Believe It or Not, We’re Halfway Through Winter—Here’s Why That’s a Big Deal Astrologically

The midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, known as Imbolc, happens this week. Yay! Are we still shivering out here in these streets? Most definitely. But spring energy is starting to bloom—and heads up, it may feel explosive, says astrologer Jennifer Racioppi. 

Monday, January 28

The week begins with the moon waning in Scorpio, a fixed water sign closely related to secrets, sexuality, and a desire for intimacy. Simultaneously, Venus, who rules love, makes a positive angle known as a trine to Eris, the dwarf planet of feminine discord and strife. This cosmic combination amplifies your ability to own and integrate your shadow. Leverage the sexy-noir overtones of the day.

This week has some explosive tendencies and simultaneously some remarkably harmonious aspects too.

Yes, it's Monday. But! If you can find your turn-on, and become the seductress of your self-care, do it. This week has some explosive tendencies and simultaneously some remarkably harmonious aspects too. Staying in your power, feeling nourished and alive, supports you immensely. Tap into your desires, and make peace with your dark side.

Tuesday, January 29

The planet of communication, Mercury, conjoins the sun in Aquarius today, amplifying the capacity to think both creatively and intuitively. With the sun and Mercury at 9 degrees of Aquarius (the sign of the water bearer), big-picture thinking and expansive visioning go a long way. Beyond just thinking about what you want to create, consider your why. How will getting what you want help you feel more aligned with your values? What impact will it have on others? How can you work toward the greater good of the planet? Consider the contribution to the evolution of the planet that you specifically want to make.

Wednesday, January 30

The waning moon travels in expansive Sagittarius for the day, meaning you might want to sweat your prayers and rock out a great workout today. If so, awesome. With the first month of the new year quickly wrapping up, give yourself the gift of a heart-pumping, deeply detoxifying workout (bonus points for great music while moving your body, too).

The combination of the sun in Aquarius and the moon in Sagittarius emphasizes the desire for freedom.

Deep breathing, cardiovascular activity, and alignment-based strength training help you to own your power and release that which no longer serves you. The combination of the sun in Aquarius and the moon in Sagittarius emphasizes the desire for freedom. Movement helps you to tap into feelings of expansiveness. Even more so with a great playlist! Have fun and be free.

Thursday, January 31

The planet of discipline, Saturn, makes a sweet sextile (a positive angle) to Neptune early today, emphasizing healing. Saturn travels in earth sign Capricorn, and Neptune in water sign Pisces. Throughout 2019 they’ll make this aspect three times, working together in a productive way for the year. Thankfully, earth and water together can feel soothing. And, like fertile soil and a little bit of rain, the terroir becomes ripe with the capacity to plant seeds. So, consider how you want to bring more spirituality into your life, especially in a way that highlights your life purpose.

Friday, February 1

Happy Imbolc! Today is officially the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, which means that despite temperatures still feeling frigid and cold, spring energy becomes closer and closer every day. From an astrological perspective, though, today lacks feel-good vibes, and may feel a bit more explosive than soothing.

Happy Imbolc! From an astrological perspective, though, today may feel a bit more explosive than soothing.

Mars, the planet of action, makes a harsh and hard square to Pluto, the planet of power. Be careful not to push too hard. Honor your boundaries and boundaries of others today. If someone has an irrational reaction today, rather than fight back, step away. Witness the crazy without becoming crazy.

Saturday, February 2

Venus in Sagittarius makes a perfect and positive trine to Uranus in Aries today, helping you to innovate and problem-solve with fresh eyes. A fire trine helps to build courage and seize moments of creativity. If you have a project you are working on that’s near and dear to your heart, today might help you have a conceptual breakthrough around how you wish to move forward. Give yourself the space you need to dive deep today or go with the flow.

Sunday, February 3

This astrologically action-packed Sunday brings with it incredible intensity. For starters, Mars the planet of action, conjoins Eris, the dwarf planet of discord. Mars and Eris combined means tempers may flare today and if they do, don’t let them get the best of you. Instead take a step back and take a deep breath. If you feel angry, give yourself permission to feel it and process it healthily. Take time to work out, or bust out your journal and dump everything that is on your heart and mind. Venus leaves Sagittarius today, entering Capricorn, and before it does, it too makes a hard angle to Chiron, the wounded healer.

This astrologically action-packed Sunday brings with it incredible intensity.

So, if you are feeling the feels, trust that you are processing deeply what needs to be released. The moon in its dark phase prepares to conjoin the sun tomorrow for the lunar new year. Give yourself time and space to process your feelings today. Doing so will help you feel ready for the new moon tomorrow. Don't underestimate the power of a nap or a really good night of sleep!

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—to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success. 

Want to catch up on Racioppi's advice? Here are her insights from last week.