I work as a career and business strategist. But my secret passion is… astrology!
About once a month, I post an overview of what’s happening in the cosmos and how it might influence your career. It’s called: Your Career Forecast.
Whether you’re job-hunting, running your own business, or wondering about the ideal time to ask for a raise or take a vacation, each Career Forecast will reveal the important dates and cosmic shifts that you need to know about.
I am joined by my dear friend, Heidi Rose Robbins, a master astrologer who will provide expert insight into what’s going on in the stars.
Let’s dive in!
OVERVIEW
What’s going on this month…
HEIDI: The Sun moves into Aquarius on January 19th at 7:10 pm Pacific time. Aquarius is an air sign. Under Aquarius, we are drawn to create together. This is the sign of the group. Aquarius wants us to gather to improve our world. It is innovative, improvisational and rules experimentation.
Aquarius asks us to break rules and color outside the lines. It is objective, clear thinking and service oriented. The phrase for Aquarius is beautiful: “Water of Life am I Poured Forth for Thirsty Men.” This is a month to jam, hold meetings, reinvent and perhaps most importantly, remember the spirit of democracy.
Mars moves into Sagittarius on January 26th. Mars is the warrior and Sagittarius is the risk-taker and adventurer. When Mars works in this sign, he becomes the warrior of freedom, the warrior of the big vision or the warrior of optimism. This is an unstoppable combination. Three words: Go for it.
There is a Lunar Eclipse (and Full Moon) on January 31st at 5:27 am Pacific time. This falls at 11 degrees Leo. If you know your chart well and have any planets in that degree or nearby, that planet will be activated and extra charged over the next 6 months. This eclipse (and Full Moon) may help to continue to break down old paradigms and old corporate structures that have outlived their time. Expect more darkness to come to light and expect group protests and gatherings to grow.
Mercury also moves into Aquarius on January 31st. The group voice is heard. And again, we are being asked to reinvent and think outside the usual paradigms. Mercury in Aquarius loves to solve problems with new and unconventional solutions.
Venus moves into Pisces on February 10th. This will bring a little love and sensitivity to the table. In our individual lives, this may create a need for a bit more solitude. We replenish in quiet ways when Venus is in Pisces. We need the spaciousness of music, poetry, film or meditation.
There is another eclipse—this time a Solar Eclipse—on February 15th. This eclipse falls at 27 degrees Aquarius. Again, if you have a major planet or your Rising Sign near that degree, it will activate that position for 6 months. Major world events occur under Solar Eclipses. It’s a powerful activating energy. This eclipse (and New Moon) is stimulating the group, democracy and the united power of the people.
Finally on February 17th, Mercury moves into Pisces. Again, this is a turn towards the internal. Aquarius brings an electric energy and Pisces brings the power and depth of the ocean. When Mercury is in Pisces, we communicate with feeling and sensitivity. We muse, meditate and imagine. Let’s use this energy to center ourselves so that we can communicate with love and compassion.
It’s a powerful, activating, change-it-up month. If your life needs an overhaul (or even just a boost), this may be just the energy you need to set things in motion.
What does all of this mean for your career? Let’s look closer…
JOB HUNTING?
Here’s what you need to know…
ELLEN: Mars moves into Sagittarius on January 26th. Mars is the warrior and Sagittarius is the adventurer. This is a “Go get it!” day—the perfect day to go after a new job, especially a job that feels like a bit of a “reach.” Take a risk, throw your hat in the ring, and go for it!
If you worry about “not being qualified enough” or “not having enough experience,” here’s a story to boost your courage…
I know a woman who landed a job at a top radio company. She wasn’t necessarily the most qualified person for the job. She’d never worked in radio before. In fact, she’d never even set foot inside a radio station! However, she’s an adventurous person and—a few years prior—she had gotten her helicopter pilot’s license.
She mentioned “Licensed Pilot” on her résumé—and that’s the one detail that grabbed her future employer’s attention. He thought, “I definitely want to interview this person. I like her spirit!” She ended up getting the job—even though there were plenty of other applicants who were technically much more “qualified” for the position.
Moral of the story: your résumé isn’t just a dry, boring list of credentials. At least, it doesn’t have to be. The details on your résumé should tell a story—a story about the type of person you are. The risks you’ve taken. The things you love most. The experiences that have shaped you.
If you’ve studied yoga for 15 years, mention that on your résumé. If you’ve traveled to 7 countries and taught English overseas, say so. If you volunteer at an animal shelter and you’ve helped over 100 dogs to find loving homes, mention that, too. Often, it’s those kinds of details that will grab a hiring manager’s attention and make them think, “This is somebody I definitely want to meet.”
Lastly, if you’re job-hunting, remember that the sign of Aquarius is all about group dynamics. The energy of many is greater than that of one. Think: “Collaboration.”
Rather than job-hunting all by yourself, meet up with friends. Host a dinner party, cocktail hour, or brunch. Ask questions like: “Do you happen to know anybody who works at {name of company}? Could you make an introduction for me?” “What do you think about your current workplace?” “Would you recommend working there? “Why or why not?”
