Well, our good friend Mercury goes retrograde from mid-January to early February–so get those new projects started before January 13 or you will have to wait until February before you get another good start time.

Stay alert January 9 and January 25-27. The hope of New Year’s Day will come tinged with fear about the last year. People want to feel up and excited, but you will notice they are trying a tad too hard. The latter part of January will be a time of reflection for the nation.

Aries (March 21-April 19) Your views turn more directly to a hyper-realistic and practical way of looking at life. Long-term security invades your brain and becomes your overriding concern. Any investment better have a very foreseeable return. Some may view you as a bit cold or indifferent to their lives. Friendships are up for review when Mercury goes retrograde. They have to have a place in your life or you may just let them go. You are even more direct with people after the 19th. Be careful that you are not stepping on those toes for fun. Some people respond angrily.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) The first half of the month, you are ready for a rest and should take it while you can. A change in your routines would really help. You could take a trip or just a short trip to the beach … say, the Bahamas? Be back by mid month, because your career hits the fan. Those problems you have been trying to placate need emergency surgery. You may feel an enormous lack of loyalty from those who you work with. Choose your friends carefully, as this will really count this month.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Work seems busier even than last month. And by the way, your disgust is showing. You can easily step on those sensitive digits that people have stuck out in your path to trip you up. One of those feet belongs to the boss, so you should try putting on a friendlier mask. That said, your avoidance talents are way low. If you can get away in the early part of the month, it would help. Just be back in town at mid month when your ruler, Mercury, goes retrograde. All those troublemakers will really need your help then, and you can be the star.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Romantic relationships are written in red magic marker on the calendar this month. You say you’ve been too busy? You’re right there, and if you’ve forgotten your lapses, just ask your partner. They can remind you. Time to renew those old ties. Put down those restraints! If you are not as emotionally connected as you want to be, you may find yourself looking for some stable, long-term, physical, parent-like figure to run your life. Pay attention to joint finances and investments at mid month. You may want to reconsider where you keep your money.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Now to clean up the work environment. You are in charge of how well others function together, sort of the workplace relationship counselor. If you can’t create the drama, then attracting it to you is almost as much fun. Some social distance would help you draw some limits. Your own relationship needs some work, as old problems resurface after mid month. Your partner feels distant, off in some dreamland contemplating their intellectual prowess. A good slap should bring them back into their physical body.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Relationships are certainly in the spotlight again this month. Drudgery and routine are certainly wearing away the love that exists. Do something to inject some electricity into this part of your life. Or the problem will be brought to you in a much less happy presentation. Get your career life in order. Who is the boss of your life? Quit living in the past. Get back on that exercise program. This will be even more important by mid month. And don’t run with the scissors and don’t chew with your mouth open.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Time for some rest and relaxation before you get back on the tilt-a-whirl. Home is your solace and your escape. Family members will want to visit, but tell them your dance card is too full. You are trés artistique this month and may even have a place to express this side of you by mid month. Relationships are certainly heating up for you by mid month. Even fighting can just be a sign that you need to pay attention to your partner. Everyone needs attention and you have been getting plenty. Share some.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) This is a month of mixed blessings. On one hand, you are probably more organized than you have been in a while. And yet, the search continues to slake that elusive thirst that burns in your inner being. You are ready for a decision, but decide what?! Part of you wants to crawl into bed and stay there. Another part wants to explore the mountains of Tibet. Will security and fear control your decisions once again? Will you break free from the limitations of the past?

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Financial security and self-worth are your entree menu items as you try to get a grip on what you are doing and where you are going. You want more from life, people, your career, and everything that means anything in your life. And you will figure it out. Don’t worry if by mid month you change your mind–it is just a chance from the Universe to review your choice before you set the fence post in cement.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) As we experience the birth of the new year, you are ready to experience your own rebirth. You are clear about your strategy and how to get where you are going. This can be a very rewarding year as most of the planets are going to help you along. Be sure not to miss your opportunities. Get your workplace in order. Yes, it may seem dull, but you need to face those issues you have been avoiding. And no, band-aid solutions won’t do. You need to go in and replace the equipment. If old money issues resurface, address them. Otherwise, they will follow you around.

Aquarius (Jan. 20- Feb. 18) The new year always brings you into a time of retreat. You have somewhat overextended yourself in December and are ready for a break. Only those things that are most important will fit into your schedule. And you will be more sensitive than usual. As you take a ruthless hand to your schedule, relationship partners may turn extra needy. Pat them on the head, and they will be satisfied for the time. Otherwise, their whining will only get louder. By mid month, you are very melancholy rethinking your choices as your birthday approaches.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) The new year is like a breath of fresh air for you. You are more social and ready to be with friends. You are not so burdened by the past year and the shift in consciousness you’ve experienced. Practicality enters the picture and you are ready for some long-term choices. You are starting to rebuild your home, both inner and outer versions. And you will be your own judge and jury this time. You are extremely reflective by mid month and may even choose to go on a spiritual pilgrimage. You will be back by early February.