Weekly Astrology Forecast: January 6–12, 2025

This week brings a couple of powerful planetary shifts you’re likely to feel strongly. Below we’ll explain what’s happening and offer practical guidance for navigating this energy.

Early in the week, Mars retrogrades back into Cancer. This placement can feel difficult because Mars is traditionally weakened in Cancer. Planets perform differently depending on the sign they occupy: some signs suit them, others limit them.

Mars represents action, initiative, and assertiveness. Its natural tone is direct, independent, and fiery. Cancer, by contrast, is watery, protective, and emotionally oriented, which mutes Mars’ straightforward drive. When Mars sits in Cancer—especially while retrograde—you may encounter obstacles to starting or completing tasks, and action can feel blocked or delayed.

Because Mars is retrograde in Cancer, that sense of being stuck or hesitant is amplified.

This transit asks you to turn inward. Channel your energy toward inner work: reflect on which wounds, habits, or family dynamics undermine your confidence or make you doubt your ability to stand on your own. Rather than forcing progress, use this time to explore the emotional currents driving your behavior.

Astrology doesn’t label placements as inherently good or bad—each has a season and purpose. During Mars retrograde in Cancer, practice patience. Avoid forcing outcomes when you feel blocked. Instead, become curious about the feelings that arise when you want to act: what motivates you, and what history is behind your triggers?

There are also constructive aspects to Mars in Cancer. This placement tends to be attentive to how actions affect others. Mars in Cancer is sensitive to emotional fallout and considers the impact of choices on relationships. Use this sensitivity to temper impulsive behavior and to act from a place of compassion and care rather than pure self-interest.

You may feel more emotionally reactive under this influence—comments that sting could provoke a defensive response. Notice these reactions and ask yourself why certain remarks touch a tender spot. Often the source will be older memories or childhood patterns resurfacing for healing.

At the same time, Mercury shifts from Sagittarius into Capricorn, adding a grounding influence.

Mercury governs thought and communication. In Capricorn, mental energy becomes practical, disciplined, and solution-oriented. This is a time for realistic planning, careful organization, and sober conversations rather than big, speculative ideas more aligned with Sagittarius.

With Mercury in Capricorn, create lists, outline next steps, and bring concepts into tangible form. Communication tends to be clearer, more focused, and more strategic—use that structure to balance Cancer’s inward sensitivity.

Overall, aim to harmonize the Cancer-Capricorn axis. Attend to your feelings and inner healing while applying Capricorn’s pragmatic thinking before acting. Both Cancer and Capricorn are cardinal signs—good for initiating change—so when you combine emotional clarity with practical planning, you can bring meaningful results into the world.

Planetary Locations During This Week

The Sun: Capricorn (December 21, 2024 – January 19, 2025)
Mercury: Sagittarius (November 3, 2024 – January 8, 2025); Capricorn (January 8, 2025 – January 27, 2025)
Venus: Pisces (January 2, 2025 – February 4, 2025)
Mars: Leo (November 3, 2024 – January 6, 2025); Cancer (January 6, 2025 – April 18, 2025); Leo (April 18, 2025 – June 17, 2025)
Jupiter: Gemini (May 25, 2024 – June 9, 2025)
Saturn: Pisces (March 7, 2023 – May 24, 2025)
Uranus: Taurus (until April 25, 2026)
Neptune: Pisces (until March 30, 2025)
Pluto: Aquarius (November 19, 2024 – March 8, 2043)

Mars in Cancer trine Neptune in Pisces – an excellent day for inner work and compassionate practices. Focus on emotional healing and spiritual expression.

For a deeper look, consider watching this week’s video astrology forecast with Terence Guardino.