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New here? I always recommend reading for your rising sign rather than your sun sign. You can find out your rising sign by casting your chart here. Want to learn more? Check out my new book The Astrology Of You: Finding Love, Creativity and Soul Purpose In Your Birth Chart or find me on Instagram at @emma_vee.

Mark your calendar to start the new year a little late–let’s say, the second week of the month (12 January GMT, 13 January AEST). That’s when your ruling planet will finally turn a corner and pick up some momentum. After literally months of feeling NQR (not quite right), brace yourself for a gradual return to normal programming. While the temptation to hit the ground running will be strong, with Mercury retrograde until mid-month (18 January GMT, 19 January AEST), now is not the time to try to run before you can walk.

Tip: Hold fire making big career decisions and use January to reflect on strategic goals.

If you feel as though you’ve been haemorrhaging cash the past couple of months, the endless expenses should start to slow down once Mars goes direct (12 January GMT, 13 January AEST). You won’t be totally out of the woods, but a little clarity around how much things will cost–or why you haven’t been able to save–will feel like a relief. Travel could also go haywire with Mercury retrograde (until 18 January GMT, 19 January AEST) causing delays and restrictions.

Tip: Look out for opportunities to schmooze contacts that could help further a brave career move.

After months of feeling like you weren’t quite sure which way is up, there’s glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. As Mars finally goes direct (12 January GMT, 13 January AEST), the wheels begin to turn. Energy, motivation and maybe even some results for the legwork you’ve been putting in (to no avail thus far) should slowly come to fruition. But with your ruling planet going retrograde a week later (18 January GMT, 19 January AEST), progress will be slow.

Tip: Make caring for your mental health a part of your NY resolutions.

A full moon in your home sign (6 January GMT; 7 January AEST) makes for an emotional start to the year, when well-meaning words (either your own–or from someone else) could knock the scab off an old wound. With two retrogrades dominating the skies–Mars (until 12 January GMT, 13 January AEST) and Mercury (from 18 January GMT, 19 January AEST)–the overall pace will be sluggish. Take advantage of the vibe and take your time reviewing and reassessing–especially your most cherished relationships.

Tip: Reflect on the issues that arise around 7 January and revisit them once you’ve had time to process, towards the end of the month.

There’s a limbo feel to the start of the year, with two retrogrades creating a serious go-slow mood. While making big decisions might seem near impossible, finding solace in the joy of routine could just be the salve your soul needs to start the year. Use the first couple of weeks to get honest with yourself about what you really need to improve your wellbeing. Then once Mercury turns direct (from 18 January GMT, 19 January AEST), set yourself some long-term goals. 

Tip: Be strategic rather than sporadic about your fitness goals.

As much as you’re desperate to just get on with things, there’s a sleepy start to the new year. If you can take time off, the first couple of weeks look golden for just hanging out. Reconnecting with something (or someone) random from your past could prove surprisingly satisfying as Mercury invites you to revisit things that spark joy. Quirky collectibles, iconic YA, old piercings, nothing is off limits so long as it makes you feel good. 

Tip: Put productivity on hold make space for your own personal idea of fun.

There’s major ‘to be continued’ feels to the start of 2023, as the ongoing storylines from last year continue to unfold. Save yourself a whole lot of energy (and possibly, frustration) by making peace with the fact that things will move at a glacial pace. While travel plans look a little less fried once Mars turns direct (12 January GMT, 13 January AEST), revisiting an unresolved issue with a family member (or housemate) could be a big energy suck.

Tip: Stay flexible with travel plans before the middle of the month.

At last! The tide is turning for Scorpio folks, as your ruling planet, Mars grinds to a halt and turns direct (12 January GMT, 13 January AEST) restoring your energy levels and bringing you a sense of motivation. While the ‘WTF-is-going-on’ mood of late last year continues to permeate and gradually fade as the month wears on, focussing on your patch will help you navigate the confusion. If things go wrong, stay curious to the potency of your words. 

Tip: Pay attention to how your words can heal or hurt despite your best intentions.

The other-worldly haze around your significant other (romantic or platonic) slowly starts to lift this month. But before the vibe shifts, Mercury retrograde will pull focus on your finances. Rethinking your spending in light of your long-term goals is an excellent use of the energy. Don’t rule out the possibility that escaping into a pile of receipts could be a strangely comforting distraction from the other craziness surrounding you.

Tip: Try to be patient with the VIPs in your life–they’re having a tricky time.

As you emerge into the light of the new year, your desire to get the show on the road will be palpable. Rather than dive headfirst into a smorgasbord of New Year tweak-ments, take your time to research and plan what’s going to work best for you. Now is now the time to rush any decisions–especially when it comes to your appearance. If you do decide to commit, make your appointments after the 19th.

Tip: Keep your mind off the glacial pace with a Kondo clear-out of your wardrobe.

As the sun dips into the most secluded part of your chart, January is a time to make time to get away. Solitude, silence, seclusion–however you like to do it, look for little ways to escape every day. Try waking up half an hour early and going for a walk without Airpods, or experiment with power naps (no more than 20 or 30 minutes) to help revive your energy levels. As far as Aquarians are concerned, 2023 may as well start in February. 

Tip: Turn your bedroom into your own private retreat, then escape there as often as possible.

Figuring out the next best step–especially when it comes to where you’re living–should begin to seem a little less intimidating once Mars goes direct (until 12 January GMT, 13 January AEST). Your course of action may not be crystal clear, but finding some momentum–and seeing the results–will be a huge relief. Drawing on your network for leads and reconnecting with old contacts could be the final piece of the puzzle, especially while Mercury is retrograde (18 January GMT, 19 January AEST).

Tip: If you don’t ask, you won’t get. Don’t be shy in putting the word out about what you’re looking for among friends and colleagues.