Ingress results in a change in tone and meaning for a point, which is an energy shift designed to promote and continue growth, as well as change, on a regular and ongoing basis. Each point moves at a different speed, so the ingress for Mercury, which is faster than Mars, happens more frequently and is part of a recurring cycle in which every point eventually “returns” to the same degree as part of its elliptical cycle around the Sun.
This article will look at ingresses for this month. Three planets will change signs: Mercury, Venus, and Mars
Mars into Sagittarius (January 3)
On January 3 at 4:38 am Eastern Standard Time (EST) Mars will leave Scorpio and enter Sagittarius. Mars is the point associated with our desire, passion, aggression, and action. While it was in Scorpio the keynote was, “hidden reserves of power explode into action”, and the symbol, “miners drilling deep into the bowels of the earth strike oil” (Astrology, Moore and Douglas, 137). In Sagittarius, the keynote is, “ambitiously conceived projects are carried out enthusiastically”, and the symbol is, “a ‘bronco buster’ at a rodeo keeps his seat on a spirited steed” (148).
The change in tone should be rather striking since Scorpio is intense and dramatic, while Sagittarius is intense but enthusiastic. Mars works powerfully in both these signs. In traditional Hellenistic astrology, Mars-ruled Scorpio (now ruled by Pluto) and Aries (which it still rules). The Aries rulership makes Mars a fire point, so movement through Sagittarius will place it in a fire sign.
What we should expect and hope to feel is a more positive, “can do” attitude rather than the intense “must do” attitude expressed by Scorpio. Instead of being “deep in the earth”, drilling down, we can enjoy being out in the sun, testing our strength in an exciting competition.
Venus into Pisces (January 13)
On January 13 at 1:39 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) Venus will leave Aquarius and enter Pisces. Venus is the point associated with relationships, beauty, and the body. While it was in Aquarius the keynote was, “attachments are idealistic and impersonal”, and the symbol, “a group of young people admire a statue of Aphrodite in a museum” (168). In Pisces, the keynote is, “devotion is expressed through sacrificial service”, and the symbol is, “a nurse massages a patient’s feet” (179).
The change in tone should be rather subtle since Pisces is involved; Aquarius can be detached, and Pisces is fluid and adaptable. Venus is very “far away” from its Taurus and Libra rulerships, currently in signs that are particularly impersonal for such a personal point. Our concerns for a relationship will be focused outward on community (Aquarius) and even more broadly, the world (Pisces). We will want to understand the spirit nature of our connection to others.
What we should expect, and hope is to connect to people and our environment in ways that make us question our purpose and place in life. Why these people? Why this part of the world? Where do we fit in? If we do not fit in, why not? What is different about us and what is the same, with regard to all the other people living on the planet.
Mercury into Aquarius (January 16)
On January 16 at 1:31 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) Mercury will leave Capricorn and enter Aquarius. Mercury is the point associated with our communication, learning, and information. While it was in Capricorn the keynote was, “thoughts are expressed clearly and rationally”, and the symbol, “a librarian arranges books according to a master plan” (156). In Aquarius, the keynote is, “ideas circulate through space-transcending media”, and the symbol is, “a youth talks by radio to people in foreign lands” (166).
The change in tone should be fluid as we think about how to get our “clear and rational” ideas out to a wider audience. Mercury works powerfully in both these signs since it rules both an earth sign and an air sign. As the ruler for Virgo, the earth aspect of Mercury wants to see results in thought through Capricorn. As the ruler of Gemini, the air aspect of Mercury wants to use technology (in our day and age, the internet), to spread its ideas far and wide.
In this ingress, the thinking process should progress from clear intention and practical application to widespread dissemination. In essence, how do we get the word out? If we have a great idea, this transition moment should be the one we use to post something we want to share widely through social media. It could be the perfect time to get writing out to an online magazine, or a worthwhile message out through YouTube.
Impact of Ingresses
By January 17th Mercury, Venus, and Mars will all be in new signs until the end of January and into February. All are happening rather late in the Zodiac wheel (signs 9, 11, and 12 – Sagittarius, Aquarius, and Pisces respectively). We can expect large social and political issues to have an impact on our personal lives since the personal planets are all the ones ingressing this month.
In reverse, our personal choices, how we communicate (Mercury), who we connect with (Venus), and what we want (Mars) will also have an impact on the wider world. The Macrocosm will affect the microcosm and the microcosm will reshape the macrocosm.
None of the outer points Saturn to Pluto will ingress anytime soon, so the existing tones of the impersonal points will stay at their current frequency for years to come (except Saturn, which will make ingress later in 2020).
As with all things astrological, shifts in the sky mean shifts in your personal astrology. In my own chart, Mercury will begin passing through my 2nd House of Resources, Venus through my 5th House of Creativity, and Mars through my 4th House of Family. I will need to think more about my personal finances, determine what I want from family, and build creative and playful relationships throughout January and February 2020.
