2023 is here, and it’s time to get to work. Beginning January with capable and mature Capricorn, we feel the power of our intentions motivate us to create lasting change. But anything built well is built slowly, so we must move steadily as we navigate both Mars and Mercury retrograde at the beginning of the month.

Retrogrades may slow down processes and create misunderstandings, but they also provide valuable time to review and reflect, so use this period to be clear about your intentions, motivations, and priorities. As the month goes on, the pressure and seriousness of Capricorn season and retrogrades lift to herald in the season of Aquarius. The alien of the zodiac, Aquarius is like no one else and doesn’t want to be. Let the rest of January therefore remind you that you were made uniquely for a reason.

What to Expect This Month

Capricorn season is here, and it (as usual) means business. But before we go busting down the doors of our new year’s resolutions, careful consideration is recommended. We begin January with the sun, Mercury, and Venus in Capricorn. Capricorn bridges the gap between sensitive emotions and the hardened exterior that gets things done. This is a time for getting organised, prioritising, growing up, and being practical. However, hold off on any big projects, new endeavours, or big career moves until after the 18th if you can because Mercury retrograde loves to make us learn our lessons twice. Check details, contracts, and dates.

Mars is also in retrograde (until the 12th), but its position in information-centric Gemini adds another layer of potential communication breakdown and everyday chaos into the mix – so maybe check everything three times. Venus moves into Aquarius on the 3rd, so expect your love life to surprise you with new adventures, unusual people, and intellectual stimulation. On the 7th, there is a full moon in Cancer, and any emotions you’ve been suppressing while getting things done will come up now. Cancer reminds us how vulnerable we are and why this is a strength, not a weakness. Use this time to work through long-held pain, especially the type caused by family. 

Mars in Gemini goes direct on the 12th, finally, and we have our drive back! If you’ve felt lost, in conflict, or unmotivated as of late, this should help tremendously. Mercury retrograde also ends on the 18th, and we can breathe a sigh of relief as things somewhat settle down. From here onwards is when you are best primed to start new projects, negotiate, get things published, and launch new ideas.

On the 20th, the sun moves into the rebellious, humanitarian, intellectual Aquarius. The water bearer symbolises the delivery of love from the heavens to the collective, and Aquarius season follows suit by tapping into the unifying power of kindness, collaboration, and innovation. This is where we move forward, together. The new moon in Aquarius occurs on the 21st and is a fantastic time to set intentions around authentic expression, social connection, and trying new things. 

Aries

Affirmation: I am building something that lasts, I take my time.

The start of the month brings a focus on your career, long-term goals, and public standing. This is the time to take these themes more seriously, as you are primed for taking on more responsibility, leadership, and creating solid structures that support you, your goals, and others. After the 3rd, you are likely to find romance, creative inspiration, and even financial abundance when you connect with people socially and in your community.

Beyond the 12th, you may find your motivation returns, especially around healthy communication, research, and curiosity for life in general, so follow your nose and what piques your interest. Following the 18th, the powers of negotiation, setting firm boundaries, and communicating your thoughts intensifies, so say what you need to! From the 20th, things become less intense, and your mind opens to consider all possibilities. This is a time when you can colour outside the lines, push the boundaries, and rebel against the rules you’ve made for yourself. Find your people, your inspiration, and your unique role in this life. 

Taurus

Affirmation: I decide what my limitations are, and I can decide not to have any.

As necessary as it is for a tree to put down roots, it must also grow to new heights to survive. February begins with a focus on where you need to grow next. Decide what you’re going to study, consider where you’d like to travel, work hard to get your voice out there. Challenge yourself, even when it feels scary and uncomfortable. After the 3rd, you will find opportunity, financial success, and even romance when you use your creativity, individualism, and intellect in your career.

Following the 12th, motivation for work, making money, and achieving security will find you – and it’s a great time to take aligned action in these fields. Beyond the 18th, it is a perfect time to action the plans you’ve been making towards your personal growth by booking trips, organising experiences, and enrolling in classes. From the 20th onwards, growth comes through being true to yourself, standing up for what you believe in, and connecting with people who inspire you (especially when it comes to your career). Rebel against the restrictions you and others have placed on you.

Gemini

Affirmation: I face all that is within me.

