Capricorn, January 2016

In our monthly horoscopes, we provide a more in depth look at what's happening in the sky. You can read the rest of our monthly horoscopes here.

Happy birthday, Capricorn! Each New Year begins with the Sun in your sign. Did you know that the passage of time and history are both themes ruled by Capricorn? Antiques make your heart flutter, and you're even more emo about the past than a Cancer or Pisces (those Water signs really know how to get nostalgic). But it's a new year, and we're here to talk about your future—not to get misty about the turning pages on the calendar. Let's see what January has in store for you:

Mercury enters cool and intellectual Aquarius on January 1, where it will hang out for a few good days, making your mind sharp AF, especially around issues concerning cash and worth. On January 5, though, Mercury turns retrograde; on the 8th, reenters your sign. Retrogrades are famously horrible for creating confusion, crashing computers, crippling our commutes, and causing chaos in our communications. (If it were Mercury retrograde at the time I wrote this horoscope, there is no way I would have been able to come up with such a beautifully articulate and alliterative sentence.)

Anyway, Mercury retrograde is annoying, and it's definitely not a great time to take on new projects. However, it is good for something you Capricorns love, considering your soft spot for history: reviewing the past! Mercury retrograde is a lovely time to address anything that you've put on the back burner. Because this Mercury retrograde will spend a huge chunk of time going through your sign, Capricorn, this is a great time for you to reconsider how you express yourself. Perhaps there is a new way you would like the world to see you? Or maybe there's something you've been meaning to say, but you haven't found the right words yet? This retrograde, which will go on until January 25, will help you figure all that out!

Energetic Mars enters mysterious and sexy Water sign Scorpio on January 3, injecting some fun and drama to your social life. Expect to start going out way more—invitations to cool parties are coming your way. If there's some kind of group, club, or community you're thinking about joining, you'll have the energy to figure that all out now. Scorpio is the sign that rules secrets and mysteries. Perhaps you and your crew will solve a few this month, Cap?

January 5 will be one of the more difficult days of the month—but you're so pessimistic that if I only told you good things were happening, you'd think this horoscope was dumb. Mercury squares Mars, which will create an argumentative and bitchy vibe. People will also be feeling very vulnerable and sensitive: Sweet Venus squares hazy and confused Neptune. Issues today will seem to pop up out of nowhere, and you'll notice some funky logic at play.

People don't know this about you, but you're actually very psychic, Capricorn (I mean, Pisces, the sign of intuition, occupies the part of the sky that manages Cap's mind), so really trust your gut on January 5. People might insist they're very upset about one thing when it's actually something else entirely. Don't blame them— not everyone is as logical, down-to-earth, and good at managing their feelings as you are. It's a rough day, but the Sun does meet power planet Pluto in your sign, so you will feel in control and capable of transforming whatever sticky situation comes you way.

Lovely Venus is currently hanging out in Fire sign Sagittarius, a sign famous for its big mouth. You, Capricorn, are usually pretty private when it comes to your love life. I haven't met many Caps into PDA—y'all are a discreet bunch for the most part, even though you're incredibly lusty (you are, after all, ruled by the Devil card in the tarot). Anyway, Venus in philosophical Sag is inspiring you reflect on your relationships, and on January 8 when Venus meets with your ruling planet Saturn, you'll be ready to make some kind of commitment or decision around some Venusian theme, like love, money, or beauty— but, in true Cap fashion, you'll likely keep it on the DL for some time.

There's a New Moon in your sign on January 9! This is a splendid time to reconnect with yourself emotionally and reflect on whether or not you're receiving the comfort and nurturing you need in order to feel good. This is also a great time for a little make over, or to recommit to whatever New Year's resolution has been waiting for your attention.

Some unexpected sweetness arrives to your home when Venus trines the planet of surprise, Uranus, on January 12. This is also a great time to randomly call a family member or loved one— they'll be stoked to hear from you. January 13 also brings majorly good vibes when the Sun, which is in your sign, trines the planet of luck and abundance, Jupiter, in fellow Earth sign Virgo, sending you good energy around any issues concerning school, travel, or publicity.

Good news and more chances to promote and express yourself come the next day, January 14, when the Sun meets Mercury (again in your sign, Cap; there's so much attention on you this month!) and Mercury trines Jupiter. However, do watch out for people who feel a little too confident and a little too sure of themselves. If you find yourself exaggerating things in your head, Cap, rein it in.

The Sun enters Aquarius on January 20, bringing back some of the cool and confident energy we felt early in the month when Mercury briefly dipped into this chill Air sign. The Sun in Aquarius highlights the part of your chart that rules finances, valuables, and talent. This is a great time to think about ways you can increase material security in your life.

January 22 and 30 will be hugely powerful days for you, Capricorn, with the planet of communication, Mercury, meeting the lord of the underworld, Pluto (so goth) in your sign! You will be an unstoppable force, capable of transforming any crap situation. People will be hypnotized by your words. Use your powers for good; you'll likely get whatever you want on these days. This is an amazing time for you to have deep heart-to-hearts, to express yourself and your truth, to make powerful mental breakthroughs, and to find understanding on a deep, psychological level.

Seductive, beauty- and harmony-loving Venus enters your sign on January 23! This is a fab time to consider a makeover, buy new clothes, or have fun with your look. You'll feel a little more flirtatious than you have in recent weeks, and people will be mega receptive to you. There's also a Full Moon in passionate Fire sign Leo on January 23, which will illuminate some issues around intimacy. This is an amazing Full Moon to have sex under… or to paint under, or to do any kind of deep, transformative act under.

You've never been superficial, Capricorn (even though you're pretty materialistic, let's be real), but during the Leo Full Moon you'll be especially interesting in going beneath the surface and connecting with yourself and others on a super intimate level. Purging the past is also an amazing way to use this energy. If you've been thinking about finding a therapist or doing some other kind of healing work on yourself, the Full Moon will be very supportive of your rebirth.

Capricorns might love the past, but it's time to let some things go. Use the Full Moon to help you blast through any lingering pain— it's a New Year, Cap, so reveal the new you! You definitely have plenty of cosmic support this month helping you find new ways to express yourself, intellectually and physically. Happy New Year, Capricorn, see you next month!