Is it just us, or did 2015 fly by at supersonic speed? How is it even possible that we're all geared up for "Auld Lang Syne" again? WTF? We’ve lived and learned over the past 365 days. And we’ve made some mistakes we’d like to bury in the vault. But a new year always brings the promise of fresh starts — and fresh stars. Which is why we’re carrying on the tradition of tapping our resident astrologers the AstroTwins for some cosmic guidance on what 2016 has in store.
Read on for the highlights reel, and snag the Twins' 2016 Planetary Planner for the extended forecast on love, money, health, and essential dates for 2016. A special 30% discount is available for all Refinery29 readers; use the code "refinery" during checkout.
Aries
Lather. Rinse. Repeat. Restless Rams are learning the power of patience in 2016 — and results that come from a consistent effort. While this may not be the MOST exhilarating year of your life, it could be the most grounding. And let’s be real: Stability is nothing to sneeze at. Until September, lucky Jupiter is parked in your sixth house of work and healthy living. Plus, restrictive Saturn plops down in your travel zone all year. So when life’s routines make you want to scream, grab your stability ball and weights instead of your suitcase. You could get into the best shape of your life — especially if you start eating well. The work you do could also help you make quite a name for yourself, so don’t rush off to happy hour the minute the clock strikes 5.30. And it’s not like you have to snuff out your wanderlust. But the vacations you take in 2016 should be meaningful pilgrimages — like trips with a learning component, teacher training, or a visit to your ancestral homeland. Some Aries could enter a degree program, with Saturn adding strength to your higher-education zone until the end of 2017.
Cupid takes the wheel on September 9, as big-hearted Jupiter moves into Libra and your partnership zone for a year. Do we hear bells? You could meet The One, get married, or put some ink on an epic business deal. This could also happen during the Libra lunar eclipse on March 23. Don’t rule out long-distance relationships, because you could meet your match while travelling this fall or find that life’s circumstances take you away from your sweetie for a few months. With your ruler Mars weaving in and out of your erotic zone for the first three-quarters of the year, there WILL be some sexy adventures in bed. Circle April 7 — the date of the Aries new moon — as your cosmic New Year. Your dreams come to life by the Aries full moon on October 15.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Taurus
Romantic renaissance, anyone? Cupid’s got you in his crosshairs in 2016, and the results could be epic. Until September 9, super-sizer Jupiter drifts through your fifth house of amour, opening your heart to love — and even giving some Bulls a case of baby fever. But romance won’t be a light and fluffy affair in 2016, since serious Saturn is parked in Sagittarius and your “playing for keeps” eighth house. But hey, there will be plenty of soul-baring connections and richly rewarding romps in-between the sheets. If you’re ready to put a ring on it, reserve the chapel before September 9. The urge to merge will extend to your business life as well. Investors could put money behind your dreams, or you could crush it with a crowdfunding campaign. Raise your financial IQ, because you could also make bank playing the market or investing in real estate. Cross out April 29 to May 23 for any major moves, though, because Mercury will be retrograde — in Taurus, no less — then.
Get ready for your close-up! The year 2016 brings fame and recognition for your big ideas. People trust you as their leader and you’ll be pulling strings. With all this attention heading your way, add more colour to your closet and maybe try a different hairstyle. In September, your daily uniform will be more Lululemon than Louboutin, as Jupiter decamps to your sixth house of work and healthy living. Put in time at the Pilates studio AND the office, as you could end the year with a major feather in your cap and a steady income, to boot. The new moon in Taurus falls on May 6 this year, a day for initiating a big personal goal. You’ll reap the rewards on November 14, under the light of the Taurus full moon.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Gemini
Your nesting instincts take the wheel for a chunk of 2016 as expansive Jupiter cosies up in your domestic fourth house until September 9. Finding a place to call home feels essential to your sanity now — and that could mean redecorating or even relocating to a new postcode (or country), where you step out your door and it’s like, “Yes. I am with my people.” And those new digs could potentially be a cohabitation station. With maturing Saturn hunkered down in your partnership house for two years, you’re giving the whole serious-relationship thing some genuine consideration. Your bae can NEVER be basic, but what you considered boring in 2015 may hold appeal in 2016. Don’t be so quick to judge a book by its cover. Coupled Gems could even get engaged or marry quietly and traditionally this year, surprising friends who were sure they’d be eloping to Ibiza or living as domestic partners indefinitely. Love gets fun and exciting again when Jupiter moves into your romance house for a year on September 9. There could even be a pregnancy then, or a pet adoption.
