The Evolving Astrology of 2023

" We are souls dressed up in sacred biochemical garments, and our bodies are the instruments through which our souls play their music." Albert Einstein

“As the cells in our bodies are influenced by our earthly weather, our bodies and minds are also influenced by the weather of the cosmos. We are subtly influenced by the physics of our cosmic environment.”  Hendrith Smith, Author

Greetings from South Africa.

It has been quite the January around the world. Yet, the month was forecasted to be unpredictable with wild swings of energy thanks in part to the combined retrogrades of Mercury and Mars. And in that respect, it has not disappointed. And it's only mid-month....

Continuing from my previous blog, where I set out the potential influences of this unusual retrograde cycle through the next Equinox, below is both a synopsis of this emerging year and what it offers as possibilities and challenges. For those wanting to dive deeper, you'll find those details too.

This update has taken quite a bit of time to research and construct. I did so because I consider this year a significant tipping point for what's emerging over the next 8 years. How this unfolds is dictated by cosmological events beyond our control or understanding, combined with conscious or unconscious choices we make as individuals, or as part of a collective. 

Younger generations know this all too well. See my concluding remarks at the end of this blog for a very timely video called "Wake Up" that was created 11 years ago. It's as relevant today as it was in February 2012, when it was released.  

And closer to home: While I continue to offer on-line astrological consultations upon request or referral via Zoom or Skype, moving forward I will not advertise for such. I've stated this a few years ago in a 2015 blog, but slowly forgot this commitment...until I reread the other day some of my earlier blogs while researching the year ahead. And then, once again I remembered. 🤦🏻‍♂️ Nonetheless, I do intend to continue using this blog format in the coming months for my photographic and other artistic creations, plus life insights too. That will include a Voyager Tarot card spread on occasion. And if and when the astrological intensity warrants, I'll briefly weigh-in with my astrological perspective. Powerful times are ahead!

Thanks for coming along on this on-going cosmic ride. Please consider making a donation via PayPal for the time/effort to produce this content. I appreciate your sharing it with others too. Mahalo!

Now to the "Astrological Nuts and Bolts" for 2023:

2023 Vibration by Joseph Mina

A lot to cover here. The following is quite lengthy, as it covers many facets for the coming year. I suggest reading it in parts, i.e those sections pertaining to the personal, social and generational aspects.

Besides an awkward beginning (Mercury/Mars retrogrades), the Astrology of 2023 augurs an expanding change of energy by the coming equinox, and an overall stronger vibrational influence for the remainder of the year. Such will provide forward movement, yet with periods of introspection. Also, strong challenges to the status quo continue for the year, reflecting the tumultuous state of personal, social and political realms worldwide. 

Planetary cycles are like flavors of ice cream. Each has its own qualities. Hence, each influences us in unique ways. The specific vibration they impart in the personal, social and generational realms is varied and dependent on a number of factors influenced in part by the overall dynamics of your natal chart, as well as events that affect you and others on social and generational levels. 

Depending on the geometry of your natal chart, some cycles will carry added emphasis, where one or more natal aspects are amplified by one or more cycles. These energetic influences are what shape your human experience throughout your life, and define and influence the evolutionary personal, career, relationship and family choices you make. 

Some cycles are expansive; others, transformative, integrative, ground-breaking, or quite constrictive. It's quite a mashup of energetic influences that pulsate as wave forms from the heart of our massive galaxy. These energetic waves are transformational across all levels of reality. Their influence affects climate, atmospheric and ocean weather dynamics, physical Earth changes, and in turn the behavior, movements and existence of all living things. A grand cosmic symphony unfolds. Hence, the quotes above.

NASA James Webb Telescope - Galactic field

2023 Synopsis: significant changes, fueling transformation, novelty and reorganization underscore this emerging year. Three notable planetary transits into new signs, plus a sign change in the lunar nodes, frame this ongoing human evolution. 

Of particular significance, Pluto, the archetype of transformation, makes its first of three transits into progressive Aquarius from traditional Capricorn on March 23. Pluto's last transit of Aquarius occurred between 1777-1798, which marked the fledgling days of the United States and the social upheaval of the French Revolution. This three-month ingress (between March and June) will be a helpful indicator for what to expect in the coming twenty years in this expansive realm. The rallying cry of Aquarius is "freedom" from tyranny and oppression.

 

Meanwhile, Saturn, ruling energy of Capricorn, enters watery Pisces on March 7th for the first time since its last entrance in1993-96. Its social counterpart Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius and co-ruler of Pisces, enters earth-fueled Taurus on May 16 for a twelve-month transit. 

Pluto's shift from Capricorn to Aquarius (earth to air element) adds strong emphasis to the emergence of technological marvels, such as space travel, orbital telescopes covering the wide spectrum of light, artificial intelligence (AI), faster computers, and robotics, digital currencies, and stronger social initiatives across the world. Such shifts will transform how we think, communicate, financially exchange, and socially interact in much more dynamic ways than ever envisioned during Pluto's last passage through Aquarius in the 18th century. 

A recent image (above) from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) revealed thousands of galaxies from unimaginable distances and spans of time. And this focusing on an extremely small part of the sky. This outer space engineering marvel is indicative of the rapidly evolving technological sophistication being created now within a higher frequency energy field. More available energy = more heat = faster shifts = greater collaboration.

The Saturn and Jupiter's change of signs into water (Pisces) and Earth (Taurus) underscores a strong archetypal intention to ground/integrate (Saturn) new and more expansive-type approaches (Jupiter) for realigning and attuning to Earth's rapidly changing energetic and environmental fields. 

Four eclipses in 2023 (solar/lunar combination in both May and October) signal a powerful nodal shift from Scorpio/Taurus (April/May) to Aries/Libra in October. This is an archetypal change of the nodes, one that occurs approximately every 18 months. Individual creativity supported through collaboration will mark this nodal migration from July through January 2025.

And lastly, once Uranus stations direct on the 23rd of this month, all major planetary bodies will be moving in direct motion from Earth's perspective until the next Mercury Retrograde on April 21. While such forward-moving alignments are not extremely rare, this collective shift occurring at this point in time is a strong indicator of a noticeable uptick in the overall energy field for the next three months.

If the above synopsis is sufficient, skip to the bottom for questions for reflection and concluding summary. Otherwise....

