From January 26 to April 2 this year—all planets are direct. What an auspicious symbol for making progress! All the planets are going in the same direction. With none retrograde, we reach an exquisite space for manifesting dreams.
This relatively rare celestial condition was dubbed “APDM” (All Planets Direct Motion) by astrologer Wave Rayne, who’s collected the most data on this phenomenon. APDM seems to occur about once every year—although it came twice in 2010, not at all in 2014, and after 2039, doesn’t happen again for 40 years.
The planets are an ordered yet unruly bunch. That’s clear with these “no retrograde” zones. There’s a whimsical, seemingly random quality to when and for how long they appear. They can last from just one to three days or as long as three months. This year we get nine weeks.
Pluto’s Zero-Degree Portal of Discovery
What’s more—about a week before this period begins, Pluto entered zero degrees of Aquarius. When a slower moving planet like Pluto enters zero degrees of the next sign, a fabulous portal opens up in the world and within our psyche. Zero degrees of a new sign draws in a potent gust of fresh spirit. Something new is stirred inside. We get a taste of the future when a slow-moving planet reaches zero degrees. We reach a celestial discovery zone.
As Pluto transits into Aquarius, a sign known for its innovative and revolutionary energy, we are ushered into an era of transformation that is both collective and deeply personal. Aquarius, an air sign, symbolizes the collective consciousness, humanitarian efforts, and technological advancements. With Pluto’s entry into this realm, we’re likely to witness profound shifts in these areas. In fact, we already have! Pluto was briefly in Aquarius last year (from March 23 to June 11) and AI entered our culture in a big way. There was a sudden surge in people power, with victories for unions and abortion rights at the polls. This period beckons us to break free from old structures and patterns that no longer serve the greater good. It’s a time to embrace the new, the unconventional, and the futuristic. The changes might not be immediate, but they set the stage for a long-term evolution of society.
Moreover, this zero-degree portal is a call to introspection. Pluto’s energy is about deep transformation, often starting from within. As it aligns with Aquarius, we are encouraged to rethink our values, our approach to community, and our role in the larger network of life. This is a period where groundbreaking ideas and revelations about our society and ourselves can emerge. We might find ourselves more inclined towards activism, driven to participate in or initiate social changes. This is not just about external revolution; it’s about an internal awakening. We are at the cusp of a significant paradigm shift, and it begins with the transformation of our inner worlds.
Which brings us back to this year’s retrograde-free zone. Watch for signs–and get moving on something! No excuses anymore. The celestial freeway is clear. This doesn’t necessarily mean that everything is destined to go your way. About these retro-free weeks, I sometimes hear astrologers say things like, “During this blissful window, you can make rapid progress in all areas of your life.” Or: “These will be peaceful, harmonious weeks during which your mind will be remarkably clear.”
Let’s face it. It’s absurd to think we’ll all have the same experience. Or that any day or any project will go perfectly. Besides, the planets have a poor track record for predicting events. If they were better at it, we’d find astrology departments in every institution and business in the land. Who wouldn’t want to know all the outcomes ahead of time?
The sky is rather a symbol. Or as the first astrologers, the Mesopotamians, believed, the planets carry messages from the gods. They tell us which way the wind is blowing. It’s up to us to do something about it. That’s how we make magic with astrology. We follow the signs and offer ourselves into the appropriate avenues.
Align your archetypes
When all planets are going in the same direction, this suggests that you should do likewise. This is an auspicious time to get all of your forces going towards the same dream.
Most people have several voices in their head. And lots of different directions in which they could go. Your birth planets offer a convenient way to identify these voices. Chart placements can reveal some of the secrets in your subconscious; for example, how certain archetypes tend to sabotage the others.
Yet occasionally you can–and should–get every one of your inner voices on the same page. Is there a dream enticing enough that you can enlist each archetype to do its part in the dream’s unfolding? You may need to stop Saturn from attacking the Moon. Or prevent Mars from wandering into thoughtless dangers. Get them both to fly under the same flag as your benefics, Venus and Jupiter.
So how do you move archetypes? Awareness of these different energies is of course the key. Consciousness is our finest power. Without knowledge of your inner landscape, you can’t get in the game. Again, your birth chart is quite gifted at revealing this psychic territory. You may already know some of your inner troublemakers and heroes. But approach this moment with a broad, forgiving love for all of them. You may wish your 12th house Sun was more confident, but let yourself instead appreciate his fine imagination.
Keeping your archetypal team in mind, begin by setting your sankalpa (the Sanskrit word for intention). Manifestation begins with a vision. Your dream. Once you have this, do something to crystallize your vision. Find the perfect words and write this down. Another wonderful option is making a vision board. Vision boards (or treasure maps) have been around for a long time (Google this if you’re unfamiliar). It’s a great way to let your angels speak as they invite you to explore this year’s exquisite possibilities. If you’re a visual person, do keep your vision map in view. Your subconscious sees this–absorbs it–each time you walk past. Sometimes it’s nice to just stand silently in front of it.
If you’re more awakened into the auditory realm, create a musical affirmation that’s as infectious as a wonderful ear worm. You want to find yourself regularly humming it, as you go along in the days ahead. That’s how your subconscious will absorb the message. If you’re kinesthetic—if embodied sensation is the best route into your subconscious–find a mudra, a hand gesture; or an exalted pose; or a brief and joyful dance. Surrender into the sensations of your coming success.
What’s happening in your chart this year? Your Skylog report will tell you. With great precision it identifies what I call “the lords on your altar” each year. You can order yours here.
Dana, this is such a good article! It just flowed and touched off little zingers in my psyche.. you are such a great writer! Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your knowledge and intuition.
thank you, back at ya!