Career-wise, 2016 is a much better year than you’d had since 2013. Saturn could bring long-term contracts and profitable business partnerships, especially with women. Good thing you like working as a tag team so much. But don’t get saddled with anyone who slows you down. Only movers and shakers for Team Gemini. You could relocate for work, too, or set up a home office and make your own hours. Keep your mind on your money, even if you’re making bank. Your ruler Mercury turns retrograde four times in 2016, each time forcing you to review your finances and polish up your professional presentation. (The dates: January 5 to 25, April 28 to May 22, August 30 to September 22, and December 19 to January 8, 2017.) Refine, review, and revise. Tightening your belt is not gonna kill you, Gemini. It will make you appreciate what you already have. The new moon in Gemini arrives on June 4 this year, so embrace a new path or adventure then. As a social creature, this might also involve selecting a new wingwoman, festival buddy, or BFF for your 2016 missions. The effects will come with the corresponding full moon in Gemini on December 13.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Cancer
Ready to earn those social-butterfly wings? With super-sizer Jupiter in your social-networking zone for most of 2016, you’re rising to Level: Adele popularity. Where do you want to make your mark? The people you’re surrounded with will have a major influence, so choose your comrades wisely, Cancer. Two is the magic number, and you could team up with your best friend, coworker, or even a sibling to create something amazing. When it comes to entertainment, you won’t have to travel far to get your fix. The local scene bubbles with possibilities, so give all those Groupons and ClassPasses a whirl. Not loving where you live? Time to relocate, Cancer — perhaps in association with a job at a startup or a degree program (both Jupiter’s domain). Some Cancers will be ready to put down roots when Jupiter moves on to their domestic zone on September 9. Learn what you can about real estate, as you could make a wise investment this year. Career-wise, 2016 will bring slow and steady growth. With taskmaster Saturn trudging through your work sector, there may be dues left to pay before you can leap up another ladder rung. If you DO get a promotion, the learning curve will be steep. Get a coach or mentor to ease the transition. P.S. Office Martyr is NOT a title of distinction. Instead of burning out doing everything solo, learn to delegate, outsource, and streamline your systems. Finding a healthier work-life balance also means making time to prepare healthy food and get in those triweekly workouts.
Love will be playful and passionate, as sultry Mars weaves in and out of Scorpio and your fifth house of romance between January and August 3. But for a change, you might prefer to play the field (and up that sex number a little) instead of drifting into the couple bubble. If you’re in a relationship, the year demands more dress-up dates, exotic vacations, and sexy surprises. Easy does it, though: Stressful Mars can pile on the pressure, giving you wedding or baby fever in a way that could be overwhelming. Nevertheless, you COULD settle into domestic bliss — and even start a family — come September. The 2016 Cancer new moon arrives on July 4, doubling your desire for independent action. Get a solo mission underway, and you’ll do your spotlight dance by the corresponding full moon in January 2017.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Leo
Cool your crimson-soled heels, Leo. In 2016, it’s the cool, composed, and competent wheel that gets the oil — not the squeaking one. All year, long, wise, maturing Saturn slow-winds through your fifth house of fame and romance. The goal in all areas of life is to shimmer with a sophisticated sparkle (as opposed to blinding with a megawatt beam). How to do that? With some good old-fashioned elbow grease, love. Jupiter, which took a wild ride through Leo for half of 2015, has chilled considerably and will spend three-quarters of 2016 in Virgo and your grounded, hardworking second house. Roll up your silk sleeves (or change into a vintage band tee), and just concentrate on creating something awesome. Practice definitely makes perfect, even if you’d rather not post your process on Insta. Don’t worry: You won’t lose your edge by going low-key; in fact, you’ll improve it. Respect and applause is coming, but it will be earned on merit and results. Money is on its way, too: Jupiter could reward you with a bountiful income by the fall.
Romantically, Saturn gives you the urge to settle down. What once seemed boring now has “sweet serenity” written all over it. Give the nice ones a legit chance, Leo, even if they are better at providing emotional support than scouting out a Williamsburg whiskey bar. With Mars racing through your mothering and fertility zones, it might be time to rock the cradle — or adopt that labradoodle for your hit of unconditional love. Domestic bliss could involve moving in with your honey or getting a two-bedroom with your BFF. Your social life heats up in the fall, when Jupiter heads into Libra for a year on September 9. Forgot how to flirt? Jupiter revives your gift of gab then. You’ll have 'em BEFORE hello. Another exhilarating window for romance comes this summer, while Venus tours Leo from July 13 to August 6. Circle August 2: the date of the new moon in Leo, which is kind of like a bonus New Year. Set intentions, and take initiative. You’ll reap the rewards in 2017. A bounty could already come on January 23, when 2016’s only full moon in Leo helps you manifest big results from all your hard work of LAST year. Score!
