This month is a time to rest, relax and regroup. With Venus and Mercury retrograde (until 29 January and 14 January – 4 February respectively) you’ll be feeling unusually contemplative. Questions around how your work aligns with your values will be begging for your attention. No need to make any rash decisions, but give yourself space to think about how you can bring a little more joy to your 9 – 5 this year. Balance all the introspection by reaching out to old friends, especially once Mercury goes retrograde (14 January – 4 February).

Tip: Set a goal to fall in love with your job this year 

If you needed an excuse to get away this month, the stars are beckoning you to take a break. After the ordeal that was 2021 which was especially rough on Taureans, the skies are encouraging you to put your OOO and take time out. With your ruling planet Venus retrograde until 29 January, it’s a time for reflection, quiet and review. Mercury retrograde (14 January – 4 February) will also bring some question marks to your career. It’s a lot to think about, so make sure you book time off to figure out what you really want.

Tip: Get away for the weekend to clear your mind

There’s a slowness to January that could feel a little frustrating for fast-moving Gemini folks. Long-term plans – especially around travel and money – will be on your mind as two retrograde cycles collide. Staying focused on your future, or at least what you’re prioritising for 2021 will be top of your to-do list. Venus retrograde (until 29 January), raises questions around financial goals, while your ruling planet, Mercury’s retrograde (14 January – 4 February) pulls focus on travel forcing some revision to your plans.

Tip: Revise your 2021 goals around cash and travel

What you’re craving vs what you need in your romantic relationship will continue to be a focus this month as Venus retrograde brings all the feels (until 29 January). With Pluto involved, confronting hang-ups you thought you were well and truly over could be on the cards. It’s not easy work but essential if you want to build a better relationship that’s going to go the distance. Meanwhile Mercury retrograde (14 January – 4 February) could raise some questions marks around your financial goals. 

Tip: Confront a relationship issues you’ve been avoiding for too long

With Mercury retrograde (14 February – 4 February) highlighting your intimate relationships, chances are you’ll be revisiting some familiar conversations, especially around where you’re going long-term. It’s a great time to brainstorm, but (try) to hold fire firming up any solid plans – there’ll be plenty of time for that next month. Meanwhile Venus retrograde (until 29 January) sets the scene for a major wellness overhaul, challenging you to find healthier ways to have fun; perfect timing if you’re feeling tapped out from the carnage of party season.

Tip: Rethink your approach to wellness

Hook-ups, sex and pleasure will be playing on your mind this month as Venus retrograde begs the question, “Are you truly satisfied?” Long held beliefs, patterns and possibly people from the past could resurface prompting pause for reflection. How you’ve always done things is not necessarily the way you need to continue. The choice is yours. Meanwhile your ruling planet, Mercury is retrograde in the realm of your daily schedule. Expect delays and you won’t be disappointed. 

Tip: Don’t be surprised if old hook-ups come-a-callin’

January is a time to take it easy as two retrograde cycles force you slow down. The big question marks around where you’re living or how you relate to family continue as Venus retrograde continues to unfold (until 29 January). Again, the key is to quit pushing and respond rather than react if old wounds are reopened. Meanwhile Mercury retrograde (14 January – 4 February) hints at some confusion or change to your plans around creativity and play. Expect some uncertainty and you’ll take it in your stride. 

Tip: Trust old wounds – especially  around family and home – need some attention

This month looks a little less intense (TF!) for Scorpio people as the sun and Venus focus the energy on your sense of self-expression. With Venus retrograde in your communications department, there’s some healing to be done around how you express yourself – especially with siblings and extended fam. Speaking of which, you could find yourself revisiting conversations and revising plans as Mercury goes retrograde (14 January – 4 February). A staycation could be the quiet time you need to integrate and process it all.

Tip: Book a staycation to prioritise quiet reflection

What’s your saving style? How does your spending reflect your values? Are you a conscious consumer or an impulse buyer? Money matters are big news for you this month as Venus retrograde forces you to confront some hard truths about your finances. Releasing old hang-ups around scarcity and lack may be tough, but will set you up for a more abundant 2022. In other news, Mercury retrograde could bring some drama to your tech and anything logistical so back up important stuff and take out shipping insurance.

Tip: Get honest about your relationship with cash

There’s major healing to be had this month as your home season coincides with Venus retrograde. Big questions around your relationships, values and love life will have you reconsidering your whole outlook. It’s a time to get real about the baggage you’re still holding onto around romance, money and pleasure. Ask yourself, ‘What  – or who – is not going to come with me into ’22?’ Side note: if you’ve been thinking about a new look, get ready to fire up that folder of references. Venus retrograde is the perfect time to rethink your personal style.

Tip: Research a new look for the new year

If ever there was a time to take your foot off the gas and do some soul-searching, January is it. Two retrograde cycles – Venus (until 29 January) and Mercury (14 January – 4 February) are bringing all the introspective feels, asking you to get honest about what you value, and how you express yourself. It’s deep, solitary work so don’t overschedule yourself. You can’t rush this stuff, you just need space and plenty of time alone. Once your home season kicks off (20 January) the pace should pick up. 

Tip: Keep a low profile and make space for solitude

There should be a little more spring in your step this month with your ruling planet Jupiter now hanging out in your home sign. That extra fairy dust will go a long way to help navigate the otherwise introspective mood of January. Venus retrograde (until 29 January) and Mercury retrograde (14 January – 4 February) will turn your gaze inwards and have you questioning everything from your friendships to your career. Take notice of sore points with friends… the time may soon come for some tough but necessary conversations.

Tip: Pay attention to sore points, especially with friends

Hot tip: try reading these horoscopes for your rising sign as well as your sun sign. You can check the Co-Star app or have your charts read by an astrologist to see what your rising sign is.

Emma Vidgen is an astrologer and meditation teacher. Follow her or book a reading @emma_vee and @thewayward.co.