JANUARY 2013 ASTRO TIDBITS   

For the world, things feel pretty stabilized during the first week especially; the economies are looking at reevaluation, and people are being very cautious, wisely so (Saturn in Scorpio sextile Pluto in Capricorn). On January 4^th, there's a sense of confidence and revival (Mars in Aquarius trine Jupiter). Decisions on the 6^th, although pressured, are being made conservatively (Mercury conjunct Pluto, sextile Saturn). Efforts are stymied on the 7^th, and there is a sense of bottled anger or resentment (Mars square Saturn). Idealism prevails on January 10^th, which is also a good date for romance (Venus sextile Neptune). On January 17^th, people are feeling financially pressured but still maintaining a sensible outlook (Venus in Capricorn conjunct Pluto, sextile Saturn). January 23^rd is an excellent date for decision-making and brilliant technological ideas (Mercury trine Jupiter, sextile Uranus). From January 25^th to 26^th, excitement is in the air and a turn for the better can be seen (Sun sextile Uranus, trine Jupiter in air and fire). On January 30^th, innovation, opportunity, and new technology are in the news (Jupiter station direct in Gemini sextile Uranus).

For The U.S., there is a gradual lessening of anxiety and worries (Neptune passes its conjunction to the progressed Descendant in H3). In the first week especially, opportunity abounds in the job market and technological and humanitarian progress is shown (Jupiter sextile Node, conjunct progressed Uranus in U.S. H6). From the 1^st to the 14^th, there is helpful growth and better news (Node through Scorpio, trine U.S. Mercury). The month starts off with transformation of the entire economy, probably a resolution of the "fiscal cliff" (Pluto enters U.S. H2). On January 11^th, hope is seen for fresh starts for economic improvement (New Moon in Capricorn H2 trine U.S. Neptune). On the 13^th, culminating the message of the first week, we have experimentation, speculation, and perhaps over-optimism regarding favorable news about real estate, jobs, and alliances (Uranus, ruler of U.S. H3 from H6, in H4, square U.S. Jupiter, ruler of chart from H7). On the 20^th - the date of the Inauguration - there is a celebratory aspect and an important speech (Venus opposite U.S. Sun; Mercury trines U.S. Midheaven). On the 21^st, however, right after the Inauguration (or in fact on the day that the Inauguration is actually held, Monday), there can be protests and harsh words (Mars conjunct U.S. progressed Mercury). On the 27^th, an important development having to do with finances is explained or revealed, and could also have an impact that affects the entertainment business (Full Moon at 7 Leo conjunct the U.S. Node exact in H8). On the 30^th, we can have debates and protests (Mars conjunct U.S. Moon...which can serve as further proof of the Sibley chart).

President Obama begins January with positive transformation of his ideals or legislative efforts (Pluto sextile progressed Neptune in H9), but he must be realistic and can only work within practical limitations (Saturn conjunct progressed Neptune in H9). His tendency during this period is to over-react or barge ahead (Jupiter square his Pluto). On Inauguration Day, he has been quite busy (Mars just past his Ascendant, and past sextile to his Moon). He has a success pattern and is certainly feeling his victory (Sun conjunct his Jupiter), and his second term will be ushered in with probity and sagacity, and perhaps more centrist efforts than before (Node in Scorpio H9 sextile his progressed Saturn in Capricorn). It's almost as though he is being reined in. As for his year ahead, beginning in mid February, he can be tired and perhaps unwell (Saturn retrograding squaring his Sun in H6); certainly, a crash after a high. From late February through March, he can be vulnerable to allergies, with low energy levels; and he can feel quite unsure of his goals (Neptune begins a long square to his Moon). There is some hidden factor here that the public is not aware of, possibly regarding his health. During the year, unexpected disruptions to routine and changes to the steady progress of his efforts can become noticeable (progressed Uranus square his Midheaven); and he will also have some difficulty communicating or representing how he wants to be seen (progressed Ascendant quinqunx progressed Sun, square Mercury), but he will be popular with his followers (progressed Ascendant trine progressed Venus). There is further indication that things will be hidden from sight, or karmic issues that are troublesome, so he really needs a health check-up (progressed MC moves into H12). It doesn't look like a terribly easy period; it looks somewhat draining, at least initially.