Lunar Living Astrology

The full moon of January is commonly referenced as the Wolf Moon probably because the wolves in the winter months appeared more aggressive during the long winter nights. This full moon's chart is tied into several planets with the cradle aspect pattern causing both tension and outlets to get us through the day. Some of that tension is caused by the Moon, Mercury, and Mars retrograde transiting Out of Bounds, Situations always feel edgier when there are planets exceeding the Sun's standard annual declinations, also known as the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. So let's jump into the fray to see what we need to do to navigate this full moon wisely.

The Sun in Capricorn is opposing the Moon and Mars retrograde in Cancer. Mars recently moved back into Cancer (January 6th) and this aspect is forming the top of the cradle. We are dealing with personal but also social insecurities that leave us feeling vulnerable. The Moon and Mars are trine to Neptune in Pisces. Our dreams are sending us messages, hopefully guiding us in the right direction, but with Neptune involved, who really knows what the message means. The Moon and Mars are also forming sextiles to Uranus retrograde in Taurus. Sudden awareness, or sudden outbursts. Either is a possibility as we attempt to sort through the hidden meanings of the day. Don't be surprised if we, or others, are curt and snarky for the day. The Sun in Capricorn is trine to Uranus retrograde in Taurus, and sextile to Neptune in Pisces. This forms the mirrored side of the cradle pattern, hopefully with more balance and positive perspective. The Sun's connection is less emotional but is still tied to the heart of the issues. Are we just “surviving” the day, or are we finding ways to fix the problems so that we can look to the future with more positivity? We have the psychological tools to put the emotions on the table so that we can analyze and change the narrative.

Mercury in Capricorn is sextile to Venus in Pisces. This typically helps us to put our relationships and our financial situation into a better perspective. Think of it as a beginning, rather than a final solution, and we can put it out there as the first step.

Venus and Saturn are conjunct in Pisces, forming a square to Jupiter retrograde in Gemini. This may be better dealt with by taking a step away, or putting the brakes on for a few days, as we try to figure out the best options for today's issues. Remembering that Venus in Pisces has a tendency to romanticize problems, rather than finding productive solutions, and what we consider to be “solutions” may only add fuel to the fire. Jupiter's retrograde in Gemini might be adding to this by throwing in those rose colored glasses, being too optimistic, while Saturn in Pisces has us reliving past experiences that feel all too much like déjà vu. In other words, we may not be able to truly grasp the reality of the situation because our perspective is being distorted.

The North and South Nodes, which are almost always transiting retrograde are preparing to move from Aries and Libra, into Pisces and Virgo. This chart uses the Mean calculation of the Nodes to allow for the “wobbles.”Those of us who have planets or significant placements near one of both of these cusps are likely to feel the shift over the next month. The Nodes are not planets, but are calculated points of the Moon, and are believed to relate to our soul or past lives. By the next new moon, the nodes will be entering the anaretic degrees of Pisces and Virgo, which is a critical degree of transition, regardless of the signs.

Overall, this chart leans towards inward turmoil with feelings of frustration because there are few easy solutions to be seen. Half of the planets are in the Water Element signs, causing us to worry about situations that we can't easily fix. However, there are likely to be a few bright spots in the day based on our abilities to let go of the outdated and to adapt without needing to hold on to those old issues, if we take the time to acknowledge those abilities and use them to our advantage.