The week between Christmas and New Year’s can be a kind of ‘no man’s land’ until the next year’s resolutions are tangibly invoked. If you’ve been overindulging in food and drink, it may seem pointless to rein that in when there’s a fridge full of leftovers, cookies from the neighbors, and a big, boozy celebration on the horizon (should that kind of gathering be on your agenda). The post-Christmas sales don’t exactly encourage retail austerity, either.

Photo by Amanda Painter

Mars in Aquarius and Jupiter in Leo are basically poster boys for that description, as they move toward an opposition exact at 2:49 pm EST (19:49 UT) Jan. 1. The aspect has its positive side, too, but let’s face it: this can be a tough week to get motivated on ‘the hard stuff’ of setting goals and readying the mind for change that will stick.

Add in that it’s been a tough news year (when has it not, in recent memory?) what with the Uranus-Pluto square still in full effect. It’s normal to want a little psychic or sensory vacation, even if you don’t get the week off from work.

Thing is, Mars opposite Jupiter is not known for moderation — especially where pleasure, alcohol and food are concerned. The aspect can also lack good financial judgment; and according to Isabel Hickey, in fixed signs (which Aquarius and Leo are, as are Taurus and Scorpio, “fixing” the middle of each season), one can be especially biased by one’s strong opinions.

I’m not wagging a finger at you to diet, or to avoid a truly great deal. You don’t need to side-step conversations about war or religion (related to Mars and Jupiter, respectively) any more than usual. (Although the NYPD demonstrated how to take ideology too far at a fallen officer’s funeral Saturday.) The idea is simply to keep some self-awareness about you as you make your decisions, since the line between ‘just enough’ and ‘too much’ might be a little fuzzy coming off of last week’s excesses.

When the Moon enters Taurus at 5:56 am EST (10:56 UT) Dec. 30, we get another factor amplifying the urge toward buying and consuming whatever looks good, feels good, tastes good, smells good and ‘sounded good at the time’. The Moon ties this sensual/material theme to our emotions. Exactly what void are you trying to fill, and does it truly exist in the present, or is it some vestige from childhood stirred up by holiday nostalgia (or triggers)?

That said, you might be someone for whom these days leading up to New Year’s Eve are very clear and intentional. Everyone knows it’s a traditional time to reflect on the challenges, successes and lessons of the past year and indentify a few goals and desires for the next one. What most people don’t know is that with a good dose of self-awareness (particularly of your physical limitations, given Mars’ involvement), Mars-Jupiter this week could offer you some real success.

Robert Hand writes, “This transit represents the culmination of your efforts to expand the domain of your activities.” He cautions that to do so necessitates being conscious enough of what you’re doing that you “work effectively with enlightened self-interest as opposed to pure selfishness.”

Hand underscores the need to estimate accurately your abilities and situation to be successful. Mars in Aquarius cautions against over-thinking your physical capabilities; Jupiter in Leo suggests being sure your pride isn’t driving you. The Taurus Moon may not be prone to sudden movements, but it is known to keep going once it gets started. Choose your task consciously.