Today’s influences are a little bit unusual as we have no bodies creating aspects today, just parallels and contra-parallels, which express relative declination, that is, how far north or south of the ecliptic each of these bodies or points is when compared to one another, from our viewpoint here on Earth. Parallels are alignments at the same declination on the same side (north or south) of the ecliptic, while contra-parallels note bodies or points at the same distance from the ecliptic but in opposing directions (one north, one south).

I think of the influences of parallels as more subtle than direct aspects between bodies. Where the Ptolemaic aspects are like planets holding hands (or punching at) each other, parallels and contraparallels are like planets whispering to each other; what passes between them may affect how they behave, but the influence is only apparent if you’re observant, if you’re able to see the way the mere existence of each, and the appreciation or denigration that passes between them, has made a quiet impact on both.

Right now it’s a matter of beauty and wisdom teaming up, or maybe it’s an indication that what’s rewarding is also smart or practical, and that responding to these markers will positively shape the way forward. What interests us in this beneficial direction may not be supported by the social sphere, or may seem to be contradicted by the facts, and so may stand as a bit of a test, a mind-over-matter situation, or one where we must defy what is in order to make something new, something more closely aligned with our values or ambitions.

(Pallas and Venus parallel each other and NN while contra-parallel Jupiter, Vesta contra-parallel Zeus, Mercury contra-parallel Saturn)

For those born with the Sun at 01 Cancer. Check your natal chart for the correct Sun degree (you may want to read both the degree number and the one that follows, if you have minutes on your Sun position–together these offer a more complete picture of your year ahead). Dear Cancer, there’s big promise of emotional harmony for you this coming solar year, through to your next birthday, with the trick to enjoying it being your open support of (and living of) your highest ideals. If the emotional life, or life in general, disappoints, it will be a direct result of you not being clear about what your highest priorities, and what you honor in life, really are. Opportunities are numerous, and specifically come to allow you to modify your current Path–so don’t quibble with the details (a possible big distraction for you–instead, define what’s sacred to you in this world, and then fill your life with it. Good luck!