aurora borealis seen from a canyon in Iceland
Stakkholtsgja Canyon, Iceland. Photo by Jonatan Pie.


Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

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Current and previous weeks astrological overviews

Astrological Overview: December 26, 2022 - January 1, 2023

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal 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 Daylight Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 8 hours.

MON: Mercury square Eris
TUE: No major aspects are exact today
WED: Venus sextile Neptune, Sun semisquare Saturn, Venus square Eris
THU: Mercury stations retrograde, Mercury conjunct Venus, Venus sesquiquadrate Mars
FRI: Sun quincunx Mars
SAT: Retrograde Mercury square Eris, Venus conjunct Pluto
SUN: Mars semisquare Eris, Mercury sextile Neptune

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ENDINGS & BEGINNINGS: The final week of 2022 has begun. These last days of the calendar year always offer up a mix of emotions, based on our experiences of the past 12 months and depending, in most part, on whether expectations were met or dreams were denied. 
 
Astrologically, we have already begun a new season, with the Sun's ingress into Capricorn and the New Moon last week. And yet we now stand at a gateway, with a vast unknown stretching out before us, perhaps contemplating what the new year will bring.


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While we can never know the future in full detail, astrology does pull back the curtain and allow us a glimpse into the potentials that lie ahead. 
 
MERCURY RETROGRADE: The main themes of this coming week are strongly influenced by Mercury, the Messenger Planet, which is basically at a standstill in Capricorn now. In the outer world, communications, travel and transport systems, news, and information sharing are highlighted; internally, we may feel the effects of stationary Mercury on our mental state, self-talk, and nervous system.

Mercury will be square controversy-stirring Eris (in Aries) throughout this week, with the exact aspects occurring on Monday and Saturday. As an example of how this square manifests, it is interesting to see that Joan of Arc's birth chart shows a tight square between Mercury in Capricorn and Eris in Aries. This historical figure was clearly controversial, due to her willingness to speak her truth, even though it was condemned by those in authority. And, no doubt her nervous system was highly sensitized, giving her the ability to hear voices and see visions that others could not.

THE VENUS FACTOR: Personal relationships, values, and resources could also be tricky to navigate this week. These areas of concern are highlighted throughout Mercury's retrograde period (December 29 to January 18), since the planet Venus squares Eris on Wednesday and is conjunct Mercury when it goes retrograde on Thursday. 

This week, Venus is also in hard aspect to Mars on Thursday, and then conjoins Pluto on Saturday. Issues that may have been simmering beneath the surface are ready to boil over with these aspects. As new revelations come forward, profound changes may occur in the areas of life ruled by Venus — specifically, what we value and love on a human-heart level.

DAILY ASPECTS: Here are this week's most important planetary aspects, with my brief interpretations of each. 
 
Monday
Mercury square Eris: People may be especially impatient and irritable, and words spoken hastily or in anger can be divisive.
 
Tuesday
No major aspects are exact today.
 
Wednesday
Venus sextile Neptune, Venus square Eris: Although we may intend to express compassion and forgiveness, it can be hard not to react out of frustration.
Sun semisquare Saturn: We can tend to see the glass as being half empty instead of half full with this aspect.
 
Thursday 
Mercury stations retrograde, Mercury conjunct Venus: Communications in relationships or regarding financial concerns are in the spotlight. Issues that arise now may be the topic of conversation or in the news headlines for several weeks.
Venus sesquiquadrate retrograde Mars: We may be confused about how to both be in relationship and also fulfill our individual needs. If this question is not addressed directly, it can appear in passive-aggressive behaviors.
 
Friday
Sun quincunx retrograde Mars: People may act defensively or be combative today. There is a generalized anxiety about not being able to control outcomes. 
 
Saturday
Retrograde Mercury square Eris: Conversations and news bulletins replay topics that came forward earlier in the week.
Venus conjunct Pluto: This yearly rendezvous provides the opportunity for a new beginning in relationship or financial matters, if we are willing to be fully honest with ourselves and others about our long-term goals and desires. 
 
Sunday
Retrograde Mars semisquare Eris: This aspect could trigger impulsive actions or quarrels that only seem to exacerbate problems and create more distance.
Retrograde Mercury sextile Neptune: This aspect can help us access our higher heart's wisdom in our words and interactions, if we take the time to pause before speaking.

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IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: There is a restless quality to this year due to a need for new experiences. Pay attention to where you feel frustrated or somewhat disconsolate, as these are indicators of areas that are ready for a new impulse of energy. Experiment with new activities, to see what is a good fit for the "new you" you are becoming. Along the way, it will also be helpful to address any self-doubts or insecurities you encounter; there may be a small-child part of your psyche that doesn't believe it's OK to just "be," that you must always prove yourself by "doing." As you heal these wounds, it opens the door to a new freedom in your life. (Solar Return Sun quincunx Mars, semisquare Saturn, trine Uranus, square Chiron)

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QUANTUM SHIFT WEBINAR!  I'm looking forward to our "Quantum Shift" webinar on January 11, when I will share with you what the planets have in store for us in the first four months of 2023. These will be exciting times, especially with Saturn entering Pisces and Pluto stepping into Aquarius in March! For the full class description visit:  https://quantumshift2023.eventbrite.com

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TRANSLATION and AUDIO/VIDEO VERSION: This weekly Journal is now 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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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

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About the Author

Pam YounghansPam 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or leave a message at 425.445.3775.

For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.