Your Horoscope for January: A Time for Bold New Beginnings
Astrologer Valerie Mesa shares your horoscope for the month of January
Happy New Year! As we step into January, a series of pivotal transits will shake up your routine and challenge you to reconsider your approach to goals, relationships and your journey to self-discovery.
This is the month to reconnect with your true intentions and set a new course. Whether it's Mars retrograde challenging your levels of assertion or Mercury’s ingress into no-nonsense Capricorn, January presents you with the opportunity to reflect, reset and reinvent yourself.
The month begins with Venus entering Pisces on Jan. 2, inviting you to embrace a softer, more compassionate and intuitive energy in your relationships. This transit encourages self-reflection in love, beauty and creativity, making it a good time to tap into your inner artist.
The following day, however, Mars retrograde will oppose shadowy Pluto, triggering intensity and power struggles. If you’ve been battling old issues or revisiting past conflicts, this friction-filled transit brings them to the forefront.
Mars retrograde eventually enters Cancer on Jan. 6, encouraging introspection around your home, family and emotional foundation. Sensitivity heightens, as does the need to retreat into a safe space for reflection. More importantly, you’re called to reflect on whether your actions align with your heart space.
By Jan. 8, Mercury enters Capricorn, bringing pragmatism and discipline to your thought processes and communication style, which is excellent for setting long-term goals. Then, on Jan. 11, the North Node will officially enter Pisces for the first time since 2007, collectively pushing us to explore spirituality and embrace more compassion on our path moving forward.
Luna will reach its peak in Cancer on Jan. 13, bringing a full-circle moment to themes surrounding home, family and emotions. This marks an excellent time to release emotional baggage and reconnect with your loved ones.
By Jan. 15, the sun will oppose Mars retrograde, highlighting tensions between your personal and professional life and overall work-life balance.
Later in the month, Venus will join the taskmaster, Saturn in Pisces, adding a layer of seriousness and responsibility to relationships and creative pursuits. This is your cue to establish boundaries where they’re needed and, more importantly, commit to your long-term values.
On Jan. 19, the sun enters freedom-loving Aquarius, signaling a shift towards progression and innovation. The sun will conjunct Pluto shortly after, triggering powerful transformations and revelations, perhaps regarding a community or network of sorts.
Expect challenges in communication on Jan. 23 — Mercury will oppose Mars retrograde, triggering tension with family or in the workplace as old tensions resurface.
Fortunately, once Mercury enters Aquarius on Jan. 27, your thoughts take on a futuristic tone as fresh ideas and intellectual pursuits are brought to the forefront. However, the messenger planet will eventually join Pluto in this Air sign, ushering in transformative and intense conversations that spark breakthroughs.
Embrace your individual freedom and release outdated beliefs. The month wraps up with a visionary new moon in Aquarius on Jan. 29, setting the stage for new beginnings.
Also, with Uranus going direct the next day, we propel forward with exciting and unexpected shifts, particularly in areas revolving around technology, freedom and innovation.
Read on for what January has in store for you according to your zodiac sign.
Related: The 10 Best Crystals for Capricorn Signs to Unlock Their Potential and Manifest Success
Aries (March 20-April 19)
Get ready for some major shifts and introspection this month, Aries!
January starts with Venus entering your 12th house, encouraging deep self-reflection, especially around love and past relationships. You may feel the urge to rid yourself of emotional clutter and release anything that no longer serves you. Think of it as cleansing and clearing of your emotional baggage, allowing you to make space for healthier connections.
The action picks up on Jan. 3rd when Mars retrograde (in your fifth house of passion) opposes Pluto in your 11th house (of friends and networks). This could bring up old drama with friends or cause tensions in your social circle. It's a good time to revisit past conflicts, but be careful about jumping into any fiery confrontations — use the energy to focus on creative outlets or personal hobbies instead.
By Jan. 13th, the full moon in Cancer brings emphasis to your home and family, so you may find yourself juggling career and personal matters simultaneously. Don't be afraid to ask for support from loved ones when you need it.
As the month progresses, Mercury enters Capricorn on Jan. 8th, encouraging you to take a more serious, structured approach to your professional goals. The new moon on Jan. 29th sparks a fresh focus on your social life, urging you to connect with like-minded people and align with your long-term dreams.
January may come with its fair share of challenges, but it's the perfect time to set the stage for bold new beginnings.
Taurus (April 19-May 20)
This month is all about transforming your social life and redefining the direction of your career — are you ready to step up, Taurus?
