Written in the Stars - Week of January 23

Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius — When the planet of thought and communication retraces its steps through the sign of the individual, it’s an ideal time to reassess the way we approach the world and what we want from it. Disconnect from the herd and get to know yourself better.

ARIES

March 21 — April 19

You’re the “go in with guns blazing” type, Aries — no doubt about it. But it’s likely that you’ll encounter some obstacles and delays now, or simply some red tape that limits or slows down your momentum. Taskmaster Saturn is setting clear boundaries in your chart — working within them, rather than refusing or cursing them in frustration, can teach you something invaluable about persistence. These limits could come in the form of rules or tradition-bound superiors. Their instruction offers you essential lessons that lead to long-term rewards.

TAURUS

April 20 — May 20

In astrology, we often talk about your penchant for hard work and structure, Taurus — what we don’t mention as often is your ability to party/drink/play harder than any other sign. This week, your cravings are as single-minded and tenacious as you are. You could find drama at your doorstep due to bad bets, enjoyment to excess or romantic flights of fancy gone awry. Enjoy yourself, bull — but don’t indulge any bull. Your charm can hook you almost anything now, so be careful what you wish for.

GEMINI

May 21 — June 21

Isn’t it nice, Gemini, when the things you love in life and the work that you do, intersect? You are forecast to receive some recognition from higher-ups in the long term, regarding your ability to research or conceptualize. If there are delays or obstacles you have to overcome, don’t be discouraged. The temporary slow-down brought on by your ruler in retrograde could actually be a lifesaver. Use this time to review and revise some innovative ideas or theories you’ve come up with. Adjustments made now can lead to genius breakthroughs.

CANCER

June 22 — July 22

Consider your resources this week, Cancer, and those that are bestowed upon you by others. With Mercury retracing its steps in your House of Investments, hand in hand with sweet Venus, this is a perfect time to revise your budget in order to cultivate a life you love. A reward system could be in order — such as planning a vacation months in advance to remind yourself what you’re working toward. You make your own luck when you find ways to get excited about working and enacting new ideas despite setbacks. Keep going!

LEO

July 23 — Aug. 22

Practice makes perfect, Leo, even if you think you’re pretty damn close to perfect already. The best, most admired actors in the world are praised, in part, for their ability to make their work appear effortless. But one can have no doubt that Brando’s explosive outbursts were carefully, obsessively crafted before their spontaneity shook the world. Structure and discipline bring you luck and wisdom now, which only snowball as time goes on. Conflicts with partners could arise now — be patient. This will pass.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 — Sept. 22

No one knows how to plan like you, Virgo — and as an adaptable, mutable sign, you also know that even the best plans need a tune-up now and again. Your chart forecasts a steady upward ascension and you are being offered the opportunity to re-work your plan to get where you want to be. Is it the same place as it was a year ago? Take time to re-assess your home and work life — what helps, what hinders. You’re being given the energy and humor to deal with any hiccups as they arrive and the patience to stand your ground when necessary.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 — Oct. 22

You’re known for being indecisive, Libra — but the other side of that coin is that you make thoughtful, well-informed decisions. You may have experienced a disappointment recently though, related to an aspect of your life you spent a lot of time and energy on. A re-assessment of a creative or romantic endeavor is forecast — stay open to new ideas and don’t let your focus or energy flag. A bit of alone time to outline a new plan, or a brainstorming session with partners, could work wonders.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 — Nov. 21

You’re a dichotomy, Scorpio — stubborn and single-minded, yet constantly transforming. With Mercury traipsing backward through your House of Foundations, you could be experiencing a deep questioning for the next few weeks and a profound sense of needing to rethink your values, or a need to bring your external world into alignment with them. If your ship is off course, this is an ideal time to steer it in a direction that arouses your excitement. You have much to do and after a short detour, the time will be right.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 — Dec. 21

You may find yourself with much to say this week, Sagittarius, and at times, addressing an empty room. Mercury is bumbling backward through your House of Communications, indicating that you could experience some missed connections. A re-assessment of your social structure could be in order — who best fits your current level of life experience? With whom would your time be best spent? You have great charm and diplomacy working for you now, so rearranging plans won’t be an issue. You’ll smooth things over.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 — Jan. 19

Where would you like to be in five years, Capricorn? What is one thing you could do today to work toward that? Notice I didn’t ask where you were five years ago, or where you wish you’d be now if things had gone “right” back when. Mercury is giving you the opportunity to re-work the way you handle your personal resources — do you make your time and energy work for you, or do you work for them? You’re going through an intense revision of your past — let it positively affect your present. Increasing your stature increases your confidence.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 — Feb. 18

All eyes are on you now, Aquarius. Venus is blessing your sign, making you appear more attractive and charming, and bringing compliments and invitations. Meanwhile, chatty Mercury strolls backward next to pretty Venus, asking her how she makes her magic, and why she directs it where she does. For the next three weeks, you have the chance to re-assess the way you project yourself and decide how to shape your impact the world. If you use this time actively, beneficial changes to your resources and partnerships are forecast.

PISCES

Feb. 19 — March 20

It’s cold outside, Pisces, and the landscape may look quiet and colorless where plants lay dormant, protecting themselves from the chill. Yet they are quietly gathering strength, too, and preparing to show themselves for what they are: delicate and determined, fallible but fruitful. Your seeds are being nourished, Pisces, and knowing their limitations is what gives them life. Recognition is coming and with your ruler, dreamy Neptune in cahoots with energetic Mars, you’ll feel unstoppable. Stoke your inner fire — your glow will come through.