DIY Astro Guide: What Your Horoscope Means This Week, 2/9/2015

What's happening astrologically during January 5-12, 2025?

Mars, the planet of action, is traversing the tender, family-oriented sign of Cancer on its retrograde track this week. Memories will likely surface that either make us nostalgic for better times or remind us of painful times we thought were safely in the past. Use this energy to face whatever comes up, learn from the lessons your memories provide, and move forward to create the life you desire.

Mars has a lot of power, and while it is retrograde, it is wise to take things slowly, try not to rush, but also to take action to harness what you need to grow. Look back in your journal or photo library in October through early November 2024, when Mars was direct in Cancer. Did something become evident during that time that tugged at your heartstrings? We will all yearn for a simpler time. Mars will turn direct again in February 2025 and will remain in Cancer until mid-April. These months will likely be bittersweet. Practice self-care and self-compassion.

Our reflections of the past are a catalyst to healing. If we can face, accept, and own our vulnerabilities, we can rise above any self-limiting beliefs. The energies support exercising our capacity for resilience. On January 8th, Chiron, the wounded healer and Shaman of the Zodiac in Aries, is squaring the Sun in Capricorn.

Don’t believe everything you think, as Mercury in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces on January 6th. Events will likely be dramatic on the world stage, and unless you thrive in a dramatic environment, it is best to lay low until Mercury moves into the stable, practical sign of Capricorn on January 8th. Use the early part of the week to get creative, practice your art, or spend time meditating, doing yoga, or walking in nature. Stay clear of mind-altering drugs or alcohol as things will be hazy or confusing. If you must engage in important business or legal matters, be sure to consult a professional to get advice or to review important documents before signing the bottom line.

Acts of kindness, courage, and standing up for the underdog will fulfill an essential need to be part of your community. This week is an excellent time to volunteer at the local food bank or to walk dogs at the local shelter. Ask yourself, “How can I make the world a better place?” and act on every chance you get to be courteous, kind, and generous as Mars forms a trine with Neptune, exact on January 12.

If you would like to know more about how these and other transits affect you personally, contact me at SevenSistersAstrology.com for a reading.

Read Your Weekly Horoscope For Your Sun & Rising Signs

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

You will likely crave anything that provides a new experience or an expanded viewpoint. It is a perfect time to broaden your horizons, be it through travel or learning. Make sure you are motivated by more than boredom but by a true desire to grow and learn. Take advantage of this opportunity to synthesize your life by joining together seemingly disparate parts. The big picture will become clear if you consciously seek ways to learn and grow.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Your emotions will be heightened this week. You might find yourself attracted to intense people and a desire to experience life on more soulful or profound levels. Allow yourself to explore these emotions. Spend time in quiet contemplation to get clear about what it means to live life in a more profound way. Take advantage of any opportunity to express yourself about topics that are usually taboo or not easy to discuss.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

In your personal life, you can successfully broach sensitive topics with your loved ones to create more harmonious relationships. Use compassionate language and approach each opportunity to get closer with patience and kindness. In your professional life, negotiations are favored if you meet each occasion with respect and a desire for long-term collaboration. Communicate with a desire for reciprocity and fairness for all concerned.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Focus on details, stay organized, and be ready for any mutually beneficial encounters as you actively pursue your goals. Your intellect will be keen, and you will have an eye toward practical, achievable solutions. Strive to maintain an energetic balance in your activities and tend to your mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. This is potentially a busy week; keep any anxieties in check and practice mindfulness daily.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Take advantage of every opportunity to express yourself creatively and clearly. Don’t forget to interject playfulness and joyfulness in your life. Connect with your natural child-like enthusiasm and approach everything you can with curiosity and wonder. Engage in lively conversations whenever you can. Interactions with strangers, through social media or in direct conversations, will illuminate your strengths and unique attributes. You are an essential part of the greater fabric of life, and the more you express yourself, the clearer that becomes to you.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Dig deep to access your courage this week. Don’t let a fear of criticism or failure keep you from pursuing your goals. Seek like-minded allies and use family connections for support. Rely on your sharp intellect to communicate. Focus on solid solutions and practical proposals. Keep in mind that what you actively strive for needs to benefit not only yourself but those around you, as well. You are entering a powerful time to align your desires with the zeitgeist.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Your mental abilities are strong. Use your sharp intellect to maintain curiosity and keep an open mind to learn new things. Listen more than talk as your conversations will broaden your horizons; challenge the status quo by expanding your understanding. This is a time for gathering information and knowledge from a wide variety of sources to tap into solutions that apply to a wide audience. Remain adaptable, flexible, and open-minded.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

This is a critical time to integrate your internal value system with the outer manifestations of your life. How do your financial and material realities reflect your deeper beliefs? It is a time to align these parts of your life. Use your strong rational mind in balance with your acute inner intuition when faced with making choices and decisions. Our bodies hold accumulated wisdom from our lives and our ancestors’ lives. Tap into how a choice feels in your body before acting.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Conversations this week offer a chance to not only articulate your ideas but to refine them. The seeds you plant, if properly tended to, will likely result in successful endeavors. Use this time to expand your ideas by engaging with people who may not think or believe as you do. Travel during this time will be especially fruitful as you will be forced to see life from a fresh perspective. You might also be interested in changing your appearance and the way you present yourself to the world. Observe any reactions to these changes from a curious viewpoint.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Solitude is essential as you connect with the deep layers of your essence. Hidden facets of your nature are yearning to come to your awareness, and as you take time for introspection, these obscure elements of yourself can be revealed. A clear mind and heart will allow these new parts of yourself to be released. Refrain from judging whatever is uncovered. Try expressing any newfound awareness with written words or through music or poetry. Connect with your spiritual side as often as you can.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Use this week to network and engage in community activities. You might find yourself questioning if your social networks and friends share your dreams and aspirations. If they do, use the time to strengthen, nurture, and honor those connections. If you feel disconnected, engage in honest and truthful conversations about your priorities and visions, and listen to their dreams on an equal level. Be willing to envelop their ideas into yours to enhance compassion and inclusivity. This is not a time to go it alone but to find strength in numbers and diversity.

Pisces (February 20 – March 20)

Your career is in focus. It is a good time for strategic, long-term planning. Envision a way to expand your skills through education or training. Invest in yourself to achieve your ambitions. Make every effort to keep the big picture in mind and not get lost in the small details. Focus on your core values as you strive for your ideals. If sacrifices need to be made to reach your goals, any short-term discomfort will be worth the effort. Emphasize your unique talents when making decisions.

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. 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?"