Horoscopes
Aries March 21 - April 19
For Jan 2009 : Big News! Jupiter moves into Aquarius on the 5th, marking a fresh start, probably in a slightly (if not entirely) different direction. You establish new goals and priorities, and learn by doing. The old ways of handling people, finance and 'the rules' are so ineffective that it's silly to cling to established core patterns of the past. New Year, new rules, new hope: If you're able to wrap your heart and head around this, you'll make both short and long-term gains without a lot of Sturm und Drang. If you resist and wrap yourself in the past, you're in for hard times. It's one thing to say, \"I'm ready to move forward.\" It's another to thing to actually feel and do it. This is a remarkable opportunity to break free of people and circumstances that have held you back and ceased to be beneficial. It would be a huge mistake if you didn't grab this new chance and go for it. Unexpected career opportunities that may thrust you into a new group of people, different supervisors, and definitely different priorities are likely on or before the 10th. Keep in mind that anything you try between January 11th and February 8th is a trial-and-error shakedown cruise. It's okay to make mistakes. It's okay to ask loads of questions and, for the moment, be the workplace or neighborhood pest. The 18th widens your horizons and opens up discussions that you've wanted to engage in so many times, but weren't able to find the perfect moment. Well, luckily for you, others find the perfect moment for you and bring up complex topics. On the 19th, the transiting Sun moves into Aquarius. (Keep in mind that the Sun does not move into the next sign on the same day every year. This year, the Sun transits into Aquarius on the 19th. On other years, it could be the 20th, 21st, etc. Blame it on the earth's wobble.) Right after the Sun shimmies into Aquarius, retrograde Mercury backs into Capricorn on the 21st. This phase gives you 3-4 weeks to think about power sharing, authority, how much responsibility you want to carry, and the whole concept of responsibility. You start to notice how power is shared, dispersed or closely held in different families, couples, work scenarios and financial deals. You pay closer attention to the complicated dance of either taking the baton and running with it - or passing the blame and burden onto others. Without question, you'd rather take on additional burdens than inconvenience others. The 22nd is fascinating, especially if you're offsite from your normal working and living circumstances. A strong sexual attraction could ramp up between you and a colleague or friend. This is totally unexpected but could hit you like a ton of bricks. This doesn't appear to be anything built to last, but certainly offers thrills and excitement. Of course, you don't have to respond to another's advances. It'll be really difficult not to, depending on your private life. The 24th offers opportunities for advancement. If you want this 'advancement' gig to last, don't mix business with pleasure. Be discreet and keep sex and business on opposite ends of the universe - at least for now. The 24th is so invigorating, even for the most overworked war wagon of an employee or business owner. Suddenly, there are new goals, new people and a better attitude feeding into what had been a fairly fear-ridden, cynical mix. Hope interjects itself, and voila! you and those nearby suddenly feel a sense of pride about what you're able to contribute. The 26th brings a New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Aquarius, powerfully emphasizing the importance and necessity to toss out old rot and create new growth. Instead of messing around in other people's lives, you start focusing more on your own. You reset your goals and dreams to new levels in very different directions than your previous goals. During the next 6 months, you'll begin to reap a little of the harvest of the seeds sown now. And there's plenty more to come after that. 2009 is a transitional year with great opportunity - if you're willing to break away from dusty, rusty old habits and traditions. You are very capable of making a life-enhancing change. The 27th brings more reasons to start initiating change on an experimental basis. Monthly touchstone: Aventurine.
