A new year, a new guide to what the planets are up to! The last few years have definitely brought a mixed bag of tension and uncertainty - and while 2023 isn't looking like a cakewalk, it definitely looks like there are some energies to, dare I say, look forward to in 2023! The tension between big Daddy Saturn and rebellious Uranus begins to ease, and the path moving forward seems to be a little clearer. Overall, the theme of the year centers around collaboration and reformation. Now more than ever it is becoming clear that the things that make us different bring more value and progress to the collective than one-size-fits-all generalization. The question is, what do we want our collective identity to be?
Notable Transits
Pluto ingresses into Aquarius: March 24th - June 12th
In what is arguably the most notable astrological event of the year, Pluto begins its slow shift from Capricorn into Aquarius. Pluto is the pyromaniac of the planets - it loves to raze things to the ground and see what emerges from the ashes. Since late 2008, Pluto has been bringing major transformation to our societal structures and ambitions. It has had us question, "What routines and traditions still serve us well, and which ones have got to go?" Now, that volatile energy moves into Aquarius, a sign of science, technology, and the collective's ideal utopia. This is very much a "power to the people" vibe! We are encouraged to band together and fight that which inhibits our freedom! That said, we must also be wary not to get caught up in "us vs. them" black-and-white mentality. Fanaticism and conformity can become risks when left unchecked. Pluto will go retrograde this summer and dip back into Capricorn, but we will get this first taste of Pluto in Aquarius energy in March. Notable past Pluto in Aquarius events include the American Revolution, the French Revolution, Henry the VIII's founding of the Church of England, Copernicus' heliocentric model of the solar system, and the peak of the classical music movement.
Saturn ingresses into Pisces: March 7th
In late 2017, stoic, unyielding Saturn made its way to its home sign of Capricorn; and in late 2020, it ingressed into its second home sign of Aquarius. Combined with its square aspect to Uranus in Taurus, there had been a strong tightening of restrictions and unexpected shake-ups to what we found comfortable and stable (to put it lightly).
Now, the greater malefic moves beyond its domain into what is essentially Waterworld - the boundless sea that is Pisces. Saturn has to get creative in this foreign realm if it wants to continue to maintain the structure and routine it desires. In Pisces, Saturn strives to expand structural options, forming systems that actually help people and encourage making human connections. As impossible a task as it may seem, Saturn seeks to understand and quantify the subjective - perhaps we will see improvements in the realm of psychology and medicine during this time. Over the course of this transit, we may also find we have a somewhat easier time letting go of things that no longer serve us.
Jupiter conjunct Chiron in Aries: March 12th
The greater benefic, Jupiter, will spend the first half of the year in fiery, independent Aries. This will be a time of really exploring who we are as individuals, expressing ourselves authentically, and expanding our intuition. However, as Jupiter conjoins the Wounded Healer, Chiron, we may find that we are not happy with our Authentic Selves. Perhaps there is unresolved shame or trauma around our self-image or our impulses. While this is a time to be mindful of those feelings and perhaps answer "why" we act or feel that way, this is also a beneficial time to heal those wounds. Aries encourages taking action, a little motivational nudge to overcome any walls keeping us from expressing ourselves honestly and freely. On a larger scale, we may find support in others going through similar struggles, and can even work toward improving our collective identity. Aries requires a little friction before its fire can burn, but Jupiter lends an optimistic hand, provided we don't blow our wounds out of proportion.
Jupiter ingresses into Taurus: May 17th
After Jupiter in Aries has us question who we are as individuals, we transition into Taurus and answer the question, "what are my needs and values?" Jupiter is often seen as a fortunate planet, as its most important trait is that wherever it goes, grows. This is particularly favorable in Taurus, a sign all about worth and earthly pleasures! We may find that the seeds we have sown and patiently tended to are finally beginning to sprout. In its most literal sense, there may be a boost to the economy, or simply a surplus of that which brings us comfort (perhaps more nostalgic movies or series' to stream?). However it may manifest for the collective, now will also be an compelling time for the individual to reap what we have sown. If we have done the work while Jupiter was conjunct Chiron in Aries, this may be the time we see some payoff.
