The Heart of the Sun
The Sun and Venus come together in a conjunction this week (Jan. 6, 2026, 8:36 am PST) at 16º22’ Capricorn. Within 17′ of the exact conjunction with the Sun, a planet is called cazimi, “in the heart of the Sun.” In that condition, a planet is extraordinarily strong. Like the Sun suddenly breaking through the clouds, the cazimi planet shines in its most brilliant form.
This is a moment in Venus’ cycle when the power of the Sun issues an invitation to fall in love with others, with life, with ourselves. As we let go of negative internal chatter, and the ways we criticize ourselves as unworthy or unlovable, cazimi Venus opens the heart space to make room for the things we truly love.
The conjunction of the Sun and Venus repeats near the same degree of the same sign (and with Venus in the same condition, meaning retrograde or direct) about every eight years. The Sun and Venus (direct) last joined near this degree in January 2018. Something connects that time with this one, and what the heart wanted then with what it wants now.
A Reset Point
Whenever Venus and Mars meet, they tell the story of a reunion between lovers. In recent weeks, Venus and Mars have each done battle with Saturn and Neptune, and the struggle between rules, restrictions, and confusion has taken its toll. As Venus and Mars make their first conjunction to each other (Jan. 7, 2026, 6:43 pm PST, at 18º09’ Capricorn) since February 2024, they sink gratefully – if a little the worse for wear – into a passionate embrace.
This is a reset point in the life cycle of relationships. Can we can mend tattered friendships? Reinvigorate love affairs? Venus and Mars in enduring Capricorn state without hesitation that there is plenty more love in us, and that we’re ready and determined to share it. If the light of your closest relationships has dimmed, here’s a chance to make them burn bright again.
Let Mars Know You See Him
Have you ever known a person whose beauty, charisma, or talent was so incandescent, you felt as though you were completely invisible whenever they’re around? Through no fault of their own, they overwhelm the space they occupy. You’re probably impressed with them yourself. Yet spending time in their company eventually becomes too painful; you feel yourself practically fading into the woodwork in their presence.
Perhaps this is what it’s like to be one of the visible planets when it joins in a conjunction with the Sun, at the same degree of the same sign. It’s hard to outshine the Sun, or even be noticed in his shadow.
This week, Mars receives its annual conjunction from the Sun (Jan. 9, 2026, 3:41 am PST, 19º12’ Capricorn) – and Mars is not the sort of planet that is willing to yield the stage without a fight. So this week, let Mars in Capricorn know that you see it, and that you appreciate its energy and determination, its diligence and care. Give Mars its due, with plenty of exercise, spicy food, and red candles, and you’ll be repaid with valiant protection and courtly attention.
A Foray Outside the Nest
All things being equal, Jupiter transiting through Cancer highlights the joy of being at home with our families, cooking meals together, cosseting our pets and enjoying simple pleasures. But as Venus in Capricorn opposes Jupiter (Jan. 9, 2026, 9:35 am PST, 20º11’ Capricorn-Cancer), you might be feeling a little bit worried about where your family’s sustenance will be coming from, especially after the expense of the holidays.
Jupiter in Cancer’s top priority is to provide a loving, nourishing environment for our families, and this week it seems that will require a foray outside our little nest. An opposition from worldly Venus in Capricorn provides this kind of inspiration. It might come from the woman selling her homemade wares at an open-air market, perhaps, or an inspiring friend who’s embraced corporate advancement. This week, listen to Venus and Jupiter and step outside your comfort zone. The world and its treasures await you.
Enthusiasm and Risk
It’s conventional astrological wisdom that Jupiter is fabulous and any planet touched by its beneficence will be a happy camper. I mean, I like Jupiter as much as the next person; but like any planet, it has a downside. Like a snake that’s swallowed a rodent larger than it can swallow, Jupiter’s eyes are often bigger than its stomach. And in its enthusiasm to take us to higher heights, it can lead us to underestimate risk, as well.
As the Sun in Capricorn opposes Jupiter (Jan 10, 2026, 12:42 am PST, 20º Capricorn-Cancer), it will apply a check to such excesses of enthusiasm. Capricorn’s motto is, “Slow and steady wins the race.” And in Cancer, even Jupiter thinks twice before leaping off into bold adventures.
Something New and Scary
This is a week when even the smallest step in the direction of a cherished wish will be rewarded (if only in personal satisfaction). As Mars opposes Jupiter (Jan. 10, 2026, 6:25 am PST, 20º04’ Capricorn-Cancer), move toward something you’ve long wanted to do – and don’t be surprised if you feel a little bit nervous.
Even if you’re excited about trying something new, great things – such as the first step out onto an icy pond – are both exhilarating and scary. Will you fall through some weak ice? Will you land on your keister? There are no guarantees… but when Jupiter is involved, that’s exactly what’s so exciting! The outcome is less important than the thrill of trying something new, something you’re not entirely sure will succeed.
The Lone Wolf Gets Another Perspective
Capricorn is a bit of a lone wolf. And when we craft New Year’s resolutions during each Sun in Capricorn season, they generally take the form of what we want and can pursue on our own. But the Last Quarter Moon is a moment to evaluate how well that approach is working for us.
This week’s Last Quarter Moon (Jan. 10, 2026, 7:48 am PST, 20º24’ Libra-Capricorn) falls, as it often does during Capricorn’s season, in Libra, the sign of collaboration. The Sun in Capricorn is conjoined with Mars just now, bolstered by Mercury and Venus in its sign, and even more determined than usual to do things in its own way. But even the most powerful Capricorn executive can benefit enormously from conferring with a trusted advisor, and that’s what the Moon in Libra represents here.
The Last Quarter in this lunar cycle says that we’re now secure enough in our own opinions to welcome some feedback. It may come from a spouse, close friend, coach, or business partner, but at this Last Quarter Moon, get another perspective.
Writing and images © 2017-2026 by April Elliott Kent
