2023 is nearly here, and with a new year comes new astrology! We’re going to review the highs and lows, ups and downs, for the first half of 2023. Think of it as your general 2023 horoscope.
THE Most Important Transit: Pluto Entering Aquarius
If I have to pick just one to be the most important, it’s Pluto moving into Aquarius. This begins March 23, 2023, and lasts until June 11th, 2023 (Pluto will be in and out again in 2024 before fully entering Aquarius in November – until 2043!).
This is a big deal because Pluto is a slow planet, so it spends a long time in one zodiac sign. Pluto has been in Capricorn since 2008, going on 15 years!
In that time, Pluto brought massive transformations with things ruled by Capricorn: governments, countries, institutions, corporations, ambition, and direction. The world changed so much in that time (I mean, hello, smartphones!).
This is likely not only to continue but will be built on with Pluto in Aquarius.
Aquarius rules the future, our hopes and dreams, the masses, innovation, and invention. Watch for major technological advancements over the next two decades (will we FINALLY get flying cars?).
Aquarius is also a ruler of change, which merges well with Pluto’s transformative energy. We’re going to be embarking on some massive changes, the kind of changes that impact everything and everyone.
I did look back, and the last time Pluto was in Aquarius was 1778 to 1798, so it’s been a minute. During this time, we transitioned into the Industrial Revolution (interesting, considering how we’re dealing with the climate effects of that now!).
The Most Important Transits for the First Half of 2023 by Month
Now let’s go into the most important transit for each month of the first half of 2023, so January through June, along with the zodiac signs. Jump in:
Most Important Transit for January 2023: Mercury, Mars, & Uranus Direct
Yes, it’s a little bit of a copout since it’s three transits!
But 2023 begins with all three planets retrograde, and they’ll turn direct within ten days of each other (January 12th for Mars direct, January 18th for Mercury direct, and January 22nd for Uranus direct).
With all three turning direct, this can mean a few things. For starters, how you begin 2023 and how you think everything will play out can do a 180 and go very, very differently. The tip for that development is to be flexible and go with it!
2023 may also start slowly, thanks to these planets’ retrograde, so any resolutions may seem like they’re put on hold as the year begins. There may not be much traction until they all turn direct.
In the middle of January, it may seem like everything is in limbo as these planets change direction. Try to use the period to be more introspective, work on your plans, and take care of little things before it all picks up.
Read this article next: The Ultimate Guide to Retrogrades
Most Important Transit for February 2023: Anaretic Saturn & Pluto
Both Saturn and Pluto are gearing up to move into new signs in March, which means both planets will turn anaretic in February. There are 30 degrees in every zodiac sign, and 29 degrees is the very last degree.
This is called the anaretic degree, a very high-energy position. In transit, this can be crisis energy that pushes for action.
Saturn is at 29 degrees Aquarius starting February 26 (until March 7th). This can mean we may feel motivated to make a big change, do something impacting the world at large, or do something for the future.
Pluto is at 29 degrees Capricorn starting February 11th (to March 23rd, and again June 11th to July 27th). With Pluto at the end of Capricorn, this can push for final steps, results, and culminations.
29 degrees can show us feeling like we need to jump into action while still having a chance before the planet changes signs. We can be impatient and impulsive, but we should really be smart and responsible.
Most Important Transit for March 2023: Saturn Enters Pisces
Pluto isn’t the only big planet on the move in March, as Saturn also moves from Aquarius to Pisces on March 7th, 2023, and stays there. Saturn doesn’t move as slowly as Pluto but only changes signs every 2-3 years.
It’s an absolutely monstrous deal that both Saturn and Pluto are changing signs close together. We will undoubtedly see some very big developments going into March!
Saturn in Pisces places Saturn with Neptune, and Saturn is quite different. Neptune and Pisces are spiritual, imaginative, and artistic, while Saturn is reality, practical, and disciplined. Saturn brings down some of the hard-to-control Neptune and Pisces energy, but we have to ensure it doesn’t come down too much.
Saturn is the teacher and bringer of lessons, so we may need to learn about spirituality, intuition, imagination, compassion, and empathy. Some of this may feel like it’s missing initially, and we must bring it back healthily.
I want to note that Mars will also leave Gemini in March after being in this sign since August 2022, thanks to the Mars retrograde. That also seems to indicate some very big change is coming, perhaps something impacting the home/family/homeland (Cancer ruled).
