During the month of Aquarius, the ancients of the British Isles celebrated the festival of Imbolc:

the emerging snowdrop representing the new flame of life after winter's long, cold incubation.

Also known as the Quickening, the electric buzz of Aquarius, all the more noticeable after the serious and practical tones of Capricorn, raises the vibration and sparks begin to fly.

Innovation and inspiration are the trademarks of this sign and ruling planet Uranus is known to bring quirky and unexpected change.

Honouring both the old and the new in effortless fusion, Aquarius asks us to break free from our assumptions and imagine the impossible with childlike wonder and excitement.

Jupiter enters Pisces this month expanding our spiritual awareness for the whole year. A simpler and deeper period of healing and reflection glides in to soothe us and enlightenment will come through dreams, meditation and devotional practice.

Saturn turns retrograde with a settling effect crystallizing our plans and bringing sustainable progress until June.

Venus in Aquarius blends perfectly with the Leo Full Moon on 30th January.

The month peaks at the new moon on February 14th. This is a time to simply enjoy the magic and mystery of life itself.

The Leo Full Moon brings with it a golden glow to melt away the winter frost.

As the days get longer and the sun's light returns, Leo's heat and playful energy can rejuvenate the soul.

Ruled by the Sun, Leo is the sign of confidence and creative expression.

The sun is at the centre of our galaxy and the solar chakra is the centre of our energy. Core strength and centering ourselves is paramount.

Allowing our inner power to radiate through singing, dancing and embracing our talents at the Full moon will let our light shine out and bring joy to ourselves and those around us.

Gratitude for all that we have, shown through acts of generosity to those less fortunate at this time, can bring warmth and love to the world as we head towards spring and a new cycle of life.

January holds a host of aspects. Apart from the eclipse which signals the New Year like a midnight fireworks display, we also have Mercury, Mars and Saturn in backward motion.

Mercury has had some fun with our planes, trains and automobiles before Christmas but has also brought old friends back into our lives and always helps us to see things in a fresh light.

Mars may have been behind a few angry eruptions over the holidays but, in the big picture, will help us to realize when the ego is at work and alter our course to one driven by compassion and connection.

Saturn also turns retrograde mid month bringing us back to reality and signaling a time to make solid plans for 2010. As this coincides with an eclipse in Capricorn, your plans may be made for you or at least strongly hinted at. Waiting until 21st January would be best before committing to anything solid.

Jupiter moves into Pisces at around 19th and we should feel a subtle shift in vibration as the past year is brought to a close. Jupiter has been in Aquarius for 12 months and made major changes in our lives both internally and externally. Now it's Pisces time to shine.

The Leo full moon at the very end of the month is bold and bright and can be celebrated with fun, friendship and new creative endeavours.

Happy New Year!

The Full Moon in Cancer on 31st December is a partial eclipse and starts the year off on an emotional note.
We will all be more aware of the moon's tidal effect on our nature as feelings ebb and flow dramatically at this time. This can be unsettling, but whatever rises to the surface at the beginning of this month will be open to complete healing and resolution.