2005 PLANETARY INFLUENCES

I always like to start the so-called "new year" by setting the record straight.  Until 1752, the beginning of the year was March 25 in England and the American colonies, and this date is, on average, five days after the beginning of spring (the equinox).  This made much more sense than January 1, which has no astrological or astronomical significance.  Astrologically, your "new year" begins when the Sun returns to the same position when you were born, typically on or within a day of your birthday. Consequently, it makes infinitely more sense to make "new year's resolutions" on your birthday rather than at the beginning of the calendar year - you are much more likely to keep them because they are much more likely to be meaningful.

As for 2005, a very important influence this year is Jupiter in Libra trine Neptune in Aquarius.  Both of these signs are of the air element, which is mental, thoughtful, social, versatile, and perceptive.  This trine will be most operative (using a 5º orb) from January through mid-April and from mid-July through mid-September.  Both Jupiter and Neptune are spiritually idealistic planets so what we can imagine in our minds can become our reality.  Inherent in this trine is the opening of our minds to new possibilities that some (myself included) would call enlightenment.  For most of us, enlightenment is a life-long process but 2005 could be a leap toward the light of understanding for some of us.  There will be more advancement in information technology like the announcement on December 15 by Google of an alliance with five libraries to put 17 million books on line - free (the Jupiter/Neptune trine began in November 2004).  This influence is ripe with enthusiasm, hopefulness and compassion.  Air signs are also humanitarian so look for ways to alleviate the burdens of others.  This year is a great opportunity to find a spiritual teacher or to be one for someone else.  This transit signifies the quest to further our understanding of the mysteries and real truths of life.  For example, this year holds a promise to better perceive our truly divine and co-creative nature and to use the strength of our faith to create our "reality."

Another aspect between the five outmost planets is Jupiter in a leading square with Saturn.  This square will impact upon us twice this year:  the first time is mid-January through most of March and the second is December through early January 2006. Interestingly, each time is in a different pair of signs so they will have a different set of meanings.  These planets are opposite in nature:  Jupiter symbolizes expansion while Saturn wants to cut back, Jupiter is explorative while Saturn is cautious, Jupiter is easy going but Saturn is uptight, Jupiter is optimistic while Saturn is pessimistic, Jupiter is moral but Saturn is self-serving, Jupiter is the idealist whereas Saturn is the realist, Jupiter seeks new experiences while Saturn clings to the past.  The square between them means that these and many other basic polarities within us and in the world will be in conflict with each other or vying for our attention. Despite the uncertainties they often bring, such tensions result in personal breakthroughs.  The Universe is urging us to liberate ourselves (Jupiter) in some fashion, if we can drop our resistance to change (Saturn).  When this square is operative, ask yourself which of these - Jupiter or Saturn - you are expressing most strongly.  The first instance of the square involves Jupiter in Libra (relationships and balance) and Saturn in Cancer (family and security) so these signs will provide the arenas in which these energies will express.  The second square late in the year is from Jupiter in Scorpio (sex and psychology) to Saturn in Leo (power and control), which will make this combination more troublesome but also with greater potential for dramatic shifts in consciousness.  This square says it's time to adjust, adapt and release the past.