A NEW MOON, A NEW YEAR, AND ACT TWO OF A THREE-PART DRAMA: An eventful week lies ahead of us, with a New Moon on Monday, a new calendar year starting on Wednesday, and a dramatic Mars-Pluto opposition exact on Thursday.

A new lunar cycle begins at 2:26 p.m. PST on Monday, December 30, when the Sun and Moon align at 09°43' Capricorn. The sign of the Seagoat is realistic, disciplined, and ambitious, so a Capricorn New Moon is usually a good time to set long-term goals and devise a schedule to achieve them. The ability to strategize, to access inner wisdom, and to align with proper timing is enhanced with this lunation, due to the two luminaries being conjunct the asteroid Pallas Athene. 

However, we will also be working with unexpected or surprising events over the next four weeks, predicted by eccentric Uranus being sesquiquadrate the New Moon. Relationships and alliances could also be unstable with independent Venus in Aquarius semisquare the lunation.

MARS-PLUTO OPPOSITION: The New Year begins dramatically as the second of three oppositions between Mars and Pluto occurs. The aspect is exact to the degree on January 2, but will be activated on New Year's Day when the Aquarius Moon conjoins Pluto and opposes Mars. 

To understand the potential effects of this aspect, we can recall what was occurring around the time of the first opposition, on November 3. Our experience at that time was one of deep polarization, a strong sense of combativeness, and a surfacing of primal emotions.

While these basic effects are equally possible at the time of this second opposition, it will be interesting to see how the energies play out differently. Instead of Mars being in sensitive Cancer and Pluto being in dominant Capricorn, as they were in early November, Mars is now in confident Leo and Pluto is in progressive Aquarius. As before, there will be power struggles and some could be passionately dedicated to their end of the tug-of-war rope; but instead of withdrawing or attacking defensively under the pressure, like Cancer the Crab, there could be more of a tendency to roar and intimidate when challenged, like Leo the Lion.

However, with Mars now retrograde, we will want to avoid acting impulsively this week. Instead, we are advised to seriously consider any actions we feel inspired to take, since they could quickly backfire or have unanticipated results. It may be helpful to remind ourselves that this is stage two of a three-stage process, and it is not the end of the story, since the third Mars-Pluto opposition will not occur until April.

ASPECTS THIS WEEK: Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important planetary aspects, day by day: 

Monday

New Moon: The Sun and Moon will align at 2:26 p.m. PST today, when both luminaries are at 09°43' Capricorn.  

Pluto sextile North Node: This aspect helps us access a strong inner determination and self-confidence, and may awaken a stronger knowing of our life's mission. It can also assist in letting go of codependent tendencies.

Mercury sextile Chiron: Self-reflection leads to a better understanding of the wounds that have interfered with our ability to communicate effectively. Healing of these wounds is possible as we take the time for self-care.

Tuesday

No major aspects are exact today.

Wednesday

Moon conjunct Pluto 4:44 a.m. PST, Moon opposite Mars 5:52 a.m. PST: With these aspects, the Moon is activating the powerful energies of tomorrow's Mars-Pluto opposition.

Thursday

Sun quincunx Jupiter: Ambitions are strong. There could be a tendency to go overboard in trying to control a situation.

Venus enters Pisces: While Venus is in compassionate Pisces, from January 2 to February 4, we are more likely to be forgiving and understanding with loved ones. There is a longing for oneness in our relationships, which means some could have trouble maintaining personal boundaries. This can also manifest in a tendency to ignore red flags, to try to rescue others, or to be self-sacrificing in an unhealthy way. The creative imagination is enhanced while Venus is in Pisces, and we may especially enjoy art and music that speaks to the soul.

Mars opposite Pluto: This is the second of three exact oppositions between Mars and Pluto, indicating we are now at stage two of a longer-term process. The first opposition was on November 3, 2024, and the third will occur on April 26, 2025.

Friday

Mercury quincunx Uranus: Nervous energy is heightened today. The mind is open to new ideas and higher-level information, but we could feel some anxiety as well, as old mindsets and beliefs are challenged.

Venus quincunx Mars: The desire to give unselfishly is at odds with the need for self-care. Be aware of when selflessness crosses the line into self-sacrifice, which occurs at the expense of one's own emotional, mental, or physical health.

Saturday 

Mercury trine Eris: It is easier to be assertive today and to voice our needs with confidence.

Sun sextile Saturn: This aspect can help us focus on practical matters, which enables us to feel more grounded.

Mars trine North Node: We have the inner courage to recognize old relationship patterns and are supported in letting go of the past.

Sunday

No major aspects are exact today.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: You are able to strategize and plan wisely this year, which will support you in achieving your long-term goals. However, you could encounter old insecurities along the way, requiring that you spend time in self-care and self-healing. Be aware of assuming too much or of taking a leap of faith without pausing to reflect on whether your goals are grounded in reality. In relationships, you are learning to navigate a new balance between self and other. Financially, there could be delays in receiving compensation if you do not fully believe in yourself and value your contributions. (Solar Return Sun semisquare Venus, quincunx Jupiter, sextile Saturn, square Chiron, conjunct Pallas Athene)

In peace, love, and gratitude,

Pam

Aspects of Note This Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.

• MONDAY: New Moon 2:26 p.m. PST 09 43 Capricorn, Pluto sextile North Node, Mercury trine Chiron
• TUESDAY: No major aspects are exact today
• WEDNESDAY: Moon conjunct Pluto 4:44 a.m. PST, Moon opposite Mars 5:52 a.m. PST
• THURSDAY: Sun quincunx Jupiter, Venus enters Pisces, Mars opposite Pluto
• FRIDAY: Mercury quincunx Uranus, Venus quincunx Mars
• SATURDAY: Mercury trine Eris, Sun sextile Saturn, Mars trine North Node
• SUNDAY: No major aspects are exact today

WEBINAR NEXT WEEK: I'm looking forward to seeing you at my first webinar of 2025! "A Dark Night's Journey Into Day: From Conflict and Chaos to Clarity and Healing" will air live and be recorded for replay on Wednesday, January 8. 

In the first half of the class, I will share my perspectives on the major astrological events of 2025. I'll then focus on the planetary activity that will occur in the first three months of the year, and what we can expect. To learn more, please see the full announcement below, or visit https://events.humanitix.com/pamjan-mar2025.

IF YOU'VE ALREADY REGISTERED: Please check your email inbox on Monday, December 30! I'm sending out a short five-minute video where I talk about the Mars-Pluto opposition on January 1-2, since our class will be after the event. The email will come from , so check your spam/junk folder if you don't see it in your inbox.

WEBINAR ANNOUNCEMENT

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes the NorthPoint Astrology Journal based on planetary influences and insights received. Her hope is to bring astrology "down to earth" in a way that will help readers navigate current energies, while also utilizing these energies for spiritual and personal growth.
Feel free to share this NorthPoint Journal with others who may enjoy it! Please forward it in its entirety, including all contact and copyright information.
To learn more about Pam's work, please visit www.northpointastrology.com. 

NorthPoint Journal copyright 2024 Pam Younghans. All Rights Reserved.

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