Happy New Year and happy Capricorn season, dear readers. Having crossed the winter solstice, we can celebrate our survival of the darkest part of the year. We’ve hopefully learned something about trust and faith, and can start to regain confidence in ourselves.
Capricorn season is about using the lessons learned in the darkness to get to work achieving our goals. You don’t have to commit to resolutions, but it is an ideal time to recommit to yourself. This changing of the year is marked by a challenging planetary transit that began in early November and will conclude in early May. Mars and Pluto are engaging in a long-time face-off, staring each other down in a 180-degree opposition. Due to Mars’ retrograde period, this transit is lasting about 6 months rather than the usual 10ish days of a Mars transit. We are currently sitting in a high crescendo of this transit. Now, these two planets represent different forms of volatility and change. Mars is highly active, aggressive, confident, passionate and willful. Pluto is intense, slow yet unwielding, volcanic, impersonal and transformative. When these two planets oppose each other, we can expect power struggles, unexpected blowups, high activity and passionate entanglements. Buckle up and try your best to funnel this time of high energy into purposeful activity rather than chaotic fury. This powder keg can be a rocket to outer space or a destructive explosion.
Here are your horoscopes for retrograde Mars opposite Pluto. Read for your rising and sun signs.
Capricorn
Dec. 22 – Jan. 19
Happy birthday season to you, Cap! You may notice some tension with issues regarding your stuff and other people’s stuff. Perhaps you’re being asked to contribute more than your fair share or your savings are at risk because of other people’s decisions. At any rate, acknowledge the power struggle and find a compromise that serves all parties. You may need to put in some work.
Aquarius
Jan. 20 – Feb. 18
It’s important to lock horns with your closest partners at times. In fact, it can be one of the healthiest things you can do to face off and reach agreement. Right now, there is some true frustration with a romantic partner, business partner, or other life partner. Assert your position, but also hear them out through the ire. Find your common ground and build something.
Pisces
Feb. 19 – March 20
There is so much to do. It may feel as though obligations and chores are piling up despite a really strong need to take respite. How can you fulfill your checklist while also honoring your time to recharge? There is a way to fulfill your needs without exploding in a fit of rage, and perhaps the way forward is finding your meditation in action.
Aries
March 21 – April 19
Be mindful about potential conflicts that can arise within your friend group, particularly around your own creative work and how your friends may or may not be supporting you. Support doesn’t always come at us the way we would prefer, and sometimes support can feel like criticism. Avoid a short fuse right now and focus on your goals.
Taurus
April 20 – May 20
Issues at home and issues at work seem to be vying for your attention in a way that may feel like a death match. However, in this ring, both of these important areas of your life must emerge. How can you honor the activities taking place with your family and with your colleagues in a way that serves both? Find your inner referee and prioritize your actions.
Gemini
May 21 – June 20
You’re locked in a battle between the new and the old, grand adventure and your hometown, new ideas and familiar musings. The conflict between a need for the new and a need for the familiar is strong, yet these two needs are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Find your compromise by acknowledging and honoring both.
Cancer
June 21 – July 22
Money, security and self-worth might feel like a battlefield this week. You’re working hard to maintain stability, but someone else’s needs or demands could be tipping the scales. Resist the urge to emotionally withdraw; instead, lean into your strength to nurture. By tending to the heart of the issue, you’ll find a solution that doesn’t just balance the books but restores trust.
Leo
July 23 – Aug. 22
You’re center stage, but not everyone is cheering. Conflicts with a partner — whether personal or professional — could push you to reassert your independence. Your challenge now is to hold your ground without overshadowing the other person’s needs. Take a breath before roaring; the key to harmony lies in collaboration, not domination.
Virgo
Aug. 23 – Sept. 22
Invisible pressures may feel like they’re draining your energy, especially as work or health demands clash with your need for solitude. If your efforts aren’t being recognized, remember that not every battle is worth fighting out loud. A quiet retreat can help you recalibrate. Your power lies in the details you handle behind the scenes.
Libra
Sept. 23 – Oct. 23
Friends and creative passions are pulling you in different directions. It’s tempting to prioritize social obligations, but your inner artist craves the spotlight. Say “yes” to the projects that truly inspire you, even if it means saying “no” to others. Balancing these energies will remind you that community and self-expression are not at odds.
Scorpio
Oct. 23 – Nov. 21
Professional demands and personal roots are wrestling for dominance, and you might feel stretched thin. Whether it’s a family matter or a career challenge, take a moment to clarify your boundaries. This isn’t about choosing sides but ensuring both realms respect your time and energy. You’re building a foundation that supports your ambitions.
Sagittarius
Nov. 22 – Dec. 21
Ideas are flying fast, but so are opinions, and not everyone agrees with your adventurous plans. A dispute over beliefs or communication styles could feel like a roadblock. Instead of forcing your vision, try listening more deeply. By blending your optimism with curiosity, you’ll find a way to bridge the gap and keep moving forward.
