Jan 1, 2021
The astrology for the New Year is about forming something useful out of the rubble of the past. 2020 was an exhausting year due to the virtual siege of cosmic events in one calendar year.
2021 will pick up where the old year left off. The crisis is over; yet the battle is not quite won. In the coming months, we begin sorting through the remains and pick up the pieces, what to salvage and put to good use.
2021 will not barrage us with nearly the onslaught of cosmic triggers. The year will be calmer and gives a reprieve for us. There are remarkably fewer major cosmic events in 2021: there are 4 eclipses instead of 6, Mars and Venus stay direct all year, and the titans Pluto-Jupiter and Saturn are separating as we speak and moving on, the latter two giving us breathing room in airy Aquarius. With much less stirring of the celestial pot so to speak, we are able to move about our business with less interruption.
So here’s the month by month breakdown of 2021
JANUARY:
The overarching theme setting the tone for the entire year begins straight off the bat. With Saturn is firmly in Aquarius, it begins a year-long showdown with Uranus. We take a cue from this dynamic: Old versus new is the dominant theme for all of 2021.
Both Uranus and Saturn are in FIXED signs: Saturn is in Aquarius, a fixed air sign and Uranus is in Taurus, the earth fixed sign. Never say die is their motto. They stick to their beliefs, work, or relationships see something through to the finish. As a result the fixed signs are notable for stubbornness, inflexibility and yes, rigidity. So you can guess what’s coming.
Saturn the Taskmaster, is now in Aquarius, sign of innovation, revolutionary, technology, groups, networks, friends, the humanitarian, teams. In this air sign Saturn mandates the NEW, whether products, methods, processes. Unusual, alternative, non-mainstream, avant garde are Aquarius’ favorite words. For the first half of the year, Generous Jupiter is closely paired with Saturn, marking the Age of Aquarius.
Meanwhile Uranus is cycling through Taurus. And it is not so comfortable in earthy, sensual Taurus, the SHOW ME the money sign. And in Taurus, the sign of natural resources and values, Uranus awakens us to how we utilize our skills and talents, our worth, the money we earn, in a whole different way.
Boxing with each other in the beginning of 2021, Saturn sets the tone and agenda while Uranus counters and disrupts. Uranus changes our values, what we value and assign worth to; while task master Saturn says you’ll need to come up with something new to meet the crisis at hand.
On Wednesday, January 13th, a new moon occurs conjoined to transformer Pluto in austere Capricorn. The very next day, Uranus turns direct motion on Thursday, January 14th. This gear shift can often stir up extremely unpredictable and unexpected events. Take it easy this particularly stretch of the January; especially through the 21st of the month as Mars approaches Radical Uranus, both challenging the Titans Jupiter-Saturn duo. You will feel the wheels grinding against each other, big time resistance.
The good news is that we have a two week window from January 15th-29th where the all ten planets are cycling forward. We accomplish our tasks more easily. Keeping an open mind and heart during this two week stretch is key as we head into the Full Moon in Leo on January 28th opposite Jupiter, Sun and Saturn in Aquarius, with Uranus in the middle. Watch deeply entrenched positions where each person or group believes their way is the ONLY way.
Our perception of the opposing viewpoint is big as we want to imagine; if each was willing to give a little, our problems would solve themselves.
Messenger Mercury turns retrograde on Friday, January 29th. Our thoughts turn inward for the next three weeks in the sign of Aquarius, the Great Connector and Inventor, problem-solver extraordinaire. Remember to practice the Retrograde RE words: rest, restore, review, relax, renew, renovate, revisit. The messenger planet stays retrograde for three weeks until February 20th.
FEBRUARY:
THE BIG SHIFT. FIVE out of ten planets are in innovative Aquarius this month including: Sun, Messenger Mercury, Valuable Venus, and the two Titans Generous Jupiter and Taskmaster Saturn. Aquarius treats everyone the same, wants what’s best for everyone, the common man most of all.
The New Moon Joins the Aquarian Cadre on February 11th. Aquarius is detached allowing for cooler heads to prevail which is greatly needed as Saturn and Uranus are really going at it now. The Fab 5 converge in Aquarius until February 18th, when the Sun rolls into dreamy Pisces.
