January 2025 Newsletter
Welcome to 2025. It is a time of changing paradigms as all of the planets from Jupiter out will have changed sign, or begun the process of changing sign by the middle of this year. I will begin to reflect on these shifts in this newsletter and continue the reflection as the year unfolds.
The middle of this month sees a very potent full moon as well as Mars reaching the peak of its retrograde cycle as it opposes the Sun. Mars will also oppose Pluto for the second of three transits on January 3, the first of which in November saw the election of Trump. Any of these times could suggest power struggles, but also major shifts and re-orientations in awareness, personally and collectively.
Remember, Mars is currently shining more brightly in the evening sky as He makes His closest approach to the Earth in His two-year cycle. The peak of brightness will be around January 16 at the time of the exact opposition with the Sun. If you would like to observe Mars, He is rising soon after sunset and is visible all night …look for the red planet.
Blessings
Christine Rothwell 🙏🏼
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.christine-rothwell.com
Contents
January begins with Mars, Jupiter and Uranus all retrograde
Note: all dates are for Australian Eastern Daylight Time.
Energy Shifts and Changing Paradigms
2025 will see some major shifts as both Neptune and Uranus will join Pluto in changing signs, suggesting a time of major energy shifts and changing paradigms. Pluto, Neptune and Uranus, as the three slowest moving planets in our solar system, are the keys to understanding the collective consciousness.
Neptune will begin to transition from Pisces to the sign of the warrior - Aries - this year in March, but will retrograde back into Pisces in September. Saturn will join it in Aries in May but also retrograde back into Pisces in September.
These two planets will slowly move to conjunct in February 2026, signalling a new Neptune Saturn cycle. Uranus will change signs too, from conservative Taurus to more like-minded Gemini during July but will also retrograde back into Taurus during November. I will unpack these shifts as the year unfolds but the level of change is quite momentous and as Aries and Gemini are considered more yang sign, and compatible with Pluto in Aquarius, it seems we are looking at a period of time where change and new inventions will continue to escalate.
Pluto is now settled in Aquarius, reflecting a new collective shift.
…the sign where Pluto is found is the key to mass consciousness although Neptune and Uranus also play a role. We are seeing a collective fascination / obsession with all things ruled by the air sign Aquarius. The last time Pluto was here was 248 years ago - 1778 to 1799 - a time of major social change. We saw the French Revolution in 1789, Uranus discovered in 1781 with the new invention – the telescope - that shattered the boundaries of the known world of Saturn …& the Industrial Revolution that changed the whole structure of society.
On a personal level, Pluto in Aquarius is challenging us all around themes of freedom and authenticity. We are all challenged to find ways to manage this and still feel connected to society. For some people this may be creating a new sense of community that rejects the current system. It does suggest major social and political changes and perhaps increasing polarization that may be uncomfortable for many. Hopefully we can all find ways to disagree without bitterness and hatred pulling us away from core heart values of kindness, compassion and respect for all.
On the collective level Pluto in Aquarius can be associated with developments in
We are living through a time of major social change, but we
must remember that Pluto also releases the shadow of the sign
it transits as well. Pluto in Aquarius has a strong libertarian feel
may need to be balanced with respect for others.
We are currently seeing this reflected in
January 14 Full Moon in Cancer
The January Full Moon falls at close to 24 Cancer, forming a very tight T-square. The Moon will conjunct Mars which reaches the peak of its retrograde cycle 2 days later when it forms an exact opposition with the Sun. The Moon and Mars both oppose the Sun and Pluto with everything square to Chiron.
The middle of this month sees a very potent full moon as well as Mars reaching the peak of its retrograde cycle as it opposes the Sun. Mars will also oppose Pluto for the second of three transits on January 3, the first of which in November saw the election of Trump. Any of these times could suggest power struggles, but also major shifts and re-orientations in awareness, personally and collectively.
Remember, Mars is currently shining more brightly in the evening sky as He makes His closest approach to the Earth in His two-year cycle. The peak of brightness will be around January 16 at the time of the exact opposition with the Sun. If you would like to observe Mars, He is rising soon after sunset and is visible all night …look for the red planet.
Blessings
Christine Rothwell 🙏🏼
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.christine-rothwell.com
Contents
- Energy Shifts
- January Full Moon
- January New Moon
- Mars Retrograde Update
- 2025 Astrology Classes & Consultations
January begins with Mars, Jupiter and Uranus all retrograde
Note: all dates are for Australian Eastern Daylight Time.
- December 31: New Moon in Capricorn
- January 3: Mars opposite Pluto
- January 3: Venus to Pisces
- January 8: Mercury to Capricorn
- January 12: North Node to Pisces
- January 14: Full Moon in Cancer
- January 16: Mars retrograde opposite the Sun
- January 20: Sun to Aquarius
- January 28: Mercury to Aquarius
- January 29: New Moon in Aquarius
- January 31: Uranus direct
Energy Shifts and Changing Paradigms
2025 will see some major shifts as both Neptune and Uranus will join Pluto in changing signs, suggesting a time of major energy shifts and changing paradigms. Pluto, Neptune and Uranus, as the three slowest moving planets in our solar system, are the keys to understanding the collective consciousness.
Neptune will begin to transition from Pisces to the sign of the warrior - Aries - this year in March, but will retrograde back into Pisces in September. Saturn will join it in Aries in May but also retrograde back into Pisces in September.
These two planets will slowly move to conjunct in February 2026, signalling a new Neptune Saturn cycle. Uranus will change signs too, from conservative Taurus to more like-minded Gemini during July but will also retrograde back into Taurus during November. I will unpack these shifts as the year unfolds but the level of change is quite momentous and as Aries and Gemini are considered more yang sign, and compatible with Pluto in Aquarius, it seems we are looking at a period of time where change and new inventions will continue to escalate.
Pluto is now settled in Aquarius, reflecting a new collective shift.
…the sign where Pluto is found is the key to mass consciousness although Neptune and Uranus also play a role. We are seeing a collective fascination / obsession with all things ruled by the air sign Aquarius. The last time Pluto was here was 248 years ago - 1778 to 1799 - a time of major social change. We saw the French Revolution in 1789, Uranus discovered in 1781 with the new invention – the telescope - that shattered the boundaries of the known world of Saturn …& the Industrial Revolution that changed the whole structure of society.
On a personal level, Pluto in Aquarius is challenging us all around themes of freedom and authenticity. We are all challenged to find ways to manage this and still feel connected to society. For some people this may be creating a new sense of community that rejects the current system. It does suggest major social and political changes and perhaps increasing polarization that may be uncomfortable for many. Hopefully we can all find ways to disagree without bitterness and hatred pulling us away from core heart values of kindness, compassion and respect for all.
On the collective level Pluto in Aquarius can be associated with developments in
- New Technology …digital world - AI
- Electrical and nuclear energy …solar, wind etc.
- Freedom, liberty and equality and peer type groups: community groups, political groups
- Revolutions, progressive or radical movements, countercultures
- Far Right - extremes – prominence of the new right and libertarian philosophies.
We are living through a time of major social change, but we
must remember that Pluto also releases the shadow of the sign
it transits as well. Pluto in Aquarius has a strong libertarian feel
may need to be balanced with respect for others.
We are currently seeing this reflected in
- Urge for acceptance of differences …gender issues
- New political structures that transform power structures
- Urge for greater freedom, equality and social justice
- Massive change in our relationship with technology and AI with the shadow of technology highlighted with an increase in scams and online fraud.
January 14 Full Moon in Cancer
The January Full Moon falls at close to 24 Cancer, forming a very tight T-square. The Moon will conjunct Mars which reaches the peak of its retrograde cycle 2 days later when it forms an exact opposition with the Sun. The Moon and Mars both oppose the Sun and Pluto with everything square to Chiron.
This whole period – the middle of January – is quite volatile, with the potential for conflict to erupt collectively and in our personal lives. Retrograde Mars is at its most combustible but also potentially most insightful as the opposition with the Sun two days later may lead to realizations about what we want to be doing with our lives and who and what may be stopping us from taking action. Working consciously with this energy asks us to take responsibility for any blocks we may be experiencing and look at how we can do things differently. Pluto’s addition to the mix suggests the potential for power struggles, but also for transformation.
Read more about this below under 4. Mars retrograde.
The activation of the Cancer / Capricorn polarity invites reflection on how we balance home life and career, public and private life, nurturing and authority, bonding and setting boundaries. This year the lunation will activate any planets or points within a 5-degree orb of the 24 degree Cancer full moon - around 19 to 29 degrees of the cardinal signs: Capricorn, Cancer, Aries and Libra.
January 29 New Moon in Aquarius: Chinese New Year
This new moon is also quite powerful as it forms a trine aspect to Jupiter and a wide conjunction with both Mercury and Pluto, suggesting perhaps radical shifts in awareness and patterns around self-expression. The New Moon occurs at close to 10 Aquarius – actually 9 degrees and 51 minutes – and marks Chinese New Year, heralding the Year of the Snake.
Read more about this below under 4. Mars retrograde.
The activation of the Cancer / Capricorn polarity invites reflection on how we balance home life and career, public and private life, nurturing and authority, bonding and setting boundaries. This year the lunation will activate any planets or points within a 5-degree orb of the 24 degree Cancer full moon - around 19 to 29 degrees of the cardinal signs: Capricorn, Cancer, Aries and Libra.
January 29 New Moon in Aquarius: Chinese New Year
This new moon is also quite powerful as it forms a trine aspect to Jupiter and a wide conjunction with both Mercury and Pluto, suggesting perhaps radical shifts in awareness and patterns around self-expression. The New Moon occurs at close to 10 Aquarius – actually 9 degrees and 51 minutes – and marks Chinese New Year, heralding the Year of the Snake.
Chinese New Year is traditionally time to honour the ancestors, let go the past year and give thanks for safe passage. As it is also a time of new beginnings it is common to ask for blessings for the year ahead. For those of you who have not set your intentions for the 2025, this New Moon can provide another opportunity to clear your clutter – physically, emotionally and mentally – and reflect on what you need to embrace to move forward in your life.
Mars Retrograde Update Reprint – updated - from last month’s newsletter.
Mars stationed retrograde last month - on December 7 [AEDT] - at close to 6 degrees of Leo and will remain retrograde until February 24 when He turns direct at close to 17 Cancer on February 24.
Here are the key dates and degrees for the 2024 to 2025 Mars retrograde cycle:
When Mars, the Warrior moves retrograde plans and projects can slow down, sometimes leading to a time of frustration. However, this frustration may be inviting us to become conscious of habitual actions, reactions and responses. We are challenged to reflect on how we go about getting what we want, especially in the house or houses where Mars is retrograding in our personal birth-chart [6 Leo, back to 17 degrees of Cancer] and in relation to any planets it may aspect at this time. Any planets located in this band of the last 13 degrees of mutable signs and the first 6 degrees of fixed signs will receive three exact challenging ‘hits’ or aspects from Mars, instead of the usual one hit.
The peak moment in this cycle is when Mars will reach the midpoint of His cycle and come closest to the Earth which will be on January 16 at 26 Cancer.
Issues may emerge, especially regards the house where 26 Cancer is found and any planets being activated, suggesting it is time to re-evaluate:
As Mars appears to move retrograde when it is at its closest to Earth, this proximity can release repressed anger, especially at the exact opposition to the Sun which this cycle is January 16, 2025. Please take note of this date and try to avoid emotional reactions that can lead to arguments.
The potential for power struggles is also strong as Mars will oppose Pluto 3 times during this time frame. Repressed trauma and fear may emerge along with long held grievances around these dates:
Remember, this is an opportunity to become conscious of our patterns in these areas and TO CONSCIOUSLY ACT DIFFERENTLY, not just react to circumstances.
Mars Retrograde Update Reprint – updated - from last month’s newsletter.
Mars stationed retrograde last month - on December 7 [AEDT] - at close to 6 degrees of Leo and will remain retrograde until February 24 when He turns direct at close to 17 Cancer on February 24.
Here are the key dates and degrees for the 2024 to 2025 Mars retrograde cycle:
- Mars entered the retrograde loop around October 4 at close to 17 Cancer
- Mars stations retrograde on December 7 at close to 6 Leo
- Mars opposite the Sun on January 16 at close to 26 Cancer
- Mars stations direct at close to 17 Cancer on February 24, 2025.
- Mars leaves the retrograde loop when it reaches 6 Leo on May 12
When Mars, the Warrior moves retrograde plans and projects can slow down, sometimes leading to a time of frustration. However, this frustration may be inviting us to become conscious of habitual actions, reactions and responses. We are challenged to reflect on how we go about getting what we want, especially in the house or houses where Mars is retrograding in our personal birth-chart [6 Leo, back to 17 degrees of Cancer] and in relation to any planets it may aspect at this time. Any planets located in this band of the last 13 degrees of mutable signs and the first 6 degrees of fixed signs will receive three exact challenging ‘hits’ or aspects from Mars, instead of the usual one hit.
The peak moment in this cycle is when Mars will reach the midpoint of His cycle and come closest to the Earth which will be on January 16 at 26 Cancer.