As your celestial ruler, Venus, enters Pisces (your 11th house of associations, community and social networks), it's time to focus on nurturing your relationships with like-minded people and expanding your social circle. Whether you're connecting with old friends or meeting new ones, you’ll feel a strong desire to align with those who share your values. Reflect on how your friendships have shaped you — are you surrounding yourself with people who inspire you?
The intensity picks up on Jan. 3 when Mars retrograde (in your fourth house of home and family) opposes Pluto (in your 10th house of authority and career). You may feel torn between your need for emotional stability at home and your professional ambitions. Maybe you've had moments when your work life spills over into family time, leaving you feeling drained. This transit could stir up old family dynamics and unresolved issues, which is all the more reason to set firm boundaries.
By Jan. 13th, the full moon will shake up your communication sector, bringing deep-seated emotions to the surface. It's a good time to have those tough conversations, but remember to stay calm and grounded — sometimes, a clear boundary can be a form of self-care.
As the month progresses, Mercury enters Capricorn, encouraging you to focus on long-term goals, especially those tied to education, travel and expanding your horizons. You’ll feel inspired to seek out knowledge or pursue something that broadens your perspective, whether it's enrolling in a course of study or planning a spontaneous trip.
On Jan. 29th, the new moon in Aquarius brings a reset to your career sector, urging you to make bold moves toward your goals. Don’t shy away from stepping into leadership roles or asserting yourself in professional settings — this is your moment to shine.
Gemini (May 20-June 20)
Sort out your financial and professional priorities, Gemini. Venus enters Pisces on Jan. 2, dazzling your 10th house of career, authority and public persona, bringing balance, harmony and charm to your professional image. This is the perfect time to get noticed and make a move in your career, whether it’s by pursuing a promotion or reinventing your approach to work.
However, tension arises on Jan. 3 when Mars retrograde opposes Pluto in Aquarius, causing a tug-of-war between your ambitions and your need for stability. You may feel conflicted about where to invest your time, especially if you’re dealing with both career opportunities and family responsibilities.
The full moon on Jan. 13 highlights your second house of finances, pushing you to release any limiting beliefs around money and material security. This is a good time to reflect on your financial habits and make adjustments if necessary, whether that’s sticking to a budget or recalibrating your spending.
When Mercury enters Capricorn on Jan. 8, you’ll start to take a more serious approach to your long-term goals, especially in areas surrounding your investments and joint finances. This is followed by Venus conjunct Saturn on Jan. 18, helping you solidify your career path with hard work and discipline.
The sun enters Aquarius on Jan. 19, sparking a period of personal growth while a new moon in the same sign pushes you to take bold steps toward your future. Mercury will conjunct Pluto in Aquarius on Jan. 29, so you’ll likely be laser-focused on your goals and ready to make deep, lasting changes.
Trust your instincts, stay grounded and take practical steps toward the future you envision.
Cancer (June 20-July 22)
You're in the midst of some major transformations, both in your personal life and your relationships, Cancer.
It all starts with Venus entering Pisces on Jan. 2, highlighting your exotic ninth house of expansion, travel and higher learning. You’ll feel drawn to explore new horizons, whether that’s a spontaneous trip or a deep dive into a subject that excites you. It’s a time to break free from your usual routine and open your mind to new experiences.
Maybe you’re thinking about revisiting an old passion or planning an adventure — don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith and embrace the unknown.
However, things could get intense when Mars retrograde re-enters your sign on Jan. 6, as it creates an inner conflict between how you see yourself and how the world sees you. You could feel the urge to rebrand or redefine your image. Be patient with yourself and take time to reflect on what truly feels authentic.
As Mercury enters Capricorn on Jan. 8, you’ll likely experience a shift in your relationships, with a focus on finding balance, harmony and practicality. It’s a good time to have some deep, honest conversations about your partnerships, but the full moon may encourage you to take that conversation to a new level of emotional depth.
On Jan. 13, the full moon will light up your sign, bringing a deep sense of emotional clarity. This is a time to release anything that no longer serves you — whether it’s a toxic habit, an old belief system or a relationship that’s been holding you back.
As the month progresses, the sun’s debut in Aquarius on Jan. 19 highlights shared assets and power dynamics in your relationships. Then, on Jan. 21, the sun will conjunct Pluto in Aquarius, pushing you to confront emotional baggage tied to financial matters or intimate affairs.