Messenger Mercury turns direct motion on the 20th continuing forward now in Aquarius. Mercury shines particularly well in this airy sign: Our minds are sharper, our words land better, we connect to the right people and ideas. Common sense and ingenuity prevail. Mercury’s lengthy passage through Aquarius is one of the blessings of 2021 since due to its retrograde, it will be in its favorite sign from January 9th all the way to March 16th.
The Full Moon peaks on Saturday, February 27th. Dream and go with the flow of Mr. Sun if you must, but first take a bath and brush your teeth wags this Moon. And don’t forget to do the dishes before you leave…
MARCH.
All Planets are direct!!! Now that Messenger Mercury turned direct last month, all ten planets are forward motion through the very end of April. TAKE ADVANTAGE!!!! Build baby build; put your dreams into motion. Now is the time. We rarely get planetary opportunities like this once in a while so make the most of it.
Mars turns into Gemini a sign where Mars sharpens its tongue. Listen carefully as Gemini is the salesman of the zodiac; so caveat emptor. Watch that you do not spread yourself too thin and overcommit, or pick a fight just for the sake of it. Watch your thoughts and mind your mouth.
Set your intentions on the New Moon on Saturday, March 13th. This weekend is one of the highlights of 2021 as the energy is SO gorgeous. If you are looking for a date to get married this year, the weekend of March 13th and 14th is IT. Talk about TRUE LOVE! All New Moons are about new beginnings but WOW, we are enveloped by Love, Love, Love as we set intentions for our goals and wishes. The Sun and Moon conjoin Venus and her older sibling Neptune, all in compassionate Pisces. These four align helpfully with transformer Pluto and Generous Jupiter. We come together, we unify, our understanding grows. We BELIEVE.
Mercury enters Pisces, the visionary. Create a vision of what you want to achieve over the next few months or by year’s end. Especially as a few days later on the 20th of March the Sun enters Aries, marking the Spring Equinox. Valuable Venus joins Mr. Sun on Monday, the 22nd and we have all the energy and fortitude we could ever ask for.
The Full Moon in Libra occurs on Sunday, March 28th. Libra strives for balance in all things, especially relationships. Watch for an us-versus-them mentality around the end of March. The good news is healer Chiron pairs up with the Sun-Venus duo at Full Moon, delivering new healing modalities and measures.
APRIL:
April 2021 could live up to its reputation as the most violent month statistically with the balance of planets in Aries; Messenger Mercury joins the Sun-Venus duo in Aggressive Aries and we are impatient and impulsive. This fearless threesome are joined by the New Moon in Aries on April 10-11th. We have enough energy, will power or firepower, to blast through any resistance put up by the on-going Saturn-Uranus stand-off. In your rush to get going, just don’t forget to hand write your New Moon intentions on the 11th or 12th of April.
Valuable Venus moves into her own sign of earthy Taurus on Thursday April 15th followed by Mercury’s turn into Taurus four days later on the 19th and the Sun on the 20th. Look under the hood, focus on value, so you know what your hard earned dollar is getting in return. It’s the original Show me the money sign.
A few days later, on Friday, April 23rd, Motivating Mars moves into Cautious Cancer the Crab, a sign it’s definitely not comfortable in. Mars is a warrior, ready for battle. Cancer is gentle and soft. Wants to curl up under the covers, watch Netlix with a cuppa tea. So make sure are as forthcoming as possible rather than resorting to passive aggressive measures for which Mars in cancer is notorious.
The Full Moon in Scorpio on Monday, April 26th opposite four planets in practical Taurus: Sun, Mercury, Venus and Uranus. With five planets in the money signs Scorpio and Taurus, we are ALL about the money, power, resources, who has it, who doesn’t, who wants to get it, and who is keeping secrets. The full Moon in scorpio is especially notable as the next day Pluto, the ruler of Scorpio, turns retrograde. KABOOM. Thus ends the 9 week run with all planets moving forward in direct motion.
May
Messenger Mercury twirls into its own sign of Gemini on Tuesday May 4th followed by Venus on May 9th, Mothers Day. We turn toward messaging as Gemini is versatile. Where there is a will, Gemini will find a way to make it happen. Just remember to allow equal time for both Gemini twins: talking AND listening; hearing AND speaking.
