The Shape of 2020
There are big-deal planetary movements in 2020 that will likely rock all of our lives, if not already. The start of a new decade signals a turning point, a beginning of an end. Astrological cycles wax and culminate. We are standing at the crossroads of our history! Truly, what a time to be alive.
Read below for important dates of major planetary ingresses and stations. Your January 2020 Horoscopes for your Rising Sign will also help personalize some of the upcoming events. Keep reading to learn more!
Jupiter in Capricorn
Jupiter entered Capricorn on Dec. 2nd, 2019 which initiated the pulse of what 2020 has to offer. Here, Jupiter plays by Saturn's rules. 2020 is the time we put our visions into action. We have to learn to do more with less. Gone is the limitless and too-optimistic year of the past Jupiter in Sagittarius. Jupiter will be in Capricorn until Dec. 19th, 2020.
Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn
The Saturn & Pluto conjunction at 22° Capricorn finally takes place on Jan. 12th, 2020 occurring just days after a Lunar Eclipse (read more about this in your January Horoscopes below). Since Dec. 2017, it has been a dance towards this moment. Saturn, the planet of structure and boundaries meets up with Pluto, the planet of power. This signals an intensification of needing to build — or collapse — structures. Walls and boundaries can both restrict and protect. This can be applied to any and all situations - identity, money, family, health, job, career, or relationships. This conjunction will be felt most notably for people with cardinal sign placements (planets or angles in Aries, Cancer, Libra & Capricorn) around 22°. There is a wave of big cyclical change up ahead.
On a global scale, this can manifest as the rise and fall of superpowers. Historically, whenever Saturn & Pluto meet up it manifests a collapse of one nation and rise to power of another. Throughout the world, we bear witness to the riots and protests of the collective who can no longer stay quiet against the toxicity and abuses of people in positions of power. We also witness this in the palpable and present ecological and climate crisis. We are faced with the question: is the way we as humans consume and extract from the planet sustainable in the long term? There is much to do and it feels urgent.
A New Eclipse Story
We have 6 eclipses happening in 2020. We had 5 in 2019. While it is a very common occurrence, 2020 signals the start of a new set of eclipses. Eclipses trigger significant beginnings and endings. Often, the changes feel fated. They activate opposing houses in our charts and occur in pairs. This cycle also repeats at roughly every 9 years, so it is usually helpful to think back to 9 years ago with regards to potential themes that may come up now.
Since the summer of 2018, there have been eclipses in the Cancer & Capricorn axis of our charts. These most likely manifested as wild card changes in our pursuit of stability & security. 2020-2022 eclipses will be more about how we apply what we learn to expand our horizons. These will be occurring in the Gemini & Sagittarius axis of our charts. There is much wisdom inherent to the narrative of the eclipses upcoming. We have to be willing to learn new paradigms and let go of outdated knowledge systems to give way to a new world.
Personal Planets Retrogradin'
Venus will be retrograde in Gemini from May 12th to June 24th, 2020 which is all about reviewing and reflecting on our relationships. Mars will be retrograde in Aries from Sept 8th to Nov 13th, 2020 which is all about how we break free from other people’s moulds and expectations. It is important to note that Venus moves through a sign in about a month. However, due to its retrograde phase, Venus will be in Gemini from Apr. 3rd to Aug. 7th, 2020. Similarly, Mars will be in Aries from Jun. 29th, 2020 to Jan. 6th, 2021. Mars usually moves through one sign for about 8 weeks, but because of its retrograde period as well, Mars will end up staying in a particular sign for almost 7 months.
Mercury is retrograde 3x as per usual (meh) but with Venus and Mars also retrograde in 2020, I really think the celestial sky is asking all of us to be more introspective and reflective. The pace is slowed down tremendously. There is a spirit of needing to integrate all that is ending and changing so we can move forward from a place of presence.
Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius
Saturn dips into Aquarius for a little bit from March 22nd to July 1st, 2020, which gives us a glimpse into what the future will be like with an elemental shift from earth to air. Saturn will be in Aquarius for good by Dec. 17th, 2020 for 2.5yrs, joined by Jupiter on Dec. 19th for a year, which marks a new 200-year cycle of an Air Elemental Era and finishing off the last 200 years of the Earth Elemental Era. The last 2 centuries, or Earth Era, have seen the rise of industrialization of all kinds of industries. The Air Era is perhaps about moving towards more intellectual and technological breakthroughs. At the same time, we will be confronting the role of robotics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and cyber privacy wars in our human lives.
