ASTROGRAM for January ~ February 2011

 by Barbara Ybarra

I hope all of you had a good holiday season and look forward with hope and joy to this new year!  We are moving into a year of Mercury retrogrades in fire signs, a cyclical occurence every 4 or 5 years (with some overlap) which creates periods of backward movement through the four elements.  It is meant for contemplation and study.  Fire is a particularly impatient element and not given to the "wait and see" attitude that Mercury retrograde demands.  That, coupled with a year of Uranus having a relationship with Pluto, makes for some fireworks all around.  There will be some big changes in our world this year, hopefully very good ones.

The Sun will move into Aquarius - the innovator's sign - on the 21st of January.  During that time Jupiter moves lightening fast past planet Uranus and marks its own relationship with Pluto.  This suggests "extra energy and fortitude" for most everyone.  Don't hold back on any projects.  Mercury does not go retrograde until late March, so it is "full steam ahead" for awhile.  There are a handful of people, however, who will feel stuck.  I am one of them.  Anyone with a 17 or 18 Cardinal degree prominent in their chart (Cardinal is Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn) will be experiencing the Saturn retrograde across this point.  It is there to be experienced for a good reason.  I myself plan on forcing my stuck energy out into poetry.  I think I need to borrow someone's cat as well (not to worry, just for a pet). 

The 2nd of February, which is Candlemas, Groundhog day or Imbolg, coincides with the New Moon in Aquarius on the 3rd.  This is perfect magic.  All are glimmers of hope with the potential to blossom into something bigger.  Think of the mustard seed and what it can do and become.  These two days are very good days to set new intentions.  If it is your birthday, even better. 

 
Next month I will discuss the Moon Node (and what it is) arriving at solar solstice point just as the Sun moves into Pisces, most definitely a time for collective insight and miracles.  Miracles are very different from magic.  I bought a book on the nature of miracles and I have some astrological ideas to share on the subject, so stay tuned...

Mercury Retrogrades in 2011:      Mar 30 - Apr 23 - in Aries
                                                 Aug 3 - Aug 26 -  in Leo
                                                 Nov 24 - Dec 13 - in Sagittarius

For now, be doers!  And be safe!

Barbara 

Barbara Ybarra can be reached at 530-210-6292 or earthsigns@rocketmail.com.