Taurus April 20 - May 20
For Jan 2009 : You take charge of your image, reputation and send out all the right messages this month. You get advice from people you trust, but still get the last word on how things will be handled. If you're happy with your career and current relationship, you stick with what you have, but kick things up a few notches. You try harder, expand your reach, and experiment with new techniques. You also explore ways to make things better in the boardroom and bedroom. When the people you interact with are smiling, you feel pretty good about yourself. A lucky break blesses your private life on the 4th, and then does double duty by blessing your career prospects from the 5th onward. It may be necessary for you to move beyond your comfort zone in order to experience the full force of a very fortunate Jupiter transit that lasts for about a year. What have you got to lose? Keep your options open and allow yourself the privilege of change and growth. There may be a few bumps along the way. For example, right after an excellent Full Moon on the 10th, Mercury goes retro from January 11th through February 1st. But that's not all: Mercury remains in its fussy 'storm period' until February 8th. So just make a note to double check dates, deadlines, directions and details during that period - and don't leave your home or office without ID and your plane ticket! During Mercury's blasted retro period, you rediscover that persistence does pay off. In fact, persistence may trump the 'old boy's network,' another's more extensive resume and good ole fashioned nepotism. Just keep calling, emailing and dropping by. If you want a job, opportunity or someone's adoration, make yourself instantly available. Be especially generous and warm from the 18th on - and make sure you're dealing directly with the decision maker, not the lowest rung on the status ladder. More opportunities to jumpstart your life, career and passion heat up on the 22nd, and reach a fabulous boiling point on the 24th! You're a sexual tower of power anyway, but are almost superhuman between the 24th and the 26th. Just check your partner's pulse before you leave to make sure he or she didn't die from extreme nirvana. You have that effect on people, without having to struggle. It has a lot to do with your very rich, ripe sensuality that is woven deeply into your soul. It's also what makes you such an enthusiastic collector, quality control expert, healer, parent, animal trainer (that includes unruly boyfriends) and gourmand. On the 27th, you're advised to measure your words carefully. It would be so easy to be brutally honest and rip another's self-centered ego to shreds - but then you'd be stuck with the guilt and would feel obligated to put the shlump back together again. Save yourself the trouble and bite your tongue, no matter how offensive or deadly 'me-me' an annoying person is. Monthly touchstone: Kundalini Quartz.
Gemini May 21 - June 21
For Jan 2009 : You've got a lot going for you, especially during the first ten days. You glow from within, impressing and entertaining nearly every person you meet. Travel is very likely - particularly travel that requires a passport and several suitcases. Some of you travel because it's part of your job and it puts food on the table and Dior in your closet. Others travel for the sheer experience and joy of it, but - and this is a big but - Mercury's retro phase could create delays and inconveniences in travel, commutes, hotel reservations, language barriers and general misunderstandings. Mercury goes down retro road on January 11th and doesn't move direct until February 1st. The tricky part is that Mercury (your ruling planet, fyi) remains in a 'storm period' until February 8th. So you're actually not out of the woods until February 8th. You'll get through the retro period far better if you make full use of your sense of humor. When in doubt, laugh or count heavily on your notorious gift of irony. Look at rude, crude, hostile people and imagine them naked or in baggy adult diapers. Allow your vivid imagination and wicked sense of humor to get you through long lines and uncooperative situations. Despite Mercury's retro nonsense, you're still able to have numerous great times throughout the month. For example, the 18th and 19th are pretty fabulous for making an exquisite, unforgettable impression on others. Keep in mind that a number of people may be viciously jealous - but who really cares about them? You'll win the hearts and minds of the vast majority of people you meet. Don't worry about a handful of meaningless social minnows. With compliments flying like shoes at a news conference, you're almost at a loss for words, especially on the 20th. Just for a split second, you almost tear up in gratitude. Fortunately, you recover in record time and return to your usual sassy bite-me façade. Opportunities are presented (very tasty ones, at that) on the 22nd. These are totally fresh and unexpected. You may feel awkward and out of your element. And then you get real and recognize the blissful bounty at hand. You're better qualified to take on a new job, love affair or act of intrigue than anyone else on your continent. Stop with the 'who, me?' nonsense, and just say, 'Yes, of course. How about right now?' Things continue to boil over in wondrous ways on the 24th. This time, it appears that someone wants you more than you want him or her. Feels so great, doesn't it? You can toy with this alleged affaire de coeur until something better comes along. And who knows? This fling might have staying power. If you're more inclined to seek employment gains than notches on your bedpost, it's far better to say an enthusiastic 'yes' to all offers and assignments, but not sign any contracts or long-term agreements until Mercury is out of its storm. You will have chances to elevate your stature, your closeness to someone or something you crave, and feel enthralled while doing so. A New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Aquarius on the 26th sets certain contractual and/legal issues in motion. You finally see that progress is assured, even though your patience has been tried and re-tried. Remain firm and confident. This WILL work out nicely for you. Conversations on the 26th are very helpful and bring you and a colleague closer together. One caveat: Watch what you say and how you say it on the 27th. Without intending to sound like the Diva Bitch of Bitches, you might - and scare away people you're trying to attract. Tone it down, calm yourself and think very carefully before uttering a word. Monthly touchstone: Mexican Fire Opal.
