The first New Moon of the New Year happened on Sunday, and now we approach what is traditionally known as the coldest night of the year, the eve of St. Agnes, on January 20th.

It’s the time of year for considering the big celestial phenomena coming our way, and dream into what they might mean. So get out your calendar ~ here are some dates worth noting.

The year's most prolific meteor shower radiates through the night from the region of Gemini stars this week, caused by the “rock comet” Phaethon, who in Greek mythology dared to lead the horses in his father's Chariot of Fire.

The inner planets Moon, Mercury, Venus call our attention to the forces of destiny this Thanksgiving week.

The Moon is waning toward New Phase, when it stands between Earth and Sun; Mercury is retrograde and also about to stand between Earth and Sun; and Uranus is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, and on Thursday this will be a veritable gathering of the gods.

Overnight Tuesday to Wednesday is the peak of the Northern Taurid Meteor Shower, which radiates into the night from near the star cluster of the Pleiades, in the constellation Taurus, the Bull. Take note that this meteor shower is known to produce fireballs!

Wednesday's "Super Moon" is like a mighty cosmic mirror focusing celestial light toward Earth, to enkindle and enflame human hearts with enthusiasm for what's good and true.

The constellation Capricorn is the “gateway of the gods” and this week the Moon casts its shadow across this gate when it occults the brightest star there the night before Halloween, when preparations are being made to travel about imitating malignant spirits and fantastical creatures.

The meteor shower of the mighty giant Orion peaks overnight this week, and with Moon at New Phase, conditions are great for casting your wishes up to the falling stars ~ and making use of Orion's belt of invisibility.

It's often said Harvest Moon is given its name because it's the Full Moon closest to autumn equinox, and because it’s big and bright, farmers can stay out later in their fields. But the real meaning is deeper and reveals an innate sense of how to live in harmony with the cycle of the year.