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This month has lots of news on just about every front, so you certainly will be busy! Home, family, career, money, and plenty of romance could well make January one of your favorite and most productive months of the year.

First on your agenda will be to take care of home and family-related concerns. Perhaps the recent holidays have made you realize that your home is important and deserves attention too. Life isn’t just about career or paying bills - it’s about love, closeness, and strengthening the bonds of family because in the end, those are the things that matter.

With so much going on in your career due to changes wrought by the eclipses in recent years, perhaps you have neglected your physical home, in terms of maintenance, repairs, in-depth cleaning, and de-cluttering, painting, and modernizing. Early January would be an ideal month to go over what needs to be done, and to get started. Ancient astrologers always felt that if home were a happy place, we would improve our perspective, be more motivated to accomplish big goals outside the home, and feel a greater sense of security. Everything, they felt, starts with a happy home.

Your new emphasis and interest in improving things at your base was first started late last month with the new moon of December 24. Jupiter, the planet of happiness, was beautifully positioned to offer gifts of comfort, expansion, and even a bit of luxury. Ever since, you may have been thinking about how you could make your home or other property more stylish.

That new moon opened a path, but it would be up to you to use the energy to your best advantage. Few things happen without your direct involvement - this is how we show a loving universe our determination and intent. Soon after you start your project, you will see that luck and energy are on your side, and you will be encouraged to do more.

Keep in mind that although a new moon brings two week of powerful energy, you won’t have to actually complete your home or family-related goals within those two weeks, but you would have to take your first steps in that time. In astrology, it’s when you start that matters most, and if you start now, your efforts would have the power to change your home life within the year that follows.

If you need to move, start to look at available apartments or houses immediately. That late December new moon was to be the most important of the year to bring you the right options.

You may need a mortgage or home improvement loan to allow you to materialize your dream - again, you find yourself at the right place at the right time. Thanks to the fact that the new moon was friendly to financial planet Jupiter, you have a good chance of getting a bank’s approval and be offered attractive terms as well. Make your application in January’s first ten days, the time you will find the most favor for this kind of funding.

It may help to know that once Jupiter leaves Taurus on June 11, you will lose Jupiter’s outstanding good luck with getting outside funding. This month is unusual in that you have other planets helping you unlock Jupiter’s treasures, so it’s truly the right time to make application.

Your parents also come under the domain of the fourth house of home, so if you had been concerned about one of your parents, you would be able to find suitable options for your beloved mother or father now. If your parents are feeling well, you may simply decide to spend more time with your mother or father now that you won’t be as busy as you were during the holidays.

January has a unique feature in that there will be NO planets retrograde during the first three weeks. This is the first time I have seen this happen in years, for usually at least one planet (if not more) are retrograde at any given time. Retrograde planets are weak and withhold their strongest powers, so depending on what you are planning to do, it’s best to try to get planets moving direct. Sometimes I can find a handful of days once every few years, but to get three whole weeks of direct planets, well, that’s saying something special! This is just another indication that you should get things moving in January!

You will be able to buy or sell property, lease a new apartment, or send in a deposit for a summer or ski rental. You might want to order repairs or renovations, or pick up a beautiful new piece of furniture that you find on sale this month. Planets in Capricorn also point to a possible interest in buying antiques, as Capricorn rules all that is valuable from the past. You may find some beautiful old quilts or handcrafted furniture that you would like to buy, and you may even find your treasure in a resale shop.

If you are buying a house, you may become interested in a valuable old structure, possibly even one in a landmark district. In that case, you may have to make many renovations, but it could be worth doing to bring out the beauty and value of the historic structure.

The new moon last month on December 24 may have been a bit stressful in terms of your relationship with your partner, as Uranus was in hard angle to that new moon. It may be that your partner doesn’t understand why you need to make home-related changes, or may disagree with your choices. It appears you will have to finesse things, but if so, who better to do that than a graceful, diplomatic Libra?

I encourage you to act quickly to get plans in place, for two major planets will soon go retrograde: first Mars, and then Saturn. Mars will retrograde from January 23 to April 21. Any strenuous activity, such as moving house, renovating your kitchen, or repairing the roof, for example, would need the heavy-duty masculine energy of Mars to give you the energy to go through the process and keep things moving forward.

