{"id":8696,"date":"2026-01-18T12:24:54","date_gmt":"2026-01-18T12:24:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.lanawooster.co.uk\/?p=8696"},"modified":"2026-01-23T12:19:02","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T12:19:02","slug":"aspects-for-the-week-beginning-18-january-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lanawooster.co.uk\/?p=8696","title":{"rendered":"Aspects for the week beginning 18 January 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spinoza (1632 \u2013 1677)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll the cosmos is a single substance of which we are a part. God is not an external manifestation, but everything that is.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

~ Baruch Spinoza<\/p>\n

It\u2019s about nine months since my last Philosophy blog, which was about the Scorpio Philosopher Voltaire, so permit me to carry on\u2026!\u00a0 For those of you who find the subject tedious, you\u2019ll be glad to know I only have three more on the agenda (Capricorn to Pisces).\u00a0 But this one belongs to Spinoza.<\/p>\n

Sagittarius is the Philosopher\u2019s birth sign, although as far as I am aware Spinoza was not \u201cinto\u201d <\/em>Astrology.\u00a0 Contemporary Isaac Newton (1643 \u20131727) born only eleven years later, but longer lived, famously did give a nod to Astrology; in a retort to Edmond Halley (1656 \u2013 1742), Newton told him \u201cI have studied the matter, you have not!\u201d<\/p>\n

All that is by the by, for Astrology may not have been any concern of this notable Philosopher of Philosophers.\u00a0 He may not have lived for more than 45 years, but his impact on his subject is immense.\u00a0 He was a forerunner of the Age of Enlightenment.<\/p>\n

Birth Chart<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, we do have a birth time for him.\u00a0 Spinoza had 5 Fixed and 5 Mutable planets (high stubbornness and high adaptability) but 0 Cardinal (an absence of the wish to lead).\u00a0 In his Element count, he had 0 Air planets, which meant that he operated mostly on instinct.<\/p>\n

His Sun in Sagittarius was closely conjunct Saturn, meaning that he could mentally travel between the Universal (Sagittarius) to the particular (Saturn).\u00a0 His Moon was exactly opposite Neptune, giving him the Mystic Archetype.\u00a0 Caroline Myss writes of the Mystic Archetype:<\/p>\n

\u201cFollows selfless path of practice to achieve union with the Divine or a state of enlightenment that manifests as service to others, and<\/p>\n

Consistently places inner knowledge above material concerns\u201d<\/p>\n

Spinoza had Ascendant, Chiron and the North Node in Aries, so to some extent he used himself as a measurement for his theories (as did Arien Descartes).\u00a0 But his researches were deeper, as testified by his Mercury in Scorpio opposite Pluto.\u00a0 In addition, his Mercury was closely opposite Jupiter, showing a wide ranging mind, balancing logic and expansive thinking (an echo of his Sagittarian Sun conjunct Saturn, as described above).\u00a0 The North Node loosely conjunct Chiron, described a karmic mission dedicated to solving the mysteries of life.\u00a0 He also had the Warrior Archetype, in Mars exactly trine the North Node, something he needed to deal with the slings and arrows of his life, although he tended to deliberately avoid conflict. Jupiter was conjunct Pluto in his chart, denoting Power, particularly religious power.\u00a0 His work had power, and was intensely religious, but at the same time offended Jews and Christians, partly for his pantheistic ideas.\u00a0 Uranus square Midheaven describes the controversial nature of his career, and work in the world, while Uranus trine Pluto saw him become an unapologetic agent of Change.\u00a0 Chiron in Aries loosely conjunct Ascendant made him a challenging personality to be around, and emphasized the problem-solving nature of his task in life.<\/p>\n

