Welcome to 2022! The first month of the year opens with motivating and discerning energy — the sun is in the sign of hard-working Capricorn, bolstered by a new moon in the same sign on January 2 that allows you to finalize and get to quick work on your resolutions. But be aware that the planet of values and beauty, Venus, continues its retrograde through the end of the month: slowdowns and confusions in life’s finer things — love, harmony, and even money — can be expected.

Aries, you’re starting the year with a focus on your career, or any public-facing pursuits you may be engaged with. A new moon in Capricorn allows for you to set your professional intentions for the coming year and allows for you to feel empowered in a new way when you return from your holiday break. However, retrograde Venus in the same sign encourages you to be conscious of any areas where projects or plans don’t entirely seem to be coming to fruition — the rewards that hard work can reap require patience. Are you rushing tasks, cutting corners, or perhaps slighting colleagues to get to your finish line?

With Mercury entering Aquarius this month, you will find that your friendships or any group affiliations are particularly engaging and supportive. What can you learn from those around you that can help you achieve your goals in 2022? Be aware of how you might misconstrue these messages, though, after Mercury goes retrograde on the 14th. Be patient when asking friends for advice, as this is a time where miscommunications and confusions abound: try not to jump to a defensive position if any constructive criticism is given, as you’ll be reminded how important these connections are when the Sun enters Aquarius on the 19th. Be sure to rest as well: The full moon in Cancer on the 17th will encourage you to care for yourself, as the planetary conditions are sure to point out any areas where you’re neglecting your home and family life for public approval.

The beginning of 2022 will put you in the ideal position to expand your horizons, Taurus. If the events of the last year have (understandably) led you to form new anxieties and mental blockages that might be holding you back from new experiences or forming edifying beliefs. The new moon in Capricorn on the 2nd will feel supportive and protective as you make a plan to move forward but will also remind you that you are in control of your own perception of your circumstances. This could be a beneficial time to revisit your spirituality, consider going back to school, or commit to learning a new language, however, Venus continues its retrograde through the end of the month in Capricorn — be aware of any patterns from your past reemerging in these areas this month, and use that as a guide on what you may be being asked to work through. This is also a good time to reassess your boundaries and to think about ways you can redirect any energy being absorbed by anxieties or unhelpful beliefs.

Mercury enters retrograde on January 14, which might add confusion or delays in work-related situations. Make sure to double-check the emails you write and take notes during meetings so as not to miss anything. A contact between the Sun and Pluto on January 16, followed by a full moon in Cancer on the 17th, may reveal information that you previously missed – this might be a secret kept from you by someone in your close community, or a realization you come to about your own environment and how you interact with it — this revelation will tie up any loose ends with a situation you’ve been neglecting to conclude. The Sun enters Aquarius on the 19th, lighting up the part of your chart that influences your public-facing persona and career — any new perspectives you gained over the month are sure to help you pave the way for success in the coming year.

In many languages, Gemini, the same phrase can describe both the words “shame” and “debt”, and this month will provide an opportunity to transform your perspective on both going into the new year. A new moon on January 2, as well as an ongoing Venus retrograde in Capricorn allows for manifestation in your eighth house of transformation and deeper meaning. Use this time to meditate on what you owe to yourself: what hangups, insecurities, or distrustful tendencies have you been holding on to, and how are these hangups affecting the quality of your self-perception and your closest relationships? How can you relinquish control of certain situations you cannot change, or let go of regrets and painful associations that have to do with your values and sense of self?

These internal deep-dives will help you when Mercury — your ruling planet — begins its retrograde in Aquarius on January 14, when you’ll be poised to rethink any personal dogmas that might be holding you back from full transformation. You may even be reminded of those people or situations from your past that helped instill these beliefs in you, so be careful to assert your boundaries and take time for yourself through the end of the month. The full moon in Cancer on January 17 will bring some of these internal explorations to a climax; by this day you’ll be aware of what patterns — whether they take place in your relationships, or of thoughts that lead you to think less of yourself – no longer serve you or your established values. When the Sun moves into Aquarius on January 20, you’ll feel a weight off of your shoulders, and should be able to expand – the next month is a wonderful time for travel, be it a trip abroad or an exploration of the mind.

January begins with an emphasis on your opposite sign, Cancer, therefore bringing attention to your closest relationships. With the Sun and retrograde Venus in Capricorn, as well as a new moon in the same sign on January 2, this month may bring changes in your partnerships: namely, you’ll have the needed perspective to grow as a partner, as well as make adjustments to your current relationships that allow them to flourish. You may also reconnect with someone from your past in the first two weeks of the year, but be wary if any past patterns resurface. When Mercury stations retrograde on January 14, you may have trouble expressing your emotions to your partner, or perhaps be stuck in cyclical arguments that bring up past issues or memories. However, this is an excellent time to let bygones be bygones, and let go of expectations or emotional responses that stem from a place of insecurity.

