The year ahead is going to be one to remember - aren't they all these days? - and our Astrologer in residence, Michelle Karen, illustrates here her intricate knowledge of astrology as she presents an overview of 2018, painting a picture of the potentials, as she sees them, ahead of us (as a collective). Enjoy!
NUMEROLOGICALLY
2018 (2+0+1+8) is an 11 year. A year of mastery achieved by overcoming the difficulties and challenges at hand. As shown in the story of Job, there is no merit in feeling content when all goes well in our lives. We reach enlightenment through personal efforts, by doing our homework and facing the darker aspects of our personality. This year provides the challenges enabling us to rise above conflicts, find inner serenity and stand in balance and harmony, grounded in the sense of our own power.
YEAR OF THE EARTH DOG
An eventful year. Empathy and tolerance help avoid conflicts. Security concerns highlight the importance of dialogue and solidarity. Conservative movements are on the rise and new hope is given to masses of people who previously suffered from neglect or indifference.
Selflessness, as well as generosity are rewarded. Money flows to those who act with integrity. A project begun in 2017 meets with success inasmuch as it is fairly shared.
The classics become fashionable again. New authorsemerge whose works awaken consciousness. Ecological projects using solar energy as well as other natural resources come to the forefront.
This is a wonderful year to make lifestyle changes: transmute an old habit that no longer serves us, move, find a different job, and/or if single, develop a new relationship.
JANUARY
7th-28th : Jupiter Sextile Pluto
Powerful forces are acting behind the scenes leading to profound changes in the world. Cooperation and cheerful tolerance support the transformations that need to occur in philosophy, religion, education and politics. Compromise, good will, trust, tolerance and generosity help make a real difference in an otherwise darker and intense climate.
31st: Lunar Eclipse in Leo (11º39’)
The more we listen to our heart and follow our bliss, the more light we share in the world, becoming the change we want to see around us.
FEBRUARY
15th: Solar Eclipse in Aquarius (27º00)
Solidarity with others while keeping or developing the solid sense of our uniqueness, our individuality and our independence, lead to massive changes defying races, cultures, and borders.
MARCH
8th till 7/10: Jupiter Retrograde (23º13- 13º20’ Scorpio)
A time to honour our values, own our integrity, study the metaphysical truths we have always been interested in, dig deeper in an understanding of sexuality, explore life after death and expand our interest in the world and other cultures, be interested in the universal laws of life, revisit ancient philosophies and further our education. Our faith in ourselves, in life, our self-confidence, our trust, our loyalty are all tested at this time.
APRIL
1st- 24th: Jupiter Sextile Pluto
Kindly refer to January.
17th till 9/6: Saturn Retrograde (9º08’ – 2º32’ Capricorn)
We are being asked to find our inner mastery, through discipline, hard work, focus and self-sufficiency. Without following blindly external authority, it is yet important that we honor our duties, obligations and responsibilities.
22nd till 9/30: Pluto Retrograde (21º17’ -18º45’ Capricorn)
A time to go deeply within and remove obstacles to intimacy, clear ancient karma holding us in outmoded patterns of behaviour, be a catalyst of transformation and honor change in our lives particularly as it feels difficult and tears us to our core.
MAY
15th till 7/7: Uranus enters Taurus
Changes in the economic system occur. New currencies emerge. The corruption of major banks or financial investors come to light. Our relationship to money transforms dramatically. Previously rich people could suddenly lose everything, while others rise to wealth with new, original ideas. Unusual talents help attract abundance.
12th till 6/2: Jupiter Trine Neptune
Compassion for others through charitable work is highlighted. Our dreams provide powerful insights into our inner workings. An ideal could come true. A financial adventure is likely to reap positive results. A legal matter bears fruits. Good will and trust are rewarded. Under this transit, we may lack ambitions and feel dreamy and meditative. Our confidence to forge ahead could be low but also prevents us from taking unnecessary risks. We are drawn to music, poetry, beauty and mysticism. Our spiritual growth takes precedence over purely material considerations. Joy and peace become important values. We could feel more confident and relaxed, with a newfound sense of hope and optimism.
JUNE
18th until 11/24: Neptune Retrograde (16º29’-13º41’ Pisces)
A concern over the state of the oceans and the quality of water comes into sharp focus. We could feel more connected to our inner vision. Dreams are likely to become more vivid. We could receive prophetic insights. Meditation is powerful. Psychic abilities awaken, enabling interdimensional journeys.
JULY
12th: Solar Eclipse in Cancer (20º49’)
Family, safety, comfort, home, children and emotional well-being become particularly important. We could be called to move, wish to reinvent our domestic circumstances, establish new roots and connect more deeply with our ancestry and our spiritual lineage. Cherishing those we love, feeling nurtured and taking care of our needs bring us a deeper sense of security.
27th: Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius (4º45’)
Kindly refer to February 15th.
AUGUST
7th till January 6th 2019: Uranus Retrograde (2º33’ Taurus -28º36’ Aries)
A time of rebelliousness against limiting structures. We feel the need to free ourselves from binding situations, heavy relationships, and constraints on all levels in order to assert our individuality and uniqueness. Revolutions are likely to occur on the planet. Sudden overthrowing of governments. Unexpected changes provoked by masses of people rising in protest. Unusual ideas, as well as inventions coming from the future could offer exciting solutions to existing problems. New sources of energy could be discovered. Disruptions lead to awakenings.
11th: Solar Eclipse in Leo (18º34’)
Kindly refer to January 31st.
2nd- 30th: Jupiter Trine Neptune
Kindly refer to May.
SEPTEMBER
1st- 19th: Jupiter Sextile Pluto
Kindly refer to January.
OCTOBER
No major planetary aspect.
NOVEMBER
6th- March 6th 2019: Uranus re-enters Aries
This last period of Uranus in Aries brings rebellion, the need to break outmoded structures and introduce revolutionary new concepts. We are driven by freedom from the known. Limiting, constricted realities become unsustainable. Binding relationships feel unbearable. We may want to explore new concepts, study techniques and philosophies which help us individuate and express our personal truth. The world could be the stage of unexpected, sudden, brutal disruptions that upset the existing order and challenge peace. Revolutions emerge. Strange alliances form between heads of states and countries who never were allies, while unforeseen separations and estrangements occur.
8th- December 2nd 2019: Jupiter enters Sagittarius
A renewal of hope, faith, trust in life and optimism makes us look at the world with more tolerance and benevolence. Travel feels attractive. We become interested in other ways of thinking and living. Education is likely to become reformed. Religions are seen in a new light. Integrity becomes a strong value. An excellent year for exploring another culture, engaging in long distance travels and instead of complaining about what doesn’t work, focusing on the positive in a constructive way.
DECEMBER
No major planetary aspect.
Happy NEW YEAR!
In Loving Light.
Michelle