By Geri Giannandrea

December 31 - January 7

Wednesday, December 31

The planet Saturn, standing at 22 degrees of Virgo, begins retrograde travel at 1:09 p.m. It adds a serious mood to today’s planetary picture. Take quiet time for yourself. Let go of past failures and traumas. Instead of blaming others, take responsibility for your actions. The Aquarius moon becomes inactive at 1:34 p.m. Planetary influences turn around at 7:27 p.m., when an easy-going Pisces moon takes over. Harmonious lunar alignments to Pluto this evening and Mars in the early morning set the stage for celebrating. Forget your troubles and go for the good times.  

Thursday, January 1

Plan to get important projects off the ground during the first six days of January. That’s because a Mercury retrograde period affects the remainder of the month. Usually ventures begun in this time need to be redone or revised. Signing important documents and making major commitments are not advised. 
Today Mercury moves into the sign Aquarius at 4:52 a.m., and the moon travels in laid-back Pisces. This combination rates high for relaxing and enjoying favorite friends and pastimes. On the other hand, influences are also ideal for new beginnings in your business or personal life.

Friday, January 2

Storm clouds move in this morning. Allow extra time to get where you are going. Resolve to maintain a lighthearted attitude. The Pisces moon conjoins Uranus at 8:41 a.m. and opposes Saturn at 1:23 p.m. After that, the positive side of the Pisces moon takes over, and the green light for new starts goes on. You can make gains developing projects that require imaginative thinking. Follow your intuition.

Saturday, January 3

The Pisces moon is inactive from 3:51 a.m. until 4:50 a.m., when an Aries moon arrives. Gear up for an action-packed day. There are, however, a couple of rough spots. The first occurs at 7:19 a.m., when the Aries moon interacts with Pluto. Sidestep power struggles. Instead, stay busy with jobs that require physical labor and exertion. The planet Venus moves into Pisces at 7:36 a.m., remaining there until Feb. 2. A challenging 90-degree lunar alignment to Mars at 3:18 p.m. warns you to slow down. Drive defensively.

Sunday, January 4

The first-quarter phase of the moon occurs at 6:56 a.m., and the full moon culminates Jan. 10. Current planetary influences rate high across board. If you have work projects to accomplish, or decisions and purchases to make, this is the day to go for it. On the other hand, today’s planetary combination is prime for spending time with loved ones and enjoying life to the fullest. The moon continues active travel in Aries until 9:44 p.m. Venus forms a harmonious contact to Pluto at 2:31 p.m.

Monday, January 5

The moon enters stable Taurus at 10:46 a.m., remaining there today and tomorrow. This is your last chance for launching major ventures, signing contracts and making commitments. Mercury is slowing its rate of motion, preparing for retrograde travel until Feb. 1. The giant planet Jupiter, however, takes center stage today. Jupiter moves into the sign Aquarius at 10:42 a.m., remaining there until Jan. 17, 2010. Jupiter is considered to be a “lucky” planet, bringing opportunities for personal growth. People who are born under the sun sign Aquarius can expect gains, increase and advancement in this period. 

Tuesday, January 6

The Taurus moon forms harmonious contacts to the sun, Uranus and Saturn today. Read yesterday’s advice. Take advantage of above-average influences for productivity and take on a full work agenda. Efficiency and resourcefulness are above their usual level. A harmonious alignment of the moon to Saturn at 11:36 p.m. prompts you to remain focused on work or study projects this evening.

Wednesday, January 7

The Taurus moon becomes inactive at 1:05 a.m., making for a slow start to this day. Handle routine chores and errands. Follow through on projects already begun. A Gemini moon arrives at 1:12 p.m., and interacts with Jupiter at 2 p.m. and Venus at 9:09 p.m. Don’t take on more than you can handle. Keep things light. Enjoy favorite leisure activities and friends.