After an Edgy Start, the First Week of 2021 Is Cosmically Primed for Reinvention

The first week of the new year brings with it much-awaited change. Mars, Mercury, and Venus all shift signs this week, with Mars, the planet of action, leading the way.

First though, on Monday, Mercury in Capricorn conjoins Pluto. This no-nonsense conjunction asks you to cement your goals for the year ahead. With this particular planetary alignment, words have extra weight, so stay mindful, and be kind to others. But warning, people may feel edgy on Monday and particularly sensitive to criticism. Be kind and patient. Still, though, it’s a powerful moment to assert your desires and get the year started on the right foot—especially with Mars soon to leave Aries.

Mars’s move from Aries to Taurus is undoubtedly newsworthy. He entered Aries on June 27, 2020; and now he bids his home sign of Aries goodbye and will travel in Taurus until March 3, 2021. On the same day Mars leaves Aries for Taurus (Wednesday, January 6, 2021), we have the waning quarter moon in Libra.

With our feet planted in the new year and our eyes on future goals, it’s also a time to look back and discern who you became in 2020 and what you now need to leave behind.

With our feet planted in the new year and our eyes on future goals, it’s also a time to look back and discern who you became in 2020 and what you now need to leave behind. Considering this waning quarter moon happens at 16 degrees of Libra, a cardinal air sign that correlates with balance, justice, and relationships, it asks you to recalibrate yourself on behalf of all that you are claiming for this new year!

Honor the moon’s waning quarter square to the sun in Capricorn by fully understanding what you need to shed and release to prepare for the year ahead. What habits do you need to let go of in order to make space for who you wish to become? Is there clutter in your home that you need to clear or difficult conversations you need to have with others? If so, now’s the time to do it. Between now and the new moon in Capricorn on the 13th, we are resetting ourselves. Take advantage of this window.

Come Friday, Mercury and Venus change signs, too. Mercury leaves Capricorn for Aquarius, a sign where he does exceptionally well, to join Jupiter and Saturn. Mercury goes retrograde at the end of this month in the water bearer, and conjoins Saturn on Saturday—amplifying Monday’s serious tone even more.

Venus leaves Sagittarius for Capricorn on Friday, too, where she’ll stay until the month’s end. As she does, she trines Mars. This romantic aspect perfects on Saturday. Lean in. Reacquaint yourself with your values. And allow Venus’s trine to Mars to motivate yourself. Then lean into Saturn. With Mercury conjoining Saturn on Saturday, you want to open up your mind and consider the big picture. Who do you wish to become this year? How can you take responsibility for that vision now?

The year ahead is very different from the year we are leaving behind. No less, it requires you to take action on behalf of your goals and vision and our collective well-being. Stay astute and you will go far.

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women’s health—which she uses to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success. Pre-order her book, Cosmic Health (January 2021), here.