Astrology is the study of the movement and positions of the stars and planets and connecting them back to life on earth. The movements of the planets do not dictate what happens, however they serve as a mirror. By using this knowledge, we can prepare ourselves for potential challenges ahead and make use of opportunities as they come. Do not worry about understanding the technical terms used, rather give attention to the themes that are highlighted.
As we are reaching the end of 2022, I want you to ask yourself this – are you happy with your progress? And this is a personal question, there is no need to compare yourself to anyone else because they are not on the same path as you. There was a lot that happened cosmically this year, which has impacted us on a collective level. We started the year with two planets in retrograde – Mercury and Venus and we had six planets in retrograde at the same time between September 10th to October 2nd.
In layman’s terms this would manifest as feeling like our life has come to a grinding halt. Many of us may have felt this in the form of delays, restrictions and obstacles anytime we made progress. We also had eclipses in Taurus and Scorpio, urging us to explore more sustainable ways of living and to release the shadow sides of capitalism and the unhealthy wielding of power. Jupiter and Neptune were closely connected in Pisces emphasizing themes of spirituality, creativity and inner expansion. Tense aspects between Saturn and Uranus brought about rebellion against the establishment. We are now in the midst of a Mars retrograde taking place in Gemini – asking us to examine how we wield our words as though they are swords, with the power to both heal and destroy.
The cosmic events named above were reflected down here on earth. We witnessed the easing of COVID restrictions worldwide, and at the same time were exposed to the devastating effects of the war between Russia and Ukraine. We also felt major shortages of resources worldwide as a result. A continuing theme over the last decade or so has been in the slow dismantling of patriarchal systems, which we are also seeing with the current protests in Iran as women fight for their rights. We are also witnessing how the abuse of free speech can incite hatred through cyber warriors running amok on Twitter.
As we are about to enter 2023, it is important for us to reflect on how all of these experiences and events have changed us and our outlook. How can we take what we now know and integrate it into the narrative of our lives? To start answering this question, I would like to take a short dive into numerology and tarot before I venture back to the great beyond for this answer. The numerology for 2022 is 6, which means the Tarot card for the year was Lovers. This card represents the choices we make as a result of the relationship we have with ourselves. When we are aligned, we make choices that are in our highest good. The numerology for 2023 is 7, and it is related to the Chariot card. Here we take the knowledge of those choices and use it to direct our will to propel us forward.
In the Chariot, we find the balance between the opposing forces that exist within ourselves and we prove our mastery through discipline. This inner conflict is necessary as it forces change. When we are dissatisfied with something, we find new solutions – and this is the energy to adopt throughout 2023. To move up to a higher level in life.
We start off the year again in 2023 with three planets in retrograde. A retrograde motion is an optical illusion created by the differences between the orbits of the planets. During this illusion, that planet appears to be going backwards in the sky. Mercury, (the messenger) Mars, (the warrior) and Uranus, (the rebel) will be in their backwards motion, making the beginning of the year a bit murky and confusing. Planetary retrogrades represent a kind of cosmic time out, asking us to really reevaluate and reflect where we are before moving forward. You may be better off writing those New Year’s resolutions in February when you have more clarity.
Three outer planets – Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto will change signs this year, marking a massive collective shift. Jupiter is moving into the sign of Taurus, which rules over finances and the land. The effects of this may be seen in a surprising economic boom, however the question remains whether this wealth will trickle down. Overindulging and spending more could be some of the negative effects of this cycle. However, being generous can also bring us luck.
Saturn will move into Pisces, which is a very strange but necessary combination. Saturn represents boundaries whereas Pisces represents all that is boundless, like spirituality, creativity and addiction. We may see regulations created in the wellness and spiritual industry to prevent scammers. The film industry may also go through some changes in regulation and cannabis legalization is also likely to gain traction.
Pluto will finally enter Aquarius, even though it will retrograde back and forth between Aquarius and Capricorn until 2024. The so-called dwarf planet is actually considered a heavyweight in astrological terms. It takes nearly twenty years to move through each sign, during which time chaos and destruction lead to rebirth and awakened consciousness. Pluto in Capricorn has seen the collapse of traditional hierarchies starting with the global financial crisis in 2008 opening our eyes to the consequences of progress. Pluto in Aquarius can potentially bring massive changes in the way our data is tracked and used and could be crucial in establishing cryptocurrency as a way to combat corruption.
Lastly, the North Node of destiny, will enter the sign of Aries, urging us all to be more independent and to act upon our self knowledge and inner truth as we ride the waves of life. And this actually answers my earlier question of how we can integrate what we know as we move into the new year. Your inner truth is always the most accurate compass for you.