Life and Career<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Spinoza was born in Amsterdam, to a Jewish family who had fled Portugal.\u00a0 His father was a merchant, and Spinoza was steeped at an early age in the Hebrew sacred texts.\u00a0 His mother died when he was six years old.\u00a0 His father hoped he would become a rabbi.\u00a0 However, as a young man, he came to challenge and question this very tradition, and he was expelled from his Jewish community on 27th<\/sup> July 1656 (he was 23 at the time).\u00a0 His transits paint a telling picture: Yes it was painful (the transiting Nodal Axis squaring his Chiron rising), but there is an element of divine intervention or blessing about it with Pluto sextile his Chiron and Jupiter opposite his natal Saturn (both transits freeing him).<\/p>\n

Philosophical enquiry then took over as his main area of research, and among his early influences were the Greek Stoics, Thomas Hobbes (1588 \u2013 1679) and Rene Descartes (1596-1650, see my blog dated 20\/1\/2020). He started to built up a following (the equivalent of a modern day influencer!).<\/p>\n

The extent of his work was vast, and incorporated metaphysics, epistemology, political philosophy, ethics, among other branches of philosophy.\u00a0 He moved to the Hague in 1670, in order to be at the centre of his supporting community.\u00a0 His Progressed\u00a0 Sun at the time trined his natal Moon in 1st<\/sup> House, depicting a more congenial habitat for him.<\/p>\n

Philosophy<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

His main work was titled the \u201cEthica\u201d.<\/p>\n

Here are some of his tenets, taken from \u201cSpinoza \u2013 A Very Short Introduction\u201d by Roger Scruton:<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, then, is the relation of the mind to the body?<\/p>\n

Descartes fudged this issue, and it proved to be the major reason for dissatisfaction with the Cartesian system.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything in the world exists by necessity, and that it could not be other than it is\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpinoza\u2019s answer to the riddle of existence can be put succinctly: all things that exist, exist necessarily, in thoroughgoing interdependence.\u201d<\/p>\n

But, don\u2019t take it from me.\u00a0 I have the resident expert, who is continuing to study the subject with Cambridge University\u2026<\/p>\n

After I completed two Philosophy Certificates and one Diploma, hubby elected to carry on, and has made Spinoza his specialist subject.\u00a0 I decided to keep writing Volume III of my trilogy of novels, \u201cThe Quiet Office\u201d (tagline \u201cWindows to the Future\u201d).<\/p>\n

I hereby give him voice to put my blog right!\u00a0 He says:<\/p>\n

\u2018I would like to offer a quotation from Bertrand Russell\u2019s \u201cHistory of Western Philosophy\u201d, where he says:<\/p>\n

\u201cSpinoza (1632 \u2013 1677) is the noblest and most lovable of the great philosophers.\u00a0 Intellectually, some others have surpassed him, but ethically he is supreme.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

I would add that not only was he ethically supreme but he was Einstein\u2019s philosopher of choice because Spinoza explained everything in his metaphysics and gave a place for nature\u2019s laws that made sense.\u00a0 His ideas on psychology, the mind and ethics have been accepted by many modern-day practitioners.<\/p>\n

Regarding nature\u2019s laws one of Spinoza\u2019s most famous phrases is \u201cDeus sive Natura\u201d, i.e. God or nature.\u00a0 God and Nature are interchangeable and so he asserted that everything exists as part of a single, unified reality.\u2019<\/p>\n

Death<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Spinoza\u2019s death was sudden, due to a lung infection (Saturn opposite his natal Mercury in Scorpio in his 8th<\/sup> House).\u00a0 The condition was probably due to dust produced by the grinding of his lenses.\u00a0 After his death, his followers ensured that his writings were published, in Latin and Dutch.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpinoza sets forth a vision of Being, illuminated by his awareness of God. They may seem strange at first sight. To the question “What is?” he replies: “Substance, its attributes, and modes”.<\/em><\/p>\n

~ Karl Jaspers<\/p>\n

Aspects<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If I have counted correctly, there are 17 astrological features to pay attention to this week.\u00a0 I think that\u2019s a record (in the nineteen years of writing this blog).\u00a0 You may want to digest the \u201caspects\u201d (though not all of them are aspects) one day at a time!<\/p>\n