Most Important Transit for April 2023: Aries Solar Eclipse
One interesting note about 2023 is that all four eclipses will occur in different signs. We’ll have one each in Taurus and Scorpio, closing out the eclipse set in those signs, and one each in Aries and Libra, starting that eclipse set (eclipses occur in the same set of opposing signs for a period).
The biggest eclipse of them all is, no doubt, the April 20, 2023, Solar Eclipse in Aries.
Why?
Because it occurs at the anaretic degree in Aries, and the energy is even higher than usual since Aries is the highest energy sign of them all. More action!
We’ll all need to take some tangible action with this eclipse and move toward a new beginning (since Aries is the first zodiac sign). Jupiter triggers this eclipse on May 15th, so there’s not much time.
We likely won’t be very patient and won’t want to wait for anything, so it’ll be essential to make sure we’re doing our homework before April hits (ideally January after the end of the retrograde). Otherwise, all that action we’re taking isn’t well thought out, and consequences arise.
Read this next: The Ultimate Guide to Lunar & Solar Eclipses
Most Important Transit for May 2023: Jupiter Enters Taurus
Jupiter exits Aries on May 16th and spends the rest of 2023 in Taurus. Jupiter is pretty comfortable in Aries since Aries is a fire sign and Jupiter is a fire planet, but Taurus doesn’t fire at all!
Taurus is slow, takes its time, wants to wait for just the right moment, and is in no rush at all (and resents anyone trying to make it hurry up). Jupiter in Taurus amplifies this, and we’re slowing things down significantly.
This slowing gives us a chance to adjust to all of the wonkiness of March and April (so it’s for a reason!), and we can work to bring more stability and security and to have more confidence in ourselves and our plans.
On the downside, Taurus can be stubborn and stuck, so we need to ensure we’re not becoming inflexible and refusing to move completely. That’ll just keep a bad situation bad.
Jupiter in Taurus puts Jupiter with Uranus in Taurus, though the two won’t meet up until 2024. Still, this may amplify some of the changing energy associated with Taurus we’ve been seeing for a while (changes with how we make/spend/use/invest money, changes with values, changes with the Earth).
Most Important Transit for June 2023: Pluto Back in Capricorn
As mentioned, Pluto is in Aquarius until June 11th, 2023, and moves back to Capricorn. With Pluto nearing the end of its time in Capricorn, this is big for finalizing, completing, and culminating.
This is the end of a chapter, the end of an era, the end of a journey.
Many of the major Capricorn-related transformations we’ve seen in the last 15 years can come to their conclusion in some way. We can see major developments around the world regarding governments, institutions, and work.
Those who fight against it will desperately try to hang on, but it may not work for them. This is a time to shed, to let go, and to take a role in the future.
The Most Important Transits for the First Half of 2023 for the Zodiac Signs
Aries: Aries Solar Eclipse
The April 20th Solar Eclipse in your sign is likely going to be the big one for you, Aries. You’ll likely feel so incredibly pushed to take action, to take initiative, to break out and start something right away.
You need to make sure you’re not impulsive, though. Jupiter in your sign until May helps you out, bringing more opportunities for you, so you just need to be smart about it.
Taurus: Jupiter Enters Taurus
Lucky planet Jupiter moves into your sign on May 16th, 2023, for the rest of the year, and this is your time, Taurus! Jupiter in your sign is usually an amazing period for opportunities and opening up to new possibilities, and you can get excited about new beginnings.
This only occurs roughly every 12 years, so it’s important to make the most of it while you can. You have a whole new journey coming, and it’s paired with Uranus in your sign, so opportunities may come out of nowhere for you, and suddenly you’re on your way!
Gemini: Mars Direct in Gemini
The year begins with Mars retrograde in your sign, Gemini, and this can mean you’re going into the new year feeling more than a little off. You may have a lot on your plate, yet your energy may be all over the place.
Mars retrograde ending on January 12th can help you get some energy back. Though you’ll likely welcome Mars leaving your sign on March 25th!
Cancer: Mars in Cancer
Mars is in your sign, Cancer, from March 25 to July 20, 2023. This is significant because Mars spends so long in Gemini, the sign before yours, and likely drains all of your energy, motivation, and enthusiasm.
When Mars enters your sign, it will likely feel like a big breath of fresh air. Birds are singing. The sun is shining!
