Horoscope Symbols by Robert Hand is a book I refer to over and again. Marked by dog-ears and nestled pages that have long ago released themselves from the spine because of constant turning, you can tell that this book has received a lot of love and attention. As one of the first books on astrology that I read and one I consult again and again, I have great appreciation of and gratitude for this book.

The sense of value that attracts us to something or someone falls under the domain of the planet Venus, who happens to be conjunct the Sun today. In his chapter on Venus, Hand notes that this planet “always expresses a beauty that is not only aesthetic but also functional” which can include “making people more aware of themselves or more in tune with their world.” Hand also talks about how Venus signifies beauty, capturing this essence by quoting the line in Keat’s Ode to a Grecian Urn: “Beauty is truth, truth beauty.” The relationship I have with Horoscope Symbols feels very Venusian.

Reflecting upon what you find to be beautiful—what inspires the unveiling of truth in your life—is a wonderful exercise for this day, as the Sun illuminates Venus, the planet of beauty.

January 12

Setting out on a mission today? If so, keep your eyes peeled for unexpected twists and turns that you may meet along your way. Be open to what may come while feeling a sense of steady footing underneath. The more you feel secure in knowing that you have the inner resources to deal with whatever may come, the more out-of-the-blue insights and experiences can productively guide you towards your life goals.

January 13

Feeling like you’re stuck? Does it seem as if you’re wading in a pool of molasses, not able to push ahead? If so, you’re not alone. Not only is Saturn going retrograde today, but both the Sun and Moon are in the sign of slow-and-steady-wins-the-race Capricorn, inching up to tomorrow’s New Moon Solar Eclipse. Instead of considering the day’s proclivity for inactivity a negative, use this time to just consolidate and concentrate on your energy, considering new areas of your life that you want to manifest. Planting the seeds for these new goals on the New Moon Eclipse may sow you a field full of fulfilling rewards in the near future.

January 14

As we approach this evening’s New Moon, and are in the last moments of the lunar waning cycle, things seem to be coming to a close. This doesn’t mean that things aren’t brewing. After all, this New Moon is also a Solar Eclipse, a celestial event that inspires us to close one chapter of our lives so that we can open and concentrate upon another that may be in closer alignment to our deeper needs. For more on the Solar Eclipse, see this post.

January 15

Not only are we still in the glow of the New Moon, but today Mercury goes direct (at 8:52 am PST), leaving the retrograde cycle it has been in since December 26. When a planet changes directions it’s called a “station” as it seems as if the celestial body—and the energies that it represents—stand still. So don’t be surprised if communications seem sticky or the devices you rely upon to gather and transmit information (phone, computer, television, et al.) seem to be a little finicky. Things should start to relieve a bit in the coming days although we are still in this cycle’s “shadow period”—which lasts until February 4—where the energy of the retrograde still exists, although in a much more diluted and subtle fashion. The next Mercury retrograde period is from April 17 through May 11.

January 16

Today’s a day to revel in Aquarius. The Moon’s in this push-the-envelope and envision-a-better-future sign plus it’s the last full day of Jupiter being in Aquarius, where it resided for the last year (it enters Pisces tomorrow). Reflecting upon our connection to the qualities reflected by the sign of the Water Bearer—who gathers information and inspiration in service for mankind—can be a productive exercise for the day. Some questions to reflect upon include:

• In what aspects of my life do I take an alternative against-the-grain approach and does this serve me well?
• Do I consider myself a rebel, and if so, in what areas of my life? Does my rebellious nature enhance my life? If not–and I would consider myself a rebel without a cause–how may I go about better channeling my energies and find means that would be more prosperous?
• How does technology benefit my life and where may it cause barriers that are restrictive?
• Am I good at seeing patterns? If so, how does my ability to coalesce pieces to see a bigger picture benefit me? If I am not good at seeing patterns, is it because I am too close to situations and don’t take the time to step back and detach when it may be of benefit?

January 17

It’s a Fishy day. The Moon is conjunct Neptune, the ruler of Pisces. Jupiter enters the sign of the Fish today for the good part of the next year. And the Moon moves into Pisces this evening. Dive into your feelings and swim with the waves of artistry, compassion, and inspiration. For more on Jupiter in Pisces, see this post.