Sagittarius, 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.

2015 brought you a rare transit, Sagittarius: Grumpy and uptight Saturn has entered your sign, inspiring you to be a bit more conservative and structure loving. Sagittarian people are famous for their love of freedom and exploration; while that stuff is still your jam, you've been all business for the last few months. Let's take a look at how the first month of 2016 will go for you:

January 1 kicks off with Mercury, the planet of communication, entering genius Air sign Aquarius, which will find you feeling super sharp and witty. The innovation and smarts that Aquarius is known for will definitely rub off on you early in the month. This is a great time to express yourself, to consider contracts, and to problem solve; however, it won't last for long. Mercury retrograde begins on January 5, and Mercury will dip back into materially minded Earth sign Capricorn on January 8.

Mercury's reentry into cash-conscious Capricorn will inspire you to rethink some financial decisions and reflect on new ways you can bring in income. You have plenty of talents, Sag. You are the original Renaissance person— are you milking every gift you've got? This is also a great time to reassess what's valuable to you, to purge what you don't need, and to figure out what you should make demands for. Mercury will reenter Aquarius on February 14, a transit that will be all about communication for you. How can communicate your needs if you're not totally sure what's actually worthwhile to you? That's what Mercury retrograde in Capricorn is all about this time around.

We all know Mercury retrograde is crappy for making new commitments, communication, commerce, and commuting, but don't get too freaked out about it. The best way to work with Mercury retrograde is to wrap up past issues. Mercury retrograde ends on January 25— till then, give yourself extra time to get to and from places, triple check whom you're texting, and take time to reflect on the past.

Warrior Mars enters sneaky and psychic Water sign Scorpio on January 3, which will majorly boost your own intuitive abilities. However, you might also find that you need more alone time (other people's vibes will be way too overwhelming). This is an important time to reflect on your work/life balance, particularly around whether or not you're getting enough rest— Mars can't go to war if it's clumsy and tired, and neither can you.

January 5 will be one of the more difficult days of the month. Not only will Mercury retrograde begin, but Mercury will also square Mars, which means people will be quick to pick fights. Not that they should do so—Venus will also square Neptune on January 5, which means the vibe will be sensitive and confused. You'll notice that these issues pop up not just in your social life, but also around your home. Squares are one of the rougher astrological aspects, but you will be able to face it all. The Sun will meet with power planet Pluto on this day as well, and I do think you will feel in secure, provided for, and in charge.

Lovely Venus meets with cold and rigid Saturn in your sign on January 8— this is an interesting combination of energy. While it won't bring you snuggles and other cutesy, fun things, it will bring you a strong sense of determination around a decision in your life. You'll feel ready to commit to a relationship, romantic or otherwise— awesome! Sagittarians are not famous for their ability to commit, so this should be interesting.

The New Moon in Capricorn on January 9 will bring some fresh vibes to balance the Mercury retrograde energy— retrogrades are all about the past, while New Moons symbolize new beginnings, and you'll especially notice this New Moon's energy around your cash flow.

Mid month brings plenty of positivity. An unexpected boost in confidence and creativity, plus a desire to take some risks, comes when Venus trines wild Uranus on January 12— you can also expect some random crushes to enter the scene. The Sun trines your ruling planet, abundant and lucky Jupiter, on January 13, which will be extra fab for your cash, career, and popularity.

On January 14, the Sun meets Mercury, creating a good opportunity for you to have a conversation about an issue concerning security, self-esteem, belongings, or money, while Mercury also trines Jupiter, inspiring people to feel mega generous and interested in making deals that could help propel you to fame and fortune. If you don't plan some dates, business meetings, or whatever around this time, Sag, you're nuts.

Both Venus and Jupiter are gluttons, so when they clash on January 18, expect some overindulgence. Leave your wallet at home today so you don't accidentally spend everything in it. Avoid bakeries, bars, and bodacious babes— you won't be able to get enough, and you probably won't even really enjoy it since you'll be doing it all out of boredom or anxiety. Also on January 18, Mars trines Neptune, creating a super lazy (but fun and imaginative!) vibe.

The Sun enters Aquarius on January 20, bringing us back to the smart and communicative vibe that we enjoyed earlier in the month. By this time, you'll have a way better idea of your wants and needs, so communication will be way more effective. Two of the most powerful days this month around communication are January 22 and January 30, when Mercury, the planet of communication, meets with Pluto, the planet of control and change. These are excellent days to get your point across around your wants and needs, Sag.

Lovely, harmony-creating Venus enters Capricorn on January 23, bringing some beautification to the financial area of your life that we've been discussing so much this month. This is also fab for feeling confident and for having a boost in self-esteem. There's a Full Moon in fellow Fire sign Leo on January 23, which will bring some balancing vibes to your life. Lately, you've been focusing on so many little details and haven't really had a chance to step back. The Full Moon in Leo will remind you to take some time for yourself, which for a Sag always usually means time away. Get away if you can, mentally or physically—either through a trip, getting lost in a museum, or in a good book.

Venus sextiles Neptune on January 30, creating a romantic and whimsical vibe that will inspire you to feel supported and safe— aww. The month closes on a hectic but possibly fun note when Mercury squares Uranus, bringing unexpected news and a little bit of drama. It could be just what you need for some creative inspiration— it could jolt you right out of your writer's block, or even a dry spell if romance had been meh for you.

Mercury retrograde isn't what many people would think is a great way to start a new year, but isn't it pretty great that you get to hammer out some financial issues, and make sure you're really getting what you want and deserve? I think this is a great way to start the new year— you should have all your needs met in 2016, Sag!