The month of January 2025 begins with the retrograde sidereal Cancer Mars opposing Capricorn Pluto, an alignment that intensifies conflicts and disruptions. This opposition, which persists within three degrees until January 11, is expected to exacerbate the Ukraine-Russia war and heighten tensions between Israel and Iran. This celestial alignment amplifies the potential for sudden disruptions and heightened instability, creating additional challenges during the retrograde period.

The month of December promises to be a pivotal month of 2024 from an astrological perspective, marked by significant planetary events. Mars turning retrograde in sidereal Cancer on December 7 is a key highlight. Retrograde periods often signify a weakening of a planet's positive influences.

As Mercury turns retrograde in sidereal Scorpio from November 26 to December 16, we may experience familiar challenges—miscommunications, delays, unexpected obstacles, and heightened anxiety. This retrograde period can impact daily routines, requiring patience and flexibility.

As we enter October, a total solar eclipse will occur on October 2, approximately between 16:00 and 21:00 GMT. This eclipse will be visible in parts of South America and the Pacific Ocean. Known as a "ring of fire" eclipse, the Moon will appear slightly smaller than the Sun, blocking most of the sunlight and creating a glowing ring of light around the Moon.

As we enter September, Earth's speed in its orbit around the Sun continues to rise, reaching its average speed a couple of weeks after the autumn equinox—by October 9—signaling a dynamic change in the air and energy around us, marking a shift from the lethargic summer doldrums. This change is likely to be reflected in our daily activities, bringing increased vigor.

August will continue to be influenced by the retrograde motions of Pluto, Neptune, and Saturn, likely resulting in a tumultuous period characterized by a slow pace, delays, and some level of disappointment. This influence will also be felt in the political landscape of the US presidential election.

With Pluto retrograde in sidereal Capricorn, Saturn recently turned retrograde on June 30 in sidereal Aquarius (both signs ruled by Saturn), and Neptune turning retrograde on July 2 in sidereal Pisces, July is likely to unfold as a challenging month from a daily chore standpoint, characterized by a slow pace. As we approach the first week of July, the Earth's orbital speed around the Sun reaches its nadir, potentially reinforcing a slowdown in terrestrial activities.

On May 25, 2024, Jupiter entered the mercurial, insatiably curious sign of  Gemini, where it remains until June of 2025.  Our search to grow and expand conscious awareness shifts from the fixed, earthy, practical, resource-oriented sign of Taurus to the mutable, airy, mentally-oriented “Peter Pan” of the zodiac, Gemini.   Jupiter by transit describes the direction in which our search for truth is likely to take us, and the mode through which we are most likely to find understanding and wisdom needed at this time.

June begins with perhaps the most significant celestial event of the year, if not the decade, as Uranus enters sidereal Taurus. After entering Taurus on May 31, Uranus will remain there until December 16, 2024. However, due to its retrograde motion, Uranus will return to Aries. After transiting through Aries until March 16, 2025, Uranus will finally reenter Taurus and will stay there for the next seven years or so.

On March 7, 2023, Saturn, our definer of reality, entered Pisces, where it remains until February 2026.  The Saturn cycle describes a lifelong process of continually shaping and redefining personal reality as life experiences compel us to evolve.  The archetype of “The Inner Authority”, Saturn symbolizes that mature character within who has the capacity to take responsibility for a personal definition of reality (internal understanding), rather than try to live according to external “rules of society”, and to gracefully navigate those situations in life when the two conflict.