Saturn rules your home sector (solar fourth house), so with Saturn about to retrograde on February 7, it would be so much better to sign papers or award contracting jobs now, this month, preferably prior to the date Mars goes retrograde, too, on January 23. Saturn rules structure, so if you plan to change the structure of your home, say, by adding a wall or taking one down, you would want Saturn to be strong at the time you initiate the project. It is all right if Saturn goes retrograde later, after you have begun, but keep Saturn strong on the onset date, when you first initiate the task or award the job to the contractor. As said, be sure to do so prior to February 7, but if possible, before January 23 too.

I would like to go back to the topic of a disagreeable partner. If you are attached, you may find your mate acting a bit erratic lately, perhaps showing sudden mood swings. Don’t try to second-guess what your significant other is thinking, but rather open up lines of communication. Your partner may not even be aware of these changes.

It may help to know that your partner’s need for freedom and space is become increasingly strong due to the presence of independent-minded Uranus in your marriage house. If you are a September-born Libra, you likely know what I am talking about. You need not read more into this trend than what you see on the surface - nothing may be wrong.

Keep your approach flexible, open, calm, and warm. In the few years ahead, you may need to be the rock in the relationship, and if so, you can do this. Uranus will not leave this area of your chart until 2019, so it may mean your partner is experiencing a renaissance of sorts, which could be exciting (or not) for you!

If you feel you have a reason to mistrust your partner, holding the reins tightly on the relationship won’t help, but could actually make things worse. A counselor may help unlock secret frustrations on both sides and pave the way to greater closeness. If you have come to the end of your rope, however, in just three months, you may be gone, if you haven’t already left. The choice will always be up to you - there is no destiny in astrology.

Your career is due for news, too, in this lively month. On the full moon in Cancer 18 degrees on January 9, within a plus or minus four days, you will see a culmination to an important professional situation. This full moon is very friendly because it will receive a lovely vibration from Mars, and that seems to indicate that you would take action quickly after you receive news. Mars is energetic and gets things going! It may be that you have been interviewing for a top position in secret, and have good news to share with friends and family soon after this full moon appears.

It is true that some Libras born near October 10 may not like the news that this full moon delivers because the full moon would be “square” the Sun, indicating an obstacle. I feel you have so much going for you that I can’t imagine any news coming that you can’t turn to your advantage. In every obstacle lies opportunity - you can find yours if necessary. Still, I feel this full moon will have only good news for you, so let’s keep centered on the positive!

If you work in a creative field, you will see your ability to generate original ideas reach new heights. The new moon, January 23, will be a big moment in your timeline, for from that point on, you may get a chance to work on a project that is just up your alley. It seems to be connected to new digital media, computers, software, biology or the sciences, the political arena, or to humanitarian causes, charities, or community concerns. What you will be doing is in a very new realm, and you are likely to find your work very stimulating!

Financially, if you are paid on a commission basis, you are likely to do well. The whole area of other people’s money (eighth house) is being lit by planets, suggesting you would also benefit from government programs, employer tuition refund packages, university financial aid, and areas like inheritance, severance packages, and other areas outside of your regular salary.

One excellent day for your finances to circle on your calendar will be January 14, when Venus, your ruler will receive a golden beam from Jupiter, the giver of gifts and luck. This is a Saturday, but I feel the day before, January 13, will also be a standout.

Now let’s talk about love and romance, your favorite subject!! The new moon on January 23 in Aquarius, 3 degrees, will be a near-perfect new moon for you and will light your house of true love. Finally, if you are single, this is the moment you’ve awaited! It will be your best all year for having that first, very electric meeting!

This new moon is pure joy, for Uranus will be beautifully angled to the Sun and new moon. This matters quite a bit, for it means a new meeting may strike like a thunderbolt! A new moon is one of the most important indicators of new things to come up ahead. This one sparkles like a diamond - no bad aspects at all. You have an open road, dear Libra.

If you have hoped for a baby, this new moon will also help you conceive or hear good news from the adoption agency. Remember, new moons have a window of two weeks, so see what happens in the two weeks that follow. Any news is likely to be sudden news with Uranus so prominent!