It’s a time to dig deep, face the truth and transform your relationship with money and power. The new moon in Aquarius on Jan. 29 offers a fresh start in these areas of life — whether it’s negotiating a new deal, letting go of old patterns or taking control of your personal power.
Step into your fullest potential and tap into your deepest desires. More importantly, embrace the changes that are unfolding.
Leo (July 22-Aug. 22)
January is about the foundation and power dynamics surrounding your one-on-one partnerships, Leo.
Things kick off with Venus entering Pisces on Jan. 2, activating your eighth house of intimacy, shared resources and transformation. You could feel drawn to deepening emotional connections with those closest to you, whether it's a partner, a friend or even a loved one. It’s a great time to work through any unresolved issues, especially when it comes to shared finances or secrets you’ve been keeping.
However, things could intensify on Jan. 3 when Mars retrograde in your sign opposes Pluto in Aquarius (your seventh house of partnerships). It could feel like you're at a crossroads when it comes to how you show up in relationships. For instance, the tension between your need for personal freedom and the demands of others could create friction. Harness this energy to reflect on the balance (or lack thereof) between asserting your identity and making space for others in your life.
As Mars retrograde re-enters Cancer on Jan. 6 — your 12th house of subconscious patterns — it prompts you to take a step back and reevaluate your inner world. This is followed by the full moon in Cancer on Jan. 13, amplifying this energy while bringing repressed emotions to the surface.
Release limiting beliefs or fears that have been holding you back. Think of this as an emotional detox — it could be as simple as purging old emotional baggage or as profound as letting go of toxic relationships or habits. Alone time, recharging and reflecting are suggested — don’t feel guilty about taking a break.
Later in the month, the sun enters Aquarius, activating your seventh house of relationships while bringing focus back to your partnerships. With the sun conjunct Pluto on Jan. 21, you could feel a powerful urge to transform how you connect with others, personally and professionally.
This is a pivotal moment for shedding old relationship patterns and stepping into more authentic connections.
Virgo (Aug. 22-Sept. 22)
Create harmony between personal and professional life — recalibration sets the tone for the year ahead, Virgo.
With Venus moving into Pisces on Jan. 2, your seventh house of partnerships is activated. Whether you’re single or taken, love takes on a dreamy and soulful tone. This could be the perfect time to let go of any rigid expectations around romance and let things flow more naturally. This can also feel like a refreshing break from the usual “checklist” or required “criteria,” if you will, letting you just be in the moment.
Tensions rise on Jan. 3 when Mars retrograde (in your 12th house of unconscious patterns) opposes Pluto in Aquarius in your sixth house of day-to-day affairs. This could stir up hidden insecurities and power struggles, so be kind to yourself and trust that some time for reflection will help clear the fog.
On Jan. 13, the moon will peak in Cancer, bringing revelations around your social life and friendship circles, making it a great time to reassess the people you surround yourself with and whether they align with your core values.
As Mars retrogrades back into Cancer on Jan. 6, your 11th house of friendships and social causes lights up. This brings unresolved issues with friends or social circles to the surface — harness this energy by revisiting and strengthening the relationships that truly matter to you.
By Jan. 19, the sun enters Aquarius and your sixth house of daily rituals, urging you to find joy in your creative endeavors and self-expression. You may feel inspired to try something new, whether it’s a hobby or a new romantic connection.
The new moon in Aquarius on Jan. 29 brings fresh energy to your work-life balance, making it an excellent time to set new intentions around your goals and routines.
Whether it’s establishing new habits or setting boundaries when necessary, this is your chance to prioritize your well-being and start the year with purpose.
Libra (Sept. 22-Oct. 22)
January is serving up fresh opportunities to transform your life, and in more ways than one, Libra.
With your celestial ruler, Venus, entering Pisces on Jan. 2, your sixth house of daily routines gets a charming touch of love, harmony and creativity, encouraging you to enhance your self-care rituals and focus on your well-being. This is a great time to reorganize your schedule or commit to a healthier lifestyle.
However, expect some tension on Jan. 3, when Mars retrograde (in your 11th house of friendships) opposes Pluto (in your fifth house of creativity and romance). Old conflicts or issues within your social circle may resurface, but this is also an opportunity to reconnect with the individuals and passions that fuel and uplift you.
By Jan. 13, the full moon in Cancer glimmers through your 10th house of career and authority, urging you to confront important decisions around your public image or professional goals.
