Art: Kimberlee Kessler

All good things take time. As the moon enters its darkest phase and Mercury grinds to a halt, all signs point to “can it wait ‘til next week?” After the spicy feel of last week, laying low and letting the dust settle could be a good strategy.

As the week wraps up, Aquarius season kicks off, closely followed by a new moon in the same sign. This is the perfect moment to press go on any New Year’s resolutions you’ve been pondering. With Pluto involved there’s a chance to put your money where your mouth is… if you’re brave enough to follow through.

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ARIES AND ARIES RISING

Pay attention to work drama mid-week. Beyond the power play, the situation should offer clues as to what you should be planning for your next move. Use the rest of the week to contemplate where you want to go professionally this year, then put it in writing. The new moon over the weekend offers a sense of gravitas to any goal you put your mind to.

TAURUS AND TAURUS RISING

If you’re feeling tapped out, there’s no shame in lying low this week. Monday and Tuesday look potentially draining – especially with your significant other, so clear the decks and go to ground if that feels like easier than rehashing old issues. Use the new moon next weekend to get serious about your long-term career goals – extra points if they’re a little intimidating.

GEMINI AND GEMINI RISING

The past few months have been a lot but this week marks a real turning point for Gemini folks. With Mercury retrograde wrapping up (18 January AEST and GMT), you should feel more switched on than you have in months. Your biggest challenge? Easing yourself back into things. Try not to run before you can walk.

CANCER AND CANCER RISING

The pull to hunker down and go within is not to be ignored this week. Make JOMO your signature scent and use the last days of Mercury retrograde (until 18 January) to reflect on your closest relationships. When the weekend rolls around, you’ll likely have many thoughts about what needs changing. Just be prepared for your feelings to make a serious impact if you choose to share them.

LEO AND LEO RISING

Monday/Tuesday could require some tactical movement to avoid reopening old wounds – especially with family (or flatmates). On the upside, there’s the potential for a powerful relationship reset over the weekend. Your only job is to get clear on what you actually want out of a partner, then use the new moon to (22 Jan AEST; 21 Jan GMT) to ask for it.

VIRGO AND VIRGO RISING

There’s a palpable improvement to focus coming your way…you just need to get through this week. Once your ruling planet Mercury goes direct on Wednesday, things should (slowly) start to feel like they are heading in the right direction. Celebrate over the weekend by setting a lofty health goal or splurging on a new wellness club membership.

LIBRA AND LIBRA RISING

The ‘will-we-or-won’t-we’ mood that’s been hanging over you this year – possibly around where you’re living or a family issue – should start to seem a little less murky by the end of the week. Meanwhile, the new moon next weekend asks you to get serious about how you let off steam. Use the sobering tone to kick that naughty habit you’ve been wanting to quit for ages.

SCORPIO AND SCORPIO RISING

A little wardrobe audit could be the therapeutic purge you didn’t know you needed this week. Energy-wise, escaping into your shoe collection is an excellent game plan and gives you time to think. With next weekend’s new moon inviting you to get serious about a long-term goal, a little bit of quiet to get your thoughts in order is just what you need.

SAGITTARIUS AND SAGITTARIUS RISING

Big bold conversations about cash could be brewing all week. Truth be told, the bigger issue is something that’s likely been on your mind since the start of the year. But before you dive in headfirst, give yourself the week to reflect on exactly what it is you want to say. Once you fess up about how you feel (or spend), there’ll be no turning back.

CAPRICORN AND CAPRICORN RISING

There’s major moment of truth mood this week as Mercury retrograde wraps up on Wednesday. After a few weeks of ‘should I or shouldn’t I’ you could find yourself ready to make a decision. Stand your ground and speak your truth; this is not a time to play small. Silence could easily be construed as submission.

AQUARIUS AND AQUARIUS RISING

Consider this your final week of savouring those Do Not Disturb vibes before your home season kicks off (20 January AEST and GMT). It’s perfect astro weather for contemplation before the weekend’s new moon beckons you to commit to something long-term. The scarier the goal, the better. Now’s the time to go hard on those never-quite-started new year resolutions.

PISCES AND PISCES RISING

A mix-up involving friends could come to ahead this week. As Mercury stations on Wednesday, an issue that’s been in limbo since the year began could be reactivated. Bide your time and wait until the weekend to have your say; being honest is important but being honest and considered is a much wiser way to get things done.

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