This is a period of transformation, but it won’t come easily. Hard work, taking charge, and radical acceptance of all parts of yourself (especially your shadow) are necessary to emerge from this cocoon with as much personal power as possible. From the 3rd onwards, love, creativity, and abundance flow to you when you embrace the new. New people, new experiences, new knowledge. After the 12th, your drive to embrace your authenticity intensifies, and it’s a fantastic time to take action that affirms the version of yourself you wish to be through communication and learning.

Beyond the 18th, organise your finances (especially those that are shared or debts), communicate your needs, and allow a growth mindset to flourish within as you further align with your transformational journey. Finally, after the 20th, the darkest part of the night is over, and the sun peeks over the horizon. Celebrate this new version of yourself by indulging your urge for exploration, excitement, connection, and knowledge. 

Cancer

Affirmation: I show myself love by not accepting less than what I deserve.

Do relationships feel like hard work right now? Feeling overly sensitive to what others say? Questioning even your most solid partnerships? This is a period of strengthening bonds and shedding dead weight. Capricorn season asks you about the not-so-fun parts of relationships – responsibility, maturity, and practicality – and whether the balance you’ve struck with your partner is one you can happily live with. After the 3rd, you may find yourself experimenting with romantic strategies or even new relationships in an attempt to find a better balance between what you give and receive, and to reclaim any lost power. You may find yourself happier alone.

Beyond the 12th, you will feel a strong motivation to explore the deeper meaning of your thoughts, words, and conversations, so now is a great time for journalling, shadow work, and making difficult discussions. After the 18th, these deep reflections are drawn towards love once again, and it’s a great time to work through recurring relationship issues and blockages. Beyond the 20th, things keep changing – this time on a more individual level. Now is a time when you are faced with uncomfortable truths and dramatic transformation. To become your truest self, the previous versions of yourself must be left behind. 

Leo

Affirmation: I show myself the treatment I believe I deserve with every action, thought, and word.

What a difference little things make – the little acts of self-care, the small habits that make your day easier, the routines that give you more time for what you love. The start of this month is perfect for focusing on those little things to better support the big things. No matter how difficult, you must work hard to feel loved and worthy, and it begins with the treatment of yourself. The 3rd signals a change to your love life, finances, or creative endeavours. Love itself inspires you.

After the 12th, your motivation for socialising returns, and you can take advantage by getting in touch with friends, planning events, and getting involved in your community. Beyond the 18th, getting organised is at the forefront of your mind, especially when it comes to your healthy habits and daily life. Sinking significant energy into these areas will yield worthy results. After the 20th, relationships come into focus, and you may be looking to shake things up by meeting new people, exploring new groups, and expressing yourself authentically. Push the boundaries to open yourself up.

Virgo

Affirmation: Joy is my birthright.

Begin the month by looking hard and working tirelessly to make your life your own. Your true desires, your creative soul, and your authentic expression hide under layers of duty, rules, and self-imposed expectations. But you’re ready to break free, and you’ll do the work to get there. After the 3rd, love, creative inspiration, and financial abundance are waiting to be found in the life you already have – you just have to look.

Beyond the 12th, you are fuelled with even more drive to pursue your passions. It’s also a great time to consider, research, and plan career changes. Following the 18th, it will be easier for you to express yourself honestly and with enthusiasm, so let your true self come out to play. From the 20th onwards, you can experiment with your new level of authenticity by trying new things, connecting with different people, and tuning into your body and its needs on a deeper level. This month brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “know yourself”.

Libra

Affirmation: I am safe, I am loved.

If home life feels heavy right now, it’s because you are building a sanctuary. It takes a lot to turn a house into a home, but now is the time to do it. Renovate, decorate, innovate. Look after your body and mental wellness as well. Do what you need to do to ensure you don’t just feel safe within your dwelling – you need to be able to walk comfortably on the planet that is also your home. From the 3rd, joy comes from doing things differently, especially in relationships. Try new dating activities, sources of income, and creative mediums.

After the 12th, the motivation for learning, researching, and finding truth comes up. Follow your curiosity and act in ways that inspire growth within you. After the 18th is a great time for discussions with roommates or family members, especially when setting boundaries. Following the 20th, it’s time to experiment with what brings you joy. Be your most unique self, and spend time with people who celebrate you and throw your ideas into creative expression. Chase the joy accessible to you outside your comfort zone.

