Taurus, January 2017

Sweet Venus (which is your ruling planet, by the way) in empathetic and imaginative Water sign Pisces will bring blessings to your social circle and the communities you're part of. This is a wonderful time for networking and meeting new people. Affectionate Venus in emotional Pisces will inspire an understanding, accepting energy. If you have a friend you had a falling out with, this is a wonderful time to make up.

Venus is the love, money, and beauty planet, and because Venus loves to be in Pisces, all the Venusian things in our lives will be even more abundant. For you, Taurus, this is an especially potent time for earning more money in your career, or for coming up with creative ideas that could benefit you as you climb your way to the top.

This isn't to say early January is without hiccups: Mercury is retrograde, after all! Mercury retrograde is famously known for being a crappy time for communication—misunderstandings and mixed messages abound. It's not a great time to make agreements or commitments, or to sign contracts, because things feel so up in the air. Buying anything important, expensive, or electronic is ill–advised.

This Mercury retrograde has been a special pain in the ass for you, Taurus, concerning a host of issues: travel and commuting, school, learning a new skill, religion around the holidays, and even publishing. But on January 4, Mercury will leave Capricorn, the sign it started its retrograde in last month, on December 19, and enter Fire sign Sagittarius.

When this happens, Mercury will activate a sensitive, psychic sector of your chart. Issues with sex and emotional intimacy will be up for review—as will complex financial issues like debts, taxes, and inheritances. This is a powerful time for letting go of old heartache and grief—but expect to run into people with whom you've had intense emotional interactions.

Mercury retrograde finally ends on January 8, and it will reenter fellow Earth sign Capricorn on January 12. As Mercury moves direct, you'll begin moving forward with a lot of the issues you've been working on since early December.

January 12 is busy, indeed. Not only will Mercury reenter Capricorn on that day, but Venus will meet Neptune in Pisces, and we'll have a full moon in Cancer!

On January 19, the Sun enters chill Air sign Aquarius, shining its light on the fame and fortune sector of your chart! Over the next month, while the Sun is in Aquarius, your professional goals, your reputation, and even your legacy will consume your thoughts. Aquarius is an inventive Air sign, not afraid of being seen as weird—so don't be afraid to be yourself, Taurus! Your unique qualities will propel you to stardom.

The next day, January 20, your ruling planet, Venus, in dreamy Pisces, will connect with Pluto, the lord of the underworld, in grounded Earth sign Capricorn. Pluto is a freaky planet—it symbolizes death and rebirth and can often bring up difficult emotions, even jealousy and obsession! Capricorn is known as one of the most practical signs of the zodiac, but don't be fooled: It's just a lusty old goat. Pluto in Capricorn, connecting with seductive Venus in Pisces, will certainly be interesting: Expect some intriguing news to come your way.

A new moon in Aquarius arrives on January 27! As we discussed, the Sun will enter Aquarius this month and illuminate the sector of your chart that rules your career and reputation. During this new moon, the Sun will meet the moon in clever Aquarius; this meeting symbolizes a fresh start for you: Rethink your professional goals, popularity, and public life. This is a great time to cast spells for worldly success, Taurus!

But take it slow, because on January 27, Venus, in Pisces, will clash with Saturn in Sagittarius. This means obstacles. Your crew might not show up for you in the way you would like them to. Don't expect people to return a favor or do something just to be nice—you'll be on your own. A feeling of rejection is in the air.

Earlier this month, on January 19, Mars, in Pisces, also challenged Saturn in Sagittarius, bringing up these same problems. But because Venus is your ruling planet, you may feel more sensitive about them later this month, when Venus confronts Saturn.

Each problem will bring you greater strength, experience, and expertise. If life were easy, we would never learn anything, right? Even though there is friction, that doesn't mean the new moon in Aquarius won't lead to something fantastic. New doors are opening—you just might trip over an obstacle or two before crossing the threshold.

Warrior planet Mars enters fierce Fire sign Aries on January 28. Action planet Mars loves to be in energetic, courageous Aries, but it's a little much for your lazy vibe, Taurus. You're not into running around and fighting; you're into sitting around and eating.

You'll feel compelled to spend more time alone while Mars is bouncing around in Aries. Other people's energy will be overwhelming, and you could have trouble sleeping. But you will enjoy a nice boost in imagination, creativity, and intuition. Not bad! See you in February!