You can finally find the motivation you need, take action, and get started.
Leo: Mars in Leo
Mars is in your sign, Leo, from May 20th to July 10th, 2023, and this can bring lots of energy and drive into your life. The Mars retrograde to start the year may have gotten you caught up in changes and things that felt out of your control, and it’s likely not until Mars enters your sign that you start to feel you have some of this control back.
This comes at an auspicious time, too, as Jupiter will just be entering the highest part of the zodiac for you, and illuminates progress and success and helps you make important connections with important people. You can get recognition, even fame, and feel comfortable with the attention you get.
Virgo: Mercury Retrograde in Taurus
Your ruler, Mercury, will retrograde in Taurus from April 21st to May 14th, and it’s usually important when your ruler is retrograde, Virgo. You tend to feel off in a subtle or not-so-subtle way, and this can melt into everything you do.
This period is an important one for you to get some space with the retrograde in Taurus and to be more open to new experiences. Work on removing blocks to opportunities and adventure now, so you’re ready for when Jupiter enters Taurus right after this retrograde ends, and you can hit the ground running.
Read this next: Your Ultimate Guide to Controversial Mercury Retrograde
Libra: Libra Full Moon
A Full Moon occurs in your sign, Libra, on April 6th, 2023, and this can stir up a lot of emotion for you. This comes on the heels of Saturn and Pluto changing signs, so you may be extra sensitive to the shifting energies all around us at that time.
Make sure you’re making time for connecting to your heart and that you’re managing stress well. Take care of your own needs, and take stock of what needs to be changed, what’s working, and what isn’t.
Scorpio: Scorpio Lunar Eclipse
A Lunar Eclipse occurs in your sign on May 5th, the last eclipse in your sign. There was a Solar Eclipse in your sign in October 2022, which may have brought some new beginnings that come to fruition, culmination, or an ending with the Lunar Eclipse.
This can feel like a time when you’re clearing out, and you can make room for what comes down the line.
Sagittarius: Sagittarius Full Moon
A Full Moon occurs in your sign, Sagittarius, on June 3rd, 2023, and this comes just 18 days after your ruler, Jupiter, moves from Aries to Taurus, so this can feel like a big shift for you. Emotions are usually strong with a Full Moon in your sign, and you may be reeling from the change your ruler is making.
There can be extra stress with this Full Moon, so that is something you need to prepare for by having healthy outlets for frustrations. If you can manage that, this can be a period where you’re seeing some great progress made fast that pushes you in a new direction.
Capricorn: Pluto Exiting Capricorn
As mentioned, Pluto is nearing the end of its time in your sign, Capricorn, and the last decade+ has likely brought massive transformations to your life. By now, you probably have more personal power that you’re comfortable with and are more aligned with your true self.
Anything that still requires a transformation, that you need to dig deeper into and understand, that you need to solve, or that you haven’t fully addressed can get more attention over the next two years. This can especially be the case when Mercury is retrograde in your sign (December 29th, 2022, to January 18th, 2023, and December 13th to 23rd, 2023).
Aquarius: Pluto Enters Aquarius
Already mentioned that Pluto will start moving into Aquarius, but this is likely to be the biggest deal for you out of all of the signs. You can feel a huge desire start to grow over the next year to transform yourself and/or your life if you don’t feel like you’re living your purpose or as your best self.
Depending on how much you’ve already done in your life, this may be big or small. If you haven’t done much work on yourself and your life, be ready for a total takedown by Pluto.
Pisces: Saturn Enters Pisces
Saturn moving into your sign means you’re under the microscope with Saturn, Pisces. You may have many more responsibilities that fall on you, and any lessons you haven’t learned to this point can become crucial.
This can be overwhelming and limiting, but if you go with the lessons and act responsibly (as Saturn wants), you can get through. This can be a whole new chapter in your life.
Have a Great First Half of 2023!
So that’s your general 2023 horoscope layout for what to focus on through June 2023. It’s a pretty significant period, honestly, one of the biggest we’ve had in a long time that may shape how the next few decades play out.
We can see this in the world at large, but we can also see this in our individual lives. You can be an active participant, or you can sit back and let it happen for you – it’s likely going to happen no matter what.
Remember, you can use the free astrology calendar to keep track of the astrology every month, and don’t forget your horoscope for more guidance. Good luck!
Read your daily horoscope right now and use it as your guide as you enter 2023.
