Astrology:OUTLOOK FOR JANUARY 2016:

Mercury turning retrograde:

The year begins with Mercury turning retrograde in Capricorn (in Uttara Ashadha) on January 5th.
Mercury will turn direct on 1/25 in the sign of Sagittarius (in Purva Ashadha). While in Capricorn (until
1/14), Mercury will also receive the malefic aspects of Saturn, Mars and Rahu. This puts Mercury in a
highly frustrated and weakened state for the first 2 weeks of the month. Uttara Ashadha nakshatra has to
do with being able to attain a later victory, or to achieve ones goals after effort applied. In its stronger
state, Mercury in this nakshatra would be excellent for writing, communications, commerce, and
achieving goals in general. It gives victory. However, when Mercury is afflicted in this position and
intensified via its retrograde status, gains are not pronounced in these areas.
Therefore, the first two weeks of January will be difficult for initiating plans that involve
communications, writing, planning and achieving some sense of victory. It may be better to use the period
for evaluating your plans and projects, cleaning out your old files and put your ideas together, rather than
rush out and try to initiate new directions with your life.
This is also a period for frustration & confusion to arise in communications, delays in travel, and
breakdowns with computers, phones and the Internet. Expect some major hacking or complete shut down
of certain databases or websites, more than normal. Back up your own data as well for safekeeping. It is
not a favorable time for making major purchases or signing contracts. Patience and perspective always
help under such transits.
However, after 1/14, Mercury will retrograde back to Sagittarius and on 1/16 enter Purva Ashadha
nakshatra. Now, Mercury will receive the beneficial aspect of Jupiter and lose the malefic planetary
influences. So, the second half of January bodes well for improvements with educational endeavors,
achieving goals and getting plans started. There may be a slow start to the month, but then it improves.
Mercurys stronger transit in Purva Ashadha improves the ability to make decisions, and gives the power
of discrimination and judgment. It also conveys an early victory through efforts when a planet in this
nakshatra is unafflicted.
Venus struggles and then gains some strength:
On 1/8, Venus conjuncts Saturn at 17:55 degrees Scorpio (in Jyeshtha). Venus is also surrounded by
Sun and Mars in the constellations surrounding transiting Venus, forming a problematic Papa kartari
yoga. In this condition, relationships are problematic and the sweetness of life may feel curtailed for a
brief period. This, combined with Mercurys weakness, reflects a frustrating, difficult period for gaining
authority, seniority, recognition and taking control of life circumstances.
Later, on 1/18, Venus moves into Sagittarius and will transit there until 2/12. This is a relatively stronger
position, since Venus receives the benefic aspect of Jupiter. It is an improved time frame for healing
actions, medical treatments and for achieving goals in general. Optimism and pleasure return in the
atmosphere and this helps to advance plans. This is an improved period for making larger purchases (after
Mercury turns direct on 1/25), advancing education/knowledge and for travel.
The Suns movement during January:

During the first two weeks of the month, the Sun transits through Sagittarius, where it receives the
beneficial aspect of Jupiter. Leaders and politicians may speak their mind boldly and demonstrate some
swagger, optimism and self-confidence. However, on 1/14 the Sun moves into Capricorn where it
receives the rough aspects of Saturn, Mars and Rahu. This continues through the rest of the month into
mid-February. This transit is problematic for those in authority to gain power and demonstrate
confidence. Those in authority or in senior positions, will have difficulty demonstrating strength and
confidence in their actions during this transit. It is a more serious period for working hard, diligently and
being responsible to meet promises and commitments.
Rahu & Ketus 18 month transit shift:
Rahu and Ketu typically spend 18 months in one constellation before transiting into the next sign. The
lunar nodes move in retrograde motion over time. On 1/29, Rahu and Ketu will shift into Leo and
Aquarius, respectively. They will transit there until 8-17-2017 (just over 18.5 months). This is an
important transit influencing the United States in a more powerful way. The U.S. changed into Rahu
mahadasha in late October 2015 and as a country, it will experience this dasha for the next 18 years. So,
the impact of a nodal change is important to examine in this context. The implications for this year 2016
will be detailed in my predictions newsletter, to be published very soon.
Wherever Rahu transits within any given chart (house location), that denotes a domain of life in which
the individual feels obsessed or mesmerized very strongly. Wherever Ketu transits, that represents an area
of life in which the person feels more detached, but also feels a sense of dissatisfaction, idealism or
perfectionism. Whereas Rahu and Ketu are involved in lunar and solar eclipses (the darkening of the
luminariesSun & Moon), they also represent an area of the chart where the individual has a certain
amount of blindness or lacks balanced judgment.
Rahu will conjunct Jupiter when it transits into Leo on 1/29. This combination promotes
unconventionality in its many forms, alternative beliefs/approaches to education, religion and spirituality.
It creates a desire to go more deeply into these areas, but not by following the rules or standards. Rahu
creates controversy and promises some sort of shake-up or outrage.
Rahu/Jupiter in Leo puts a strong focus on acting, drama, the creative arts, theatre, movies and getting
recognized. We may see a greater expansion and novel approaches within the movie industry. Leo is also
a sign that governs politics, leaders and the elite class. With Rahu transiting there with Jupiter, the ability
to gain fame, recognition and praise by going beyond societal boundaries will be greater than ever this
year. Expect even more controversy and a shake-up in politics this year. This position also promotes
marriage, romance and confers a strong drive to be in a relationship (transit through Uttara Phalguni &
Purva Phalguni in particular).
Jupiter/Rahu is also a wealth expansion indicator, which in Leo, is likely to promote real estate prices,
inflation and the desire for luxury, upscale purchases. However, during 2016, Saturn throws an aspect
onto this Jupiter/Rahu combination, which will curtail this behavior to some degree.