Mars retrogrades back into Cancer on Jan. 6, pushing you to revisit old projects and career-related ventures. This could feel like a time of professional reevaluation, where you need to assess whether you’re on the right path.
By Jan. 19, upon the sun’s debut in Aquarius — illuminating your fifth house of creativity, passion and self-expression — invites you to focus more on what brings you joy — whether it’s a creative project, a romantic rendezvous or simply just having fun.
The new moon in Aquarius on Jan. 29 presents you with a clean slate, and the perfect opportunity to set new intentions around love and self-expression.
All in all, this month encourages you to tune into your desires and long-term goals, all while keeping things balanced with your self-care, creative pursuits and professional progress.
Scorpio (Oct. 22-Nov. 21)
January is a month of deep self-reflection and reinvention, Scorpio.
As Venus slips into Pisces on Jan. 2, your creative fifth house of love, romance and self-expression comes alive. Whether you’re rekindling a romance or pursuing a passion project, this is all the more reason to let your heart guide you. You may find yourself seeking out new artistic outlets or indulging in hobbies that bring you joy.
Here, Venus encourages you to embrace the playful and passionate sides of life. Also, with the North Node entering Pisces shortly after, you could feel guided to go after things that make you feel most alive, whether it’s a creative outlet or a deepening connection with someone special.
Tension arises on Jan. 3, as Mars retrograde (in your 10th house of career and public life), opposes Pluto (in your fourth house of home and family). This could stir up power struggles and challenges between your career ventures and personal life. Perhaps you’ve been working late nights and your family or home life is starting to feel neglected.
Once Mars retrograde re-enters Cancer (your ninth house of expansion, higher learning and self-discovery) on Jan. 6, it adds to the overall intensity, urging you to revisit previous goals or belief systems. Don’t let old plans slip away — use this spark for your sense of adventure and curiosity.
The second half of January brings a wave of introspection, starting with Mercury’s ingress into Capricorn on Jan. 8, as it will activate your third house of communication, prompting you to reconsider how you connect with others and process information in general.
When the sun enters Aquarius on Jan. 19, your fourth house of home and family becomes activated, prompting a fresh focus on your personal life — think home improvement projects, family matters and simply seeking comfort within your personal space.
The new moon in Aquarius on Jan. 29 further highlights this area of your life, giving you the green light to set intentions around family dynamics, home life and emotional foundations.
With Mercury and Pluto also joining forces in Aquarius, deep conversations and realizations around home, family or your living space could bring transformative shifts. Embrace the changes coming your way — build the stable foundation you need to move forward.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)
Home, family, and finances take center stage this month, Sagittarius.
Once Venus enters Pisces on Jan. 2, your fourth house of home, family and emotional foundations becomes activated, bringing a wave of emotional warmth, harmony and bliss to your humble abode.
This transit invites you to nurture your personal space, whether by redecorating, reconnecting with family or simply spending quality time at home.
However, not all of January’s energy is smooth sailing — Mars retrograde (in your ninth house of expansion, higher learning and self-discovery) creates tension as it opposes Pluto (in your third house of communication and immediate surroundings).
This could bring up old issues or power struggles around your beliefs and how you express your ideas to others.
Once Mars re-enters Cancer on Jan. 6 — your eighth house of intimacy, shared resources and transformation — prompts deep introspection around emotional and financial investments.
By Jan. 8, Mercury slips into Capricorn, igniting your second house of finances, possessions and personal values. This is a great time to get serious about money matters — whether it’s setting a new budget, organizing your financial goals or perhaps thinking about what you truly value in life.
The moon peaks on the 13th, bringing clarity to your eighth house of intimate unions and shared resources — expect a full-circle moment regarding emotional and financial investments.
While the full moon marks a time to purge and surrender, the new moon on Jan. 29 is quite the opposite — it brings a reset that further energizes your communication sector and immediate environment.
Whether it’s revamping your social media or finding new ways to network, this is your moment to communicate your truth with confidence.
Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19)
Happy birthday — January is a big month, Capricorn!
On Jan. 2, Venus enters dreamy Pisces, activating your curious third house of communication and immediate surroundings. This intuitive transit encourages you to speak from the heart and express yourself more openly, whether romantically or creatively.
However, things intensify on Jan. 3 when Mars retrograde (in your eighth house of intimate unions and shared resources) opposes Pluto (in your second house of finances, stability and values), as it could potentially stir up issues around power, intimacy and finances,
When Mars re-enters Cancer on Jan. 6 — your seventh house of partnerships, commitments and contractual agreements — it could stir up tension in your relationships and one-on-one connections. Whether it's with a significant other or business partner, old disagreements could potentially resurface.