The New Moon in Taurus on Tuesday the 11th of May; sun and moon are loosely conjoined to Change Agent Uranus. Hand write your intentions and goals for the next month and season and plant them in the fertile May earth. Generous Jupiter rolls into Mystical Pisces on May 14th where he’ll stay until the end of July. Jupiter is the planet of Faith in the spiritual sign of Pisces. Here he unifies, unites and flows together.
On Friday, May 21st the Sun moves into Gemini joining Valuable Venus and Messenger Mercury as we find our ideas, thoughts and words witty and quick to the draw. The Gemini planets helpfully align with Taskmaster Saturn in Aquarius which turns retrograde on May 23rd.
The first eclipse of 2021 on Wednesday, may 26th. Full Moon Total Lunar eclipse in Gemini and Sagittarius: the Sun is in the air sign of Gemini opposite the Full Moon in adventurous Sagittarius. Both Sun and Moon challenge Jupiter in Pisces, pushing us to search for truth in the midst of thick spin, smoke and mirrors, and overthinking. Watch your words: that you say what you mean and mean what you say now.
The eclipse falls just days before Mercury turns retrograde in the sign of communication, Gemini where it will stay for 6.5 weeks until July 11th. Good thing Messenger Mercury will only be retrograde through June 22n, at the time of the summer solstice. Just remember to do the RE words for the next three weeks: Rest, Restore, relax, renew, Revisit, renovate, research.
JUNE:
June is a full of gear shifts. First: Valuable Venus turns into Cancer the Crab. Venus thrives in this maternal, nurturing and compassionate sign.
New Moon Solar Eclipse in Gemini on Thursday, June 10th. Conjoined to Messenger Mercury, this eclipse is about your thoughts, words and intentions. Watch for matters involving siblings, your car, neighbors or community surfacing. Mystical Neptune challenges Mercury during the eclipse requiring us to REALLY FOCUS and pay attention as the air is rife with disillusionment. Discern what is truth vs. spin.
Two days later, Motivating Mars rolls into Leo on June 12th. Your creativity soars for the next two months. The third week of June hosts cosmic gear shifts in quick succession. First, Generous Jupiter turns retrograde on Sunday, June 20th. We may experience some delayed gratification in our goals. The next day is the Summer Solstice on Monday, June 21st as the Sun moves into Cancer the Crab on the longest day of the year!
Messenger Mercury turns direct motion the next day, Tuesday, June 22nd. Proceed with large purchases such as cars, homes and appliances and signing major documents and contracts. Full Moon in practical Capricorn on Thursday, June 24th. The next day, the tides roll out as Dreamy Neptune turns retrograde has us reflecting on our deeper, soul purpose. Last, Valuable Venus changes signs to join Mars in Look at me Leo. For the next month, these two will be the spice of life by bringing a much needed sense of humor and fun to our world.
JULY!
The Peak Month of the Summer is notably calmer than June as there are fewer planetary shifts. That said, Motivating Mars joins the ongoing fray between Radical Uranus and Taskmaster Saturn for the first week of July resulting in deep frustrations. After the holiday weekend of July 4th, the tension eases up heading into the New Moon in Cancer the Crab on Friday, July 9th.
Feel the flow! Because we will be IN IT as Dreamy Neptune aligns with both Sun and Moon, our will and emotions. Beach and boating activities, any water born endeavor really, will be magical this second week of July. Venus joins Mars in Leo, moving him away from the very hard edge earlier in the month to Uranus and Saturn. The dynamic duo make for a joyful, festive and creative mid month while Messenger Mercury finally shifts out of Gemini on Monday, July 12th where it’s been since early May! Now in Cancer the Crab, our mind and words turn toward home, family and food.
Venus shifts into Virtuous Virgo, the same day that the Sun turns into Leo on Thursday, July 22nd. Pay particular attention to messages and what you are being shown now under the blazing light of the Full Moon in Aquarius the very next day, July 23rd. Messenger Mercury opposes Pluto and while we may not like what we are hearing or seeing, it is incredibly important to pay attention to what crosses our radar and not sweep it under the rug.