A full moon in your sign on January 17 may allow you to see yourself and your path in an entirely new light. Take this time to meditate on your goals for the upcoming year, and trust any intuitive notions that might surface. Remember, like the tides, Cancer, you’re ruled by the moon — anywhere she points you is likely a fruitful path. All of the emotional growth and work you’ve put into action earlier in the month will open the floodgates when the sun moves into Aquarius on January 19, where you will find yourself eager to go deep and take action to enact the needed transformations in your relationships that you began to recognize earlier in the month. Be open, honest, and remind yourself that it takes two to make any relationship — be it romantic, platonic or professional — work.

Have you been putting off any banal tasks or responsibilities, Leo? With a natural proclivity for fun and excitement, sometimes you need a bit of a reality check to find balance: January provides you with the opportunity to do just that. With the sun in the responsible and sometimes-fatherly sign of Capricorn lighting up the part of your chart that influences your health and daily routine; on January 2, the new moon in the same sign will be the perfect time to kick-off a new self-care routine, apply to jobs, write a to-do list, or start making your health a priority. With Venus retrograde in the same part of your chart through the end of the month, you may have to wait a while for any noticeable results, but don’t worry, they're coming: it may also be useful to reconnect with old routines or rituals that have worked for you in the past. A full moon in Cancer on the 17th will also help you put things in order, as it will provide a spiritual and introspective environment for nourishing any mind-body connections that need tending.

Mercury stations retrograde in Aquarius on January 14, which may lead to miscommunications or delays with dealings in your closest personal and business relationships — you may even find people from your past are popping up in unexpected places. It’s important to focus on communicating clearly and not jumping to conclusions until you’ve been given all of the information. When the Sun also moves into Aquarius on January 19, you’ll have the opportunity to be honest and open with your needs in these relationships – the shining light of your ruling planet will allow them to see you in the way you want to be received.

2022 opens with a rush of activity for you, Virgo: with the Sun in fellow earth sign Capricorn in the part of your chart that influences romance, creativity and celebration, you’ll be feeling inclined to collaborate and create. However, Venus retrograde is also in Capricorn until the end of the month, which may cause tensions in these areas that distract you from your well-established path. Be cautious to not overextend yourself, or commit too much attention to a new relationship or social obligations, and remember: it’s okay to say no if something doesn’t feel right for you. With your ruling planet, Mercury, entering Aquarius on January 2, it will be important for you to reevaluate how you can balance excitement with your daily routine and responsibilities.

When Mercury stations retrograde on January 14, you may feel frustrated by a lack of progress — remember that you have all of the tools you need to reach your goals, you may just need to look a bit harder for them this month — and when the Sun enters Aquarius on January 19, the correct path will become more clear. Toward the end of the month, on the 24th, Mars moves into Capricorn, giving you the energy to bring the creative projects you’ve been tackling to a close. Be aware, however, that Retrograde-induced confusion and tension could lead to disagreements with someone you’re romantically involved with, or a collaborator: make sure to channel any anxious or discordant energy toward something productive. Perhaps you can use this energy to find creative solutions to everyday problems?

Dear Libra, are you feeling a bit off? Your ruling planet, Venus, is retrograde in Capricorn until the end of the month, which may have you feeling that you’re stuck in a rut. The new moon on January 2 offers an excellent opportunity to move homes, or work on removing clutter and unneeded items to restore harmony in your current living space. January — especially the first three weeks – also provides a safe atmosphere for you to rest, reflect on your personal growth, and perhaps make peace with family members or childhood experiences that may be holding you back. Make time for self-care, or invite a loved one into your home, on January 8 or 9, where a connection between the Sun and Venus promises harmony and beauty.

When Mercury enters its retrograde on January 14, you may experience delays or miscommunications in any creative projects you’re working on. This also could be a time where planning dates or social events may prove difficult. A full moon on January 17 will bring a situation in your career or public-facing life to a climax, taking you out of your rest period and preparing you for the Aquarius season. When the Sun moves into your fellow air sign on January 19, you’ll feel invigorated with romantic and creative energy. January 23 is a wonderful opportunity to invite friends to a dinner party, or plan a rendezvous with a loved one in your newly-decluttered home. You’re one of the zodiac’s best hosts, Libra, and you’ll be back to feeling like the life of the party by February!

This month, think before you speak, Scorpio. The Venus Retrograde in Capricorn is moving through the section of your natal chart that influences communication, and you may feel like your words are misconstrued during this period. Be careful not to be reactive to statements or messages without taking a moment to consider both their meaning and your response — speaking too quickly could lead to conflict that could have been avoided. A new moon on January 2 may bring an opportunity to revisit a conversation with someone from your past, or begin a conversation you’ve been meaning to have. On the same day, Mercury moves into Aquarius: this transit may allow you to better communicate your emotions to others, or to learn more about what makes you feel secure.