2023 Details 

The Personal Planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars move relatively fast in there orbits around the Sun. These three are the planetary archetypes having their greatest impact on your personal daily events and choices.

Mercury and its well-known Retrogrades

This winged messenger brings our focus to all matters of communication, ideas, the transmission of information, and movement. The planet itself orbits our star every 88 days. And with each rapid orbit, we are able to further define/refine the ebb and flow of Mercury's communicative properties. 

In 2023, (including the current retrograde that began at the very end of December), there are four such re-evalution cycles in 2023. The first three are expressed through Earth signs (Capricorn (now), Taurus (April/May) and Virgo (August/September). By year end, the last cycle will start in an Earth sign (Capricorn), and finish in a Fire sign (Sagittarius) in early 2024.

Because communication matters are undergoing a re-evaluation and reorganization, Mercury retrograde periods are not beneficial for finalizing details, such as agreements, legal documents, major purchases. By contrast, it represents a powerful period to (notice the RE) reflect, redo, reassess, replenish, recharge etc. 

For this current series, Earth energy is grounded, practical and consolidating. The current financial concerns expressed by many governments and business' world-wide (Capricorn realm)  is one indication of this Earth-type energy at work. By contrast, Fire is the elemental fuel of ideas, creativity and sometimes rancorous intensity.  And in that respect...

...2024 will be the year of the Fire Mercury retrogrades. Expect communication fireworks, heightened creativity, and unexpected outcomes (fires are unpredictable) during these Mercury periods.

(Station R = the point from Earth's perspective where a planetary body appears to move backward relative to the sky background; Station D = that point in time where the reverse movement ends and direct movement begins)

#1 - Station R - Dec 29, 2022 at 24° Capricorn; station D - Jan 18 at 8° Capricorn

#2 - Station R -  April 21 at 15° Taurus; station D - May 15 at 5° Taurus

#3 - Station R - Aug 23 at 21° Virgo; station D - Sept 15 at 8° Virgo**

#4 - Station R - Dec 13 at 8° Capricorn; station D- Jan 2 2024at 22° Sagittarius

Note: #4 station retrograde occurs at the same degree where the current Mercury Retrograde now station's direct. This implies linkage between these two periods, with the latter bringing Sagittarius' quest for the truth and its fire-like nature into the on-going conversation.

**transiting Virgo, one of Mercury's home signs (Gemini being the other) adds extra emphasis to this cycle. As this cycle occurs during the latter stages of the Venus retrograde in Leo (see below), I expect this cycle to be one of the stronger and most introspective Mercury Retrograde cycles of the year.

The following explanation of station retrograde/direct applies specifically to the personal planets here. When a personal planet stations retrograde, or stations direct, the energy around that stationary point intensifies for 4 days before/after. We are currently in that zone for both Mercury and Mars, which continues to month-end. 

This intensification is akin to boiling a pot of water in a sealed container. Pressure builds, and sometimes erupts. In the direct phase, it usually takes a couple of weeks (Mercury) and up to 8 weeks (Mars) for the building energy to fully resolve and organize. And it's during the direct phase that productive, externally directed energy becomes available once again, albeit slowly at first. 

By contrast, slower orbiting planetary bodies (Jupiter and on out) also station retrograde and direct. However, their pervasive social and generational effects at these stationing points can be both subtle, and ironically more transformative.

Venus

Archetype of the feminine and ruling energy for Libra and Taurus, Venus brings its focus to relationships (Libra) and areas of worth/value, such as beauty/aesthetics, possessions, money, the sensual body, self-worth and self-esteem (Taurus). Venus began the current year close to Pluto and Mercury (in retrograde), which has brought an intense focus into these various Libra/Taurus themes. Do you know where Venus is positioned in your natal chart? Its glyph is on the left here.

Every 584 days, Venus moves in retrograde motion from Earth's perspective shifting from the evening to the morning sky or vice versa. The last Venus retrograde began in late 2021 into 2022 in Capricorn. In retrospect, this cycle was a strong indicator of economic stresses in the coming year. 

The next Venus retrograde, this July, will be in the sign of Leo. This brings your inner focus to the realms of leadership, fun, creativity, children, romance, passion and pleasure. Leo types include celebrities, leaders in entertainment, tech, and nations, and also royalty. 

[Note: for anyone contemplating marriage, take note of the retrograde dates below. This, as well as Mercury Retrograde, are NOT beneficial period to formally deepen a relationship, such as becoming engaged or deciding to marry]. 

Venus Star Pentagram

This retrograde cycle is a time for the realignment and reorganization of the inner feminine in the areas mentioned above. It's perfect timing for attending a spiritual retreat, instructional or growth seminar, learning a new creative craft or further perfecting it. 

As the middle sign of the season, Leo is considered one of the four fixed signs: Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius are the others. If you have strong fixed sign placements in your natal chart between 12° and 29° Leo, then this retrograde phase will take on added/heightened significance for you.

Any 29° placement, either natal or transit, represents the most comprehensive and intense expression of a particular sign. The start of this retrograde at 29° will prove to be quite a powerful time for further aligning your daily flow with the passion/desires of your heart. Look for a lot of flux and unexpected changes in the aforementioned Leo realms this coming July/August, especially due to three exact square angles between Venus and out of the blue Uranus in Taurus. Sudden romances either beginning or ending would be one indicator of these three interactions at play.

Powerful questions during this Venus cycle: 

What lights me up in my passionate pursuits? 

What changes do I need to make to further enhance my passions for life? 

How can I share my passionate gifts/talents with others?

July 23 - Stations retrograde at 29° Leo.  

Sept 4 -  Stations direct at 12° Leo

The three-week period before and after the above dates will be the build-up and unwinding, respectively, of this cycle's most intense phase.

Mars

Archetype of the inner masculine, and ruler of Scorpio and Aries, Mars brings its heightened focus to the qualities of achievement, action, desire, and competition. In its planetary movement, Mars moves into retrograde every 2-1/2 years or so.

We begin the year with Mars in retrograde in unpredictable, spontaneous Gemini, and in square to a heightened Neptune in Pisces. This combo epitomizes the heightened polarity and surge of misinformation evident around the globe (recent US political mayhem in the US House of Representatives, or the storming of Brazil's Governmental buildings under the belief the Presidential election was stolen from its now former President (sound familiar?), are two of many examples spawned by this Mars vibration since it began this retrograde cycle this past October. 

