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January/February 2012 Astrology Forecast
Starscope: Slow Start to the New Year

by Emily Trinkaus

Rapid, potentially chaotic change is the forecast for 2012, as revolutionary Uranus and transformational Pluto approach their first of seven exact squares. But the New Year is off to a slow start, thanks to Mars — planet of action and passion — traveling retrograde from Jan. 23 to April 13. Mars retro wants you to reconsider your desires, take care of unfinished business and slow down to regenerate your vitality.

Throughout January and February, practical Saturn and imaginative Neptune form a harmonious trine, inviting you to clarify and strengthen your vision for the future. While unsustainable systems and structures continue to crumble, make an investment in dreaming up a new version of reality. On Feb. 3, Neptune enters Pisces for the next 14 years, opening paths to higher consciousness and dissolving the illusion of the separate self.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

While Uranus in your own sign is lighting a fire of inspiration and calling for radical change, Mars retro says: Not so fast. Do you have the habits and routines in place to support you? Have you streamlined, simplified and organized? Are you as healthy and strong as you want or need to be? Consider that you're increasing your capacity to be of service, even though it might feel like you're going backward.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Now that expansive Jupiter is moving forward again in your own sign (as of Dec. 25), you've got cosmic support for taking a leap of faith in the direction of your dreams. The more grounded you are in your values, the more confident you'll feel. Mars retro advises you to get very specific about what makes you happy and inspires your creativity. Realign with your heart's desires and take one small step at a time.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21)

Your Mars retro assignment is to clean, organize and simplify your home. Clearing out clutter and creating a more orderly environment recharges your vitality, increases your efficiency and strengthens your foundation of support. Start small — one closet, cabinet or drawer at a time. Neptune shifts into your career sector, inspiring a professional direction that's aligned with your spiritual ideals.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)

An adjustment in your home or family may be necessary to support you in keeping up with the new beginnings and speedy changes in your work life. Is there a boundary you need to set with a family member, a step you can take to better nurture yourself or a way to restructure your schedule? The Cancer full moon on Jan. 8 puts you in the spotlight and may signal the culmination of an important personal project.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Mars retro in your resource sector presents a powerful opportunity to clean up, and ultimately strengthen, your financial foundation. This could include reworking your budget, refinancing debt or resolving a past financial issue. Reconsider how you can best market your talents in order to increase your income. Releasing possessions that are no longer useful helps clear space for attracting greater abundance.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Mars retro in your own sign signals that it's time to slow down the outward action and reconnect with your desires and passions. What do you really want, how do you go after what you want and is that working? How can you utilize your skills and talents to be of greatest service, while strengthening your self-care regimens? Identify the pursuits that truly feed your vitality and release those that drain you.

Libra (September 23 - October 23)

Saturn in your own sign turns retrograde on Feb. 7, inviting you to reconsider your priorities, commitments and goals. Take practical steps to restore harmony and balance, and strengthen support for more successfully going after what you want. Meanwhile, Mars retro alerts you to subconscious, self-sabotaging patterns, calling for purification of your inner world.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)

Slow down your social life and reevaluate your friendships and group activities. Which connections energize you, and which drain your life force? Draw up a detailed vision of your ideal future, and identify the allies who can help you realize your dreams. Lucky Jupiter in your relationship sector opens opportunities for attracting practical support, if you're clear about your values and priorities.

Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)

Mars reverses through your career sector, calling you to clarify your professional goals. What exactly does success look like to you? Are you applying your skills and talents in the most useful and powerful way? What's your long-term strategy for achieving your aims? You may need to complete or redo a work project from the past before moving forward.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20)

Your ruling planet Saturn turns retrograde on Feb. 7, and you may need to reconsider professional priorities and restructure your work life. What steps can you take to increase your sense of balance and harmony while pursuing your long-term goals? A business partnership may be up for renegotiation, challenging you to create mutual success.

Aquarius (January 21 - February 19)

After 13 years, Neptune finally leaves your sign on Feb. 3, not to return again during your lifetime. Review your spiritual growth over the past several years, and notice what aspects of identity have dissolved to allow more of your true self to shine through. Neptune will shift into your money sector, and you could boost your income through spiritual, healing or service-oriented pursuits.

Pisces (February 20 - March 20)

Mars retro urges you to take practical, focused steps to improve your significant relationships. Revisiting and resolving past issues may be part of this process. Clarify what you intend to create with others and be specific about your desires. An old friend or former partner could resurface, alerting you to what needs to be completed before moving forward.

Emily Trinkaus is a lifelong student of astrology and has practiced professionally since 1999. She is also a certified BodyTalk practitioner. Read her weekly astrology blog at www.virgomagic.com, and visit www.revivingvenus.com for insights into Venus and the sacred feminine.