Lunar Nodes ingress into Aries and Libra: July 17th
While not physical celestial bodies, the nodes of the moon provide vital direction in astrology. They point toward the collective goal for our society in order to grow and evolve, which changes signs about every 18 months. For the last year-and-a-half, they have been in the axis of Taurus (North Node) and Scorpio (South Node). During this time, a deep sense of transformation and wrestling our collective's shadows felt comfortable and familiar, but was perhaps unfulfilling. Instead, we worked toward finding the slow and steady steps toward comfort and stability, even if such things felt unfamiliar and unattainable. More often than not, the work is worth the effort!
Something interesting to note about the nodes is that, contrary to the planets, they travel backwards through the zodiac - almost as if to remind us that the sign that comes before still holds a valuable lesson. Now, instead of the nodes asking us what we value and how do we tend to our growth, the new axis breaks it down further: who are we? Who are we as individuals (North Node in Aries) and who are we in relation to others (South Node in Libra)? It may feel easier or more comfortable to avoid confrontation and allow others to decide who we are for us - but doing so invalidates our personal wants and unique needs! As the eclipses move into this new axis, we will begin to redefine our identities on an individual and collective level, informed by our roles in partnerships.
2023 Retrograde Tracker
Mercury:
Dec. 30th, 2022 - Jan. 18th, 2023 (Capricorn)
April 21st - May 14th (Taurus)
August 23rd - September 15th (Virgo)
December 13th, 2023 - January 2nd, 2024 (Capricorn)
This year's Mercury retrogrades fall, for the most part, within Earth signs. This is asking us to slow down and review our habits and the way we communicate around money and what we value.
Venus: July 17th - September 3rd in Leo
Venus in Leo has a flair for the overly dramatic and romantic. Before you spring for that choreographed flash mob wedding proposal (are people still doing those?), take the time to review the actual state of affairs in your relationships (romantic, platonic, and even with yourself <3).
Mars: October 30th, 2022 - January 12th, 2023 in Gemini
We wrap up Mars' retrograde early in the year! Mars retrogrades challenge us to pick our battles and spend our energy wisely, or else suffer from burnout. In chatty Gemini, that means watching our words and allowing time to rest between social engagements.
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Outer planets (from Jupiter on out) tend to go retrograde for half of the year, bringing slow and gradual shifts that are less noticeable than their zippy inner planet counterparts. You can think of the inner planet retrogrades as more noticeably "jarring," whereas these outer planet retrogrades are more of an ambient background noise.
Jupiter: September 4th - December 30th in Taurus
While Jupiter in Taurus tends to bode well for financial and material gain, this retrograde cycle comes in to remind us that too much of a good thing can also pose a number of problems. Pace yourself during this retrograde so as not to be swept away in Jupiter's powerful expansion!
Saturn: June 17th - November 4th in Pisces
Saturn in Pisces attempts to bring structure and routine to the unfathomable, and this retrograde may try a little too hard to put words to that which cannot be explained. Double check yourself so as not to fall for any conspiracy theories or "facts" without reliable sources.
Uranus:
August 25th, 2022 - January 22, 2023 in Taurus
August 28th, 2023 - January 28th, 2024 in Taurus
Uranus is known to bring about abrupt changes and disruptions - in Taurus, that is to material things we find value and comfort in. During this retrograde, we may continue to see delays in supply chains, and require a bit more patience and concentration when it comes to maintaining our material wealth.
Neptune: June 30th - December 6th in Pisces
Coupled with Saturn's retrograde in the same sign, spiritual and creative Neptune adds even more dissolution around the second half of the year. Confusion and delirium can feel "easier" in this time, but so can artistic inspiration and empathy, thanks to Neptune's ability to connect beyond those boundaries we set for ourselves.
Pluto: May 1st in Aquarius - October 10th in Capricorn
While firestarter Pluto will dip its toes in Aquarius briefly this year, it will regress back into Capricorn one last time as if to "double-check" its work. While Pluto spent the last decade and a half in Capricorn, it will peek back in its wake and ask us if its controlled burn has truly rid us of invasive and unnecessary constructs - or if we are secretly hanging onto any unhealthy habits simply because they're familiar and comfortable.
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