If you have to take away one thing, know that 2020 is a transitional & liminal year.
What now?
On a personal level, my advice would be to plan ahead by going back to the basics. If you don’t know who you are profoundly, or if you’ve been living mostly for other people, 2020 will be a rude awakening. It will challenge creaky foundations that are not built to last. In a way, it would be helpful if we all could learn to be more adaptable to change. Often, transition periods are full of uncertainties; it may prove fruitful to learn how to thrive being in-between. Practices that foster mindfulness and presence would give you a lot of skills to weather destabilizing chaos. It’s also the year to invest and nurture relationships that you wish to grow over the long term. Read more about January 2020 below together with your Horoscopes. I wish you all love and lightness for the coming year.
January 2020
January 2020 in many ways tastes like a weird sandwich combo from whatever you end up putting together from your 2019 leftovers. You're overdue to grocery shop, but you're hungry and there's nothing else, so you eat it anyway. 🥴
There is anxious anticipation in the air and perhaps some disorienting landscapes to travel through, but move forward you must. If you recall from your December 2019 Horoscopes, there was a Solar Eclipse - aka a potent New Moon - on Christmas Day. As the month flows, we propel towards another eclipse. Keep reading for more details on the power-packed astrology of January 2020.
To start us off, on January 3rd, Mars enters optimistic and future-oriented Sagittarius. This adds more buoyant and enthusiastic energy to an otherwise serious month.
On January 10th the sky is in a flurry of notable transits. Mercury finds itself in the heart of the Sun - technically known as cazimi - at 19˚ Capricorn. This phenomenon confers mental clarity. For all of us, the Capricorn area of our charts has been living out an intensive renovation of sorts. The Mercury cazimi will make previously incomprehensible matters more clear-cut and explicit. At 11:21 am PST/ 2:21 pm EST, a Lunar Eclipse - aka a potent Full Moon - perfects at 20˚ Cancer. Think back to the last Solar Eclipse in Cancer on July 2, 2019. Whatever began back then is culminating now. Smeagol of The Lord of the Rings recites a poem: “They do not see what lies ahead when sun has failed and moon is dead.” Eclipses, literally casting a veil on the two luminaries, are ominous and prophetic for bringing about important — and unexpected — circumstances.
On January 12th, a much anticipated and awaited event takes place as noted in the 2020 review. Saturn conjoins Pluto at 22˚ Capricorn, a coming together that indicates a new historic beginning. With Saturn signalling structures and Pluto signifying fears, their conjunction points have coincided with the rise and fall of nations and economic superpowers throughout human history. In our individual lives, this conjunction points towards profound and harrowing change. It's a disservice to dismiss the reality that this conjunction feels bleak and austere... especially for folks with cardinal sign - Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn - placements. You are likely already feeling and experiencing the immense structural shift in your lives. My sincere advice is to not lose hope but to also honor the grief.
January 13th finds Venus in its sign of exaltation, Pisces. Here the planet of making beauty and connections spreads boundless and devotional love. On January 16th, Mercury enters Aquarius, and on January 20th, the Sun shortly follows. In Aquarius, Mercury pushes an intellectual and equality-driven mindset, and the Sun turns its gaze towards the collective.
To end the month, we find a non-eclipsed lunation (finally), a regular New Moon at 4˚ Aquarius at 1:41 pm PST / 4:41 pm EST. This lunation squares Uranus, likely proposing more shocking and unexpected insights and discoveries. Read your horoscopes to learn the synthesis of this month's celestial activities and how they affect you personally.
It's highly recommended that you primarily read the horoscopes for your Rising sign. If you don't know your Rising Sign, then you can read for your Sun sign. To figure out these placements, enter your birth date, location and precise birth time into an astrology app like Time Nomad or online at astro.com. For more information on how all of these play together, visit charmastrology.com.
ARIES
January 2020 will be like a reckoning of all the goals you've been plotting. A long-distance trip ✈️ will prove to be a challenge or a much-needed escape. I'm hoping it's the latter. The Lunar Eclipse on the 10th will ground you to commit to letting go of the past that keeps you stuck. You are at the point of no return with your career goals, and the sustainability of your overall life direction is at the heart of the matter. Mid-month finds you collaborating with people who support you and there's also a general peace you feel deep within yourself. The New Moon on the 24th asks that you stay open to new friendships and alliances. You never know who you might meet who can positively change the course of your direction. Be on the look-out for like-minded people. Get inspired by unique and radical dreams, dear Aries.
