January 2014 horoscope - Aries

I follow the sidereal calendar; this is the monthly solar horoscope for birthdays from 14^th April to 15^th May or Aries Ascendants or Moons

Aries, for you, the past year has been a somewhat challenging one when it comes to close and intimate relations. You’ve had your fair share of obstacles and difficult situations to deal with but ultimately, it was a learning curve and for some, hopefully a liberating experience. You’re not quite at the end of that particular road just yet as Saturn, the great taskmaster, still badgers those Aries born around 10^th to 15^th May and those with Aries Ascendants and Moons at around 25 – 30 degrees in this sign. Saturn restricts and limits but all he wants you to do is focus on the essentials. He gives you what you need which may not be what you want right now. At the same time, Rahu or the North node may have brought people to you whose sudden presence in your life felt fated. However, in recent weeks, things may have felt a little intense with so many planets transiting through your 8^th house of secrets, your partner’s money and all in the sign of Scorpio. As the New Year, begins, the mood shifts a little and you’ll be able to see the bigger picture and regain a sense of optimism. Travel is on the cards too and so is anything to with writing and publishing and you making a bit of money from it. It may take a little while to come through but it’s there for the taking. Your subject of choice may be, again, travelling, education, religion, spirituality or your own pearls of wisdom you want to share with the world.

The new Moon on 1^st January in this area of your chart is a time to grow, explore, and expand beyond your everyday experiences. The New Moon here may bring some restlessness and dissatisfaction with regular routines. Make an effort to initiate new projects or activities that expand your mind. For some of you, mentoring and teaching little ones can also feature more strongly now. 

This new Moon is in the nakshatra of Purva Ashadha, The Invincible Star. It is ruled by Venus and is quite a high-achieving nakshatra. It signifies the ability to convince others, generate wealth and think quickly on one’s feet. The only downside is that we may adopt a know-it-all, preaching attitude, especially with Pluto and Mercury in Sagittarius, the sign of the preacher. For you, especially, it takes place in the house of mentoring and teaching, so try not to be too opinionated. If you pass on your advice in measures, this can be the time when you can receive the recognition for it – perhaps in financial terms.

If you are in a relationship, you and your partner feel comfortable with each other and in fact, he may the one passing on some sound advice to you. For those who are single and looking, romance and relationships are serious business these days but the best chances of meeting someone this month crystallise while you’re on the road - I don’t mean to the local supermarket. Hop on a plane, get some winter sun or take up a hobby that opens your world to different and new people.

Now, two planets are retrograde this month, Jupiter and Venus. Venus is retrograde for the whole of January 2014 and Jupiter, your ruler, until mid-March. During retrograde periods, the planets are said to become stronger and the areas touched by the two planets are coming into even more focus. The reason for this is that during a retrograde period, we have to repeat things, gain a new perspective, re-do, adjust and modify. We have to go through the same exercise a couple of times before we can move on but when the results then materialise, expect them to be solid – by the time the planets move forward again and cross the degree on which they went retrograde, you will have had enough time to make the right choice and think about the right decision. Hence, you’ll be able to choose the right path to move forward….In any case, both of the retrograde phases shouldn’t cause too much damage. The only thing you may need to be aware of is that your finances could receive a bit of a knock but nothing that you won’t be able to recover once Venus turns direct again on 1^st February and then zooms into stabilising Capricorn over the course of next month.

The full Moon on 16^th January is in Cancer in the area in your chart to do with your home, mother, past, living environment and emotional security, which a home often provides. Whatever began in July 2012 is coming to a close now. If you’ve been trying to sell or move, this might be the time when you can finally move on from what’s been holding you back. Temporarily, it could be your finances but not in the longer-term.

The second new Moon we have this month happens on 31^st January and in the area of your chart to do with your career, reputation and social status can be decision, negotiation and deal-making time for you that in turn has an impact on what going on at home…watch this space. Have a great month, Aries!

Annual and monthly horoscopes so get in touch if you are interested in an individual chart reading. In readings, I use the Indian Dasha system in individual forecasts which is known for its accuracy. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Google +, see you there!