Presently, Mars now stations direct at 8° Gemini. This is a few days before Mercury's station retrograde at 8° Capricorn on the 18th. The angular association between these two archetypes (called a quincunx - a paradoxical combination of otherwise incompatible elements that somehow works), will continue in lockstep through the end of the January. Given the unpredictable Gemini energy here (Mercury rules Gemini), all I can say is "expect nothing; be prepared for anything".

The next Mars retrograde takes place in late December 2024 in the signs of Leo (station retrograde) and Cancer (station direct).

The Social Planets 

Jupiter & Saturn Glyphs

Next orbits out are Jupiter and Saturn. The archetypal qualities, associated with these massive worlds influence your interactions with others, especially in your social and group engagements. 

Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius and original ruler of Pisces, brings its optimistic and expansive energy to any social encounter. By contrast, Saturn, ruler of Capricorn and original ruler of Aquarius, brings a sense of discipline, responsibility, limitations, and down-to-earth actions. This contrast is akin to a new relationship. At first, it's all Jupiter with "bells and whistles". Pure excitement/euphoria. However, once the feel good hormones dissipate in the ensuing months, Saturn takes over. This is where the responsible and much less passionate inner work begins.

As mentioned in the synopsis, three major sign changes occur this year. Jupiter and Saturn make up two of the three vibrational shifts into a new astrological sign signaling noticeable behavioral/structural shifts across world cultures.

Jupiter

This archetype's expansive, optimistic, and success-oriented vibration is quite uplifting. It's the engine of good fortune. In its shadow, Jupiter fuels excessiveness and ungrounded optimism. In transit, Jupiter spends about 12 months total in any specific sign. Hence, you will experience your Jupiter return to your natal Jupiter every 12 years. As now, 1999-2000 and 2011-12 were the last two times Jupiter transited from Aries into Taurus. 

Last May, Jupiter entered Aries instilling a sense of impatience and eagerness to start something new. By early October, Jupiter migrated back into very watery Pisces until late December. Many water events filled the news. The recent blockbuster hit Avatar: The Way of Water, made its debut during the latter stages of Jupiter's short return to Pisces. Also, floods and droughts around the world took on a heightened energy as Earth changes intensified (remember, Jupiter expands).

In 2023, Jupiter will complete its Aries transit by May 16th, when it enters the grounded, sensual sign of Taurus. In Taurus, Jupiter amplifies Taurus qualities through dedication, perseverance and being practical. During this 2023-24 transit, Jupiter will create a 60° sextile angle with Saturn in Pisces in mid-June. In astrology, a sextile represents an easier and more available energy for productive exchanges. Here, Saturn in more compassionate Pisces will throttle (temporarily) Jupiter's Taurus-filled optimism. Perhaps this will allow for a more meaningful, productive and substantive work to be undertaken in matters affecting environmental issues (Taurus), and mental health concerns (Sagittarius/Taurus). Also, this particular June period is an excellent time to nurture your body via bodywork, massage, etc.

Saturn

The planet Saturn is known for its massive rings. Symbolically, this represents a sense of honoring and knowing one's boundaries and limitations. It's the container/cauldron within which you experience life. 

On March 7th, Saturn enters the empathic, watery realm of Pisces. Last time Saturn transited this sign was 1993-96. In the sign of the fishes, Saturn brings a more sobering/grounding energy into this otherwise very fluid, nebulous and changeable vibration. In this latest rendition, Saturn will transit Pisces between 2023 and February 2026, with a brief and powerful Aries entrance with Neptune in 2025. The last time Saturn and Neptune both were both transiting Pisces was 1523-25. That's 500 years ago! The energetic background of fire/Aries implies something grounded, spiritual and novel wants to begin a new phase of purposeful inspiration and conviction within the human mythos.  

Saturn Return: Of the varied planetary cycles,"Saturn Return" is one of the more recognized, and ironically, perhaps one of the least understood transits. Saturn's orbital period covers 29.4 year. Archetypically, this Saturnian period is divided into 4 segments, each serving as a meaningful benchmark for how much a person has matured since the last checkup seven years earlier. When Saturn returns to its natal position, that marks the end of the cycle and the beginning of a new one. Maturity and lessons learned are the measurement of any Saturn Return period. Also, a new mandate emerges for the coming 29.4 years. 

The first Saturn Return (SR) at around age 29/30 is a time to mature into full adulthood. The second SR poses the question "What do I want to do with the rest of my life?". While the third much later in life not only offers a period of reflection about what has been accomplished, but creates a resolve to be of greater service to others.

Whose affected? Just completing, or starting to experience a Saturn Return this year: completed - those born in 1993 (1st SR); 1963/early 1964 (2nd SR); and 1934 (3rd SR). For those born in 1994, 1964, and 1935, your Saturn Return year now unfolds in 2023. Re-evaluation and restructuring are important considerations in any Saturn cycle. Experiencing some degree of limitation is also a tension builder for effecting change.

Stations retrograde at 7°Pisces on June 17

Stations direct at 0° Pisces on Nov 4

In addition to those under the Saturn Return spotlight, anyone with natal placements between 0° and 7° in Gemini, Virgo,  or Sagittarius will also have a Saturn-type year. If that includes a Saturn Return, a major reorganizational year lies ahead for you. Otherwise, the year will be one of taking stock relative to the natal planetary energy being aspected and further defined by its natal house placement.

The Outer Planetary Influences - Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Chiron and Ceres

Uranus, Pluto, Neptune glyphs

These outliers dwell in a realm beyond naked-eye visibility. Their movement along the zodiac, compared to the inner planets, is tortoise-like slow. From a generational perspective, each of these outer archetype provides a specific fuel for one's transformation and awakening. 

Uranus associated with revolution, radical change, independence and freedom is the unpredictable one of the lot. Its vibration is electric (think of lightning: sudden and fast). Its shadow points to rebellion, disruption, chaos etc. Currently in Taurus, this 7-year transit that began in 2018 is altering the way we energetically attune to the Earth's vibration, and initiate progressive environmental changes. Also, its influence now spawns a new perspective and associated behavior in the use of money, possessions, and how you value yourself.

