The potential for beneficial opportunities and great leaps forward were written in the sky with a partial Solar eclipse in Capricorn and the Jupiter Uranus conjunction in Pisces on 4 January. Astrologically the New Year got off to a flying start. The Capricorn theme of personal endeavour or duty and responsibility combined with an enthusiasm for change will be evident as the year unfolds. The full effects of an eclipse can take several weeks or months to materialise but are often triggered by a swift moving planet passing over the zodiac degree it was in at the time. The first possibility is when quicksilver messenger planet Mercury does so on the 23rd just after Jupiter enters the feisty sign of Aries. This could be the time to speak out against an affront to individual freedom or perhaps you get news of someone taking a stand in defiance against a perceived injustice. The Sun finally leaves the Capricorn sign of the sea goat just hours after it shines its full light on the Moon. The Full Moon represents a culmination and provides a release point, a letting go or time of completion and endings as we prepare to move into the next phase. Potentials that were set in motion during the previous New Moon can come to fruition. This is especially true now as it falls at 29 degrees of the nurturing sign of Cancer. The last degree of a sign is traditionally considered to be critical or a decisive turning point. At the same time the Moon, strong in her own sign makes a beneficial trine aspect to both abundant Jupiter and freedom loving Uranus. So we can expect some fresh starts or maybe even an unexpected turn of events which leads us in a new and positive direction. This maybe one of those “lucky accident” moments that unburdens us of something we didn’t know how to get out of on our own. The month ends as Capricorn’s ruling planet Saturn, turns to move backwards through Libra for the next several weeks. This is when we have the chance to revisit the responsibilities, ties and commitments we have made to others and reconsider or re-negotiate the terms so they are sustainable and can withstand the test of time.