How To Read Your Birth Chart: Astrology Can Help You Live & Manifest Your Dreams

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

• What is the most effective use of my time right now?

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

• "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

• "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"

New Year's Eve Horoscope Overview: What To Expect Astrologically This Week

Many of us are aware of vague, innate blockages that prevent us from living life to the fullest, without fully understanding their origins. These blockages—whether insecurities or scars from childhood or even past lives—cling stubbornly to our consciousness, hindering us from achieving our goals and ideals. Chiron, known as the Wounded Healer and Shaman of the Zodiac, often holds the key to these obstructions in our birth charts.

This week, Mercury, the planet of communication and knowledge, forms a harmonious trine with Chiron. This alignment encourages us to delve deep, uncover our impediments, and, in doing so, heal and move forward. Writing can be a powerful tool in this process, as can conversations with a therapist or astrologer.

Big Lessons In Communication Are Coming This Week

Also this week, Chiron squares Saturn, the planet of responsibility and structure. This aspect challenges us to put in the work to remove these obstructions and create a solid framework for healing and learning from our wounds. The Sun in Capricorn sextiles Saturn in Pisces on January 4, further supporting us to uncover hidden hindrances and to find ways to fully express ourselves.

On January 2, Venus, the planet of personal love, enters Pisces, the archetype of universal love. Venus will remain in Pisces until February 5, when it transitions into Aries. During this month-long transit, we are encouraged to express love in refined and dignified ways that encompass humanity and all living beings. This is a time to deepen personal love connections and strengthen bonds with those we care for, including our animal companions. Imagine the impact if we all focused on spreading this healing, loving energy in our interactions with the world!

However, the peaceful and loving energy of Venus in Pisces is tempered by Mars, the planet of war, which will again oppose Pluto, the planet of transformation. This marks the second of three exact oppositions, bringing aggressive and confrontational energy. While this alignment reflects potential escalation in global conflicts, on a personal level it offers an opportunity to channel this intensity toward achieving personal goals. Use this energy wisely to propel yourself toward freedom and positive change, but avoid aggressive behavior and potentially dangerous situations.

Read Your Weekly Horoscope For December 29 to January 5, 2025

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Your innate energy and determination are admirable. This week, if you find yourself feeling defensive or combative, take a moment to pause before reacting. Avoid acting on impulse. Instead, channel your energy creatively and ensure your actions are strategic and purposeful.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

This week brings the potential for positive developments at work. Relationships with superiors and coworkers are likely to be harmonious, and initiatives born of creativity and passion will be well-received. If you’re off work, indulge in artistic or creative projects for deep satisfaction. New intimate relationships formed during this time may grow into mutually supportive bonds.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Focus on enhancing understanding and healing in personal relationships. Purposefully set aside time for meaningful conversations with loved ones. Professionally, negotiations may yield favorable outcomes if they align with shared goals. Collaboration will bring greater success than working alone.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

This week brings profound and soulful personal relationships. You may experience transformative exchanges, but their intensity could be overwhelming. Trust in your inner strength to navigate any challenges. Issues related to joint finances or shared resources may arise; approach these with clarity and fairness.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Take this opportunity to evaluate your daily routines and self-care practices. Are you using your time effectively? Replace unproductive habits with ones that promote health and balance. Consider joining a gym or hiking group to gain mutual support, which will amplify your success.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Step back from technology and social media to recalibrate. Spend time in nature or places where you find peace. Journaling can uncover valuable insights during this introspective period. Reflect on your growth and the lessons of your past, including the path of your ancestors. Honor the journey that has shaped you.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Infuse joy and creativity into your New Year’s resolutions. Focus on artistic expression, as this can reconnect you with your inner child and bring renewal to your relationships. Break free from monotony and embrace activities that affirm life and love.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

This is a time of deep psychological transformation. Consider therapy or counseling to uncover and resolve longstanding emotional patterns. Significant changes in parental relationships may arise. Confronting these issues will empower you to live authentically and free of emotional baggage. View this time as an excavation; there is no limit to the gems that might be revealed.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Personal growth is tied to your relationships. Foster collaboration and reciprocity as you deepen bonds with others. Authentic partnerships based on trust and honesty offer the best opportunities for self-discovery and expansion. Avoid over-idealizing relationships or compromising your needs to keep the peace.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Engage your mind in new ways. Explore meditation or creative outlets to break free from old thought patterns. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you embark on this journey. With effort, you’ll unlock greater joy and freedom in life.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Uncover hidden aspects of your psyche and seek emotional and psychological liberation. Work with a counselor or explore ways to let go of generational trauma or outdated attitudes. This self-exploration will deepen your understanding of familial dynamics and enhance your personal growth.

Pisces (February 20 – March 20)

Stay grounded and question illusions. While noble, idealistic projects may draw you in, ensure there’s a practical plan to achieve them. Keep a dream journal to uncover insights about your inner world. This is the beginning of a transformative period for your self-awareness and growth.

1. It saves her a lot of time.

Pamela Anderson stopped by the Live with Kelly and Markshow to talk about filming The Last Showgirl, her childhood, and how not wearing makeup has been beneficial for her. While her makeup-free clip from the episode isn't available on YouTube, PEOPLE reports hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos asking her how her decision has changed her life.

Ripa started with, "You don't travel with a glam squad. How liberating is that for you," while Consuelos followed with, "And how much time have you gotten back?"

The former Baywatch star said she's "saved a lot of time" and admitted that her sons "used to say that I spent half my life in a makeup chair."

2. She feels more focused in general.

Pamela Anderson also admitted things feel easier for her in general. "I feel like I could focus better when I did the film, too." And her life outside of that? She said she's "gotten out of wearing makeup and it's been fun."

It's interesting because Kelly Ripa shared she's been inspired by Pamela Anderson's makeup-free choice. She remembers not wearing makeup for a short while and said to herself, "'Pamela Anderson is a genius." Kelly even thought for a moment, "This is the way to live." We're so here for it!

3. She lives for a glam moment, but appreciates simplicity now.

Pamela's all for being makeup-free now, but she's not bashing glam moments. She actually "loved it" because "it's fun when you're new in the business and you get all this attention." She's just at a point where she's "done that" and wants to "simplify and keep it low key."

She really does "love being elegant, sophisticated" but has found what "works best" for her.