Uranian gifts come and go quickly. Rarely do they last. Yet, their impact is long remembered.

On the personal level, the fixed signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius between 14° and 25° will be under the Uranian spotlight. This will specifically influence those with natal Uranus in Scorpio born between December 1977 and October 1979, who will now complete their Uranus opposition, Those born between November 1979 and September 1980 will begin their Uranus opposition (completed in 2024). Uranus opposition is a major turning point in life; choosing a new path/direction due to an unforeseen, "out of the blue" event. For me, I made a significant career change during my Uranus opposition in the early 1980's.

Stations Direct - Jan 23 - 15° Taurus

Stations Retrograde - August 29 - 23° Taurus

Neptune, as ruler of Pisces, this watery influence is strongly associated with spirituality, compassion, dreams, imagery, and lofty ideals. In its shadow, and in varying degrees based on the overall dynamics of one's natal chart, effects such as delusion, escape, addiction, mental health, viruses (the unseen) and vagueness can prove challenging at times. This shadow element has been particularly strong since 2011, when Neptune entered its home sign for the first time in 150 or so years.

Because Neptune orbits the Sun much slower than any of the closer planets, only up to two generational Neptune cycles will occur in your life: Neptune Square (age 41) and opposition (age 82). The square is a time of reimagining your life; seeing it from a fresh perspective now that your thirties are behind you. The opposition, many years later, is a time for stimulating a deeper spiritual and functional change. Many senior citizens relocate under this transit.  Also, a stronger desire can suddenly arise from within you to be of greater service to others. 

Those born in 1981-83 (square to Sagittarius) and 1939-42 (opposition to Virgo) will experience these Neptune cycles in 2023. The earliest year in each range will be completing their Neptune cycle, while the latest year will be beginning their 3-year mystical sojourn.

Neptune cycles can be highly inspirational, imaginative and soul satisfying. An amplification of one's empathic and/or psychic abilities represents one of its potential gifts. However, this Neptunian influence can prove to be quite challenging in very subtle ways. A persistent feeling of uncertainty, uneasiness, or exhibiting scattered thinking, or wanting to be alone out of fear, are some of the challenges to our logical way of thinking and our rationale for security and safety. 

Neptune's now transiting the highest degrees of Pisces (25 to 28°). This archetypal passage will further amplify these expansive/constrictive possibilities until Neptune enters Aries in later 2025/ very early 2026. 

For example, my recent transit of Neptune across my Mercury in 2015-17 (conjunction), opposite Saturn in 2016-18, and Sun in 2020-22 (conjunction), left me at times with a strong degree of uncertainty about direction, purpose etc. It was like being in a rowboat in the middle of a lake surrounded by fog. Whenever I energetically looked ahead all I saw was a blank. And until I understood there was profound meaning in this empty perspective, I experienced frustration about seemingly not being able to anticipate what was unfolding around me. In retrospect, "a blank" about the year ahead in 2020 was an especially poignant observation I had prior to the pandemic crisis. Given the immense changes rapidly unfolding around the world in 2020, that blank feedback was quite prescient about the days ahead. Hence, I learned Neptune insights usually come in veiled, or not so obvious ways.

This past year, during the most potent phase of my Pisces Sun being aspected by Neptune, I felt clear on occasion. I also experienced a deeper sense of trust in my sentient and psychic abilities. However, this energy quickly oscillated at unexpected times, creating periods where I found it difficult to make a choice, act decisively, stay focused, or even create some type of plan to follow. 

And like a pendulum, this clear/vague experience is common in a Neptune cycle. It was once described to me as walking around with an empty glass, letting the Universe fill or empty it as it deemed fit. Pure trust, leading to a more soulful appreciation of life and its myriad of expressions, is a major ally of a Neptune cycle. 

And in that vein, Neptune cycle always bring these spiritual and compassionate gifts, especially through mammals, birds, and sea life. In 2021, one of a number of magical, natural world connections I experienced involved two mystical water interactions with approximately one-hundred spinner dolphins. In part, this would point to Neptune's hand in the script. That would include a high frequency download from the dolphin pod's sonar emissions. Quite a moment of grace and ecstasy. And inspiration too. Checked all the Neptune watery boxes.

Stations Retrograde - June 30 - 28°Pisces

Stations Direct - Dec 6 - 25° Pisces

Pluto

Phoenix Rises!

This is one potent archetype. While Neptune, rather quietly, augurs the dissolving of reality as you once knew it, this mighty archetype dismantles/melts down reality. Think "big, gigantic etc" when you imagine Pluto's influence. 

Pluto, co-ruler of Scorpio (Mars is the other), brings renewal and rebirth after a dark passage. Its archetype is associated with the underworld. In 2023, anyone between 41 and 43 years old will experience transiting Pluto in square to their natal Pluto. This is a powerful and quite challenging generational experience. It evokes significant change. Certain aspects of one's life falls apart (relationship or job endings are possibilities), but renewal follows. 

Pluto is pure alchemy. The insect larva entering a cocoon, then emerging as a butterfly is a classic example of a Pluto transit. 

** Pluto follows a highly eccentric orbit. Back in the 1980's as Pluto reached perigee to the Sun, it transited Scorpio over a period of just 12 years. That's Pluto's fastest transit of a sign. Currently, Pluto's coming Aquarius transit will cover 20 years. This year-span by sign will continue increasing until Pluto reaches its Taurus apogee in 2095. There it will take 31 years to transit the sign of the Bull. Depending on which astrological sign Pluto transited at your birth, the Pluto square can be experienced between 36 and 61 years old!

Also, in 2023, anyone between 88 and 91 will experience transiting Pluto opposite natal Pluto. This is a profound transit that is transformational and reflective about one's life, plus an important time of preparation for your remaining years.

Currently, Pluto now nears the end of Capricorn. This coming March (23rd) for the first time in 225 years, Pluto will once again transit the progressive sign of Aquarius. The last time Pluto was at this 0° was Jan 1778. Then, a fledgling United States was attempting to find its way. George Washington, the country's 1st President spent a harsh winter at Valley Forge with his troops in late 1777 into 1778. His young country was at war with England. Meanwhile across the Atlantic, France acknowledged and defended this new upstart. 12 years later the French Revolution significantly changed France. Pluto's Aquarian journey mirrored to the world the Plutonian archetypal social upheaval for the times.