More often than not, exciting job opportunities arise because of personal connections. To unlock all kinds of surprising doors, don’t isolate yourself. Turn to your community.
ALREADY HAVE A JOB?
Here’s what you need to know…
ELLEN: Mercury moves into Aquarius on January 31st. It’s time to reinvent old systems and think outside the box. At work, be the one to come forth with an unexpected solution. Don’t be afraid to make your voice heard.
You could start by asking yourself, “What’s one thing about my job that really doesn’t make sense?” Or… “One thing that’s really inefficient?” Or… “One thing that’s just not working smoothly?” Identify something about your job, department, or company that feels stuffy and outdated. Decide, “I’m going to propose a new way of approaching this.” Your innovative stance will be appreciated—and rewarded.
Venus moves into Pisces on February 10th. This is a loving, dreamy combination of energies. On this day, you might notice that you’re craving some alone-time. Ask your manager if you can work off-site. Even better, take a mental health day and spend your time resting, reading, visiting an art gallery, or connecting with nature. This is an excellent day to surround yourself with beauty and recharge.
SELF-EMPLOYED OR RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Here’s what you need to know…
ELLEN: There’s a Solar Eclipse on February 15th. This particular eclipse brings a feeling of togetherness and activation. Use this powerful day to “rally the troops” and bring people together with a shared goal.
For example, you could invite your social media followers to join together and sign a pledge. You could encourage your customers to join a 7-day challenge—guide them through a fun, energizing experience, moving towards a specific end-result. You could start a private Facebook group where your clients can chat, brainstorm, and interact. The spirit of this eclipse is: “United we stand, divided we fall.” Bring people together and watch the sparks—and sales—fly!
On February 17th, Mercury moves into Pisces. Mercury rules communication. Pisces is all about emotional depth, imagination, and sensitivity. If you run a business, this is an excellent day to communicate with your clients and customers—especially if you’re sharing a tender, heartfelt message.
If you’re short on time, keep it brief. Think: a 1-minute video expressing your gratitude for every customer who made a purchase in the last year. Or record a 5-minute meditation and share it on your blog. Or send out a newsletter with a touching story about an experience that changed your life. You’ll be surprised by how many people respond to say, “Thank you. That was beautiful. I really needed to hear that today.”
Famous Aquarians:
• Ellen DeGeneres. A classic Aquarian. She’s all about community, togetherness, and healing old, divisive wounds of the past—like homophobia. Every day, she’s uniting people through laughter, fun, and fresh ideas.
• Oprah Winfrey. Her mission is to heal and serve humanity—and it shows in everything she does. A true Aquarian, she’s not afraid to reinvent herself over and over. TV host. Actress. Magazine creator. Philanthropist. Maybe one day… Politician? President? (Let us pray!)
• Ronda Rousey. Aquarians love to innovate. They bring radical ideas to the table. Because of Ronda’s persistence, the UFC/Mixed Martial Arts sport now has a female division. Previously, only men were allowed to compete. Not anymore.
OVERALL, THIS IS A GREAT MONTH FOR…
• Thinking outside the box. Radical, disruptive ideas. Fresh solutions.
• Clearing away stuffy, stale energy. The old systems have got to go!
• Group activities. Think: pledges, petitions, marches, rallies, and brainstorming sessions.
• Celebrating the voice of the people. Think: articles, blog posts, performances, and other creative projects that bring many voices together.
• Risk-taking and reinvention. Rather than choosing from Option A or B, consider, “Could there be an Option C?”
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER…
• January 19th – Sun moves into Aquarius. (The sign of group dynamics. Let’s draw together and create together.)
• January 26th – Mars moves into Sagittarius. (Take risks! Begin a new adventure! Don’t hold back.)
• January 31st – Mercury moves into Aquarius. (An excellent day for communication and collaboration.)
• January 31st – Lunar Eclipse and Full Moon of Aquarius. (Old structures are breaking down. Aquarian powers are at their peak.)
• February 10th – Venus moves into Pisces. (Love, imagination, and emotional depth.)
• February 15th – Solar Eclipse and New Moon of Aquarius. (Major events tend to happen on and around the Eclipse. Since it’s a New Moon, consider how you want the rest of 2018 to feel. Set new intentions.)
• February 17th – Mercury moves into Pisces. (Communicate with love and compassion.)
CAREER MANTRA FOR THE MONTH
“We did not ask for this room or this music; we were invited in. Therefore, because the dark surrounds us, let us turn our faces toward the light. Let us endure hardship to be grateful for plenty. We did not ask for this room or this music. But because we are here, let us dance.” —Stephen King
Our world is far from perfect. The time of Aquarius is a time to shed the darkness of the past, create bold new systems, and come into the light.
And of course, we’ll move faster if we work collaboratively. One vote, one donation, one person marching is… just one person on the street. It certainly helps, because every little bit helps. But we need more than just one person—we need hundreds, thousands, millions—in order to tip the scales of history.
May we use the energy of Aquarius to unify, collaborate, and make magic happen—together.
With love,
Ellen & Heidi
Learn more about my career & business coaching services here.
Learn more about Heidi and her astrological services here.