Starting with today<\/strong>, we have a conjunction of Mercury and Mars at 26 degrees Capricorn, a dynamic start to the week.\u00a0 Get going!\u00a0 This conjunction may assist you in getting things done.\u00a0 It brings brisk action, mental and physical stimulation, and again can help movement in your projects.\u00a0 There is a small element of risk of being incident-prone, as in minor cuts and bruises.\u00a0 So mindfulness is a key to successful outcomes.\u00a0 The conjunction is mentally acute and favours critical thinking, if you are composing an analysis, a review or critique.<\/p>\n

We then have a New Moon at 29 degrees Capricorn.\u00a0 If you are using the optimum Capricorn energy, you could have good results today, especially if you are starting a new project connected with organization, politics, and relations with authority and the institutions of society.\u00a0 As it is the first New Moon of the year, it may be particularly pertinent to set your intentions, firm up your new year\u2019s resolutions, polish up your affirmations, and sharpen your creative visualizations, for the year ahead!<\/p>\n

Thirdly, we have a sextile between Mercury and Saturn, signalling that thoughts and feelings can be channelled and harnessed into constructive plans and ideas.\u00a0 Mental foundations can be laid.\u00a0 The aspect favours documentation and again knuckling down to form-filling etc.\u00a0 Geminis and Virgos have the chance to regain their balance, if they need to.<\/p>\n

Moving on to tomorrow <\/strong>(Monday 19th<\/sup>), we have four features to negotiate, the first being Mercury trine Uranus.\u00a0 This can bring mental brilliance, technological upgrades, lightbulb moments, and futuristic inspiration can be yours.\u00a0 The mind will be uplifted, and computers and I.T. devices given or received, will be on good form and working satisfyingly well (famous last words\u2026!).\u00a0\u00a0 It’s a good opportunity for people to apply their minds and receive flashes of intuitive solutions for the problems that beset us, personally, collectively and globally.<\/p>\n

Aspect No. 2 for tomorrow\/Monday 19th<\/sup> (keep track of the days, so that you can keep track of each discrete feature, if you are playing along\u2026!) is a sextile between the Sun and Neptune: \u00a0a congenial note.\u00a0 The saying may go that you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, but the Sun sextile Neptune gives you the best chance of creating beauty and inspiration in your life.\u00a0 If spiritual harmony, poetry and creativity are some of the goals and aspirations you have this year, you can safely and profitably cultivate them on Monday, or at least a portion of Monday!<\/p>\n

The third feature for Monday is the entry of the Sun into Aquarius.\u00a0 With the Sun in Aquarius, we are more open to embracing Change, as we emerge from the stiffness of winter, like snowdrops from the ground.\u00a0 We still have a way to go before Spring, but are ready to look at different ways of being.<\/p>\n

And lastly on Monday, Venus will be conjunct with Pluto at 3 degrees Aquarius, introducing a deeper psychological element into the day’s complexities.\u00a0 There is much more reflection about the enormity of change, and the impact on humanity.\u00a0 You may need to do some soul-searching in order to have a handle on your feelings.\u00a0 In your interactions, deep honesty may be required. A strong dose of chamomile tea and lavender may be needed all round, e.g. in the case of emotional upheaval.<\/p>\n

Phew, two days down, seven features already.\u00a0 You\u2019d think the \u201caspects\u201d would slow down, but they are still coming thick and fast, for Tuesday<\/strong> (20th<\/sup>) brings five<\/em> astrological features\u2026<\/p>\n

We start with the sextile between Saturn and Uranus: It\u2019s a major aspect and enables stabilization.\u00a0 This is a time when you can do something for yourself which is constructive.\u00a0 You may have a joint venture with someone which is new and innovative, but need a steadying force.\u00a0 Make no mistake, this is the most important aspect of the week, balancing the old and the new.<\/p>\n

