The big news of the week is that Mars goes direct, ending its ten-plus week retrograde sashay through Gemini. This period has been one in which we’ve really needed to practice patience. Instead of pushing forward into new territory, we’ve needed to be in review and reflection mode, orienting through an approach that may have been quite different than our go-to. It may have been quite challenging, notably if we’ve felt like there were a swath of false starts or that we weren’t quite making progress as we wished. And yet, Mars Retrograde is not about just delaying gratification nor about needing to be thwarted or frustrated. It is actually a period in which we can gain deeply etched wisdom in numerous realms of our life related to Mars.

For example, as I note in my book The Complete Guide to Astrological Self-Care, during Mars Retrograde periods, the experiences we have may lead to our:

• Clarifying just what it is that we desire

• Understanding our hidden motivations

• Seeing how to more efficiently use our energy

• Relating more consciously to our anger

• Gaining additional insights on the causes we want to champion

• Becoming better at handling conflict

It may be a good exercise this week to reflect upon the above, seeing which of the realms of your life have been active and activated. This may help you clarify some confusion and see how it is that you want to begin to move forward and pursue the new aims you’ve recently identified.

Also this week, remember this: the days around a planet shifting directions, the archetypes it represents and the energies with which it is associated seem quite palpable. As such, given that Mars is shifting direct on Thursday, this whole week may see an upswing of assertion, impatience, passion, championing causes, the urge to move, a focus on ways to fuel oneself, a yearning for more spice, and a tendency to fight for what lights one up.

Additionally, since Mars is in Gemini, don’t be surprised if people (including yourself) note that their minds feel racy; they find others are clamoring for their attention; there’s an onslaught of communique they need to deal with; and/or there’s greater inspiration to do research, fact-finding, and learning.

Additionally, if you listened to my So Divine! podcast this month, you’ll know that Megan Skinner and I highlighted Venus as one of the stars for January. The reason being is that the planet of love, beauty, and values makes so many celestial connections this month. This is quite true this week when we have Venus involved in not one, nor two but three celestial connections.

On Monday, it makes a harmonious trine to Mars. And with this, what we strive for may see quite aligned with what we cherish.

Upholding our values also feels like an important reminder this week, a strategy that can help us discover ways to negotiate an impasse. After all, Venus also stands at the midpoint of the Lunar Nodes. And with that, try not to discount the healing power of beauty and pleasure.

When it comes to social engagements and/or the expectations you have of friends and lovers, maintaining flexibility may go far. Be open to plans shifting or others acting in ways you may judge to be out of character. With Venus squaring Uranus, you may notice that the need for freedom is heightened and independence becomes a rallying cry. Also, watch for surprises when it comes to money matters, whether the way you gather it or the way you feel like spending it.

Have a lovely week!
xxStephanie

Astrological Highlights

January 9: Venus/Mars Trine
January 10: Venus/Nodes Square
January 12: Mars Stations Direct
January 13; Sun/Neptune Sextile
January 14: Venus/Uranus Square

All days reflect Eastern Standard Time (-5 hours GMT)

Stellar Insights: January 9 - 15, 2023