Fast forward to 2023, Pluto's first Aquarius ingress will be for just 80 days (March 23 - June 11) and remain at the 0° mark before returning to Capricorn’s late degrees on June 11.  This is the exact degree where Jupiter and Saturn positioned at the 2020 December solstice. Placements at the 0 or 29° of a sign, amplify all expressions of that sign. So expect a noticeable start to this epic change in sign and related elements (Earth to Air). 

Further, this short 80-day period will create context for what to expect from Pluto's 20 year transit in Aquarius. Children born during this transit will have a heightened desire to associate with others at a group level. Technology and the cosmos will excite and influence their social choices and engagements.  And social justice/equality initiatives will be their fuel and power.

Pluto-cycle transitional years have proven to be quite intense, but transformative too. At a minimum, shifting from a Capricorn to Aquarian vibration will signal a realignment and a new designed empowerment of social, governmental and corporate power structures around the world.  Already there's evidence of such by protests in France, Peru, and a number of other countries.

Also, it will be a time where technology becomes a more integrated and influential aspect of our reality. For example, the now rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is proving a highly disruptive force to the older Capricorn structured ways of creating informational content. The sudden emergence of ChatGPT and other similar AI tools are forcing schools to reevaluate how pupils create content through their writing, as well as the structure of their learning processes. It's also being discussed in conversations across all aspects of society. Three years ago, an occasional snippet.

Other Aquarian effects will include producing more advanced/sophisticated technological products, designed to expand our awareness of each other and the Cosmos. The James Webb Space telescope (JWST) is a prime example. 

This transformative Plutonian transit will also evoke a more progressive approach toward societal challenges around the globe, which would include addressing and finding resolution for issues such as homelessness, forced migrations and human trafficking.

The shadow element here is equally daunting, and one requiring heightened awareness. Its extreme shadow includes efforts to effect dark governmental control (dystopia) over the masses. Books/movies such as The Hunger Games and The Handmaid's Tale are two of many media examples of a potential future; Aldous Huxley's literary work Brave New World, is another.

Enters Aquarius - March 23

Stations Retrograde - May 1 - 00° Aquarius (this will further amplify Mercury's retrograde of Taurus)

Reenters Capricorn - June 12

Stations Direct - Oct 11 - 28° Capricorn

Pluto will reenter Aquarius on Jan 24, 2024 for 8 months, with one last Capricorn transit (the culmination of Pluto's Capricorn transit since 2008) for approximately 2 months (Oct/Nov, including the US national elections), before returning to Aquarius, where it remains for the next 20 years. Significant societal issues, changes, and technological advancements or controls are in the offing during this two-decade Aquarian sojourn.

Ceres/Chiron glyphs

Ceres and Chiron - Astrology is a varied field. Layers upon layers of specialized interest cover a wide spectrum of archetypes and mythological associations. One can delve quite deeply into the psyche through these mystical representations, and their associated inter-relationships. A part of this varied mix are two groupings called Asteroids/Minor Planets. These smaller-than-planet-size members further define the human experience. I've chosen these particular two for this 2023 review.

Ceres is associated with self-nurturing. In manners of health, it is associated with Virgo.

Ceres was the first of many asteroids discovered. The year was 1801. Its orbital period covers approximately 4.6 years. In your birth chart the sign placement will provide clues how to self-nurture. When aspected by a transiting planet, this quest will take on added significance. At the beginning of the year, Ceres positioned at 3°Libra. By year end, Ceres will have migrated to the middle degrees of Sagittarius. 

Chiron is the better known of these two. As the mythological "wounded healer", this archetype symbolizes the healing path you experience your life. Its 50-year orbit around the Sun is quite eccentric too, At its closest distance to the Sun (fastest passage through a sign - Virgo/Libra), Chiron's orbit is actually inside of Saturn's. And at its farthest distance (slowest passage through a sign - Pisces/Aries), its orbit is much closer to Uranus. So in one sense, Chiron would represent the energetic healing bridge linking more conservative/predictable Saturn and much more progressive and unpredictable Uranus.  

Chiron, now at its farthest orbital location in Pisces/Aries, is slowly transiting Aries over a period of 8 years. It begins the year at 12°. By station retrograde on July 23 it will have moved to 20°. And by year-end (Dec 27), Chiron will station direct at 15°. Since Chiron is closer to Uranus' orbit, this healing cycle will have stronger Uranian influence. That implies quick changes, even unexpected health concerns. Cardinal signs affected in addition to Aries include Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. Natal placements relative to transiting Chiron would be particularly influenced here in matters of health and healing.

Chiron Return: Around age 50, a year, and even up to two year are spent addressing core health issues from energetic wounds of the past, especially within your family. This year, those born in 1972-74 will have Chiron-return years, with the earlier year completing the cycle while the more recent year just beginning it. Sometimes, a healing crisis ensues during this transit. Seeing a counselor, therapist, bodyworker are common strategies during this healing cycle. 

Lunar nodes, Eclipses and Super Moons

Nodes and Eclipses

The Moon's orbit is slightly askew to the Earth's orbit (by 5 degrees). Hence, as the Moon revolves around the Earth, there are only 2 points where the two orbits match up each monthly cycle. These are imaginary nodal points. 

The North Nodal point sign (NN) is considered part of your life lesson, or an opening gateway. By contrast, the South Nodal point (SN) is energetic ground that seems quite familiar, like an echo from the past. It is considered a closing gateway. My NN is in Aries, which is the individuated walk. Where's your north node placed? How does it fuel or challenge you?

As mentioned in the synopsis above, a change in the lunar nodes from Taurus/Scorpio to Aries/Libra occurs come July 17. The karmic winds are shifting once again. Nodal changes occur every 18 months. The shift from Taurus (a focus on all Taurus qualities) to Aries (a much faster vibration) will be a significant part of the overall energetic themes for 2023 and 2024. Aries' qualities of individuation, fast, impulsive, and novelty will define this period. By contrast, the Libra SN will point to a significant shift in 1:1 relationships across cultures, including diplomatic alliances.

Under the Taurus/Scorpio nodes, the shadow element of large-scale war has been prominent. Currently the war in the Ukraine, started under this node combination, now commands world attention. 19 years ago, the Iraq war was unfolding during the same nodal placements. 