Next on Tuesday Mars trines Uranus.\u00a0 You are likely to see, or initiate, bold and controversial moves.\u00a0 It favours mechanical and engineering enterprises, but also social engineering, and sporting interests.\u00a0 There could be surprises in connection with men, cars and dogs!<\/p>\n

In contrast, but part of the same complex of aspects, Mars then sextiles Saturn, an aspect which will give you the tools you need and possibly the opportunity to put into practice a project or scheme which you may have been trying to get to for some while.\u00a0 It is good for both beginning and finishing practical and active projects, e.g. for putting that final piece in a jigsaw.\u00a0 Some solid ground can be gained with the boost of this aspect, especially in the later waking hours of the day.\u00a0 You can firm up ideas which have come to you under the previous aspect of Mars trine Uranus.<\/p>\n

The fourth aspect on Tuesday is Mercury sextile Neptune, which ushers in an influx of intense imagination.\u00a0 This aspect will assist you in refining your mindset, because our minds will be open to receiving higher guidance more easily. \u00a0Delicate conversations and channelling will also be made easier.\u00a0 Artistic efforts may also be rewarded.<\/p>\n

And lastly on Tuesday, Mercury enters Aquarius.\u00a0 You may see a surge in space-age related news items and influences.\u00a0 Technology, too will flourish, and more conjectures and possible concerns about the implications of A.I. (e.g. avoiding Grok).<\/p>\n

We have reached mid-week, Wednesday<\/strong> (21st<\/sup>), when the Sun will be conjunct Mercury in Aquarius.\u00a0 That brings a touch of sparkle to your consciousness.\u00a0 It is a good day to apply your mind with clarity,\u00a0concentrate and focus,\u00a0make important statements, and look to the future.\u00a0 You may write or speak some memorable lines.\u00a0 Look out for some telepathy, too!\u00a0 You may feel the urge to clarify something.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s it, for Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Thursday<\/strong> (22nd<\/sup>) brings with it a conjunction between Mercury and Pluto, at 3 degrees Aquarius.\u00a0 This is about serious thought and communication. Words will have a profound effect.\u00a0 Deeper motives may be revealed.\u00a0 Listening too is important, and exchanges may become cathartic, if sincerely transacted.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s it for Thursday.<\/p>\n

A further three features remain for Friday<\/strong> (23rd<\/sup>), beginning with Mars sextile Neptune. Though we have energy this week, through a great deal of activity with Mars, here it is softened, made more gentle, and spiritualized by virtue of the involvement of Neptune.\u00a0 It brings refinement to your actions and activities.\u00a0 This favours flowing exercise such as Tai Chi, Qijong and Yoga.\u00a0 Combining the physical with the spiritual is ideal, and achievable.\u00a0 So go for your ideal spiritual fitness regime.<\/p>\n

Mars again stars in the next feature, another ingress, that of its entry into Aquarius, shifting another planet into that sign, and taking away from Capricorn.\u00a0 You may feel that you have tied up some loose ends while Mars was in its recent stint Capricorn, and are able to turn your attention to wider social ventures, such as supporting the underdog or encouraging community projects.\u00a0 Mars in Aquarius is about teamwork, but also about activating friendships (e.g. engaging in shared leisure interests together).\u00a0 Mars will be in Aquarius until early March.<\/p>\n

The last aspect of the week, and also on Friday 23rd<\/sup>, will be a conjunction between the Sun and Pluto at 3 degrees of Aquarius.\u00a0 There may be some drama to be played out today (that may be the date of the finale of The Traitors!).\u00a0 Today could be a profound wake-up call, both personally and collectively.\u00a0 Practicing meditation and calming techniques would be a good way to proceed on the day as the deeper issues of life come up for assessment.\u00a0 Any creativity will have depth to it, and you won\u2019t be able to skim the surface of things. But you will emerge the richer for it.<\/p>\n

The week in bullet points:<\/p>\n