as a result. Saturn’s move in to Libra may also bring an unexpected reward your way as it moves into your solar 2nd house of finance. Celebrate Virgo! You made it. Your best days at work this month are the 5th and 6th with the moon in Taurus, the 13th and 14th with the moon in Virgo, the 15th and 16th with the moon in Libra, the 19th with the moon in Scorpio, the 23rd with the moon in Capricorn and the 30th and 31st with the moon in Aries. Your best social days this month are the Cancer Full Moon weekend of the 10th and 11th, Saturday the 17th with the moon in Libra and the Capricorn moon weekend of the 24th and 25th.
LIBRA: September 22- October 21: This is=2 0an important year for Libra as Saturn moves into your sign on October 30th. Falling into your solar 1st house of self image, you will have the opportunity to do a total image makeover between October of this year and October 5th, 2012. Responsibility will land firmly on your capable shoulders now and it is time for you to show the world what you are made of. At times the discipline required will be extremely intense, (especially in 2010 when Uranus moves into Aries and squares Saturn in your sign.) Take every opportunity to enjoy yourself through the summer this year with the knowledge that you will be “stepping up” to more of a managerial role in the fall. Jupiter in Aquarius throughout this year puts good fortune squarely in your corner. If you do the work required, you will be rewarded.
Jupiter in Aquarius also forms a fortune-creating trine (or harmony) to your sun, so there will be many happy moments to this year as well. Your best days at work this month are the 5th and 6th with the moon in Taurus, the 7th and 8th with the moon in Gemini, the 12th with the moon in Leo, the 16th with the moon in Libra, the 19th and 20th with the moon in Scorpio, the 21st and 22nd with the moon in Sagittarius and the 26th and 27th with the moon in Aquarius. Plan your business meetings and important events for the 7th and the 15th when the moon in an air sign will harmonize with Jupiter bringing good fortune your way. Your best social days are the Libra and Scorpio moon weekend of the 17th and 18th. You may want to take the day off for Martin Luther King Day and the innauguration to enjoy the festivities.
SCORPIO: October 22-November 20: Scorpios will want to exercise some caution surrounding their health and personal security in 2009. Jupiter in Aquarius falls into your solar 4th house of personal security, house, home and family. It also squares (or challenges) your sun and may cause you some moments of crisis with regard to your personal resources. Be sure to get any required medical check ups and look after the health of those close to you, especially the young and the elderly. Saturn will move into Libra, your solar 12th house of endings and meditation on October 30th. You may be moving on from a job, home or relationship this fall.
It will feel like a loss at first but as time goes on you will see the divine design in this needed move. Spirituality and psychological self-examination will increase and be a major focus for you in late 2009 and all of 2010. Find the confidence you seek from within. Your best days at work this month are the 2nd with the moon in Pisces, the 9th with the moon in Cancer, the 13th and 14th with the moon in Virgo, the 19th and 20th with the moon in Scorpio, the 21st and 22nd with the moon in Sagittarius, the 22nd and 23rd with the moon in Capricorn, the 28th and 29th with the moon in Pisces and the 30th and 31st with the moon in Aries. Your best social days this month are the Aries moon weekend of the 3rd and 4th and the Capricorn moon weekend of the 24th and 25th.
SAGITTARIUS: November 21-December 20: This is a promising year for the Archer! Jupiter in Aquarius falls into your 3rd solar house of learning and communications. You are likely to be reading and studying on new topics of interest and making short distance trips to conferences and meetings to learn more. The sextile (or encouragement) of Aquarius to your sun means that you can make some nice earnings this year based on heartfelt effort. What you put in will be what you take away. Saturn’s move into Libra on October 30th is also very positive for you and forms yet another encouraging sextile to your sun in the solar 11th house of friends and organizations. Others will be just as interested as you are in your new studies. Join up and bliss out! Your best days at work this month are the 5th and 6th with the moon in Taurus, the 9th with the moon in Cancer, the 12th and 13th with the moon in Leo, the 16th and 17th with the moon in Libra, the 20th and 21st with the moon in Sadge, the 22nd and 23rd with the moon in Capricorn, the 26th and 27th with the New Moon in Aquarius and the 30th and 31st with the moon in Aries. Your best social days this month are the Aries moon New Year’s weekend of the 3rd and 4th, the Capricorn moon weekend of the 24th and 25th and the Aries moon weekend of the 31st and 1st of February.
CAPRICORN: December 21-January 19: Happy Birthday Capricorn! This month there are a number of aspects between the sun and outer planets that will have a significant impact on the lives of Capricorns. Please note: If your birthday does not fall within the dates listed for a particular aspect, you are not being forgotten or left out. This means that you are blessed to experience the essence of Capricorn in the year to come. (Capricorns born between December 26th and January 7th and those born on January 15th and 16th will have an unaspected year.)With an unaspected Capricorn year, you are likely to be involved in management of your home and workplace this year. Don’t be surprised if your boss adds a few new responsibilities to your load but also a little salary increase. Your children and parents will be important players in this year’s events. Be sure to make room for them.This year tradition and responsibility will become as important to others as they have always been to you. Your hard work and integrity will be recognized and you will find your personal power building as Pluto moves further into Capricorn. All in all, this will be a great year ahead! Capricorns born between December 21st and the 25th will have a year influenced by the Sun conjunct Pluto. This is a year in which fate and power come knocking. Circumstances that have been building over a number of years have now put you in the driver’s seat. You will now be called upon to take the reins and drive the carria ge (whether you feel you know how to–or not!) Sudden losses and changes will also take place this year. At first, the loss seems almost impossible to overcome but as time moves on you realize that you will be able to rise to the occasion. Pluto will be in your sign for the next 15 years. This year is the first instance in which you will experience its conjunction to your sun. It is quite an impressive experience! Capricorn folks born between January 8th and the 14th will have a year blessed by a trine between Saturn in Virgo and their sun through the end of October when Saturn makes the shift into Libra. This aspect gives you the green light to work your hardest and your best to acheive your dreams. You can make things happen this year that will frankly astound you at year’s end when you have a chance to take a break and look back. Go for it! Capricorns born on January 17th and 18th will experience a year in which the sun is conjunct communications master Mercury. If you have a busines s, an art, a healing practice or a service to promote, this is your lucky year. Every sincere effort made to publicize your work will be heard and you can really acheive greater recognition in your community this year. Organize workshops and showings of your work. Attend conferences as a speaker and let your light shine! Best days at work for Capricorns this month are the 2nd with the moon in Pisces, the 5th and 6th with the moon in Taurus, the 13th and 14th with the moon in Virgo, the2019th and 20th with the moon in Scorpio, the 23rd and 24th with the moon in Capricorn, the 26th and 27th with the New Moon in Aquarius and the 28th and 29th with the moon in Pisces. Your best social days this month are the Cancer Full Moon weekend of the 10th and 11th and the Capricorn moon weekend of the 24th and 25th.