TAURUS
The start of a new decade marks a firm commitment to your path, dear Taurus. Perhaps you're finally getting a loan to fund your education. Or you're saying to hell with it, let’s just move to a beach-town or an off-grid farm. Or maybe just travel for a bit to figure things out? Either way, you're facing up with the truth of your current worldview and a big-picture perspective is definitely helpful. The Lunar Eclipse on the 10th may bring up hidden matters about your immediate surroundings - including your siblings and neighbours 🧐. Mid-month will be all about your career and ideas about your long-term goals. You get to revel in the sweetness of your friendships and their support assists you in going after your dreams. The New Moon on the 24th will have you starting a new career venture that'll hopefully be the beginning of a long journey.
GEMINI
January 2020 will be a testament to your resilient spirit and tenacious courage to face the hard stuff of life ❤️. There have likely been profound losses that have brought up layers of grief. For some, this seems obvious but for others, it may feel quite elusive. Everyone deals with loss in their own way. And some years you may be more equipped to deal than others. For you dear Gemini, it's likely been tougher than usual. The Lunar Eclipse on the 10th will illuminate the ways you need to support yourself. Or perhaps confront the way you haven't been. Either way, you'll figure out the hows and the whys of better self-care. Mid-month and the New Moon on the 24th may bring you fresh adventures. An excursion might do your spirit some good. As for your career, there will likely be sweet and generous offers on the table this month. It might just be the break you've been yearning for.
CANCER
The first month of 2020 will simulate a transition period of an off-road triathlon that is your life 💪(read: it’s been tough). January will definitely shift the foundations of your committed partnerships. Structurally sound relationships will weather this storm, while others will crack under pressure. It's time to consolidate what is working and to purge what is not. Your body will also tell you how you need to heal, make sure you are tuning in. The Lunar Eclipse on the 10th is a culmination of the self-work you've been investing in. Often, changing who we are creates a change in our relationship dynamics. Mid-month will bring up some of the psychologically hard material of the losses you have endured. The New Moon on the 24th will hopefully clarify how you need to move forward. Take a much-needed retreat or reconnect with a forgotten spiritual practice. You've been through a lot, dear Cancer. Take care of your tender heart.
LEO
January 2020 starts off with a bang! And by that I mean, a serious confrontation of your body's limits and a rude awakening that life is short. You're either dealing with a long-standing health issue or thoughtfully crafting new daily regimens. It's a great month to curb a habit that's for sure. You have a lot you want to accomplish and you want to live longer 💯! You will be dealing with an unusually full plate of work responsibilities. So make sure you're balancing your life's demands with basic self-care. The Lunar Eclipse on the 10th will have you questioning some of your self-sabotaging ways. What is the point of all your striving? The influences mid-month inspire a bit more compassion and I hope you give yourself a break. You are trying your very best, dear Leo. The New Moon on the 24th will renew some of your contracts and relationships. Show up only when you mean it and leave the rest.
VIRGO
The first month of 2020 will bring up some domestic and family issues that need assertive action on your part. Perhaps a move is on the horizon or a change in your home environment is in order. More importantly, however, there's a peaking of sorts on the creativity department. You are likely feeling the pressure to take braver risks. To choose what feeds your spirit versus the usual logical route you tend to prefer. Find the overlap between the practical and the magical 🔮 dear Virgo. You will thank yourself for choosing your happiness above all. The Lunar Eclipse on the 10th will slowly reveal the kinds of people you want to align yourself with. And mid-month will bring some sweet and rose-coloured type of exchanges your way. The New Moon on the 24th will present new work opportunities and projects. It'll keep you busy as per usual. So make sure you deal with your health needs to sustain all the work calls.
