2023 - An Overview and Insights

2023 starts off slowly, with both Mercury and Mars in their retrograde phases. The message from the cosmos is to take some time out in reflection and make conscious choices this year. Mars turns direct on January 13th, followed by Mercury on January 19th. The energy should then start to move forward.

There are several important planetary shifts in 2023. Below is an overview of these major planetary changes. (All dates used are AEDT or AEST, depending on the time of year).

Jupiter into Taurus

Jupiter will move into the sign of Taurus on 17th May 2023. When Jupiter transits through Taurus, we are asked to take a look at our resources. What do we have that is of value to us and to others? We look for stability. We also need to take a look at the natural world and the role we play in showing respect to mother earth.

Those with the Sun in Taurus will find this a beneficial time, as Jupiter brings his gifts your way. Make sure that you utilise any opportunities that come along during this time.

Saturn into Pisces

Saturn will move into the sign of Pisces on 8th March 2023. This is the first time in approx. five years that Saturn hasn't been in a sign of its strength. Saturn has been very comfortable in Capricorn and Aquarius, as it rules over Capricorn and co-rules Aquarius. The orderly, concrete and predictable nature of Saturn doesn’t blend easily with the idealistic nature of Pisces. What this combination can bring, however, is the potential to bring dreams into concrete reality.

On a global scale, the potential for alternative spiritual practices to become more mainstream and 'acceptable' within society is strong as is the legalisation of marijuana and euthanasia.

This may be an uncomfortable time for those with the Sun in mutable signs - Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces, as Saturn here may bring feelings of being restricted or contained in some way. All of these signs embrace their ability to move freely and with Saturn's influence, this is impeded. However, the potential is there to produce something wonderful by channelling that free-flowing energy in the one direction.

Pluto into Aquarius

Pluto moves into Aquarius on 23rd March 2023. It only spends time here until mid-June, when it retrogrades back into Capricorn. It will move back into Aquarius and stay there for approx. 20 years in January 2024.

The last time Pluto moved through Aquarius, was 1778 - 1798. During this time, the world changed dramatically. It was a time when new lands were discovered and many indigenous people on various continents found their ways of life completely destroyed. In some countries, the abolishment of serfdom began. The hot air balloon was also discovered, an Aquarian combination of freedom in the air.

Pluto is all about bringing what is in the darkness, into the light so that it can be transformed. Pluto in Capricorn has highlighted issues regarding authority and leadership (think #me too movement), business and the earth itself. We are still recovering from the pandemic, which occurred during this time (with some help from Saturn, Jupiter and Mars to kick it off) and forced us all in to a new way of life.

So what will we see this time around? Aquarius represents humanity, science and technology. I think it is highly likely that we will see a transformation in the way social media is used. We may see more scientific and technological breakthroughs. Aquarius is an air sign and air represents communication and the mental realm. This will also be a major theme. We will also most likely see more raising of children with less gender bias. Groups will become more important as a way of connecting, but hidden agendas will surface.

After the heaviness of Pluto in Capricorn, the move into Aquarius will be a positive step forward for humanity. For those with the Sun in Aquarius, however, there will be times of big personal transformation over the coming years.

North Node into Aries/South Node into Libra

The Nodes change sign approximately every eighteen months. On July 18th, the Nodes will move into Aries/Libra. The Nodes always work in pairs, as we have the North Node (our soul growth) and the South Node (our past). Each pair of signs are opposites, just like the positioning of the Nodes. With the North Node moving into Aries, the emphasis is on speaking up for ourselves. Trust yourself to take action and move forward in life. The Libran South Node indicates it's time to review where we stand in our relationships. Here we aim for balance - the ability to be ourselves within our relationships (and to accept others for who they are too).

The Nodes also affect the eclipses, so we will see a cross-over in 2023, with the Solar Eclipses in Aries & Libra and the Lunar Eclipses in Taurus & Scorpio.

For those with their natal Nodes in these signs, they will be having a nodal return or a nodal opposition. During this time, it is said that there is something fated coming into play, that destiny brings opportunities.

For those with the Sun in Aries and Libra, when the nodes touch your Sun, you may find an important encounter with someone that may influence your life in some way.

Mercury Retrogrades

Mercury retrograde brings us a time to go within and listen to our inner guidance.

In 2023, Mercury retrogrades in the earth signs, encouraging us to use practical wisdom in our life. I always recommend journaling as a positive practice during this time, as it assists with releasing our thoughts in a practical manner. However, having deep conversations with someone you trust is also a great use of the energy. Below are the dates that Mercury will be retrograde in 2023 -

• Start the year with Mercury Rx - Direct 19/1 (Capricorn)

• 21st April - 15th May (Taurus)

• 24th August - 16th September (Virgo)

• 13th December - 2024 (Capricorn)

Venus Retrograde

Venus goes retrograde approx. every eighteen months. In 2023, Venus will be retrograde from 23rd July - 4th September, in the sign of Leo. Venus retrograde is a time to reflect on our own self-worth. Leo represents our very essence. During this time, reflect on who you really are. What do you love about yourself? How can you shine your true light out into the world? Be proud of who you've become. Celebrate yourself!

It's also common during this time to run into old flames. The message here is to reflect on what went wrong in the relationship and what part did you play? Forgive your ex and yourself - then move on.

Venus retrograde is also a wonderful time for self-care. What makes you feel good? Is it a walk along the beach, a relaxing bath, spending time in nature? What about a massage or just taking the time out to give yourself a manicure? This is a time to remind ourselves that we need to pay attention to ourselves and our needs.

A Blue Moon

We are gifted with a magical Blue Moon in 2023! This is a rare occurrence and one to be treasured. A Blue Moon is the second Full Moon in a calendar month. This provides us with a second chance at releasing our issues in August. It also gives us a second chance to shine! This Blue Moon will occur in the sign of Pisces on 31st August. The conjunction between this Full Moon and the planet Saturn, brings the opportunity to break down our emotional boundaries.

If you've enjoyed this forecast, I'm excited to announce that I will be doing live monthly horoscopes in 2023, starting on January 2nd.

I wish you all a magical 2023!

If you'd like a planning session using the zodiac as a guide, you can book by clicking on the link below. This session is only available for the months of December 2022 and January 2023.