By contrast, the shadow element of Aries/Libra points to dictatorships and significant changes in alliances. The post-Iraq war period changed many relationships between countries. The same holds true today as the global community deals with the adverse economic and social ramifications of Russia's actions. 

When either node lines up with the New or Full Moon, a solar or lunar eclipse occurs, respectively. And this alignment usually comes in pairs, although 3-eclipses, each two-weeks apart are not that uncommon. The closer the node degree to the New or Full Moon, the more dramatic the eclipse cycle. 

This year two eclipses come April/May (annular/total Solar/penumbral Lunar) will occur along the Scorpio/Taurus axis. The second pairing comes in October under Aries/Libra (annular solar/partial lunar). 

Eclipses invoke the shadow element of our psyche. A time to look introspectively at the coming six months and what it offers relative to one's on-going transits to their natal chart. Eclipse timings relative to your location can be found here.

Super New Moons

In addition to nodes, a rather recent focus has been those occasions where the New or Full Moon occurs within 24 hours of the Moon reaching perigee in its Earth orbit. Symbolically and energetically, a closer Moon magnifies its gravitational influence on Earth's fluids, including the physical body. Super New and Full Moons this year occur:

Super New Moon:  

January 21 - 2° Aquarius (closest)

Feb 20  - 1° Pisces

Super Full Moon:

Aug 1 - 1° Leo

Aug 30/31 - 7° Pisces (closest)

One more thing

The coming Super New Moon in Aquarius on January 21/22nd positions essentially at the same degree as Pluto's Aquarius entrance in March. The New Moon chart contains strong Aquarius influence (Sun/Moon/Venus/Saturn) This line up will amplify existing challenges and initiatives in the realm of  social interconnections, technological developments, and progressive initiatives and challenges during this coming 28-day lunar cycle. This activity will highlight those areas ripe for transformation during Pluto's coming transit of this higher-vibrational realm through 2043.

Reflection Suggestions for 2023

In what areas of my life do I see opportunity and challenge this year?

What am I ready to let go of that no longer serves me?

How can I better strengthen my body, and nurture my soul in the coming days?

How can I participate with others to support a more inclusive reality?

Conclusion: Preparing this update during Mars and Mercury retrogrades has been a poignant reminder about surrender, breathing, and allowing. My Capricorn Moon wanted to see the article completed as efficiently as possible, and no later than January 8th. "Not so fast" replied the Universe. Guess who won out? 😉

As I reflect upon the past eleven years, I marvel at the rapid, on-going evolutionary shifts occurring in culture's around the Earth. Within this sea change, the heightened polarity continues to build tension throughout the consciousness, inspiring younger generations to courageously step forward much earlier in their developmental years to make a noticeable difference in actions, behaviors and social mores. At the beginning of this blog, I mentioned the video "Wake Up", which was first released in February, 2012. This was the exact day Neptune entered Pisces, while leaving Aquarius for the last time until the year 2161. Have a look....

Quite telling how environmental and societal concerns expressed 11 years ago have become much more amplified in 2023. Meanwhile one billion more people inhabit the Earth since that video was released. Have we reached a critical tipping point? 

Regardless, another strong and more powerful wave of the younger generations are now entering their teen and adult years to further bolster the generations ahead of them. Will it make a difference? I say yes. Never underestimate the power of the human collective to effect meaningful change, especially in times of crisis. The Aquarian age is now upon us. Pluto's Aquarian transit through 2043 will redefine life in ways that simply cannot be foreseen from 2023.

And as I have shared quite a few times here over the past eleven years, this remarkable time in which we live, despite its many challenges, is the very foundation upon which future generations will remember those of our time, both young and old, who made a meaningful difference in our human quest to create heaven on Earth.

May the year 2023 unfold in alignment with your highest purpose for being on the Earth NOW!

Next update: My photographic creations from 2022.

Please share your comments below. We all learn from each other's perspective.

Sat Nam

Starman, Joseph Mina

Stellenbosch, South Africa

January 17, 2023

Solstice December 2022: Transitioning from 2022 to 2023

"And one has to understand that braveness is not the absence of fear, but rather the strength to keep on going forward despite the fear." Paulo Coelho, Author (1947 - )

"History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes." Mark Twain

Greetings from the Western Cape of South Africa

Before starting this blog, I had a read of my last two entries here (Dec 2021 and April 2022). I know, it's been awhile. Blame my Aries North Node. 😉

Last December, then again in April, I wrote 2022 would be an intense year, literally building on the very intensity spawned in late 2019 through 2021. Intensity always implies growth, increased heat, and unforeseen challenges. Without tension, nothing grows; nothing evolves. The next three years will add to this intense period, as Pluto and Neptune move through the final degrees of Capricorn and Pisces, respectively.  How that energetically unfolds depends on how humanity responds. Surprises abound in this Universe.

More immediate focus here is the coming Solstice followed 2 days later by the Capricorn New Moon. Ready to dive in?

At the Sun standstill (Solstice), in this case the Sun's most southern point along the horizon, the Sun rises and sets around the same time for 3 days. In an "as above, so below" sense, it's a time to standstill, i.e. reevaluate, renew, and as needed, redirect your creative and/or organizational pursuits for the next steps on your life journey in this coming new season.

And with every change of season, the natal chart for that changeover becomes a helpful guide for navigating what is now a fast moving energy field. In that respect, Gemini, the sign of the playful trickster and spontaneous shifts, will add more unpredictable mojo to this period.
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Life Path Astrology Consultations: As 2023 rapidly nears, deepen your understanding of your natal birth chart along with a look ahead to 2023 and how to best navigate the planetary cycles of the coming year. I am available on a limited basis for private one-to-one consultation sessions via Skype or Zoom (audio recorded). Gift certificates for family and friends are available too! 

Great changes present life changing opportunities. My personal astrological counseling session helps you create meaningful strategies for adapting and shifting with the current powerful planetary cycles. Schedule TODAY your appointment!

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Helderberg Mountain Gold by Joseph Mina

Here's the big picture:

Second Solstice of 2022 arrives UT 21:48 on December 21 (Hawaii 11:48 HST, 13:48 PST) east to South Africa/mid/western Europe 23:48 SAST), and on the 22nd from Moscow east to International Date Line.