LIBRA
January 2020 feels a lot like December 2019 tbh 😅. Your domestic and family life hog the spotlight again. What's different this time is that you become more explicit at naming the unfair standards and rules you're subject to. The power dynamics in your family relationships are being revealed and it's up to you to take a firm stance. Are you really setting necessary boundaries or are you avoiding the hard work required for meaningful intergenerational healing? Sometimes it's truly difficult to discern. The Lunar Eclipse on the 10th will hopefully aid you to define where you see your life is going. Mid-month bears some positive news. There will be decadent and opulent work opportunities. You will be in your creative flow and the New Moon on the 24th will grant you innovative and unique ideas for artistic inspiration. Ride this productive wave, dear Libra, while you also do the behind-the-scenes work on your internal world.
SCORPIO
January 2020 will break you away from your routine. As a result, you're likely to change your financial strategies and take more decisive action with your money. There is heightened pressure to shift the ways you live from day to day. Your immediate surroundings are already experiencing immense change. You see it in your neighbourhood and the lives of the people you're in contact with every day. Perhaps you're learning a new language and you're figuring out how to express yourself anew. Like the learning-not-to-project-your-internalized-fears-and-being-transparent-with-how-vulnerable-you-feel kind of new language. The Lunar Eclipse on the 10th will wrap up some of your higher-learning journeys. Mid-month you find yourself needing more time at home. While a sweet and creative spark also blesses you, the New Moon on the 24th will help you create time and space for nesting. Get grounded and lay down your anchor, dear Scorpio 😌.
SAGITTARIUS
The start of a new decade will surely energize you, dear Sagittarius! Move your body, dance to the rhythm 💃, take up a new sport. Anything to get the life force within you flowing. January 2020 will be about taking yourself seriously and demanding a metaphorical and literal raise. Figure out the math for your long-term financial sustainability. Then go out and make it rain! The Lunar Eclipse on the 10th will bring to a conclusion certain collaborations. You'll have a better sense of integrating the losses you've suffered. Mid-month you'll be singing a different tune with a renewed sense of wonder. Your home life will feel abundant. And if you're searching for a place to land, this month might just give you what you're looking for. The New Moon on the 24th will inspire you to consider another town altogether. Home is where the heart is and your heart needs a place to rest. I hope you get some.
CAPRICORN
Happy Birthday January Capricorns 🎂!
The next chapter of your reckoning awaits you. In a way, this month feels like an intense rebirth. You're changing and the world sees it. There will be fire under your feet and you are determined to become who you've envisioned yourself to be. The Lunar Eclipse on the 10th will bear witness and reveal how your relationships are adjusting to the new you. The terrain may look unfamiliar but know that you are not lost. Mid-month you'll figure out ways to support yourself better. Sweet messages are waiting for you around the corner. Keep your senses sharp peeled to receive them. The New Moon on the 24th will prompt radical and shocking ideas for financial growth. All in all, you are on your way. Just keep pushing through.
AQUARIUS
Happy Birthday, January Aquarius 🎉!
The first month of a new decade continues to be about visiting the past, observing your self-undoing ways, and forgiving yourself because you are trying your very best. The Lunar Eclipse on the 10th will highlight the balance between your outer and inner worlds. Embodied healing is the key, and perhaps the hardest to undertake. Thankfully, you will experience a renewal mid-month. The New Moon on the 24th will also assist you in seeing yourself through a brand-new lens. Embrace the awkwardness of deep healing dear Aquarius. Review the alliances and community spaces you are part of. Perhaps it's time you disconnect from some that you've outgrown.
PISCES
January 2020 sings to the tune 🎤 of Aretha Franklin's R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Check off some of your career to-do lists while also doing a deep cleaning of your collaborations, friendships and group memberships. You will feel immense pressure to organize and form deep-rooted alliances. And if the ones you're part of miss the mark, perhaps it's time you put some together, dear Pisces. The Lunar Eclipse on the 10th is all about harnessing your creative talents and skills. Put your art and poetry to use. Bring your creations out in the world! Mid-month will have you feeling nostalgic and romantic. You'll definitely appear more sparkly to others. It'll perhaps land you auspicious favours and gifts. The New Moon on the 24th will inspire you to explore new spiritual and divination practices, helping you connect to the elusive parts of your inner world.
Charm Torres is a Dewdrop’s resident astrologer and has been a professional astrologer and tarot reader since 2017. She mixes modern psychological principles and ancient Hellenistic traditions in her astrology practice and is a board member of Astrology Toronto. Charm has been featured in Global News Online, NFLUX Magazine and Beside Online Magazine. Charm produces daily content on her social media channels aiming to make astrology accessible for all. You can find out more about her at www.charmastrology.com.