January 3rd ~ 10th
“Dionysius converting the pagan philosophers” by Antoine Caron
True transformation occurs only when we can look at ourselves squarely and face our attachments and inner demons free from the buzz of commercial distraction and false social realities. We have to retreat into our own cocoons, come face-to-face with who we are. We have to turn toward our own inner darkness. For only by abandoning attachments and facing the darkness does the caterpillar’s body begin to spread out and find its light, beautiful wings begin to form. ~ Julia Butterfly Hill
The New Year emerges right in the middle of Eclipse season. Traditionally the New Year is seen as a time for making resolutions and plans for the year to come. If you have already done so, then you will have the power of the Solar Eclipse at your back. However, if you haven’t already done so by now, you might want to wait until we get past next week’s Lunar Eclipse. The upcoming Lunar Eclipse on January 10th is a time of consequences and the results of actions and decisions already made, and you will want to see where the dust settles before making any new commitments or starting something new.
With the South Node attending the Solar Eclipse on December 25th-26th, and the Saturn/Pluto conjunction coming up on January 12th, we were being asked to release something, perhaps even lay something to rest, in order to make any new beginnings. New beginnings are implicit in conjunctions, no less the conjunctions of the New Moon Eclipse that recently passed & the upcoming Saturn/Pluto conjunction. The Lunar Eclipse on the 10th, however, is a time of karmic consequences and results. Combine all of these together and we see that we are in a profound and powerful place of transition. But these are due to causes that have already been set in motion, and we now need to allow them to unfold as they will. Once the air has cleared, then we will know how to proceed.
The upcoming Saturn/Pluto conjunction is very much about pushing past old limits, but it is also about building something new and better than before. We’ve already been working on this. But in order for that new foundation to be built, we have to go through this period of sloughing off old patterns, old habits and structures that are no longer relevant, and may be preventing the new structures from taking hold. The Lunar Eclipse can speed up this process. Old habits, old structures, old ways of doing things do not bow out gracefully. They will hold on for dear life. However the transformations that can occur with the Saturn/Pluto conjunction can be very long lasting, and ultimately more dependable and sustainable if we play our cards right.
Pluto in Capricorn reveals the decaying structures of our lives. This can be literal, such as failing governments, failing leadership, bridges falling, highways corroding, the very infrastructures of society crumbling and the Earth herself groaning under the strain of unsustainable forces. We created all of these. But that which once supported us can begin to feel oppressive, or outmoded, and no longer relevant for where we are now. Possibly even destructive. These things that are no longer sustainable, and are more work than they are worth, are needing to end. What we need is the resolve to create better, more sustainable habits and structures in our lives, that will then support us for years to come.
It takes tremendous effort to change old habits and transform your life. You will know this if you’ve ever tried to do so. It may even involve some pain and discomfort in the process. But this is also nothing less than the resolve to transform something through reformation, rebuilding, rehabilitating and rebirthing. The reason we are doing this is because it has become evident that the old ways are no longer sustainable. Just this past week, we’ve seen more devastation, now playing out in Australia, as a result of global climate change.
So in some ways it seems very fitting that Saturn and Pluto should make their exact conjunction at the dawning of 2020. If you truly wish to reform a habit, transform a part of your life, rehabilitate, renovate, or set healthier goals, the Saturn/Pluto conjunction can be useful to do so. So if you’ve already made your resolutions, may Saturn/Pluto bring you the resolve to follow through with these. But if you haven’t done so yet, you might want to wait until after the Lunar Eclipse to create new changes. There is no rush. Things that last are not built in a day. Pace yourself. Reserve your strength for now, but then use the force of the Saturn/Pluto conjunction wisely and to your advantage in the coming year.
In the mean time, as we are now approaching this Lunar Eclipse on the 10th, you will want to avoid making any new commitments until you see where you are going to land. Also avoid planning important discussions, negotiations or major decisions on or around the Lunar Eclipse. Allow the events of the Eclipse to unfold as they will, using these days to connect with the deepest parts of your heart and soul’s intentions first. Something is coming to fruition, and we would be wise not to resist the inevitable transition that is to be. Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, learn about the new world that is unfolding before you first, and then you will have a much better idea about what needs to be done.
For next week’s horoscopes, click below: