Steve Judd's Forecast for January 2012

January is a month of contrasts. On the one hand, there’s both Jupiter and Uranus, both at the very start of the sign they are in and both just about to start moving forward rapidly, suggesting both significant change and areas of growth. On the other hand, there’s both Saturn and Neptune at the very end of the signs that they are in, suggesting a great deal of endings and closure. These are the planetary ‘big boys’, the influences that affect us at the year by year as opposed to the month by month, but this apparent incongruity does suggest some type of both ending and new beginning in a way that is not merely transient. Add to this the fact that Mars is standing still all month in Virgo, so I do expect a lot of people to get sidetracked from the bigger picture, preferring instead to focus and concentrate on details and minutiae. The Cancerian full Moon on January 9th works very well with Mars, suggesting that there’s no major schism or drama unfolding at the start of the year. And the Aquarius new Moon on 23rd January is like a final shot across the bows, a signal to the future of engagement, that as of mid February onwards things will change permanently in an irrevocable way. It’s a month of jostling and jockeying for position, and a time of preparation without knowing what one is preparing oneself for.

Aries Well, as January unfolds there’s good news and depending on your attitude, the not so good news. A few of you – primarily those of you born on either March 21 or 22 – are likely to find that this month brings a final end to the unpleasantness and disruption of recent years, that you can now make permanent decisions and begin again with a degree of safety. And a few more of you, mainly those born before March 24, can expect this cloud of manic disorder that has permeated since 2008 to dissipate over the coming few months. Yet others of you are likely to find this month the start of a new period of transformation compressed change, these people being mainly those born around March 26-9. It is not a stable month, more a time of clearing and weeding on the one hand, and allowing new seeds to take root on the other. It may be that much of January is a time where you are perhaps best off doing things by yourself, not because of challenge from others but simply because you’re more effective alone at this time, and others may slow you down – and be aware that this energy of individuality is going to continue over the coming months. So cower in the dark corner if you must, but by doing so you will miss great chances to break the mold, throw it away, break free from the past and start again. Or do you want to stay the same forever?

Taurus With Jupiter gathering a head of steam behind it and beginning to rev its engines, you can expect January to be a month of slow but steadily increasing anticipation and even hope. There are no direct challenges coming your way in January, almost every planet in the sky is smiling on you. Therefore, the challenges of this month are going to come from within as opposed to without. How strong are you are saying ‘enough’? Jupiter is known as the planet of growth and expansion, but it also composed of hot air, with an astrological tendency to bite off more than it can chew or to otherwise overreach itself. Hopefully, the last six months of false dawns have shown you what it is that you don’t want, and now that the bubbles of insubstantiality have burst it is only what is clearly and evidently left that can be said to have any degree of substance, upon which it is now safe to start pinning your foundations on for the future. This is a particularly auspicious month for those Taureans born before the 23rd April, for whom there are real chances around. The key to the whole month is that of knowing within oneself when to decide to stop and live within your own limitations as opposed to those imposed by others, and were you to overstretch yourself in January you would put in a plan of action that is over estimative from the start, thus unlikely to work. Move forward; take chances, know when to stop.

Gemini January is not the best month of the year, it has to be said. There are no major problems or new challenges coming in, you’re not going to find direct opposition, and neither do you seem to sabotaging yourself. But there is a whole network of ongoing operations and developments out there that are unusually little if anything to do with you, and were you to get involved you’d be a stranger in a strange land. It seems that other people are causing rifts in the environments around you, and perhaps the best course of action is to be the innocent but observant bystander. If you get too deeply involved with what’s going on, not only will you have to sort it all out but you’ll also probably end up shouldering the blame. Your long term stability is not at question here, neither is your willingness to embrace change. What is at question is your ability to manage day to day issues without taking sides or coming between people. On the one hand you will really be able to empathise with the feelings of others around you, so much so that you’ll need time alone to discharge semi regularly. Yet at the same time you’ll be able to see the answers to most of the problems around you, it’s just that others won’t see things in the same light, and what you see as necessary for the end result may be one step too far for others. So unless you really want to be alone, moderate your actions and feelings and stay internally centred.

Cancer The very first signs of light on the horizon are dawning for a few of you, especially those to whom the last three or four years have forcibly and irrevocably transformed their lives. January 2012 see those of your born of June 21 and 22 reach a permanent end in certain areas of your life, and end that is final and cleansing, that holds in its grip the promise of a far more stable time ahead than at any time over recent years. And this will echo out in all of you to a degree, there are real opportunities to take small and calculated chances in January, as long as results that come because of these changes must have room to grow. So there’s also a lot of finality about this month, and the Cancer full Moon on January 9 suggests that you’ll get more in touch with the occasionally ruthless side of your nature, eliminating the old so that the new can develop in clear space. Those of you born at the very end of Cancer are also in a spot of bother, but here the energy is far more restrictive and limiting than it is changeable. Not all of you are in a fix – those of you born the 11th and the 15th seem to have boundless energy this month, and providing it is channelled appropriately can be a real source of action and results. For all of you it’s a somewhat unpredictable month, with a number of different ongoing currents to surf. Probably best to see where you stand come the end of the month before committing yourself ...

Leo Three or four different effects during January, so expect a month of considerable change at the day by day and week by week level, but also rest secure knowing that underneath there are no new big problems coming in. The big news is that this is the last complete month of your entire life, regardless of your age, that you will have Neptune opposite your sign. This is when the final glimmer of mist, the last strands of cloud all finally disappear, where clarity finally and permanently returns, and the cold light of day becomes a reality. The confusion is over, and this becomes more and more obvious as you get into February. Venus is opposite your sun sign until the middle of January, suggesting that those of you born on or after the 8th August are likely to have a somewhat opulent first half of the month, where you won’t be that inclined to put all your energy into disciplined hard work. Similarly, Mercury goes into opposition to you from the 27th January onwards, implying that the more you get into the end of the month the faster both your mind and your mouth will go. None of these influences will bring anything difficult into your life, but they will bring reminders of what you’ve been through recently and asks questions as to whether or not you’ve cleaned up the mess you’ve left behind you. There’s a few final doors to close, and then for the first time in years – you’re clean.

Virgo It’s really going on, isn’t it? A few of you, mainly those born after the 15th, will be wondering what all the fuss is about, but those of you born in mid September could easily enlighten them. For some of you, Mars is really biting big time, and although I’m sure that in your mind you are merely being strident and assertive, be aware that others may not see things like this, and that to them you may be coming on too strong, being almost overly assertive and projective in ways that they find uncomfortable. Mars stands still in Virgo prior to going retrograde on the 24th of January, and as the early part of 2012 evolves so you’ll gain more objective perspective on what’s really going on in the period of November to January, but at the moment do your best no to tread on other people’s toes and let yourself chill out sometimes, otherwise you may find yourself alone. Of course, the opposite side of the same coin says that if there’s anything that you want to do that requires attention, dedication and focus, then January is an excellent time, although results won’t come through clearly until May at the very earliest. So don’t hesitate to take actions, make decisions etc, but don’t expect clarity of results for a few months yet, and be aware that you may not be at your most sensitive to other people’s feelings during January. Tread lightly, but accurately and you’ll do very well.

Libra It is the two extremes of your sign that are under pressure during January for two very different reasons. If you’re born in the first two or three days of Libra, on or before the 24th September, then this month represents the final month of unpredictability, disorder and chaos – as well as stimulation, novelty and hopefully originality, as Uranus finally moves on to bring its change energy into other’s lives. And if you’re born at the very end of your sign, on or after the 20th October, then you are dealing with Saturn’s energy in a head on way that says that you must now make some hard decisions, and focus on your priorities. The mantra goes like this: needs, wants and only then desires. Those of you born in September are in various stages of transformation, metamorphosis, change and revolution, whilst those born after the 15th are more concerned with structure, discipline, boundaries and hard work. So there are the rest of you, stuck in the middle of Libra, wondering what to do…. The answer is not a lot. You should be holding the middle ground, not going to extremes and acting as an anchor and safety net for those who are out towards the edge. Don’t let your mental or verbal buttons get pushed – words are only words, and only you can choose to let them hurt you. The edge is sharp – don’t go there unless you need to, despite the urges. This is not a month for extremes, stay centred, at least in yourself.

Scorpio There’s a lot going on around you this month, but it’s all peripheral, as though there’s nothing directly coming towards you, everything is at a tangent. And this is how January will be, no opposition but no major growth patterns evolving either. What you will find is that the ongoing growth of the last year is beginning to reap rewards, and that January is a time of possibly profound meetings or events that have a considerable long term potential. There are a few of you coming specifically under the microscope, these being Scorpios born on or before the 25th October, and if you’re one of these people then the advice is definitely to surf the wave of change that’s going on around you, taste and sample the options, but beware of false words or larger than life promises. For all of you January is somewhat of a contrary month, lots of words but little action, although everybody else seems very busy. If you want to become involved, then stay on the side and cherry pick the best opportunities rather than going out into the firing line, but really the best options will come later in the year. January is a month for social discourse and community interaction, for talking to and with people, for engaging and being engaged. But keep it light, the time isn’t yet ripe for long term choices to be activated. The third week of January is the most advantageous as far as dealing with others is concerned.

Sagittarius Be careful, it’s a little feisty out there and if you venture too far into things that actually are little if anything to do with you then you deserve what you get. Why get involved? Far better to stand aside and let others sort their differences out without dragging you in, and then you can spread safety nets for those who get hurt – if you want to. Others are likely to be far more passionate about things than you are, but you could easily be swayed by others arguments, so don’t put yourself into positions where you can be easily influenced. Your attention to detail isn’t as acute as others’ at the moment, you’re better at seeing the big picture more than the minutiae. This overview position can frustrate the hell out of others who may be looking for specific answers from you, but like I said earlier, if it’s nothing to do with you then way cast an opinion, let alone get involved? There are no new big challenges this month, as long as you are moderating your desires to an extent and not overreaching yourself in the name of short term gain. Indeed, some of you are in a good space for laying in place new roots and foundations that will act as anchors for many months to come, whilst others of you can safely take a few chances during January now that the uncertainty of the last three months is over. January is a generally good month – just don’t get too involved in other people’s business.

Capricorn With Pluto going at what is for him full speed ahead, there is a deep underlying edge to January that is just a little bit scary. There’s new ground being broken, and for those of you that aren’t aware of this yet, the anticipation will hit soon enough. It is those of you born on or before the 24th December who are most in the eye of the storm at the moment, but this is the last month of drama and change for many years, so choose in ways that you will be proud of yourself for in years to come. For all of you this is a profound month, not so much in terms of outside world experience but more in terms of internal realisation and awareness of the depth issues around you. There’s an element of difficulty over the coming few weeks for those of you born around the 19th and 20th of January, with the challenge being to recognise and then cut your losses. Mercury comes to stay with you between the 8th and the 27th of this month, so expect this time to be faster than normal in terms of mental and intellectual thought, verbal communications and mobile and social situations to become more prevalent. You should find that this is a good time for getting your point across in ways that mean you will not only be heard, but also listened to. You can’t go backwards, and staying still really isn’t an option, so hold your heart in your hands and go forwards, steadily, one step at a time – you’ll be fine.

Aquarius An active month, albeit one with many different influences. Neptune is in its final full month with you, leaving for the final time in early February. During January, he will act as the final cleanse and last polish to those of you born on or after the 17th February, the last bits of mist and cloud will disappear. The first half of January, when Venus is in Aquarius, is seen as a time of (hopefully!) leisure and pleasure, there won’t be the inclination for disciplined hard work, more the tendency to eat well and enjoy oneself, and as this is the only time in 2012 that Venus will be staying with you why not indulge yourself and enjoy it, at least a little bit. The 12/13th January are seen as particularly auspicious as far as good taste and enjoying oneself goes. And as you approach the end of the month, so Mercury enters Aquarius, bringing around the 27th January a lot more information or detail, hopefully giving a more comprehensive understanding of situations in life. The energy of January is that of clearing and cleansing, with a lot of day by day interactions that seem to demonstrate this almost purifying effect. It’s like a spiritual shower, you can do your integrity and dignity the world of good this month by making sure that others enjoy things as much as you do – after all, the secret of life is that sometimes 2 + 2 = 5, and the Aquarius new Moon of January 23rd should provide new beginnings that demonstrate this.

Pisces Compared to many other signs of the zodiac, January is relatively light as far as long term developments go. That’s not to decry you, merely to suggest that this month is going to be taken up with events at the day by day level in a form of preparation and cleansing for when the big events do start happening, from mid February onwards. The main area of influence seems to be that of one to one relationships, whether those relationships are professional, family, social or personal and intimate. On the one hand there’s Mars in your opposite sign bringing all types of situations directly into view, situations that can’t be ignored, and where it’s better to act than it is to react. On the other hand, especially from the 145th January onwards when Venus moves into your sign, there’s the desire for less competitiveness and more cooperation. You should find that as January progresses so you’ll be able to find both common and middle ground with people in ways that don’t challenge either of you but neither are they too much of a compromise. The year is going to get more and more involved, so why use the time of the second half of January when Venus is with you to get some rest in? Why not use it as a time of recovery if you need it, certainly recharge and possibly filling up some spare batteries as well. It’s a time to enjoy yourself, put on a pound or two and generally have fun.

About Steve Judd

Steve was born near Southampton in southern England in July 1955. After leaving the army at twenty, Steve found his first astrological book in 1980, and spent the next years buried in books studying astrological basics, leading to his first consultations in 1982. He is totally self taught. Over the next fifteen years, he expanded his ability by doing 4,000+ chart readings.

In 1994, after many years working at the Glastonbury Festival Green Fields, Steve was a founding members of the Big Green Gathering and is currently on the Board of Directors. Since 1998, Steve has increased his astrological career many fold, starting when he began work for the astrological phone lines. He wrote for Jonathan Cainer, as well as contributing to Jon's web site and column in the Daily Mirror and the Daily Mail. During 1999 and 2000 Steve worked as a real-time internet astrological consultant for World International Television. He now works solely for himself.

In the last eight years, Steve's number of consultations has increased to the point where he now has records of over 20,000 horoscopic readings, with a loyal client base, many of whom return for monthly and yearly updates.

Steve has considerable experience of dealing with different media. He has appeared on local radio stations in Cornwall, Bristol, Hereford, Stevenage and the highlands of Scotland amongst others, on local TV in the HTV and GMTV areas, and has national TV appearances to his name. He has his own brand of idiosyncrasies which endear him to his many clients and fans, which coupled with his bohemian and sometimes direct attitude makes him a unique individual.

In September 2003, Steve began studying for the Master of Arts Degree in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology at the Sophia Centre, Bath Spa University. He was awarded his Masters Degree on July 22 2005.

If you enjoyed his forecast, please visit Steve’s website at www.stevejudd.com or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .