You know like in the movies when a spooky old witch ominously says that the planets are aligning? I'm the witch in this scenario. Starting on Wednesday, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will appear in a line in the night sky. Here's how to celebrate the planets aligning, because, uh, the holidays are over and why not celebrate a very cool space event that won't come around again for two years?
Don't worry, everyone — the world isn't going to end or anything like that. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are the five planets we have the ability to see with the naked eye. Each planet sits on its own flat plane, bopping through its own yearly cycle. Every once in a while, though, the cycles sync up. This year, there's a lot of syncing going on.
Beginning Jan. 20 and continuing through Feb. 20, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible in a line from the horizon to the moon. You won't need any equipment — just a perch with an unobstructed view of the horizon and as little light pollution as possible. Like the desert! I unfortunately live in Chicago, so chillin' in the desert is not an option right now (though I wish it was because it's literally been a single degree here all week), but all you desert-dwelling folks better take a lot of really amazing IG photos. I'm serious. I don't want to miss this.
Astrologically speaking, the planets aligning is not, shockingly, a huge deal. I thought everything in the astrological world was a huge deal, but apparently that is not the case. However, each of the five aligned planets on their own represent important areas in our lives. Here are five ways, one for each planet, to celebrate the upcoming planetary alignment. Because the planets are aligned, people.
Ugh, sorry. It just sounds so dramatic I cannot stop saying it.
1. Mercury: Take a Trip
Mercury will be retrograde for the first five days of the planetary alignment, finally going direct on Jan. 25. We do a lot of talking (and whining and complaining) about the destructive power of Mercury, but this guy rules all forms of communication and transportation. That's a lot of responsibility.
To celebrate Mercury going direct, take a trip. It doesn't have to be a big excursion; it doesn't even have to be more than a day or two. But go on an adventure. Now's a great time for it.
2. Venus: Get Artistic
Venus is the planet of beauty, love, and pleasure. Indulge. Treat yo' self. Go see a new art exhibit, take a painting class, or just give yourself a little DIY spa day. Not gonna lie, I have even been considering dipping a toe in the art class model biz. I want to be someone's muse. Paint me like one of your French girls, nah mean?
3. Mars: Sweat It Out
Mars is mad aggressive, competitive, assertive, and honestly a little bit scary? But Mars also energizes all the other planets, so it's the perfect inspiration to try a new workout class. Or sign up for some sort of running thing, like a 5K or a 10K or a marathon, if you're already "in shape" or whatever.
4. Jupiter: Start Saving
Jupiter, frequently described as the "happy-go-lucky planet" (I know) will be retrograde for much of the alignment. Jupiter primarily rules wealth, so spend this time of reflection opening a savings account — and actually putting money in there. If the banker asks why, just whisper, "The planets are aligned" and give a knowing smile.
5. Saturn: Clean House
Saturn is known as "The Great Teacher," and is basically the planet that brings all the others back to Earth (see what I did there? With planet jokes?). It's not as indulgent as Venus or as carefree as Jupiter, but Saturn helps us remain productive among the chaos. Clean your room. Clean your inbox. Give yourself space to think and create and move forward.
Happy planetary alignment, everyone!
Images: GMT Photography/Fotolia; Giphy (6)