Earlier in the month, Venus will glide through Aquarius, that perfect place for Venus to be, from January 1 to 13, so clearly, earlier in January, Venus will help you get in the mood for love. You will be quite magnetic at this time, and you may catch someone’s eye without being aware that you did. I feel Venus coming into your house of true love before the new moon is meant to put you in just the right mood to welcome love to your heart.

Venus will be in the best place possible to encourage you to improve your appearance now, so you may want to take full advantage. During the first part of January, you may want to choose a few new wardrobe additions or change the way you wear your hair. Female Libra might opt for an updated look at the cosmetics counter. Male Libra, you might want to choose new cologne. Spending a little time on your looks will help boost your confidence and your charisma, so do so from January 1 to 13.

My favorite, highly romantic date for you to circle in gold on your calendar will be January 13, when Venus and Neptune will meet and create an outstandingly glamorous night to remember. Neptune rules dreams, visions, and all artistic expressions, and is known to be the higher octave of Venus, bringing the beauty and love of Venus to even higher form.

Remarkably Neptune has spent fourteen years in your fifth house of true love and will make his monumental departure from Aquarius on February 3 next month. Before he goes, Venus and Neptune will have one last dance across the midnight blue sky, creating a five-star, glamorous night for love. Neptune will not return to Aquarius in our lifetime, for he is not due to return to this sign until 2161. How fitting it is that Venus will be the last planet to meet with Neptune, to help you build a memory that you may hold in your heart for a very long time, possibly forever.

For highly romantic evenings, I also would like you to note Saturday, January 21. On this day, Sun and Uranus will send shining signals to one another, and this time, attached Libra will benefit. Like many of the days that I am circling as special, this one brings all sorts of unexpected happenings that will lead to your enjoyment of romance.

You seem to have the love market cornered, dear Libra!

Most romantic dates: January 6, 10, 11, 14-15 (gold-star weekend), 21 (runner-up special), and 23-24.

You start the year in a far more optimistic mood than you’ve been in for some time. You are right to feel that way! The unusual feature to January is that in the first three weeks every planet will be moving direct speed. Not one will be retrograde, a condition I have not seen for ages - some years this never happens. To have three weeks of strong, positive energy from all the little planets is a gift, and you may want to use that time to initiate something of importance. The sooner you get started, the better. Mars, your ruler, although technically moving direct, is acting like he had one too many glasses of champagne and is crawling around like he needs a few cups of coffee.

Once little active Mars goes retrograde from January 23 to April 13, he will fall on the bed, face down, with all his clothes on, and he will be temporarily dead to the world. He will be in a deep sleep, and no one will be able to rouse him. This means that with your ruler retrograde and napping, life will slow down and you will have to be satisfied with minimal, step-by-step progress. Tell an Aries that progress will slow in coming months, and they break out in rash. Patience is not a quality you are known to have ever cultivated, but may now have to do.

The area Mars is based is your workaday sector, which means you will have to expect delays in regard to all kinds of projects, at work and at home. Everything will take a little longer to accomplish than you assume it will, and this will keep up through most of April, even though Mars will turn direct April 13. (He will stay groggy for a while.) For best results, do everything in your power to get things signed, sealed, and delivered well in advance of the date he turns retrograde, January 23.

Mars retrograde is not like Mercury retrograde. (We had Mercury retrograde during the holiday shopping period, from late November to mid-December.) While Mercury rules contracts and deals, Mars rules energy. He is the booster rocket that can provide any endeavor with an energetic, assertive push. You need that, or else the effort will seem flat and half-hearted. When Mars is moving correctly, he has passion and drive, and you do too! He shows you why you should not take “no” for an answer!

Mars retrograde, starting January 23 to April 13, is not the time to schedule the launch of a new product or service. Wait until the retrograde is over, for your effort will not have all the gasoline it needs to get it off the ground properly. In fact, I suggest you aim to start just after April 21. That is the new moon in your money sector, so if you act just after April 21, you’d see profits develop nicely too. In truth, I like early May even better. It will take Mars awhile to ramp up and get moving at normal speed, so if you don’t need to sign quickly, wait until early May. (After May 12, however, things get dicey again.)