Cancer June 22 - July 22
For Jan 2009 : You do everything in your power to get your mojo up to speed this month. If you feel as if you're getting a second chance, you're exactly right. This month paves the way to a stronger, smarter, more provident, balanced you. We're talking massive self-reinvention here. In the past, you allowed others to have the real power. Sure, you played the game pretty well and held your head up most of the time, but when push came to shove, someone else got the credit, ownership or biggest reward. January liberates you from being second fiddle indentured servant. It takes super clanging cajones, but you've got 'em. Most of all, you know that agreeing to change is not only healthy and deserved, but also necessary. Now you actually want the good, bad and ugly of every moment. You're willing to accept the praise and the criticism. You're willing to take a calculated risk and regain your soul, self-esteem and ensure that you make a brilliant mark on the world. Some of you have been sleepwalking through life for ages, mostly because you were scared, unhappy or unsure how to crawl out of your shell and simply be you. Not now. January guns your engine and gives you an amazing rush. Even those of you who've hidden behind another's name, fame or game come out of the shadows. Much to your pleasure, you discover that most of your friends, clients and admirers have always seen your potential and wanted the very best for you. Now you're finally getting it and embracing it - hurray! You begin to think bigger. You also select projects, relationships and dreams that have at least a 60 percent chance of success. With your dedication and persistence, you can make up the remaining 40 percent. You're on fire this month, working harder than ever, because now you fully understand that you're creating something that is yours - something that represents who you are. So exciting! A Full Moon in your sign occurs on the 10th. You feel bursts of very positive energy and exciting response to your efforts and projects during the days leading up to the 10th. It appears that at least one big objective will be conceived or flat-out born during the first week. Go, go, GO, Cancer! On the 11th, Mercury goes retro until February 1st, and then remains in its storm period until the 8th. This reminds you to be very detail-conscious about financial decisions and paperwork. Go over every line with great care. Make absolutely certain that you understand what is under consideration, and don't sign crucial documents during Mercury's retro phase. Sign documents before or after. Use the retro phase for making sure that you understand precisely what you intend to sign - and that you're still sold on the people you intend to affiliate with. Opportunities continue tumbling in for your consideration, Merc retro or not. Between the 18th and 26th, you're shoulder-deep in invitations, offers and exciting concepts. Others are clearly intrigued with you and what you bring to the table. Don't tell anyone to shove off during the retro phase. All offers need to be vetted and are deserving of your consideration. Once Mercury pushes forward again next month, you can separate the wheat from the chaff and start wheeling and dealing in a more public way. Until then, subtlety and the fine art of not burning a single bridge will keep you moving up the hill. One thing you'll learn during Mercury's retro phase is that everyone that interacts with you has a function and something to teach you. No one is a waste of time. One or two sentences from another could unleash a stream of creativity and inspiration inside you. January makes your sensitivity - your emotional openness - a gift without punishment or obligation. You're on your way! Monthly touchstone: Turquoise.
Leo July 23 - August 22
For Jan 2009 : Your networking and people skills have never been more important than they are this month. You can create very fortunate alliances that connect the dots in seemingly disparate groups and purposes. You're a great ringleader throughout the month, charming others into playing the game your way, just to see if it works. After a few stumbles, it'll work just fine. You may have to rework some relationships, goals, timelines, etc. while Mercury is retro (January 11th through February 1st, with an extension all the way through February 8th). Some people you'd pinned a lot of hope and responsibility on may no longer feel up to your expectations, or have other priorities to consider. It would be very wise of you to have A, B and C alternatives all lined up to start on day one. Chances are, a certain amount of fallout will occur during Merc's retro phase. Don't feel annoyed by this: View it as a self-cleansing process. Despite the retrograde, you feel pretty much on top of the world on the 18th, 19th and 20th. You come down from dizzying heights on the 21st to address an old annoyance or problem that everyone had hoped would go away with dignity - but no such luck. Just handle it - and get it right, especially if money is involved. You may see the need to reverse past decisions or actions in order to make things better for yourself and others. Some of these previous decisions seemed carved in stone, but they're not. Hint: Don't rush this process. Remember that Mercury is shaking things up in all relationships, near and far, without any help from you. Don't cut someone off or take someone on in any permanent way during Merc's retro phase. Make it clear that each connection is a trial run - a chance for both of you to check each other out and see if things are working or not. Cupid steps in between the 22nd and 26th, creating loads of passion, distraction and fascination. You're advised to take full advantage of Cupid's lusty, fun-loving energy. You need a little break from all the maneuvering and complex planning. There's nothing more rewarding that a passion-injected encounter with your main crush. Each time you come up for air with your love object, you'll think, \"I am so LUCKY!\" And Leo, you are right about that. If anyone's got supreme luck flowing like wine right now, it's you. Monthly touchstone: Green Tourmaline.
Virgo August 23 - September 22
For Jan 2009 : You're so focused on giving a new job or passion everything you've got. So focused, in fact, that some of your friends may wonder if you've left town or are just mad at them. You're noticeably absent from your usual social rounds because you're so determined to transform a fledgling opportunity into a huge career bonus round. You can do this. Having Saturn in your sign now gives you more tenacity and grit than ever. Instead of permitting a slew of incoming interruptions to interfere with your number one objective, you bear down even harder like a mother giving birth. You view the extra work, longer hours and trial by fire as the opportunity of a lifetime - one that you take very seriously and are ultra grateful for. Your hard work will be rewarded. Just be as consistent as possible. When you have the occasional slowdown, use your extra time for research or acquiring a new skill. This month, it's all about the work. Everything else pales in comparison. And you'll get so much back for the effort you're willing to apply to each relationship and endeavor. Jupiter's life-changing (or at least year-changing) move into Aquarius on the 5th definitely suggests more freedom, independence and options in your career and lifestyle. You'll have the luxury of being more selective of clients you align yourself with. If certain people are a royal pain, you'll hand them over to someone else - maybe a desperate colleague that you're not particularly fond of. You're all about quality, service, discretion and diligence. In other words, you're unbeatable this month and this year. For those of you that jump-started things about a year ago, now might be a better time to rev up your engine and try again - with a couple new twists to keep things fresh and exciting. A Full Moon on the 10th indicates that the 1st through the 10th will be busy and momentous. Each contact is significant and each meeting could bear fruit for future work and additional contacts. On the 11th, Mercury goes retro in your solar 6th house. This means that until February 1st (actually February 8th, thanks to Mercury's hysterical 'storm period'), you need to keep an eye on pipes, maintenance, wiring, electronics, and air quality in your home and office. Sometimes, pollution can be worse inside than outside. Just test the air for any sort of pollutants or allergens. Doing so could prevent illness, discomfort and allergic reactions. Check your water quality, too. If you don't already have good insurance that protects the contents of your home as well as pricey repairs (roof, drywall, flooring, etc.), now's the time to shop around. You'll get a few hints during Merc's retro phase that things need to be better maintained or brought up to code. The best time to make changes is either before Mercury's retro phase or after it. But even spoilsport Mercury can't ruin all your fun or quash all your opportunities: The 18th, 19th and 20th are fabulous for making connections, being in the right place at the right time and catching break after break! You feel lucky and very, very blessed. The harder you work, the luckier you get, as always. Mercury retrogrades into Capricorn on the 21st, suggesting that a social event or romantic getaway may finally start to shape up. You might be asked to assist a friend or relative in a wedding, baby shower or engagement party. Don't rush through anything. This is the time to check details and get everything just right. Really great news arrives on the 22nd that directly and positively affects you. It comes via a spouse, partner or close friend. Because you've worked so hard to make things happen, you're on the receiving end of another's generosity. But it gets even better: The 24th through 26th are stellar, just flipping fabulous! You couldn't goof something up even if you tried. You have so much positive momentum backing you up, and everyone that cares about you is loyal and protective of you. You're the 'one who made good' - and the person others are so proud of. One small warning: Just curb the urge to set someone straight on the 27th. You might be a bit harsh. Just tone it down a couple notches and things should be okay. Very Lucky Monthly touchstone: Black Opal.
Libra September 23 - August 22
For Jan 2009 : This month lives and breathes by romance, beauty and the pure pleasure of desires still unmet but more likely to be sated than ever. You follow the scent trail of love, harmony and romantic adventure. This may lead you to a foreign land, a different religion and a set of brand new circumstances. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or discouraged, you feel pretty mighty about things. You sense that a big change is exactly what you've needed for ages. New rules, new people and fresh hope point you in a more exotic, unfamiliar but welcoming direction. During a time like this, you might fall in love with someone who doesn't share your language or culture. The difference makes things feel more thrilling. Jupiter's entrance into your lusty 5th house also increases the likelihood of new love, deeper passion and fertility. Anticipate growth and expansion in your love life and family size. Some of you may adopt a pet or two, but many of you reproduce the old fashioned way. A Full Moon on the 10th also suggests that a change in status (single to married or vice versa, or a surprise pregnancy) may be in the works. Some of you make big, bold adventurous moves previously mentioned, while others privately rearrange priorities, your personal life or preferences. Before the middle of February, you'll almost feel like an entirely new you, no matter what change you opt for. To spice things up and add some confusion, Mercury goes retro, first in your wildly romantic 5th house from January 11th to the 21st, and then continues its retrograde into your 4th house from the 21st through February 1st. Because of Mercury's infamous 'storm period,' you won't be entirely out of the retro woods until February 8th. The later part of Mercury's retro phase creates more discussion and questions about a domestic matter. You might consider helping out a relative, moving a relative, or simply relocating yourself. On the 19th, the Sun enters your 5th house, quickly followed by a message of hope, joy and expansion on the 22nd and 24th-26th, making this an eventful, life-altering week. Changes in plans will occur several times, with additional changes in the immediate future, until you find the perfect solution. The changes you make will release shockwaves that reverberate during the next six months. As you can guess, this is a very dynamic time in your life. It might be difficult if not impossible to return to a former way of living, working or perceiving the world. You're on a very powerful fast track toward major change. Just watch your step and slow down a bit on the 27th when something supposedly fun could turn into a mistake or minor accident. Monthly touchstone: Pink Sapphire.
Scorpio October 23 - November 21
For Jan 2009 : You decide that it's time to make a few home and family game-changing decisions. You've known for some time that certain relationships were running out of steam, but couldn't or wouldn't face the facts. This month makes it impossible to ignore the facts - and a number of them mount up like rolling hills. For starters, you know that certain changes or shifts are the fairest, most loving way to keep relationships healthy and strong. You're also falling back in love with something you'd all but given up on, and are now prepared to fight for what you hold dear. So passions rise, priorities get clarified and better defined, and you do whatever is necessary to protect your turf, be it a relationship, job or comfort level. Many of you dig in a little deeper and perform extra work to make yourself irreplaceable and possibly the most valuable resource at your workplace. In relationships, you protect what matters most to you - your loved ones, lifestyle, safety and home. You've already asked the right questions, have access to smart, influential people, and are lawyered up, just in case the need arises. You also have generous, protective friends that believe in you and your ability. These people will fight as hard for your happiness as they would for their own. The shift of Jupiter (ruler of your solar second house) into your home and family sector suggests staying put and improving your current situation at home and/or work. Find ways to create comfort, value and prestige without going into pointless deep debt. Even if you have dosh coming out of your ears, try to live a little more frugally. You can always go to London, Tokyo or Vegas some other time. Jupiter is all about making smarter use of space, and creating a more open, airy feeling. Generally speaking, Jupiter is over the top, almost baroque - but not now, thanks to other planetary patterns that rein in Jupiter's opulence. Go for sleek, simple, clean lines. Simplicity is easier to maintain, and prevents choking in tchotchkes and fluff. The same goes for your wardrobe, attitude, relationships and diet. Simple is easier, healthier and better right now - especially if you have a family history of addiction, obesity or cardiovascular problems. Mercury goes retro from January 11th through February 1. This retro phase is technically over on the 1st but continues to create confusion and misunderstanding until February 8th, due to Mercury's 'storm period.' Any talks or long-term agreements need to be carefully analyzed during this time, despite another's insistence that you hurry up and rush to the finish line. Although Mercury strongly suggests that you check out another's credentials in nauseating detail before even contacting him or her to perform a service, and may also create friction between you and some of your neighbors or neighborhood association, it's not strong enough to undermine your penchant for fun. Your mood picks up momentum just after mid-month, thanks to Jupiter and Mercury improving your confidence and willingness to try things that once seemed too difficult, time-consuming, etc. You now see these challenges as worthwhile, money-saving ventures and pursue them with a vengeance. Decision-making may be slightly more complicated or awkward, particularly if siblings are involved, after the 21st. Nevertheless, you manage to have loads of fun with friends and admirers, especially between the 22nd and 26th. In your inimitable way, you say what others are thinking but are too cowardly to say on the 27th. You have a gift for saying a great deal in a few terse sentences. Monthly touchstone: Green Garnet.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
