The planets are continuously moving around us; these ever-changing energies are capable of influencing our moods. Knowledge is power and knowing about the planetary movements can help us plan for the next year ahead. Here is an overview of the main astrological events for 2018. 

The Sun is one of our luminaries. It represents our life force and what motivates us to get up in the morning. As it moves through each sign of the zodiac, it heats up the sky with a particular archetype. The Sun embodies each sign for about a month so we feel the energy of the entire zodiac each year. One major aspect of the Sun this year is a conjunction with Jupiter, our planet of expansion. When the Sun and Jupiter meet in the sky, there is a feeling that anything is possible. The day of this auspicious conjunction between Sun and Jupiter is November 26. Both planets will be in the sign of the centaur, Sagittarius. This fire energy could be used to do something inspirational on a grand scale. 

The Moon is our other luminary and the fastest moving planet in the sky. It represents our emotions. The Moon moves through each sign of the zodiac quickly, only staying for two to three days in each sign. It is important to pay particular attention to the new and full phases of the Moon and the sign of the zodiac it activates. The New Moon is for setting intentions for a 28-day cycle. They are a good time to start a new routine or habit. The Full Moon is for releasing those things that no longer serve us. 

Let’s mark our calendars for these powerful Moon days: 

• February 15 at 4:05pm: New Moon in Aquarius 
• March 1 at 7:51pm: Full Moon in Virgo
• March 17 at 9:11am: New Moon in Pisces
• March 31 at 8:37am: Full Moon in Libra
• April 15 at 9:57pm: New Moon in Aries
• April 29 at 8:58pm: Full Moon in Scorpio
• May 15 at 7:48am: New Moon in Taurus
• May 29 at 10:19am: Full Moon in Sagittarius
• June 13 at 3:43pm: New Moon in Gemini
• June 28 at 12:53am: Full Moon in Capricorn
• July 12 at 10:48pm: New Moon Cancer
• July 27 at 4:20pm: Full Moon Total Aquarius
• August 11 at 5:58am: New Moon in Leo
• August 26 at 7:56am: Full Moon in Pisces
• September 9 at 2:01pm: New Moon in Virgo
• September 24 at 10:52pm: Full Moon in Aries
• October 8 at 11:47pm: New Moon in Libra
• October 24 at 12:45pm: Full Moon in Taurus
• November 7 at 11:02am: New Moon in Scorpio
• November 23 at 12:39am: Full Moon in Gemini
• December 7 at 2:20am: New Moon in Sagittarius
• December 22 at 12:48pm: Full Moon in Cancer

Our planet of communication, Mercury, moves quickly and erratically. The energy is quick-minded and inquisitive. It moves through all signs of the zodiac with three retrograde periods where it appears to move backwards. Mercury turns retrograde more frequently than any other planet. This year, all three retrograde periods are in fire signs representing a potential for a lot of hot air. These are not times to try and push things forward or start something new. These periods are best used for re-organizing and reflecting. Mercury retrograde periods can be riddled with miscommunications so double-check the details and give yourself extra time during these Mercury retrograde periods: 

• March 22 to April 15 in the sign of Aries
• July 26 to August 19 in the sign of Leo
• November 16 to December 6 in the signs of Sagittarius 

Venus, the planet that governs our relationships, will move through all signs except Sagittarius this year. Venus has a retrograde from October 5 to November 16 in the sign of Scorpio. She goes into the retrograde in Scorpio, which is an uncomfortable sign for Aphrodite, who wants everything to be pleasant and agreeable. But Venus comes out of the retrograde in her governing sign of Libra, putting her in a harmonious mood. Former partners tend to appear during retrograde periods, completing a story or cycle. Venus retrograde periods are times when we re-assess what—and who—we value. 

Our inner warrior, Mars, represents the way we deal with confrontation. It moves a bit slower than the other personal planets, and this year he only embodies five zodiac signs. Our desire to take action will be flavored by the top half of the zodiac: Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Mars is in retrograde from June 26 to August 27 in the sign of Aquarius. When Mars is in its retrograde cycle, we are forced to re-assess our approach to getting what we want. Rather than directly asserting our desires, we should tend towards introspection. 

Jupiter is expansion as it magnifies everything it touches. Philosophy and higher education are themes of Jupiter. This generous, lucky planet will be in the deep waters of passionate Scorpio for most of the year, activating our need to probe and research. In November, Jupiter moves back into Sagittarius, its ruling sign. This year Jupiter is retrograde from March 8 to July 10 in the sign of Scorpio. During the retrograde period, we should take time to re-assess the root of our beliefs. 

Saturn, our planet of limits and boundaries, has returned home to its ruling sign of Capricorn. It takes almost thirty years for Saturn to make its way around the zodiac. This year, he returns to his rightful earthy throne and activates our urge to re-evaluate our structures, both on a physical and emotional level. Saturn will spend almost three years in this sign so use the slow but determined energy of the goat to rebuild our foundations. In addition to seeking advice from the experienced, study history and traditions during the Saturn retrograde from April 17 to September 6 in Capricorn.

When the Nodes of the Moon get within 15 degrees of our luminaries, we have an eclipse. An eclipse represents a powerful time to pause and reflect. The emphasis of the eclipses in 2018 is on the Aquarius/Leo axis with a sneak peek at the North Node’s journey into Cancer. This year’s eclipses will be marked by a desire to find and embrace our authentic self. Use these eclipse dates to meditate in darkness and then light a white candle to welcome back the light. 

• Partial Solar Eclipse on February 15 in Aquarius
• Partial Solar Eclipse on July 12 in Cancer
• Total Lunar Eclipse on July 27 in Aquarius
• Partial Solar Eclipse on August 11 in Leo

The North Node will leave Leo and move into Cancer on November 7, ushering in an emotionally sensitive energy that will prevail until May of 2020. 

Michele Leigh is an astrologer, author and podcaster. A practitioner of ancient astrology and planetary magic, she is an active member of OPA, the Organization for
Professional Astrology. Connect at DarkMoonAstrology.com.