If you are looking for a perfect day to sign a contract early in January, do so on Friday, January 6, when Mercury, the planet ruling agreements, will be beautifully oriented first toward Saturn (longevity) and to Jupiter (profits). You will collect benefits from both planets. That’s near the full moon, Monday, January 9, so things will wrap up quickly. All new moons have an extra four days of influence after they appear, bringing you to January 12, another golden day of the month.

Indeed, Thursday, January 12, plus or minus one day, finds the Sun in Capricorn, and Mars in Virgo, in perfect harmony. Circle that time to make a big presentation, schedule an important job interview, have a major client meeting, defend a dissertation, take a qualifying exam, or do any other action that would have the power to raise your status. You can also use it for medical, dental, fitness, and other health-related actions. It’s due to be a wonderful day - use it

Looking at the planets this month, many are moving in 29 degrees, the degree of completion. (Once planets go beyond 29 degrees 59 minutes, they move into the next sign, so we consider 29 degrees one of endings.) This suggests things are about to reach the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new one. The problem is, many planets are about to go retrograde soon. Mars would have reached 29 degrees soon, but instead, Mars makes it to 23 degrees Virgo when he turns back. Like your friend who left her apartment with you to go out, but quickly realizes that she left her cell phone on her desk, she has to take the elevator back upstairs. Progress will be two steps forward, one step back. Neptune is at 29 degrees Aquarius and is due to leave that sign next month, on February 3, when it makes its monumental move into Pisces. (More about that next month - this is HUGE news.) Saturn is currently at 29 degrees Libra, but will also begin to retrograde from February 7 until June 25.

Let’s talk about Saturn for a minute. The Aries who are feeling the most heat from Saturn this year are those with birthdays that fall from April 13 to 19.

Saturn won’t leave Libra and stop opposing your Sun, dear Aries, until October 4, because Saturn, too, is about to retrograde and give the Aries born in the later part of April a second coat of paint (so to speak). A planet will go forward, then trace its steps backward when it retrogrades, and then, when it moves forward again, it retraces its orbit forward again over the same degrees, and gives you a third coat of paint, so to speak.

Here is an important point that I have never told you: It is that back and forth movement of a planet that ultimately can create a full transformation in your life. If any planet is moving back and forth over your Sun (like it is for Aries born April 13 to 19), moon, or other planet in your chart, then you know that something big is in the works - some sort of big change will take place. That can be good news, because the past year has not been easy for Aries. At this point, I bet most Aries are saying that they are ready for change, ANY change!

Every Aries, of every birthday, has been tutored by Saturn since he entered your opposite sign in October 2009, but the readers born between April 13 and 19 have not completed their course. Everyone gets about ten months of Saturn’s direct rays, but those late-born Aries have had less direct one-on-one time with Saturn, so they need to complete their course. I know, I can hear what you are saying, “Hey, It’s OK, don’t lose sleep worrying about me - you can go head to Scorpio. I don’t need you around anymore!” But Saturn, now in Libra, always is fair with his time and gives every person the same amount of direct time. Although we don’t like Saturn teaching us - he can be quite a taskmaster - in the end, our greatest breakthroughs and accomplishments are those that we claim while Saturn moves close in opposition, as some Aries have this month.

Keep this point in mind: Saturn will keep applying pain until we agree to make changes. The moment we do, Saturn is pleased and will bring help from others you know nearby. You will get advice - it’s the questions you need to know, not the answers. The answers will come from those who have more experience in the area you need to solve. Saturn knows we are creatures of habit, so that’s why he sticks around so long. He keeps hammering his messages until you “get it.” My Little Mom used to say to me growing up, “Man learns through pain.” She would laugh - but it’s true. We learn quickly when we are uncomfortable or in a dire situation, and we are finally willing to do anything to end or change the painful situation. If it weren’t that bad, we would just stay in it and do nothing until the cloud cover cleared.

All Aries need to protect their health, as having Saturn opposed to the Sun is a severe, draining aspect. You need more sleep, more nutritious food, and a bit more fun, dear Aries.