For Jan 2009 : The big emphasis this month is on communication, interpretation, timing and organization. If you have big important projects, assignments or deadlines, got going NOW. Don't wait until the last possible moment. Chip away at unfinished obligations until you get them done. That means working on certain important tasks every day. You may accomplish more away from other people and distractions. Privacy seems to stimulate your ability to concentrate. Your ruling planet, Jupiter, moves into your solar 3rd house on the 5th, giving you a gift for multitasking, but creating some stress when it comes to actually completing all those tasks. It would be to your advantage to be very choosey about the projects you commit to. Select the crème de la crème and leave less fascinating endeavors alone. It's always been a stretch for you to say 'no' and actually hold to it, but January emphasizes the importance of discretion, better choices, and thinking bigger - not necessarily busier. In other words, weed out the useless tasks you've grown tired of. Dump the assignments that don't pay the rent and barely offer anything else in return. Aim for the opportunities that have a strong chance of growth, development and long-term gains. The 10th offers a Full Moon in your solar 8th house, suggesting that monies owed you are paid, making life just a bit easier and sweeter. On the 11th, Mercury begins its retro phase. Although it retrogrades until February 1st, the effects are likely to linger until February 8th. During this retro phase, be very steady and observant about money, contracts and transportation-related matters. Make sure you understand timelines, instead of guessing or making assumptions. After the 21st, some issues around a financial matter may arise. These issues should be completely resolved no later than February 8th. Love and other passions practically explode on the 22nd. The feelings you have may catch you by surprise and stun you with their almost ferocious intensity. Once you allow a sequence of events to begin, there's no stopping it. Actually, you won't want to stop it. Your intense longing attracts another with the same sort of longing, so there's something inevitable and karmic about the excitement occurring between the 22nd and 26th. Even if a fascination with a person, activity or theory doesn't last a long time, it will continue to generate heat and light during the next six months. On the 27th, you're very impatient and may have trouble coping with delays, long lines, someone's pointless dithering, etc. Calm down and pull yourself together. It will pass before the end of the day - and isn't worth getting into a fight or accident. Monthly touchstone: Citrine.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
For Jan 2009 : You insist on the best, not just from others but also from yourself. Your standards are pretty strict. You often expect more of yourself than you do from others. Even when you were a young child, you feared disappointing others. Many of you grew up in circumstances where no matter how hard you tried, someone close to you was moody, irritable or unwell. Ever since childhood, you've worked very hard to maintain a high standard of living and have built a wall of independence protecting you from people that judge or tear apart your confidence. By not counting on others or depending on them in any way, you've found a way to not be so let down, hurt or disappointed. This strategy has served you well, but now with Pluto in your sign, you're poised for more big adjustments and opportunities. You might feel slightly more inclined to let someone get close, see your vulnerability - and not shut down, even when you feel as if your heart is bursting. You also get honest, almost brutally so, about your thoughts, feelings and experiences. Secrets crawl up from the depths of your emotional well. Instead of shoving them back down, you bring them into the light - and actually dare to reveal them to others. Because you're so evolved, many of you already know that this is part of your healing process. What you may not realize is that the revelations you excavate may also heal others. So no matter what your interest or job title, you will be viewed as a truth teller and healer by wise people that know and love you, not just this month but during the years to come. Luckily, Jupiter scoots into your earned income sector on the 5th, with plans to stay a while. This attracts money, more than your usual fees or salary, and loads of interest in your work, talent and personality. Whether you wanna be or not, you're multitalented and definitely multi-media. A Full Moon in Cancer on the 10th attracts new friends, partners and allies. Actually, all the days leading up to the 10th are superb for building important new connections. Start thinking about whom you'd most like to collaborate with, meet or spend more time with. Your thoughts are very potent now and send out strong signals that attract interested people. So whether you're jonesing for a love candidate or a business alliance, you can get what you want and need. The 11th throws a temporary monkey wrench into the mix by flipping Mercury into retro mode. The period between the 11th and 21st is mostly about money issues. Make sure that discussions are followed by written documents - but don't sign anything just yet. From the 21st through February 1, you have some personal issues to deal with. These matters should be resolved