Astrological Forecast for January & February 2021

Janus, the Roman god for whom the month of January is named, had one face looking backward and one face looking forward, symbolic of the reflectiveness and anticipation we feel at this time of year. As we begin the New Year, we’re looking back at 2020 and forward to 2021 with cautious eyes.

Last year presented us with a degree of stress that we haven’t seen in a long time. Yes, we’ve been feeling the whirl of change around us for quite a while (I even look back to the 90s with a sense of nostalgia for ‘simpler times’!), but 2020 brought us changes on every level: environmental, political, social, and economic, reflecting the conjunctions of planets at 22 degrees of Capricorn last January and throughout the year.

In addition to the global pandemic, we saw record wildfires and an unprecedented number of tropic storms (Ceres, the Earth goddess), political and social upheavals (Jupiter and Saturn), and economic erosion (all of the above, plus Pluto). All of these planets spent a good part of 2020 not only synergistically together in Capricorn (the sign of our institutions), but square to Eris – the planet of discord. “Challenging” doesn’t begin to describe 2020.

The macro-level chaos of 2020 was in many ways mirrored in our personal lives, as the collective truly became the personal. With unemployment skyrocketing, social restrictions in place, hospitals crowded with the sick and dying, and political tensions turning neighbor against neighbor and family member against family member, none of us could feel that the news of the day was “out there”, happening to others.

As we head into 2021, it’s helpful to think that this year will largely be devoted to sorting out the issues that are already on the table. It will be messy and contentious, for sure, but this is a time to integrate and process the changes that happened last year. As always, the direction we choose – individually and collectively – will determine the outcome. The planets set the table, but we decide how the cosmic energies will play out.

January

The month begins easily enough, with the Moon in Leo coming off of the December full moon. We enter a period dominated by Mercury, as the Cosmic Messenger meets Pluto on the 4th and Saturn on the 9th, suggesting that words will have power but will also be tested. Speak the truth to power, but be aware that you’ll be held to a high standard of integrity and principle.

Mercury goes on to meet Jupiter and square Uranus on the 11th and 12th, opening up more possibilities for innovation and change. If you have the green light and answered all questions successfully, this is a time to move ahead. It’s just before the new moon, so maybe a good strategy would be to make decisions and plans now, but act in the coming days.

The January new moon is on the 13th, at midnight Eastern Standard Time, and it’s at 23 degrees of Capricorn, right on the degree of last January 12th’s conjunction. It’s as if we’re revisiting and renewing the energy that was released at that time, potentially hitting a celestial reset button. We saw how we handled the energy last year: now what will we do?

Mars squares Saturn just a few hours after the new moon, so it may be well to expect a certain amount of delay and hesitation from later on the 12th through the 13th – appropriate enough for a new moon.

Typically, we come out of new moons slowly, like waking up early in the morning. Yet this month we have active energy following closely on the new moon. As soon as we clear the Mars/Saturn square, the energy builds. Again mirroring last year, on the 14th the Sun meets with Pluto as Uranus stations to go direct. This is an implosion-explosion kind of energy, holding in and letting go, tension and release in rapid succession.

From the 12th through the 15th, there could be an air of frustration due to internal hesitation or external constraints. It’s likely that you’ll feel ready to Go! in some respects, but held in place in others. It’s a great time to set intentions and acknowledge needed change, but don’t be surprised if things don’t move all that swiftly. On the other hand, some folks might act impulsively and without consideration.

Around the first quarter moon on the 20th, we have a real opportunity period, as Jupiter, Mars, and Uranus all aspect each other between the 17th and the 23rd, and we can feel things moving swiftly. Inventive ideas are encouraged, and we can act on our ideals. Look for important announcements about technological innovation around this time, as well. With the Sun meeting Saturn on the 23rd, we’ll vet ideas and opportunities in order to make practical decisions.

The Sun squares Uranus on the 26th, continuing the period of rapid change and revolutionary ideas. With the Sun now in Uranus’ home sign of Aquarius, we can expect progressive ideals to dominate – although perhaps at the cost of some individual freedoms.

Sol goes on to meet Jupiter on the 28th, the day of the full moon in Leo. All else being equal – which it never is – this period should be marked by enthusiasm and an upbeat feeling in the collective. It’s a great time to connect with friends and people that you feel to be on the same page with you in terms of your worldview. Venus meets Pluto on the same day, suggesting that it could be deadline time for relationship decisions.

As the month ends, on the 30th we begin a three-week visit from the perennial Cosmic Gremlin, Mercury retrograde. As usual, this is a time to revisit and revise. With Mercury very happy in airy Aquarius, we can expect – or at least hope – for fewer snafus and mishaps.

February

Early on the 1st, the Sun squares Mars, kicking off the month with a fiery start, and actions are likely to speak louder than words.

Venus is the star of the month, as she’s busy making aspects as soon as she enters Aquarius on the 1st. In the sign of the Water Bearer, the goddess of love can accentuate the need for friendships, and romances benefit from a shared perspective and perhaps a common goal.

Saturn is Venus’ first meeting, on the 6th. After the tense period around the January full moon, this could be the time when we feel that we can get a fresh start in our relationships. We know what we want, and we’re ready to get it. Yet just a few hours later, there could be some reversals, as Venus squares Uranus in Taurus. As these two planets are in each other’s signs, there’s an underlying understanding between them. We’re looking for change and freedom, a desire to connect with others while maintaining our individuality. Break routines, and try something new.

Next on her agenda is a meeting with Jupiter, on the 11th, just before the new moon. Meetings between Venus and Jupiter are always sweet, and at the Aquarius new moon we may be pulled towards a deep appreciation of our friendships, including our online connections.

Valentine’s Day, the 14th, features retrograde Mercury connecting to Jupiter, an invitation to express yourself – perhaps some of us too boldly. Say what you mean, but try to say it in person or on the phone rather than relying on texting.

One of the major aspects of the year is Saturn’s square to Uranus on the 17th, the first of three confrontations in 2021 between the planet of structure and stability and the planet of revolution and change. This aspect harks back to 2008 and the presidential election between Barrack Obama and John McCain, and the subsequent efforts at health care reform (in fact, the first aspect was on November 4, 2008). Expect this aspect to ‘test’ the progressive values of that era, as well as the more conservative tide in recent years.

February ends energetically, as the Sun dives into Pisces on the 18th, Venus squares Mars on the 19th, and Mercury turns direct on the 20th. This period of time is likely to see a lot of action, especially in relationships, and also a fair amount of confusion.

Mars trines Pluto on the 24th, a very powerful energy that can be directed in almost any way – but be sure that you direct your energy wisely and purposefully. The full moon in Virgo on the 27th is sextile to Uranus, encouraging us to make a ‘to do’ list for the year. After the hesitations and delays of 2020, the list may be very long indeed, so be sure to prioritize and be realistic.

Armand Diaz, Ph.D., is an intuitive astrologer who also uses Tarot in his consultations with clients. He can be reached via his website, ArmandDiaz.com