Now let’s look at the new moon, which actually arrived December 24 last month in Capricorn at nearly 3 degrees. That new moon appeared at the pinnacle point of your chart, ruling your honors, awards, achievement, and fame, and bodes SO well for your professional progress. This new moon had a kick to it, though, and some heard some bad news, as Uranus in Aries was in hard angle to the Sun and new moon. If you were tempted to yell at your boss, don’t. This also may not be the month to complain about your boss on Facebook or post a picture of him dancing with a lampshade on his head at the company party. No, play it safe.

Jupiter was so incredibly supportive of that new moon - in a near-perfect mathematical angle, so Jupiter will shower that new moon with radiant luck. Because Jupiter is in your house of earned income, this new moon should help you see more salary, and it will be directly related to the day-to-day project you are working on now. Mars is currently in Virgo, in your sixth house of assignments, so it is clear that your project is complex, requiring detailed attention to every facet. Give it the attention it warrants, and you will impress higher ups. This new moon is all about your reputation and professional victories, and shows you can score a big one now.

Your home situation will be your full focus at the full moon in Cancer 18 degrees, January 9, plus or minus five days. This full moon is a sweet one, and unlike the new moon in your career house that I just discussed, which is mixed, this one is sheer goodness. You will have a marvelous opportunity to settle things to your complete satisfaction. That full moon is positive and makes a comforting nod to Mars. If you have any matter that is home or family-related, that is your time to act on it.

It will be time for fun once you get to January 23, the new moon in Aquarius, 3 degrees. Aries born near March 22 plus five days (or minus two days) will benefit most from this lovely new moon January 23. You will also benefit if you have any planets at 3 degrees of air or fire signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Gemini, Libra, or Aquarius.

This new moon will send a text to Uranus, and Uranus will swing into action, helping you get enormous help from a friend, and it will come out of the blue! You may get help from a group that you belong to as well. News will be surprising, unexpected, and quite touching. Just you wait until you see how lively life is about to get! You have a really fun time and may make the association of many new friends. Uranus is the planet that urges us to help those in need, so you may volunteer to be on the committee to help a charity or humanitarian project.

Mercury will be in good angle to Mars at the new moon, so you may travel that following weekend, January 28-29, a great time to go. I love that Mercury will reach out to Uranus - you may hop in your car and just drive to points unknown. Enjoy yourself, dear Aries, as you truly deserve time to relax and enjoy all life has to offer.

Most romantic dates and generally favorable dates for other purposes too: January 1, 5, 7-12, 21-22, 24, and 28-29.

Happy New Year, dear Aries!

Your career has shown exciting progress ever since Mars entered your tenth house of fame and honors in mid-November. Mars is not leaving any time soon - he will remain here until July 3 - so you have plenty of time to make your mark this year. Because Mars only comes by this area of your chart every two years, its arrival there is a sure indication you have a rare ability to see your name in lights and bring a major contribution to the marketplace. You’ve been building momentum, but you may have noticed that lately progress has slowed, and you may have blamed that on the recent year-end holidays. That is not the reason.

Mars is currently slowing down his orbit, and that has affected you. During normal times, it takes Mars about two days to move one degree, but lately, if you study NASA’s table of planetary progress, called an ephemeris, you will see it is taking Mars five days to complete the same journey. That’s VERY slow, and when he proceeds slowly, your career does too. Think of Mars as the high-octane fuel that acts as the booster rocket to all your biggest initiatives. You need Mars to be in strong form to ensure a proper launch to all your plans, and alas, you will have to be patient while Mars rests in retrograde.

Specifically, Mars will go retrograde from January 23 to April 13, and once that happens, he won’t make any progress forward at all. Conditions outside your control will create delays. Mars is the natural ruler of your solar fifth house of creativity, so it appears that you are working on something completely original and creative, possibly an artistic expression. If so, you have such a good chance of success!

Knowing that Mars will slow his orbit more with every passing day means you will have to get as many professional matters signed, sealed, and delivered as you can well in advance of the January 23 retrograde date. I suggest you use the full moon January 9 (plus 5 days) as your absolute deadline because going too close to the retrograde will not serve any positive purpose.

