Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans
Current and previous weeks astrological overviews
In this Article:
- What does the Aquarius New Moon signify for the next lunar cycle?
- How does Uranus stationing direct influence breakthroughs and change?
- What is the significance of the Mercury-Pluto conjunction in Aquarius?
- Insights into the Chinese Year of the Wood Snake and its transformative energies
- How to navigate heightened planetary energies and align with growth
Astrological Overview:
January 27 to February 2, 2025
Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological overvuew based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 8 hours for Universal Time (UT).
MONDAY: Mercury enters Aquarius
TUESDAY: Mercury conjunct Pluto
WEDNESDAY: Mercury semisquare Saturn, New Moon 4:35 a.m. PST (09°51' Aquarius)
THURSDAY: Uranus stations direct (23°15' Taurus)
FRIDAY: Sun semisquare Venus
SATURDAY: Sun semisquare Neptune, Venus conjunct Neptune, Venus conjunct North Node
SUNDAY: No major aspects are exact today
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AQUARIUS NEW MOON: We begin a new lunar cycle on Wednesday this week. The Sun and Moon will align at 4:36 a.m. PST on January 29, when both luminaries are at 09°51' Aquarius.
This is a progressive, inventive, and highly intuitive New Moon, qualities that are magnified by its close trine to Jupiter in openminded, curious Gemini. Aquarian themes such as humanitarianism, social networks, group activities, equal rights, and social activism will likely play a significant role in our collective experience over the next four weeks. The Jupiter trine also provides a certain buoyancy, an optimism that we can tap into during this time.
CHINESE NEW YEAR: This week's New Moon also marks the Chinese New Year, which occurs on the second New Moon after the December Solstice. We are entering the Year of the Wood Snake in Chinese astrology. According to an article by Gaela Morrison on the Power Path website:
"Snake offers us the unique opportunity to swiftly shed old skins and habits, discard the antiquated beliefs of the past, and move forward embracing new perspectives and life approaches. Representing wisdom and transformation, Snake is intuitive and creative, a deep thinker and strategically intelligent, a rare combination. Expect a powerful and growth-full year with a climate of emotional volatility, yet holding great potential for awakening consciousness." (For Gaela's full article, click here.)
MERCURY-PLUTO EFFECT: A significant factor in the energies of this week’s New Moon is its wide conjunction with Mercury and Pluto in early Aquarius. Mercury's involvement certainly emphasizes the Jupiter-in-Gemini themes of communication and information sharing, but things get interesting when we toss Pluto into the mix.
The Mercury-Pluto conjunction, which will be exact on Tuesday, January 28, corresponds with intense conversations and revelations of information that has been hidden. With Pluto's help, the "need to know" of Mercury in Aquarius includes the capacity for penetrating insight and a strong desire (even obsession) with uncovering the truth. The mind is tenacious, laser-like, and highly motivated.
Another manifestation of the Mercury-Pluto influence is the powerful use of words, whether to uplift and empower or to persuade and manipulate. And, since the mind is convinced that there is "something more to the story," there is a tendency to be suspicious of what is presented as "fact."
URANUS AT A STANDSTILL: The planet Uranus, known for manifesting unexpected or sudden events, is at full strength this week and next. This increased impact is because the sideways-spinning planet is now moving very slowly and will station direct on Thursday, January 30.
Uranus likes to shake things up, to keep us from becoming stagnant and to help us live more authentic lives. As it transits through tradition-loving Taurus, the planet's task is to liberate us from attachments that limit us. Uranus helps us let go of things that may have become familiar or comfortable, if they are no longer in alignment with who we are becoming. When Uranus is strong, we can anticipate breakthroughs or breakdowns, along with heightened nervous energy and a sense of anticipation.
PLANETARY PARADE: Several people have asked me about the significance of the "planetary alignment" that is currently in the news, so I thought it might be helpful to share my answer here. The main challenge in interpreting such events is due to the different ways we use the word "alignment." In astrology, "alignment" is used to mean a conjunction, when two celestial bodies are at the same degree of the same zodiac sign. But, people also use the term "alignment" to describe planets that visually are in a row, like pearls on a string in the night sky. Technically, the correct astronomical term for this type of event is a "planetary parade." The planetary parade above the horizon in late January 2025 is led by Mars in Cancer, followed by Jupiter in Gemini, Uranus in Taurus, then Neptune, Venus, and Saturn in Pisces. While this lineup may be stunning visually for skywatchers, the only true energetic alignment this week will be when Venus conjoins Neptune on February 1.