Scorpio

Affirmation: I speak my truth out of love for myself and my love for others.

Be firm yet kind, compassionate but with clear boundaries, brave but measured. This month starts with your communication (with others and within your mind) being put into the spotlight. You may have to work hard to speak up, soften your tone to better convey your message, or overhaul your inner voice completely. After the 3rd, relationships come into focus, especially long-term ones. Love, inspiration, and abundance can be found at home during this time.

Beyond the 12th, your natural gift and drive to continually transform are back, and you can use this time to take action in ways that solidify your feelings of personal power. After the 18th, communication comes easier, and information should flow more smoothly. This is an excellent time to negotiate or have tricky conversations. From the 20th onwards, change around home, family, and the way you nurture yourself may occur or be instigated by you as you look for new ways to feel authentic and inspired in your everyday. Take your time as you find a speed that works for you. 

Sagittarius

Affirmation: I deserve a good life, I have a good life.

Work hard for the money. Welcome in abundance as the birthright it is. Organise, research, and take charge of your finances. Now is the time when you are best poised to receive, but you must first sow seeds to yield fruit. After the 3rd, it is a great time to discuss matters with your significant other. If you are struggling to find the inspiration or information you need, look for it. Be curious.

After the 12th, relationship tension eases and you may feel more motivated to work on partnerships than you have been previously. Beyond the 18th, it’s a great time to act on the financial goals you have been setting. Negotiations and new ventures are well-suited during this time. From the 20th onwards, you will be thinking and interacting in many different ways. Let your curiosity be your guide as you explore the unconventional, the intriguing, and the intellectual. 

Capricorn

Affirmation: I am powerful, I am soft, I am unstoppable, I am kind. 

You are feeling powerful lately, and you should. Your competence, maturity, practicality, and independence shine brighter than ever as you stride through life, organising messes and solving problems. Now is the time to plan big moves, build up your confidence, and assess your priorities. From the 3rd, love, money, and inspiration come through pushing boundaries and grounding yourself in the physical world. Assess your finances, sort your possessions, and explore what security means to you.

Beyond the 12th, motivation increases even more, especially when it comes to your daily habits and approach to health and organisation. Research new methods, learn from others, and observe how your thoughts ripple into everything else. From the 18th onwards, you can safely act out those projects, ideas, and big moves you’ve been planning. Ask for what you want, set important dates, and reaffirm your power when you need to. After the 20th, use this fresh perspective to ground yourself while exploring new avenues of abundance and mindfulness. Be where you are, and don’t miss a moment. 

Aquarius

Affirmation: Freedom is acceptance.

January is a time of rebirth for you. In the beginning, you may feel a little lost and need a little space. Now is the best time to feel your feelings. Do not think, avoid, or squash them. Feel them. It won’t be easy, but a feeling ignored doesn’t dissipate – it just grows bigger beneath the surface. After the 3rd, you will find love, creativity, and opportunity when you are true to yourself. Say how you feel, act with intention, and be honest with yourself.

Beyond the 12th, your motivation for doing the things your love, expressing yourself creatively, and being authentic intensifies. Find likeminded people, flaunt your uniqueness, and be inspired by life once again. After the 18th, you will find it easier to articulate your deeper feelings and complicated thoughts. Now is a fantastic time for therapy, journalling, and meditation. After the 20th, you are well and truly in your comfort zone as individuality rushes through your veins. You have one job in this life: to exist exactly as you are. Enjoy it.

Pisces

Affirmation: I do not edit myself for others, I am already complete.

It’s time to take aligned action. Act with intention, forethought, and reflection, and slowly make your way towards the future you want. Dreaming will only get you so far; it’s time to take concrete steps. Where do you want to go, and how do you plan to get there? After the 3rd, you may find yourself withdrawing from others – especially in relationships that feel forced, fake, or fragile. You are looking for honesty and depth, both with others and within.

Following the 12th, you will feel more driven to build healthy habits, a stable home, and wholesome connections. Listen, learn, speak with love, and watch the universe become a friendly place. After the 18th is a great time to catch up with friends, build social groups, participate in community projects, and network. From the 20th onwards, listen more than you speak – not just to others, but yourself, too. What clues do dreams, signs, and synchronicities leave you? Slow down and trust; you will only ever get what you need when you need it.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent Gaggler‘s views.