During that waiting phase that will extend from January 23 to April 13, you will have a golden opportunity to go over plans and make needed course corrections. When the US aimed its rockets to the moon, the general public assumed the rocket holding the astronauts simply landed there on cue. In truth, it took all the scientists on the ground a lot of careful monitoring to continually coax the rocket back on course. Had they not done that, reports say that the rocket might have been millions of miles off course and not even close to making a moon landing. Take inspiration in this truth!

All champions make things look easy, but they know you can never push the button, put your feet up and read the newspaper. If you do, the story you will read on the front page is that you missed the mark and are out of business! I doubt that would ever happen to you, though, because these days you appear to be on top of your game and very passionate about the project you are working on. Continue to tweak your strategy and tactics - Mars retrograde will give you the time you need to get things done to perfection. The fact that Mars is in Virgo suggests that details will count and that there may be many complexities to organize so that all the parts run smoothly. You can handle whatever comes up.

Here is a handy tip: In any given month, you will always make the most progress in the days that fall between date of the onset of the new moon to the date of the full moon plus five days. Then, after the full moon has completely waned, you will always enter into a planning and research period, not favorable for launching new efforts, but excellent for perfecting your strategy behind closed doors. At that point you must wait until the next new moon to initiate plans again. (I am not even touching on Mercury retrograde, which you also have to pay attention to, as that would not be the time to act either. My Year Ahead 2012 calendar gives all the retrograde dates of planets, in easy to understand English, with no astrological glyphs. You can read it!)

As you see, in January, after the full moon wanes on January 13, you will be too close to the start of Mars’ retrograde period January 23 to push any big initiative forward. You CAN act from January 1-12, but from January 13 on, you would do best to delay any important launches to the new moon, April 21. That new moon will be sugar and spice, so you would have the right time to move forward.

Your timing in early January will be excellent if you can move that fast. The new moon of December 24 lit your second house of earned income, so if you have not yet asked for a raise, you must do so immediately. I say that because with each passing day, the power of that new moon will be diminished a little more. Imagine a souffle that continues to sink after you take it out of the oven - that’s the power of a new moon lessening with each passing day.

That December 24 new moon appeared in your salary sector and received rare support from good fortune planet Jupiter, now touring your area of work projects (sixth house). This almost never happens! Jupiter always brings outstanding financial benefits to all that he touches, a good sign your timing would be ideal to get a rise approved or, if you are self-employed, to bring in new lucrative clients and assignments.

Planets were playing a few games with us last month, for at the same time Uranus was in hard angle to that December 24 new moon, which is not good news. This suggests one of two possible outcomes. You may have (or will) be able to generate more income but will see money go out just as fast as it comes in because a creative project will need more time, energy, and money to keep it going.

If that was not the case, it alternatively could have been that you generated more income, but last month’s socializing and gift giving cost you more than you would have anticipated. Or, your child (no matter what his or her age) may have needed you to write some hefty checks for just about any reason.

I want to draw your attention to the full moon of January 9 (Cancer 18 degrees). This full moon will be positive from head to toe and likely bring you all the good news you have been longing to hear about money! This lovely lady in white - the moon - will signal Mars, currently in your tenth house of fame and professional achievement.

Clearly, this full moon will show you that the work you’ve been turning out has put you in line for a generous compensation, possibly through a royalty or commission fee. This full moon will light your eighth house of venture capital, bonuses, bank loans, mortgage and refinancing plans, court settlements, divorce agreements, and other such types of funding, so these will be your most lucrative areas of gain.

Near January 9, you will see a final conclusion to financial matters, and the news should please you. Jupiter will also be friendly to Mercury, a wonderful aspect on so many levels! I love how neatly this full moon will tie your performance and compensation together in such a straightforward, positive way!

Next, put a big red circle around January 12 too, the day when Mars, still in strong shape, will tie the Sun in your house of personal finances to your reputation and standing in the industry. Wow, January is certainly reward time, dear Sagittarius. Soon you’ll be singing, “Money, Money, Money!”