Capricorn New Moon positions at 2° Capricorn on the 23rd, just 2 days after the Solstice, just 16 minutes past the midnight hour in Hawaii. Then on the US East Coast EST 05:16; W Europe 12:16; UT 10:16. 

In the interlude between these two events, early on the 23rd, the Moon transits across the Galactic Center in late degrees of Sagittarius. This is one way the Universe reminds us through the sky story to employ Sagittarius ideals of courage, determination, and integrity in the coming season as it applies to Capricorn themes of rules, politics, law, business and economic matters.

At this Solstice/New Moon you are reminded in this time of great upheaval and shift:

- "you are not alone".

- there is a "Universal method to this apparent madness" flowing in your and others lives. Yes, we are all affected by the significant changes on Earth, whether we are aware of these changes or not.

- "power in numbers" remains a viable transformative tool for challenging established paradigms of outdated beliefs and social mores (eg young women protests in highly secular Iran).

And here are other details for the Solstice and New Moon:

The New Moon square to Jupiter in Aries and Ceres in Libra (ever-expansive Jupiter reentered the sign of the Ram on December 20th after a short return to Pisces; Ceres entered Libra December 7th). 

This angular combination at the very beginning of these cardinal signs, referred to as a T-square, implies novelty, i.e. surprises. It also encourages using discretion and due diligence as important tools in the coming months. Jupiter in Aries left to itself is quite rambunctious and uncontrollable.The massive reorganization now taking place in the Crypto Markets due to the collapse of one of its major trading hubs is one example of Aries enthusiasm being ultimately affected by a retrograde Mars in Gemini, and subsequently reined by Capricorn diligence. 

By contrast, Ceres at the very beginning degree of Libra, the planetary archetype of nurturing behaviors towards self and others, gives added emphasis toward developing or strengthening connections in your life. That uptick in energy will prove empowering as long as it comes from a nurturing place. The key here is focusing on what brings life to your relationships, while being in alignment with your direction and purpose. Equally, perfect timing for reflecting whether certain relationships continue to feel nurturing to you. Last time Ceres transited Libra was in 2018.

Mars Retrograde

Mars Retrograde: Back in late August, Mars first transited into the sign of Gemini. Approximately every 2-1/2 years, Earth moves in between the Sun and Mars. That positioning is referred to as a Mars opposition. As seen in the image to the right, whenever Mars moves into opposition from speedier Earth's perspective, it appears to be moving backwards against the sky background. That effect, in an "as above, so below" context, denotes a retrograde period. 

It is at opposition that Mars rises and sets opposite to the Sun. 

Mars, as the ruling energy of both Aries (modern) and Scorpio (ancient - i.e. before the discovery of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) is bold, quick to anger, loves to play, has a short attention span at times, triggers deeper desires of passion and achievement, and likes to move on a spur-of-the-moments notice. When Mars turns retrograde, this active Aries/Scorpio mojo becomes much more internal, introspective and intense. Also, deadlines, engagements, work assignments, creative endeavors become fodder for changeable events. 

chart design by Joseph Mina

To better understand how this significant cycle plays against the background of your natal chart, note the astrological house where Mars transits in your chart. That's step one, For me, that would be the 10th house of career and the 11th house of groups and associations, one of my strongest interests. In step two, note where the signs of Scorpio ♏️ and Aries ♈️ appear at the opening degree of two specific houses. For me that's the 4th house of my private life, home, family and community, and the 9th house of travel, higher education, higher mind, philosophy and a spiritual quest. Such placements have mirrored my internal processes and external efforts, as I continue to reorganize from significant changes in my career approach since late 2019. More on that later.

In the sign of Gemini, the above chart analysis applies to matters of communication, networking, spontaneity (changeable), acting, music and a mix of sorrow and humor. As Gemini is a mutable (changeable) sign, which also includes Virgo/Sagittarius/Pisces, anyone with significant mutable placements in their natal chart will feel this Mars/Gemini vibration even more strongly than others.

When Mars approaches its opposition with the Sun, it remains in the same sign, or sometimes tracks between 2 signs for around 7 months!. That's a long time to be in an energy pattern, especially in this case: unpredictable-like Gemini. And to make it even more unpredictable, this Mars retrograde back on October 30th commenced by creating a square with nebulous Neptune in its home sign of Pisces. That combination has spawned an increase in misinformation during the retrograde cycle, as well as darker secrets being revealed in unpredictable ways. The sudden collapse of the crypto exchange FXT, where billions of investor funds vanished, is one example of a Gemini Mars and Pisces Neptune working in combination (eg bursting the delusional bubble). 

Other recent examples include Elon Musk's Twitter purchase having a significant negative impact on the shares of his Tesla electric car company; England's Prime Minister Liz Truss lasting in office for just 44 days due to economic upheaval triggered by her economic policies; massive social protests in the unlikeliest of places (China, Iran, and Russia); unexpected USA midterm election results and drawn-out vote tabulation; and Peru's President being quickly ousted from office, then arrested for attempting to ignore the Constitution. These are just a few of the many examples appearing recently in the news. Quick, unexpected changes and reversals are the common thread here.

Mars will end its retrograde movement on January 12th when it stations direct at 8° Gemini. The entire retrograde cycle will come to a close on March 16th. As lessons from this cycle are reviewed in the direct motion period, I suspect more political and economic upheaval around the world will mark the headlines into March. There's simply a lot of angst in the ethers, and its being vented in many ways.  

And finally…

...Mercury Retrograde is upon us. This cycle began on December 12th, when Mercury passed its station direct point at 8° Capricorn. Between the 12th and 29th, Mercury builds a tension pattern (finding communication challenging these days?) to bring the conversation to all things Capricorn (rules, politics, business, organizational matters, efficiency and even high achievement tendencies). As Mercury rules Gemini, this Capricorn reset/review brings Mars and its ongoing Gemini/Pisces themes into the conversation. The overall effect is to amplify both of these cycles. Confusion and reversals may prove to be the dominant January themes. Also, unexpected opportunity will be there too as you discover a new sense of inner power that rises from a place of internal grace, rather than stress.

