With the New Year upon us, it’s an opportunity to make resolutions, start new routines and habits, as well as an opportunity to let go of the stress, overstimulation and general buzz of the holidays. Find ways amidst the dark winter nights to take a quiet moment to check in with yourself. The New Year is always an excellent time to begin keeping a dream diary, if you’re so inclined. By the end of January, when Mercury goes retrograde, you’ll be glad you’ve been able to develop some inner resources to confront the confusion.
SAGITTARIUS
November 22-December 21
For better or worse, you are your own worst critic, Sagittarius. No one is as hard on you as you are on yourself. Reconnect with the people around you who love you, and don’t be afraid of seeking emotional support. You don’t have to sacrifice your independence for the right to express your needs.
CAPRICORN
December 22-January 19
There’s a difference between being rude and being right, Capricorn, and if people don’t get that, it’s not your job to clear that up. If someone can’t handle some well-reasoned criticism, fuck ‘em. Don’t be afraid of standing up for yourself, and don’t back down from arguments. If you know what you’re talking about, speak truth to power.
AQUARIUS
January 20-February 18
If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. But then, if after about three tries, maybe you should think about changing your approach. The classic definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. You don’t have to give up, but rather take a step back to do some strategizing.
PISCES
February 19-March 20
It’s party time, Pisces! Time to party. I’m not suggesting that you get wasted or overindulge, necessarily. With the New Year approaching, you have a lot to be proud of, and are surrounded by friends who want to celebrate with you. Live it up however you best see fit. Prioritize getting caught up in the party spirit, whatever that means to you.
ARIES
March 21-April 19
Although they may sound square, you’d do really well to beef up your “please” and “thank you”s this month. Tip more than you think you usually do, to everyone. I know you loathe doing it, Aries, but it’s such cheap goodwill. You can roll your eyes, but just be super-polite and you’ll see how far it gets you right now.
TAURUS
April 20-May 20
Would you rather be comfortable or uncomfortable, Taurus? Dumb question, right? And why should you have to choose. Just be yourself. You don’t have to give up your sense of security or identity over some weird social dynamic. You can only ever be you—so don’t worry about trying to meet other people’s standards at the expense of your own comfort and happiness. That’s always a losing game.
GEMINI
May 21-June 20
Pack light, Gemini. You won’t necessarily be traveling, but you may find some cool stuff in your day-to-day routine this month. You could find priceless antiques on the curb. Or you could suddenly wind up carrying someone else’s baggage, dealing with their trash. Just be double certain before you let something or someone into your life. Be careful of bedbugs.
CANCER
June 21-July 22
Don’t be afraid to make the first move, Cancer. This could mean introducing yourself to an alluring stranger, or following up with someone about a possible job, or nagging your landlord for some long-needed repairs. Strive to appear assertive and confident, even if you don’t feel entitled to it. Everyone else is faking it, too.
LEO
July 23-August 22
It’s OK to slow down a smidge, Leo. You don’t have to have the most champagne to be the star of the party. Go at your own pace, and know that everything is still right with the Universe, with you at its glowing center. You won’t burn any dimmer or colder for slowing your roll just a little bit.
VIRGO
August 23-September 22
There are many ways to be productive, Virgo. For some, that means financial gain, and there’s certainly plenty of opportunity to make some money this month. But for others, productivity means removing clutter, both physical and metaphysical. For you, it might mean some combination of the two. Focus on changes, improvements and opportunities this month, and you’ll see them everywhere.
LIBRA
September 23-October 22
Think of ways to expand your horizons. Get off at a different subway stop. Go to a new restaurant; read a book by someone you’ve never heard of. Find ways to shock yourself out of your usual routines; distract yourself long enough to let inspiration strike. Make yourself more available to the cosmic commands coming your way.
SCORPIO
October 23-November 21
Make it bleed, Scorpio. If you’re not sure of something, find out the answer. Indecision is unforgivable. Make up your mind, and demand that people around you make theirs up, too. You can always change your mind later, of course, but don’t be afraid to take a stand. Do you, the best and only way you can.
What Do You Think?