The only truly tough day for your finances might arrive on January 19, a sad kind of day, when Saturn will be in hard angle to the Sun. You may feel tired or overly criticized by someone in authority. Don’t let this day crush your confidence. These days you are on a roll, and almost nothing can stop you now! Do not loan money to a friend on this day or close to it, not unless you don’t care if you ever see that money again! Just a note to the wise!

Your home may get some loving attention from you this month too, now that Venus will tour your home sector from January 14 until February 7. Next month will bring a far bigger and better time for solving and advancing home-related matters, but for now, you can add some stylish touches to your decor. Venus beautifies all that she touches, so add flowers or accessories, or give a room a new coat of paint - Venus will see that you love your choices.

If you would like to give a party at home, you might want to consider my favorite date for that, January 14, when Venus and Jupiter, your ruler, dine together on your behalf. Give your party at home, not at a club, to make best use of these lovely, shimmering vibrations.

By month’s end, you have another new moon, on January 23 (Aquarius, 3 degrees) to light your third house of communication, a trend that will last for two weeks. At this time, you may start work on your website or blog, or call your publicist to start work on an upcoming campaign. Alternatively, you may simply want to think about how to redo your Facebook page to make it more compelling.

You might design a direct mail advertising campaign to send out later if you are a small business, or huddle with your ad agency about a future ad campaign if you are a bigger company. Remember, Mars will go retrograde from this date, January 23. You should not make any competitive moves until after April 13, the date Mars will finally turn around. For best results, await the new moon in your projects sector, April 21.

Some exciting travel may also come up suddenly and spontaneously at this new moon, January 23. If so, it would be a trip that you thoroughly enjoy, even though it would take you only a short distance from home. The best part about this new moon is that it will receive a beam from Uranus, the planet of surprise. If you think you have no reason to travel this month, that may change, and nothing puts a smile on your face faster than an unexpected trip, dear Sagittarius!

If your birthday falls on November 24 plus five days or minus two, you will see the most benefits from this new moon.

This month your best period for romantic razzle-dazzle will be from January 1 to 13, when Venus will be in Aquarius, an air sign that has the power to bring oxygen to your fire sign element, causing you to burn even more brightly! Love and travel will go hand in hand, so if you do get a raise this month, maybe you will feel you can afford a romantic stay at a charming bed and breakfast with your sweetheart or spouse and enjoy some quality time alone. If you have children, see if grandma wouldn’t mind babysitting for one night.

There will be other weekends that are over-the-moon wonderful for a weekend away with the one you love. The first will be January 21, when Uranus and the Sun will cook up lots of spontaneous fun.

Then, on January 28, Mercury and Uranus will combine forces, and again, you may decide at the last minute that this weekend will be perfect for private time together in a beautiful setting not far from home.

If you are attached, the recent eclipses in Gemini and Sagittarius have been testing the strength of your closest relationship. Did you notice if something special happened to your alliance near December 10? If your birthday falls on that day or within five days of this date, you were likely to hear something.

If your relationship is strong, you either found out the truth of that last month, or soon will. If, on the other hand, this relationship is not made for the long road, you will know that too. If nothing at all happened last month that affected your love life, watch this month’s full moon, January 9 plus or minus four days, because sometimes an eclipse will send you a delayed message.

If you did hear something last month about your partner, no more news is due for now - you can rest. If the news was positive, you may have become engaged, so you can and will, of course, celebrate! If the news was or will not be good - in fact, shocking (near January 9) - then you will spend the rest of the month sorting things out and deciding what you’d like to do about what you learned. There is no fated outcome - the future always lies in your hands.

There is also some indication that if you are single, you may meet a top level VIP in your company who interests you and causes your pulse to race. Every time you see one another, you begin to drop papers, and co-workers may have noticed your whole demeanor changes. Your voice changes, you become a little more nervous, for example.

This can be a tricky situation, as Mars is the ruler of your house of love and will move through your tenth house of profession for months, until July 3. I worry that combining your career with an affair with a top level VIP could derail your career. You are on such a fast track to success, and an affair could undo your efforts. Be careful, dear Sagittarius. Even though you think you can keep your feelings secret, sooner or later someone will notice. Is it really worth it? If so, one of you may want to change companies.

Your most romantic days this month will be: January 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 23, 24, and 28-29.