This Mercury Retrograde begins in trusty Capricorn with a conjunction to Venus and Pluto lurking nearby. Back at the end of 2021, a similar setup of these very same planetary actors occurred toward the end of the year to herald the Venus Retrograde. That retrograde brought heightened focus to values, money, possessions and self-esteem, which proved to be significant themes in 2022. Venus in Capricorn is energetically akin to the Queen Bee. The hive is her domain. This Mercury Retrograde will focus on how you communicate your values, self-worth, money, and possessions (Venus themes) from an empowered place (Pluto). See below for suggested themes for reflection.

Mercury turns direct on January 18th at 8° Capricorn, and at the same degree marker as Mars in Gemini, which turned direct 6 days earlier. So essentially, both planets are going to move forward (that's progress) in an odd tandem connection (quincunx) until the end of January. By then, Mercury's greater speed starts to create separation from Mars. Quite a unique combination, especially as this dynamic serves as a strong indicator at the Solstice for what to expect in the energetic flow for at least the first month of the new season. Again, focus on communications in the context of unpredictable shifts and changes of fortune occurring in your life.

On my next blog (sometime in January), I'll present the various cycles of 2023, including Pluto's first ingress into Aquarius in over 250 years!, a significant nodal change from Taurus/Scorpio to Aries/Libra, a late July Venus Leo retrograde, Saturn's entrance into Pisces (last time was in 1993-95), four solar/lunar eclipses, and Jupiter's entry into Taurus (last passage was late 2011-2012). Powerful year of transition ahead.

Looking a little further ahead, from indicators marking the planetary movements in the solar system relative to Earth's perspective, the next three years will be profound: empowerment, Earth changes, financial freedom, and social justice and equality will be on the front burner around the globe. This is especially true while Pluto and Neptune cover the final degrees of Capricorn (through early 2025) and Pisces (through 2026), respectively. A transit or natal placement in the late degrees of a sign gives added significance to the archetypal themes of that sign. What makes this energetic ground so transformative and intense is the energetic shift beginning in August 2025 in elemental energy. I'll save that part for the next update.

For now, here are suggestions for the coming Solstice:

-What do I want to expansively create and manifest in the coming season? (Jupiter/Aries)
-How effectively do I communicate what I value? (Mercury retrograde)
-What changes can I now employ to strengthen my ability to manifest (Mars/Gemini)
-How do I envision being of meaningful service to others in 2023 (Saturn/Aquarius)
-What structural parts of my life am I ready to end in the coming season? (Pluto/Capricorn)
-How can I add more value to my career aspirations? (Venus/Capricorn)
-What steps am I ready to take to deepen my connection to my soul path? (Neptune/Pisces)
-What is required on my part now to strengthen myself for a new season? (Uranus/Taurus)

Conclusion: The significant increase in polarity during 2022 points to an increase in tension for 2023. On a personal level, I sure have felt it. Since late 2019, a building and sometimes brooding, sometimes depressing, and even ecstatic vibration has filled my being. 

I have had amazing interactions with the wild spinner dolphins while visiting Hawaii, have stood under jaw-dropping star-filled night skies in South Africa's Cederberg and Karoo mountain valleys while bathed in starlight, and have taken my photography interest to another level. Yet, simply attempting to write at times about the planetary transits has proven quite intensely activating and challenging. Last year for an entire week, every planetary position in my natal chart was aspected by one or more planetary transit. Others I speak with share similar tales of intensity, confusion, creativity, new beginnings and chaos flowing through their lives. With an Aries North Node that likes to move, having to surrender at times to a stronger flow has been humbling, yet strengthening too. I feel like the horse ready to run a race. With the north lunar node shifting into Aries next July, I sense a lot of forward momentum in the offing for many, especially those with strong placements in Cardinal Signs (Aries/Cancer/Libra/Capricorn. Last time the North Node moved through Aries was 2004-06.

Despite this planetary assault by all the outer planets in my natal chart (my interpretation 🤣), I have witnessed my intuitive and sentient abilities expanding (Rudolf Steiner refers to this emergence as the activation of one's super sensibilities),  I have become even more discerning about my choices, and significant changes have occurred in my approach to bodywork (more efficient and expansive, while focusing more so on the frequency at which various forms of life vibrate and how it's exponentially increasing. Feels like an inner rewiring has been taking place.

Back at the September Equinox, I wrote a three-part article on 21st Century Frequency. You can read it here: Part I - Part II - Part III.

And in the realm of frequency, the Sun is now waking from its Solar Minimum state. Increased sunspots and solar activity are strong signs of our day star building towards its expected 2025 Solar Maximum. Of late I have been watching Suspicious Observer's YouTube channel. Short, informative daily updates are provided about the current solar activity along with information about vibrational shifts from beyond the solar system influencing weather patterns, ocean currents, plus a lot more. Have a look.

Lastly, no matter one's lot in life, an extraordinary vibrational shift is now underway affecting all aspects of life on planet Earth. What this energetic sea change looks like on the other side continues to remain speculative. Shining and expanding your unique light, sharing your talents, being of compassionate service, and creating synergy with others represents a powerful life strategy for navigating these highly changeable times.

Once again, the saying "we are the answer to our prayers" comes to mind. We are here to serve a higher purpose in humanity's evolution. Old ways and rigid traditions are falling apart. A new world awaits that functions quite differently than the one to which we are accustomed. I see the period of 2019-2032 as significant bridge years, opening new doors of opportunity and grace for us and future generations. Crossing that bridge with awareness, purpose and determination requires courage and a resolve to participate in this paradigm shift.

And for those in northern climes, stay warm. Six months from now I'll be preparing for the winter here (much like San Diego's sunny and stormy cool days). It's such an inward time in many ways.

The weather here in the Western Cape of South Africa is almost at its summer peak. I love the early mornings, late afternoons and amazing sunsets this time of the year. Yet, the temperature range so far has been cooler than usual. We even had a winter like storm (in terms of its intensity) last weekend, that caused quite a bit of flooding in vulnerable areas in South Africa. The planet is sure alive and evolving too.

I'll post back here in January with a look at the aforementioned 2023 powerful planetary cycles. Optimum time now to dive deeper into your natal chart and transits with the assistance of a professional astrologer.  Schedule TODAY your appointment! I am honored to serve you while I have the available time. 

Comments are welcomed below (subject to moderation).

Wishing everyone many blessings during a meaningful holiday or festive season.

Sat Nam

Starman, Joseph Mina
December 20, 2022
Stellenbosch, South Africa