Messenger Mercury turns into playful Leo on July 28th followed two days later by Mars entering Virtuous Virgo. In between, Generous Jupiter reenters Aquarius where it will remain for the rest of 2021.
AUGUST
The Luckiest Day of the year 8/8 finds a New Moon in Leo on this most auspicious day, Sunday, August 8th. Watch for potential big announcements around this time as Messenger Mercury conjoins the Sun and Moon, in expressive Leo who loves to make a splash. Hand write your goals and intentions for the coming weeks and months and plant them in the ground.
Thursday, August 12th, Messenger Mercury shifts into its own sign of Virgo, sharpening our minds and words into precise, detailed language. Virgo rules health, work and service. As Mercury gradually joins Motivating Mars in Virgo and both align to Uranus in Taurus, our ingenuity streamlines our lives now. Plan and prepare for future days and focusing on healthy choices. The downside of Virgo is perfectionism: watch for anxiety, guilt, worry or controlling too much. Do what you can and let the rest go.
Monday, August 16th Valuable Venus moves into her own sign Lovely Libra. Here she seeks to bring balance to our world through grace and beauty. We will need her help as the trickiest day of the month and perhaps the year on August 20th when Radical Uranus turns retrograde until January 2022. This gear shift is never comfortable as Uranus rules shock and surprise. Expect the unexpected around this time especially as Uranus turns retrograde leading into the Full Moon on Sunday, August 22nd. The Moon conjoins Jupiter in Aquarius, ruler of Uranus. With both the Sun and moon in the final degrees of Leo and Aquarius, we could be in for a big awakening, or surprise. Again, I must emphasize this could be the trickiest period of all 2021.
The Sun turns into Virgo the very next day on August 23rd, joining Mars while Messenger Mercury moves into Lovely Libra a week later on August 30th, balancing out our thoughts and words.
SEPTEMBER:
Labor Day New Moon on Monday, September 6th in Virgo, the sign of work, labor, service and health. Both Sun and Moon loosely conjoin Motivating Mars, our energy and drive to get things done, as it exactly aligns to its elder sibling Powerful Pluto. This is one powerful New Moon for manifestation. Be sure to set your intentions and goals over the coming month and season.
Valuable Venus shifts into Scorpio on Friday, September 10th. Scorpio rules power, money, shared resources, joint finances and yes, secrets. Venus brings all of these in spades through the end of September. Her counterpart Mars turns into Libra on September 15th. Lovely Libra is not the most comfortable fit for Masculine Mars who prefers battle and conflict. For next two months, watch you aren’t picking fights but rather use this energy to build constructive relationships, including with yourself.
Taskmaster Saturn and Radical Uranus pull apart, separating for the greatest distance during September and October. Take advantage of this break by creating what you want to grow. The space they offer is part of the Full Moon on Monday, September 20th. This is a particularly tricky full moon as the Sun conjoins Mars opposing the Pisces Moon conjunct Neptune. Illusion and escapism are hard wired into this Full Moon so use the discerning Sun in analytical Virgo to your advantage rather than wanting to run away from everything or expecting life to be other than how it is which only results in disappointment.
We certainly will get a better handle on any situation when Mercury turns retrograde on Monday, September 27th, giving us the next three weeks to reflect, review, and revisit our lives, to take stock of who we are and how to proceed from here.
OCTOBER:
LOTS of changes this month! All three heavy hitters, Pluto, Jupiter and Saturn turn direct motion along with Messenger Mercury. Until they get going forward again, the opening week of October may feel very sluggish. You may find your energy is stagnant or you can’t make any headway on projects or goals.
The energy shifts as Powerful Pluto turns direct on Wednesday, October 6thth, the same day as the New Moon in Libra! The New Moon is conjoined to Motivating Mars and Messenger Mercury, meaning: maximum manifestation power! With 4 out ten planets in Libra, we feel centered; balancing our lives comes more easily. We have an artful and peaceful outlook. Handwrite your goals to grow over the coming months and plant them in the ground.
