The Astrology of January 2025:
From Conflict to Compassion

by Juliana McCarthy

Harald Sohlberg

January 1, 2025 — We've officially begun 2025—a year of extraordinary transformation. Major astrological transits are set to unfold one after another, each one building on the next to foster lasting and significant change. The planets are providing fertile ground for us to liberate ourselves and begin entirely new life chapters.

January marks the first significant shift—the lunar nodes move from the Aries-Libra axis to Pisces-Virgo. The lunar nodes represent our collective emphasis, remaining on a particular axis for about eighteen months. While in Aries, the North Node has ramped up conflict and war, forcing long-standing tensions to surface for reckoning. Meanwhile, the South Node in Libra has guided us to sort through toxic relational patterns, releasing dynamics that no longer serve us.

Now, as the North Node enters Pisces, we are moving toward compassion, unity, and healing. At the same time, the South Node in Virgo highlights where we’ve neglected ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally. This new cycle calls on us to practice deep self-care—meditation, eating well, moving our bodies, and relaxation are important now. Fresh challenges will arise, but if we prioritize a genuine spiritual path, we can lead with our hearts, rather than our heads or impulses.

January intensifies as the Aquarius Sun crosses volcanic Pluto, followed by Mercury and the New Moon. Concern for the collective is rising, along with the potential for revolutionary acts. This is not the time for social masks, empty niceties, or top-down power structures that harm many for the benefit of a few. The planets are demanding Truth—with a capital T—urging us to embody our most authentic selves.

How can we offer our gifts for the benefit of all? How can we contribute, in large or small ways, to the co-creation of an enlightened society?

All the while, retrograde season remains throughout the month, with Mars retrograde in effect until February 23, requiring us to slow down, reflect, and determine where to direct our energies in the spring—once he leaves his shadow. After this, the summer will crescendo with a rare alignment of outer planets, demanding epic transformation.

In this first part of the year, we are ready to remove both internal and external obstacles standing in the way of what we truly desire. 2025 promises to be truly life-altering. The journey is just beginning….

January 2025 TRANSITS

VENUS IN PISCES

On January 2, Venus enters Pisces, the sign of her exaltation. This transit evokes beauty, emotional depth, and imagination. Here, Venus offers opportunities for unconditional love, dissolving boundaries, and aligning with something deeper—whether through art, relationships, or spiritual pursuits.

MERCURY IN CAPRICORN

On January 8, Mercury moves into grounded Capricorn, leaving behind the restless energy of Sagittarius. With Saturn’s square behind us, Capricorn’s disciplined focus, supported by harmonious aspects to Uranus and Neptune, brings clarity and forward momentum. After weeks of retrograde and recalibration, our focus sharpens, and mental progress becomes possible. Clear, practical thinking now guides decisions with long-term goals and stability in mind.

THE LUNAR NODES SHIFT TO PISCES-VIRGO

On January 11, the North Node moves into Pisces, and the South Node into Virgo, beginning an eighteen-month cycle of reorientation. Themes of compassion, surrender, and spiritual connection emerge, while the need to release over-analysis and perfectionism becomes evident. This axis invites balance between divine inspiration and grounded effort.

CANCER FULL MOON

A Cancer Full Moon forms on January 13, conjunct Mars retrograde, amplifying triggering and frustration. This lunation reveals truths at the core of our hearts, offering clarity about feelings and priorities. Mars provokes emotional intensity and urgency, so patience and self-awareness are key to avoiding impulsive or reactive choices. This is a moment to reflect and allow emotions to surface without rushing to act.

VENUS CONJUNCT SATURN IN PISCES

Venus aligns with Saturn in Pisces on January 18, clarifying our commitments in love, creativity, and values. This sobering transit fosters realism and accountability, helping to anchor our inspiration into practical frameworks. While it may feel weighted, the potential for meaningful, lasting growth is significant. We’re facing karma around relationships, money, and indulgences as we begin a new cycle. With Venus approaching her retrograde, we are ready to reassess our values and commitments.

SUN IN AQUARIUS

On January 19, the Sun moves into Aquarius, turning our attention to innovation, vision, community, and collective potential. Aquarius season inspires forward-thinking approaches, experimentation, and rebellion, encouraging us to break free from outdated patterns.

SUN CONJUNCT PLUTO

On January 21, the Sun meets Pluto at 1° Aquarius, magnifying themes of transformation and empowerment. This is a moment to uncover truth and confront aspects of our life or identity that we feel are ready for renewal. Authenticity becomes the foundation for profound personal evolution. There's no room for dishonesty now, even with ourselves.

MERCURY IN AQUARIUS CONJUNCT PLUTO

On January 27, Mercury enters intellectual and futuristic Aquarius, which aligns with Pluto the next day. This transit heightens curiosity, communication, and collaboration, providing insights and novel perspectives. Ideas gain traction, particularly in group dynamics and innovative pursuits. As Pluto comes into play, we sharpen our focus and uncover hidden truths. This alignment supports deep introspection and inventiveness, helping us clear outdated mental patterns and open pathways for authentic communication.

AQUARIUS NEW MOON

On January 29, an Aquarius New Moon forms a rare conjunction to Pluto and Mercury, amplifying power, truth, and meaningful conversation. This lunation invites reflection on long-term goals and the deeper purpose behind them. Pluto’s influence enhances transformative potential, particularly in areas of collective progress. If there’s anything to rebel against, internally or externally, now is the time. We are ready to unite with others and step boldly into our authenticity.

URANUS STATIONS DIRECT

On January 30, Uranus stations direct at 23° Taurus, entering the final stretch of its journey through the sign. This transit prompts reflection on the upheavals of the past seven years, particularly in values, finances, and natural resources. The momentum for change gains strength once more. How will Taurean domains like money, real estate, food, and farming evolve further as Uranus moves into Gemini in July?

January 2025 ASPIRATION

In the cold of winter, may we turn inward and notice where we need to heal and release our anger and self-doubt. May we acknowledge that all we witness is us—that the key to love and adapting to the major changes ahead lies in dissolving our resistance, allowing our innate compassion to heal and lead us forward.

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