The Astrology of 2023 - January-June, 2023

2023 is a year of transitions in the heavens above. "As above so below" dictates that these transitions will reflect - to a certain extent depending upon our individual karmic patterns - our lives. These changes, as major planets make significant shifts - certainly have an effect on humanity as a whole. 

January/February
As you read this, both planets, Mercury and Mars are now in direct motion after being retrograde. We can now move ahead with our plans and communications with more ease. 
March
One of the most notable changes in 2023 is Saturn moving into Pisces from the sign of Aquarius where it has been for the past 2.5 years and, before that, in Capricorn. This takes place on March 7. This will bring a softer, more spiritual tone after the massive divisions we have seen and experienced over the past few years.  It's as if humanity has been dehumanized through the many constraints, through social media, though clashes with those with different opinions and beliefs, through the mass murders in the USA, through the crises associated with climate change, and so on.
Saturn will remain in Pisces until spring 2025. Although it doesn't always feel like it, Saturn is always a positive influence. It is how we interpret it that is often the problem. Are we ready for the wisdom it brings? It has certainly helped us to prioritize and begin to take greater responsibility for our actions towards each other and our beautiful planet. It is helping us to grow up.
When Saturn moves into Pisces, expect to feel the effects of the past five years of your life - good, bad and indifferent. Pisces is not necessarily associated with courage but Pisceans can be courageous in that they don't mind admitting what they don't know and are open enough to apologize for their mistakes. They are able to be vulnerable which can be important for growth and learning. 
With this influence of Saturn in Pisces, it's time for all of us to aim for understanding, compassion as the fuel for our lives, and the lives of others. Let us leave behind the darkness and walk into the Light that the path of Love and sacrifice will lead us into, however difficult it may be.
We may be feeling that these are the last days of the Old Order - because they are. We may feel that time is running out, despite our age - well, it's because it is running out before the Great Change. Don't let's find ourselves running after the train once it's left the station. If you know the train will lead you to a better, higher place - jump on it now! We're all being called to help in this Great Change, now more than ever before.  Choose, a high, noble, spiritual cause dedicated to service to humanity like The Aetherius Society - and jump!  
It's a time of resolution and a time of greater commitment. It is now time for all of us to reach even higher. With this influence of Jupiter in Aries and Saturn in Pisces, the sky is the limit!
In March, it's as if we are moving away from the harsh realities of the past few years into dreams of a better world. I am talking about empty dreams of no value to yourself or anyone but dreams of the wonderful possibilities that now confront us - if we are prepared to act to bring these into being. With wise Saturn in the sign of Pisces, it's as if we're being given the means - good judgment, hard work and right action - to make these dreams a reality.
But possibly the most significant planetary event of 2023 is Pluto moving signs from Capricorn into Aquarius for several months from March 23-June 11, before dipping back into Capricorn for the rest of the year where it has been since 2008. This may well give us a glimpse of what we can expect over the next 20 years!
April/May
Other major shirts occur in the Spring with Aries-Libra eclipses happening over the next two years.  There will be a solar eclipse at 29 degrees squaring Pluto on April 20 and a lunar eclipse opposite Uranus on May 5 at 14 degrees Scorpio. In the middle of this, Mercury will be retrograde in Taurus from April 21-May 14. 
This means that we may be revising the past in order to learn from it. It's time to pay careful attention to avoid falling into the trap of repeating negative themes of the past few years. It can be a disruptive time for some as a particular chapter of our lives is about to come to an end which in many cases can be a good thing. 
Change is never easy but the nature of this year with the Seven vibration is that when things seem tough, we can reach up to a higher place for guidance and read what is written there. These are the times of karma and of learning from our karma. It's time for us to look forward and only look back as long as it takes us to learn the particular lesson. 
We may feel inclined to take a rest and recuperation period from April 21 during the Mercury Retrograde period as you may realize you've been doing too much. If you can't do that, it's a perfect time for self-reflection.
Jupiter is currently rushing through Aries like a rocket, bringing up lots of ideas, many of which won't stick but just keep the flow going right now. It can be a little overwhelming but enjoy this exciting time and go with this new flow as you can now make the dreams of the past few years a reality, providing you select the correct ideas and act to bring these into manifestation.  It's also a time for personal growth and time to make new friends or begin new ventures. The heavy difficult aspects and eclipses over the past few years have been restrictive and have slowed us all down. Now, it feels as if we're ready to move on. It's a positive time for those with the Sun, Moon or Rising Sign in Aries. 
Jupiter moves into Taurus on May 16 where it stays until June 2024, bringing opportunities for Taureans and Scorpios who may be feeling a bit beaten down after the changes of the past few years. However, with a square to Pluto, be optimistic but also ruthlessly honest with yourself.  It's time to realize how we affect others with our attitudes and beliefs. The more positive these are, the more we can affect others in a positive way. Jupiter in Taurus is time for all of us to make even stronger our connection to the planet on which we live, the Earth. Do check out my book: Earth: Astrology's Missing Planet - Reconnecting with Her Sacred Power. It more than an astrology book; it's about how to creatively engage with our sacred Mother Earth rather than through controlled preservation alone. 
June
When Pluto moves back into Capricorn again on June 11, we are reminded for the rest of this year the challenges we face with climate change and all that brings. However, now is the time more than ever before to focus on the real solution to all these problems - The Spiritual Energy Crisis. 
The great Spiritual Master, Dr. George King, Founder of The Aetherius Society, stated in the 1960s: "The real energy crisis which exists upon our world is the spiritual energy crisis and, if this was solved, all other crises would cease to exist."[1]  If you live in the Metro Detroit area, you're very welcome to attend to the talk that Gary and I will be giving on this topic on Friday, March 3 at The Aetherius Society in Royal Oak at 7:30 p.m. or email me to find out more.
During this important year, we will begin to feel the high-minded, yet also practical, idealism of Aquarius for the betterment of humanity. Let us be tolerant of those who do not espouse our views. The rigidity that the fixed sign of Aquarius can bring, can now be tempered with the compassion and understanding of Saturn in Pisces. 
Have a wonderful new beginning to 2023, a year of movement and change which can be like a bridge over troubled waters to a better place.
 
Blessings,
 
Chrissie Blaze
 
[1] For further information on The Spiritual Energy Crisis, download the audio lecture by Dr. George King. $5. https://www.aetherius.org/shop/the-spiritual-energy-crisis-2/