Valuable Venus rolls into adventurous Sagittarius on Thursday, October 7th, opening us up to learning and seeking answers near and far. On Monday, October 11, Taskmaster Saturn turns direct motion followed by its counterpart Generous Jupiter on the Monday, the 18th. It is especially noteworthy as Messenger Mercury turns direct the very same day as Jupiter. Expect a BIG announcement or to receive news around this time as we head into the Full Moon in Aries on Wednesday, October 20th.. The Aries Moon opposes the Sun joined to Mars in Libra so please take a breath, take a beat as needed and hit the pause button as this full Moon approaches from Sunday, October 17th through the 20th so tread lightly.
With four planets now forward motion again within the span of two weeks, we see more clearly and understand. Any projects, purchases or plans that you have been holding off on during Mercury retrograde, proceed as needed. Sign major documents or significant contracts.
A few days later, on Saturday, October 23rd, the Sun moves into Scorpio followed one week later by Mars on Halloween, Sunday, October 31st to get your spooky ON!
NOVEMBER
Several planetary gear shifts occur as November opens with the New Moon in Scorpio, on Thursday, November 4th. Both Sun and Moon directly oppose Radical Uranus in Taurus with Taskmaster Saturn challenging them. Meaning: no one wants to budge. You may feel dug in or feel the resistance of others. Use caution with this New Moon. The energy is combustible.
The seeds of this New Moon will be harvested two weeks later on the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in the money signs, Taurus and Scorpio. This November is not for the faint of heart. The day after the New Moon, Venus turns into Capricorn, pragmatic, cold and calculating, while Messenger Mercury shifts into Scorpio the next day, Saturday, November 6th. Valuable What Mercury turns over from its detective work digging underneath the surface, it hands over to Venus to manage.
The mid-month occurs Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on Friday, November 19th. Messenger Mercury and Motivating Mars join the Sun in Scorpio opposite the Taurus Moon shining a spotlight on any dirt or dreck swept under the rug over the past months or years. There is no hiding from anyone or anything now.
The Sun turns into Sagittarius on Monday, November 22nd, the fiery sign of education, spirituality and the law takes all that was turned up by the Lunar Eclipse and either teaches it a thing or two or prosecutes to the fullest extent possible. Especially after Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 25th when Messenger Mercury joins the Sun in Sagittarius to really tell it like it is.
DECEMBER:
On Saturday, December 4th the New Moon occurs as a total Solar Eclipse in truth telling Sagittarius. With both the Sun and Moon tightly conjoined to Messenger Mercury in honest, adventurous Sagittarius, we speak our minds, or, speak truth to power regardless of the consequences. Set clear intentions and goals for what you seek to manifest in the coming weeks and New Year just around the corner.
Motivating Mars joins the Sun in Sagittarius passing the baton to Messenger Mercury as it exits into practical Capricorn on Tuesday, December 14th. While Sun-Mars are focused on education, travel, truth and justice, Mercury ruler of our minds and mouths pursues real world application of all that book learning.
Mercury tips us off as Valuable Venus turns retrograde motion in the sign of Capricorn on Saturday, December 18th. For the next 40 days, Venus, planet of relationships has us reflect on pieces of ourselves we have disowned, what Carl Jung calls our shadow. In Capricorn, we look at the basic foundations of our life. Is it firm or flimsy? Do the bare bones and hard facts of our lives need reworking? Venus rules Values and in Capricorn, she wants a full accounting and taking stock at what we’re made of.
It is no accident that Venus turns retrograde just one day before the Full Moon on Sunday, December 19th. Under the spotlight of the Full Moon, we see exactly where we fall short in our relationships, including to our Self. Naked under the Full Moon in communicative Gemini opposite the truth telling Sagittarius Sun, we see our flaws as well as our perfections.
Use this Venus retrograde passage to reconnect with parts of yourself, what you may have forgotten about or pushed aside. Between December 18 and January 29th, 2022 review your financial situation; reconnect with old friends or relatives; embark on reflective retreats for deep psychological dives.
Invest the time and money to improve yourself as you will emerge from this period with greater self respect and clearer understanding of how to move forward. Just remember: BUY YOUR HOLIDAY GIFTS before December 18th this year! Purchases made after December 18th when Venus turns retrograde will be returned.
The Winter Solstice occurs on Wednesday, December 22nd. From here, the light only grows stronger and brighter.
Links:
IG: @hilary-harley
FB: hilary harley; hilary harley astrology; harley holistic healing