Instead of avoiding confrontation, harness this energy to clear the air and set healthier boundaries. Just like when you finally get that tough talk out of the way and realize the relief that follows, this is a time for clarity.
Mercury enters your sign on Jan. 8, making you more inclined to communicate your needs, desires and ideas. Whether it’s updating your social media or revising your personal goals, having Mercury in your sign brings a fresh start to your self-expression.
Upon the sun’s debut in Aquarius on Jan. 19, your second house of money, values and possessions lights up, giving you a burst of energy and inspiration to focus on your finances. You could feel inspired to organize your budget and set new financial goals.
With Mercury and Pluto joining forces in this area of your chart, you could experience transformation in the way you view money and your sense of self-worth. Whether it’s upgrading your techie skills or revisiting your career goals, it’s time to commit to a path that feels authentic and rewarding.
Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 18)
January sets the stage for major breakthroughs — are you ready for 2025, Aquarius?
Starting with Venus entering Pisces and your second house of values, possessions and stability, the influence of the love planet brings a touch of abundance, harmony and prosperity to this area of life. This is an excellent transit for investments, budgeting and exploring new income streams — monetizing your creative abilities is no exception.
On another note, tensions are bound to rise later in the month — Mars retrograde (in your seventh house of relationships and commitments) will oppose Pluto in your sign. This could trigger a bit of turmoil or perhaps stir up power struggles that push you to reevaluate your relationship dynamics.
As Mars moves into Cancer, however, your sixth house of work, health and daily routines become activated. This could inspire you to revisit old habits in your day-to-day life, whether it’s your fitness routine or how you manage your workload. Take time to reflect on patterns that need adjusting, but don’t forget to show yourself compassion in the process.
On Jan. 19, the sun enters your sign — cheers to another journey around the sun! This is when the focus really starts to shift toward your personal power. It’s like the cosmos saying, “Now’s your time to shine!” You’ll feel more energized to take on new projects, set bold goals and embrace who you truly are.
With Pluto also in your sign, expect some deep, transformative moments that bring you closer to your authentic self. The new moon on Jan. 29 is no exception, and Mercury’s conjunction with Pluto further energizes you, helping you set fresh intentions for your personal evolution.
Whether it’s rebranding yourself or setting resolutions that reflect your personal and professional growth, January offers the energy to make it all happen.
Pisces (Feb. 18-March 20)
You’re starting 2025 on the right foot — expect a wave of charm and abundance, Pisces.
As Venus graces your sign on Jan. 2, the love planet adds a layer of harmony and beauty to your personal aesthetic and romantic relationships. On top of heightening your powers of persuasion, you’re all the more magnetic and attractive to the people around you.
Whether it’s revamping your wardrobe or indulging in a spa day, Venus reminds you to prioritize yourself.
More importantly, with the North Node also moving into your sign on Jan. 11 — which is a major deal, by the way — there’s a strong numinous pull for you to focus on your identity and personal journey.
Think is your time to step into the spotlight and embrace your authenticity — you are coming into alignment with your purpose and divine mission on the planet.
However, not all of January’s energy is peachy. For instance, Mars retrograde (in your sixth house of daily routines and health habits) will oppose Pluto (in your 12th house of unconscious patterns). This is a great time to reassess your habits, work schedule and how you cope with stress.
If you’re confronted with lingering fears and insecurities, this is your chance to release them. Take a moment to pause and reflect.
By Jan. 6, Mars retrogrades back into Cancer (your fifth house of creativity, romance and self-expression), so you may feel the urge to revisit past creative projects or reconnect with a romantic interest.
However, it’s important to be cautious of rehashing old dramas in relationships — sometimes, it’s better to leave the past where it belongs.
As the month continues, the sun enters Aquarius — your 12th house of privacy and unconscious patterns — encouraging you to go within and deep-dive into your mystical practices and spiritual growth. This is an excellent time to meditate or journal to release emotional baggage.
Similarly, the new moon in Aquarius on Jan. 29 brings a wave of fresh energy to your inner world, giving you the space and intuitive clarity to set new intentions for healing and well-being.
Moreover, with Mercury also conjunct with Pluto in Aquarius, you may uncover profound insights. Embrace this period of transformation — it’s all about letting go of old patterns to make room for fruitful new beginnings.
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