In general, January has a strong emphasis on the sign of Capricorn (Pluto, Mars, Mercury, Node, and the Solar Eclipse), especially after January 4^th, when this energy pattern is greatly emphasized (Solar Eclipse at 13 Capricorn).  So the world will seek to become more efficient (i.e., cut the fat), more responsible (i.e., accountable for actions and repercussions), more conservative, law-abiding, and better organized in the New Year, all manifestations of that sign.  Capricorn loves nothing better than to pay less while getting good value for the outlay.  The 4^th also brings an idealistic desire to bear on relationship matters (Venus square Neptune).  On the 8^th, a desire to be more free-spirited and adventuresome can improve the travel industry, and is also beneficial to religious institutions (Venus into Sagittarius).  The second week of January is very inventive, energized, and shows a creative approach to issues (Jupiter and Uranus conjunct, sextile Mars).  From the 16^th on, there is a chance to activate technological advances (Mars into Aquarius). On the 18^th, decisions have been reached, and the reworking of contracts and plans is finishing up (Mercury past the shadow of its retrograde of December 10^th).  January 19^th is expansive for nurturing, highlighting the importance of family, close relatives, home and hearth, and native land (Full Moon at 29 Cancer).  On January 23^rd, fresh starts begin that may be combative or bold (Jupiter into Aries).

For our nation, time-tested patterns, values and beliefs are brought to the forefront, most likely demonstrated through legal challenges to Obamacare and government regulations (progressed Moon at 29 Virgo conjunct Solar Arc South Node in H9).  The country is suffering from wounded feelings and experiencing a crying need to heal its populace (progressed Venus conjunct Chiron in H4, opposite Solar Arc Moon), and now there is a wonderful opportunity for growth and betterment (Solar Arc Ascendant semi-sextile natal Jupiter).  A recovery is occurring although it remains hidden behind-the-scenes (transiting Pluto ruling H12 sextile progressed Sun), although there is still the danger of overly large expenditures and undertakings (transiting Pluto in H1 opposite Jupiter in H7).  The news fuels uncertainty and therefore a lot of anxiety, which can affect the entire transportation industry, perhaps because of gasoline costs or travel worries (transiting Neptune conjunct Moon in H3), but real estate begins to improve (transiting Jupiter conjunct IC).  There is very slow economic recovery, and perhaps even a temporary slide (transiting Saturn stations retrograde conjunct progressed Mars in H10).  Between January 13^th-15^th, tensions can be very high - over money or terrorism - showing a possibility of violence (transiting Mars in H2 conjunct Pluto).  Around January 16^th, there can be turbulence in the money markets or even a bomb threat (transiting Mars conjunct Solar Arc Uranus in H2), whereas around January 22^nd, teamwork and alliances are beneficial (transiting Mars conjunct progressed Descendant in H2).

For Obama, the month brings some healing regarding his career and image (transiting Pluto ruling his Midheaven, sextile Chiron in H11).  However, he can remain lost in personal delusions (transiting Neptune conjunct South Node in H1), and can evidence reckless spending, risk-taking or exaggerated merriment in response to a tense energy pattern (transiting Jupiter quinqunx Node/progressed Uranus/progressed Venus in H7, square natal Venus in H5).  Others will react negatively if he overdoes things.  The peril is doubly emphasized in regards to excessive socializing or trying to be everyone's friend, which will seem inappropriate (progressed Jupiter station direct conjunct progressed Jupiter, square Fortuna, quinqunx Node).  Conversely, on the 26^th he will appear mature, wise, and more accountable to others (transiting Saturn station retrograde, trine Ascendant). 

It is worth mentioning that after 2012, the feeling in the nation will be: enough of the drama!, enough of the pioneering!; after this, let's get down to business, let's deal with economic realities and ground-level issues (progressed Ascendant reaches 29 Aries, and U.S. progressed Ascendant reaches 29 Leo).