and put to rest no later than February 8th. Once that occurs, you can sign contracts and seriously take on long-term agreements and relationships. But don't get too carried away with Merc retro. It's a 3-week long opportunity to double check details and hold others to their promises, but it doesn't have to run your life or ruin your fun. The 18th, 19th and 20th are all pretty festive. The transiting Sun moves into your earned income sector, alongside Jupiter, making for a very fortunate financial scenario. While some people may fail or lose ground, you seem to find the right inroads that lead to success and prosperity. All your years of observing and learning your craft have certainly not been wasted. The 22nd is really kind of marvelous - especially when it comes to your creative energy and mental acuity. You see through others' veils and disguises and have a talent for putting things into a very honest healing perspective. When you're bold enough to be truthful and vulnerable, others embrace you as the one who understands them. Good things continue on the 24th (very productive and energized!) all the way through the 26th. On the 27th, you disarm and possibly offend a few people by speaking the truth. They'll get over it and eventually say that your honesty changed their lives. Monthly touchstone: Sunstone.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
For Jan 2009 : Your powers of persuasion and intuition, as well as your gift for spotting trends and opportunities make this month stuffed with potential and cache, especially during the 1st through the 9th. You probably think New Year's resolutions are for jerks, but in your own eccentric way will make some rather formidable decisions early this month. (Not all of your 'big decisions' will be made in January. Some will have to wait until after February 8th.) You'll focus mainly on what you as an individual can do to make a difference. Each time you've put your fate in another's hands, you've paid a pretty high price. You've grown somewhat wary of submitting or sharing power or control because of this. So this month, you collect expert opinions about how a complicated, very personal decision should be handled. Of course, you don't reveal every detail, so you may not be offering an entirely level playing field to others. At any rate, you consider others' opinions and suggestions but will do what you feel is best. You're not interested in arguing with others or defending your position. Simply arriving at a decision is harrowing enough. You may think that you're pretty close to making a final choice on the 10th, but you're not. You might think that you've got all the information you need by the 21st, but you don't. This cannot be artificially rushed through, Aquarius. Slow down, calm down and make a choice when the time is right (probably next month). Mercury goes retro on the 11th in your sign. On the 21st, Mercury continues it retro foray, but backs into Capricorn, elevating your intuition and emphasizing the power of your dreams and imagination. Mercury continues its retro phase through February 1st. (Due to its 'storm period,' Mercury seems unreliable and unsettled until February 8th, fyi.) Despite Mercury's jittery retrograde, you still find ways to burn down the house with energy, brilliance and controversy. Don't get squeamish, Aquarius. Be bold and kick through barriers, particularly on the 18th, 19th (the Sun moves into your sign! Happy Birthday!) and 20th. Look for more fun and flat out adventure on the 22nd, 24th and 26th. These are high-energy, expressive days when others will seek your brilliance. Make 'em happy and grant them a few moments of your time. On the 27th, you may have to read someone the riot act. This isn't something you want to do, but if you don't put your foot down, things could flip out of control. Monthly touchstone: Abalone.
Pisces February 19-March 20
For Jan 2009 : You look really good this month. You seem to exude a bit of mystery, mayhem and enough sexuality to cast a pretty hypnotic spell on certain people. (Translation: Ask for exactly what you want. Chances are you'll get it.) Luckily for you, Jupiter moves into your 12th house on the 5th, granting you all kinds of divine protection, 11th hour saves, and get out of jail free cards. This gift from Jupiter will come in handy. Crank up your charm, Pisces, because between it and Jupiter, you'll wheel and deal your way into some pretty amazing situations. The first 10 days are really eventful. You feel loved and adored (you are!) and can't resist using your formidable sexual energy to get your way. It's a gift. You're especially attracted to Cancers during this phase, and in a forgiving, lusty, romantic mood. You turn the page and start over in a relationship or friendship that probably has seen better days. As previously mentioned, you can get away with just about anything this month - and walk away with a trophy! That's not just luck - that's pure power. There is one fly in the ointment, however: Mercury is a bit of a pain and goes retro on the 11th. Between the 11th and 21st, you don't mind too much, mostly because your intuition is skyrocketing. From the 21st through February 1 (actually the 8th of February when all is said and done), you question your goals, ambitions, life choices and become annoyingly existential. Thankfully, you snap out of your reverie after February 8th and quickly become a lot more fun to be with. But let's get back to January, shall we? Mercury-Schmercury! You still have some really great times in January. The first 10 days are supreme, but things are pretty wonderful on the 18th, 19th and 20th, too. And it gets better: The 22nd through the 26th is playful, sexy and pretty fabulous. Expect to be surprised - maybe a lot! You're close to making a decision (or so you think) on the 27th, but slow down. Wait until after the first week in February before agreeing to anything long-term. Monthly touchstone: Ruby.