AQUARIUS: January 20-February 18: Lucky you Aquarius! Jupiter, planet of good fortune and expansion falls into your sign this year creating a year of learning and philosophy on many levels. You will want to buckle your seatbelt as of Monday the 5th when the rocket takes flight.
If you have metaphysical and/or scientific leanings, this will be the year to explore them further.
Your mind is very inquiring and sharp this year. You may find yourself traveling far and wide to seek the answers to your questions. You will also meet a variety of people from different spiritual circles and ethnicities who will contribute to your understanding. With everything happening so fast, it is important to plan for some down time Waterbearers. Make a pact with yourself to take a big bubble bath once a week and dissolve all the racing of your mind. Saturn’s move into Libra this year will also have a positive effect on you. Up until that point you will want to continue in Virgo’s tried and true path. Once Saturn moves into Libra on October 30th it is time to enjoy life a bit more and indulge your artisitic side a bit. A trine (or harmony) to your sun in late 2009 will help you manifest the projects you have had in mind for a number of years into physical form. Go for it! Your best days at work this month are the 2nd with the moon in Pisces, the 7th and 8th with the moon in Gemini, the 9th with the moon in Cancer, the 16th and 17th with the moon in Libra, the 20th and 21st with the moon in Sagittarius, the 26th and the 27th with the New Moon in Aquarius, the 28th and 29th with the moon in Pisces and the 30th and 31st with the moon in Aries. Plan your important meetings for January 7th and 15th when the moon will trine (or harmonize) with Jupiter in Gemini and Libra. Jupiter will bring prosperity to air sign natives Gemini, Libra and Aquarius on these days. Your best social days this month are the Aries moon New Year’s weekend of the 3rd and 4th, the Libra moon Saturday of the 17th, the New Moon days of the 26th and 27th and the Aries moon weekend of the 31st and 1st.
PISCES: February 19-March 19: Jupiter’s move into Aquarius on January 5th with have a quieting effect upon your soul. This year Jupiter will be in your solar 12th house of meditation, spirit and endings. A particular chapter of your life is coming to an end and a new one is beginning. It is important to be very kind to yourself when you are going through such a big transition. Don’t expect miracles at work when you are working on personal issues and vice versa. It will be important for you to create quiet time on a daily basis so that you can find further guidance for the day’s work. Saturn’s move into Libra on October 30th will fall into your solar 8th house of romantic and business partnership. If you are ending an important relationship, another one can begin to move forward as of May 18th when Saturn goes direct. This new relationship will begin to flower in late October when Saturn fully moves into your house of partnership. This is an important transitional year. Take things step by step and remember to tune in to the Source for guidance. Your best days at work this month are the 2nd with the moon in Pisces, the 5th and 6th with the moon in Taurus, the 9th with the moon in Cancer, the 15th and 16th with the moon in Libra, the 19th with the moon in Scorpio, the 23rd with the moon in Capricorn, the 28th and 29th with the moon in Pisces and the 30th and 31st with the moon in Aries. Your best social days this month are the Aries New Year’s weekend of the 3rd and 4th and the Aries moon weekend of the 31st and first of February.
The Winter Solstice Celebration is a fund-raiser to move Alex Grey’s Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (CoSM) to a new location. The Mill Valley Cultural Arts Umbrella is funding this event through charitable donations. The Mill Valley Cultural arts Umbrella will receive a portion of the proceeds to benefit it’s cultural arts programs, it’s children’s programs and other collaborative arts- based projects in North Baltimore. The Mill Valley Cultural Arts Umbrella is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible. This event will also benefit the North Avenue Arts District by bringing in arts-based cultural programming. To learn more about Alex Grey and CoSM go to 
Visionary artist Alex Grey was first recognized for his ground breaking “Sacred Mirrors” collection which took 10 years to complete. This collection, featuring a unique series of 21 life sized paintings, “takes the viewer on a journey toward their own divine nature by examining, in detail, the body, mind, and spirit”.It was during this period that he developed his depictions of the human body that “x-ray” the multiple layers of reality, and reveal the interplay of anatomical and spiritual forces. Alex Grey has since received worldwide acclaim for his meticulous attention to detail and masterful portrayal of light and color. In pop culture his timeless works have appeared in Tool’s “10,000 Days” and “Lateralus” albums and their live stage design, The Beastie Boys’ “Ill Communication” and Nirvana’s “In Utero” to name just a few. Grey’s artwork has also appeared on the covers of Sub Rosa, Newsweek, High Times, Shaman’s Drum, Shambhala Sun, Juxtapoz, Vision, and Gnosis.