A full moon in your fellow water sign of Cancer occurs on January 17, which may test an established personal belief, or give you an intuitive download about which direction to take to reach your goals. When the Sun moves into Aquarius on January 19, you’ll feel compelled to shift your focus to finding stability and security; the next month provides an opportunity for rest and solitude. Toward the end of the month, Mars moves into Capricorn on the 25th, and Venus goes direct on the 29th in the same sign, allowing for you to put energy into intellectual work and creative writing projects. Perhaps the words you reserved in the beginning of the month can come in handy now?

You may have been feeling concerned about finances, Sagittarius: Venus, the planet of money and love, is retrograding through the part of your chart that influences possessions, values and wealth. Delays and frustrations can be expected through the end of the month when it comes to your material goals, but this is an excellent time for budgeting: I advise you to take this time to review your spending over the last year. January 2 — when a new moon occurs in Capricorn and Mercury makes its move into Aquarius — is a wonderful opportunity to write out your personal, spiritual and financial goals for the year and set an intention for the months to come.

Mercury stations retrograde on January 14, which could cause misunderstandings in conversations or distractions that get in the way of work or productivity. Be especially aware of how your words may be perceived during the emotional full moon on January 17, where you may unintentionally say something that wounds your partner or close relative. This would be a good opportunity to spend some time with yourself and work to let go of any negative thought patterns or coping mechanisms that could prevent you from reaching your goals. Self-sabotage is real, and retrograde planets this month can guide you toward awareness of these tendencies in your own life. As the month comes to a close and we enter Aquarius season, you'll begin to feel reinvigorated and ambitious: if you've done the necessary work, you'll be primed for smooth travels down the correct path for the rest of the year.

Happy Birthday, Capricorn! This year begins with an emphasis on your identity and self-perception, and the new moon in your sign on January 2 allows for you to set intentions for yourself to carry through the year. This month also offers an opportunity for reflection, as Venus retrogrades through your sign until January 29: use this time to reassess what qualities or values are most important to you personally and in your relationships.

Mercury enters Aquarius on January 2 as well, bringing much-awaited conversations about finances to your attention. I advise you to make any investments, appraisals, or large purchases before the planet stations retrograde on January 14, where you may experience delays or frustrations in any interactions involving the flow of capital. Mercury retrograde also provides an opportunity to re-evaluate your personal values: what perspectives or relationships are truly serving you? The full moon in Cancer on January 19 brings a climax in your closest partnerships: this is an excellent time to let go of relationship dynamics or patterns that don't align with what you truly need to thrive. When the Sun enters Aquarius on the 19th and Mars enters your sign on the 24th, you'll have an extra supply of energy that will help you further your spiritual and physical wealth going into 2022.

Attention is drawn to your subconscious at the beginning of the month, Aquarius. As both the Sun and a retrograde Venus move through Capricorn, your shadow self has the opportunity to come forward. You often distract yourself from emotions by trying to fix society's problems, Aquarius, but I advise the new moon on January 2 to turn your gaze inward and consider what negative patterns of thought, secrets or repressed feelings you can begin to process. With Mercury moving into your sign on the same day, you'll have the mental tools to process what bubbles up to the surface; this is also a good time to journal and speak with those closest to you. A full moon in Cancer on January 17 will bring your awareness back to your body, particularly your health and routine.

When the sun moves into your sign on January 19, you'll be given a boost of confidence that allows you to tackle the new year (and your birthday month) head-on. Use the knowledge from your reflections earlier in the month as well as this enhanced sense of self to move forward in a way that serves you best. With lucky Jupiter in Pisces for the majority of the year, you'll have ample opportunities for the acquisition of financial and spiritual wealth.

Pisces, I have wonderful news! Your ruling planet, Jupiter, returned to your sign for the first time in over a decade on December 30. It will stay there for the majority of the year and gives you a positive outlook heading into 2022. The new moon in Capricorn on January 2 gives you an opportunity to make plans that will lead you toward your aspirations — this is also a wonderful month to collaborate on projects with friends or organizations you belong to. However, Venus is retrograding through Capricorn as well through January 29, and communication or money issues may come up in the collaboration process. Make sure you complete your Venmo requests, be careful to double-check any posts you make online and check-in with yourself to make sure the people you spend time with are aligned with your internal values.

Mercury enters Aquarius on January 2 and goes retrograde on January 14, bringing emphasis to your subconscious. You're intuitive, Pisces, and Mercury will guide you to make sure that the psychic downloads you're meant to receive come your way, even if it means you have to reopen an old wound to move forward. Be aware of the full moon in Cancer on January 17, which may bring a climax or closure in a romantic liaison or creative endeavor. When the Sun enters Aquarius on January 19, you'll get a much-needed break for the next month; make sure you take the necessary time alone to rest and recharge. It's your nature to dream, Pisces, and Aquarius season allows for just that.

Lauren Studebaker is a writer and trained astrologer based in New York, and works as the Deputy Editor at Outland. For more information, or to book an astrological consultation, visit her website at studebaker.info.