Issues may emerge, especially regards the house where 26 Cancer is found and any planets being activated, suggesting it is time to re-evaluate:
- Belonging and family [dynamics] – how can I create more of a sense of belonging in my life? Do I need clearer boundaries?
- Emotional security - how can I find ways to feel more secure?
- Letting go – who or what am I reluctant to let go?
As Mars appears to move retrograde when it is at its closest to Earth, this proximity can release repressed anger, especially at the exact opposition to the Sun which this cycle is January 16, 2025. Please take note of this date and try to avoid emotional reactions that can lead to arguments.
The potential for power struggles is also strong as Mars will oppose Pluto 3 times during this time frame. Repressed trauma and fear may emerge along with long held grievances around these dates:
- November 3
- January 3 [retrograde]
- April 27
Remember, this is an opportunity to become conscious of our patterns in these areas and TO CONSCIOUSLY ACT DIFFERENTLY, not just react to circumstances.
May the Goddess & God Bless You All
Christine
🙏🏼
www.christine-rothwell.com
[email protected]
2025 Astrology Classes
Beginners through to Advanced Classes
Christine offers an in-depth psychological and mythological approach to astrology. Her classes are suitable for those individuals who are wishing to learn more about themselves as well as those interested in becoming a professional astrologer.
First Year/ Beginners’
First year is only available as Video Only. Please enquire for more information.
First year focuses on learning how to read / delineate a horoscope and covers the elements, signs, planets, houses, aspects etc.
Second Year / Intermediate
Second year is also available as Video Only and focuses on additional points and themes in the horoscope [ lunation cycle, asteroids, Eris, Medical Astrology, Career] and Dynamic [predictive] Techniques: Transits & Progressions.
Advanced Group
Begins online – on Zoom – February 2025.
The Advanced Classes give you the opportunity to integrate what you have learned through a seminar format that allows exposure to more advanced techniques and psychological perspectives, plus the opportunity to develop your delineation skills.
Please email for a brochure.
[email protected]
Or visit
www.christinerothwell.com
For more information
Consultations
are now on Zoom and are still recorded so the sound file link can be sent to you via email.
Gift Certificates are available for most consultations.
AN INITIAL CONSULTATION
explores the soul’s journey as revealed through the personal symbol of the birth chart. The focus is on the potential inherent in the birth chart and the challenges that need to be embraced to realize this potential.
Also available as an…
In-depth Consultation Two hours to explore both the soul’s journey [see above] and the year ahead. Includes 2 or 4 supplementary e-booklets.
Chart Up-date: The Year Ahead
Explores the year ahead from a psychological perspective.
Understanding Your Child: A wonderful gift for new parents and explores a child’s unique needs, motivations, potentials, and challenges.
Christine
🙏🏼
www.christine-rothwell.com
[email protected]
2025 Astrology Classes
Beginners through to Advanced Classes
Christine offers an in-depth psychological and mythological approach to astrology. Her classes are suitable for those individuals who are wishing to learn more about themselves as well as those interested in becoming a professional astrologer.
First Year/ Beginners’
First year is only available as Video Only. Please enquire for more information.
First year focuses on learning how to read / delineate a horoscope and covers the elements, signs, planets, houses, aspects etc.
Second Year / Intermediate
Second year is also available as Video Only and focuses on additional points and themes in the horoscope [ lunation cycle, asteroids, Eris, Medical Astrology, Career] and Dynamic [predictive] Techniques: Transits & Progressions.
Advanced Group
Begins online – on Zoom – February 2025.
The Advanced Classes give you the opportunity to integrate what you have learned through a seminar format that allows exposure to more advanced techniques and psychological perspectives, plus the opportunity to develop your delineation skills.
Please email for a brochure.
[email protected]
Or visit
www.christinerothwell.com
For more information
Consultations
are now on Zoom and are still recorded so the sound file link can be sent to you via email.
Gift Certificates are available for most consultations.
AN INITIAL CONSULTATION
explores the soul’s journey as revealed through the personal symbol of the birth chart. The focus is on the potential inherent in the birth chart and the challenges that need to be embraced to realize this potential.
Also available as an…
In-depth Consultation Two hours to explore both the soul’s journey [see above] and the year ahead. Includes 2 or 4 supplementary e-booklets.
Chart Up-date: The Year Ahead
Explores the year ahead from a psychological perspective.
Understanding Your Child: A wonderful gift for new parents and explores a child’s unique needs, motivations, potentials, and challenges.