To me, the astrological alignments in Pisces at the end of next month are of more interest energetically. On February 27, at the time of the New Moon, the Sun and Moon will conjoin at 09°40′ Pisces. Three other planets will also be within "orb" of being conjunct each other in Pisces on that day: Saturn (20°38′), Mercury (25°42′), and Neptune (28°52′). While the Sun and Moon are not close enough to the other three planets for all five of them to be called "conjunct," having so many planets in mystical, idealistic, illusory Pisces does have significance, so stay tuned for more information as we get closer to that time.
ASPECTS THIS WEEK: Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important planetary aspects, day by day:
Monday
Mercury enters Aquarius: Mercury will be in the sign of the Waterbearer from January 27 to February 14. During this transit, the Messenger Planet helps us be open to new, progressive, and innovative ideas. It also enhances a desire to learn more, especially about subjects that are in some way unusual, scientific, or metaphysical. The mind may be objective and eager for information, but could also be nervous or scattered.
Tuesday
Mercury conjunct Pluto: The mind is perceptive, focused on learning what lies beneath the surface. Conversations are intense and revelatory, and we are bored with anything superficial. Words may be expressed powerfully or be interpreted as being manipulative.
Wednesday
Mercury semisquare Saturn: There may be delays in communications or travels today. The mind can tend to be somewhat critical or worried.
New Moon: The Sun and Moon align at 4:35 a.m. PST today, when both luminaries are at 09°51' Aquarius.
Thursday
Uranus stations direct: Uranus turns direct today, having been retrograde since September 1, 2024. The planet will come to a standstill at 23°15' Taurus; those with natal planets or points between 21 and 25 degrees of the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) are likely to feel this influence most strongly.
Friday
Sun semisquare Venus: We may feel an underlying irritation with others, especially if we have not been feeling free to fully express ourselves in the relationship.
Saturday
Sun semisquare Neptune: We may feel a bit confused or disillusioned about the future, perhaps because we'd rather not face reality today.
Venus conjunct Neptune, Venus conjunct North Node: Compassion and idealism are strong. We want to see only the best in others and are more willing to forgive the past. Some may feel fascinated by a new love interest or be romantically inclined. The imagination is enhanced, supporting the visual and creative arts.
Sunday
No major aspects are exact today.
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IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK (January 27 to February 2):
Your intellect and your communication skills are strongly woven into your life tapestry this year. You may be drawn to learn or teach a new subject or to express your ideas in new ways. Writing comes from a place of deeper knowing or through accessing your higher mind. You may experience some frustrations or dissatisfaction in personal relationships, if they are not living up to your ideal or if you have not given yourself permission to be fully authentic. (Solar Return Sun conjunct Mercury, semisquare Venus, trine Jupiter, semisquare Neptune)
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TRANSLATION and AUDIO/VIDEO VERSION: This weekly Journal is recorded (in English) AND the text is transcribed into 30 languages! You'll see a row of flags under "Available Languages" in the upper right. And, there are options to listen to the audio (in English) or watch a video directly beneath the photo (see top of page).
The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.
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CLASSES AND WEBINARS by Pam Younghans:
WEBINAR REPLAY: If you'd like to know what's in store astrologically for 2025 (and for the next three months in particular), let me know! The replay, slideshow, and monthly calendars of my recent webinar, entitled "A Dark Night's Journey into Day," are available for purchase. Please send an email with "Webinar Replay" in the subject to
DAILY ASTROLOGY: For my daily astrological insights, including lunar aspects not covered in this Journal, please follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamyounghans/
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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.
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About the Author
Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail
For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit NorthPointAstrology.com or visit her Facebook page.
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Article Recap:
This weekly astrological overview focuses on the Aquarius New Moon and its trine to Jupiter, emphasizing themes of intuition, social activism, and innovation. The Mercury-Pluto conjunction enhances communication and drives the uncovering of hidden truths. Uranus stationing direct amplifies the potential for breakthroughs and the release of limiting attachments. The Chinese Year of the Wood Snake adds a layer of transformation and wisdom. The planetary parade offers a visually stunning alignment, while energetic highlights set the stage for meaningful change.
#AquariusNewMoon #WeeklyAstrology #AstrologicalInsights #YearOfTheSnake #PlanetaryEnergies