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Virgo
Listen up, Virgo: 2016 is like a giant coming-out party for you — but is the world even ready to handle you? For the first time since 2003, you have lucky, liberated Jupiter cruising through your sign, and your focus is on living life to the fullest, every damn minute of the day. This cycle, which lasts until September 9, is all about embracing the new and taking risks — not exactly Virgo specialties. But be patient with your learning curve, and don’t ride yourself for any mistakes you make as you grow. In 2016, it’s better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission. Who wants to do shots? Of truth serum, that is. Jupiter in your sign can make you quite outspoken. Warning: You could also run the risk of TMI and overexposure. Writing a tell-all memoir, recording a Periscope series in your underwear, or announcing a big secret on Facebook could be dicey terrain. Spin your own stories, yes, but keep some sort of privacy policy in place. Call in the coaches and consultants! With all the new steps you’re taking, it would be wise to get some support from people who’ve already been down the same road. A solar eclipse in Virgo on September 1 will be a stellar day to shine and start something new. Just be warned that Mercury will be retrograde in your sign from August 30 to September 22, so consider this a soft launch, then piggyback on it with another valiant push one month later, on October 1.
Domestic issues could feel demanding in 2016, as stern Saturn is hunkered down in your home and family sector all year. While you might put down roots — and even buy property — you could feel restricted by family duties and household responsibilities. Don’t take on too much. Female friendships can be rewarding, yet challenging this year. Keep the mean girls (stylish and enviable though they may be) out of your girl gang. Love could come with a spare set of keys or even a co-signed lease this year. At the very least, you DO stand a chance of falling for someone “kid-tested, mother-approved.” And with two eclipses rocking your relationship realm — on March 8 and September 16 — a love affair could heat up fast. Or you could go from breakup to makeup (or vice versa) in the blink of an eye. When Jupiter heads into Libra (leaving Virgo in the process) on September 9, you’ll be able to get your feet back on solid ground. Money could flow in, too, courtesy of all the exploration you did in the first three-quarters of the year. You can let those practical details wait until the autumn.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Libra
Who needs legalised weed? For much of 2016, you’ll feel like you toked on a giant cosmic bong. Blame it on (or thank…your call) Jupiter, who is drifting through Virgo and your dreamy, surreal 12th house until September 9. There’s a time for action and a time for letting go. For three-quarters of the year, your lessons fall under the “surrender” category. Letting go is the way to grow. Use this time to detox from unhealthy vices; start a yoga and meditation practice; quit a lame job and backpack through India; or find a great therapist, acupuncturist, and work Yoda. This could be a fantasy-rich time for romance, since you’re more willing to drop your boundaries and open your heart. And if you fly higher than Snoop Dogg on Soul Plane, it will be a genuine sense of bliss, not a stoned daze. (Here’s hoping.) Please don’t feel guilty about moving at a slower pace or going off the grid for periods of time. You’re going to need the rest! On September 9, lucky Jupiter blasts into Libra for a year — the first time since September 25, 2004 — creating a seismic shift in your life. It’s "all systems go" again as Libra 5.0 takes the wheel. You could make major changes in Q4 of the year, like going back to grad school, moving across the country to be closer to your community, or taking a job in the London office. There’s also a Libra lunar eclipse on March 23 that could bring big changes your way — the rewards of two years of hard work.
Although you’ll require more alone time in 2016, you won’t go MIA. Solid Saturn is parked in Sagittarius and your zone of kindred spirits. Pairing up — with mature, responsible people — could bring some epic success your way. Lawyer up, Libra, because you know what they say about assumptions. It may seem awkward to talk contracts with friends, but it will be far worse to battle it out with Judge Judy when you have an irreconcilable “misunderstanding” later. Money could flow in through a steadier source, as go-getter Mars weaves in and out of your income zone for the first half of 2016. That boring desk job could bring stability to cash-light Libras, even if it’s just a temporary gig. Your ruling planet Venus cruises through Libra from August 29 to September 23, and you’ll radiate charisma from every pore. This could be high season for love; just vet the candidates carefully since Mercury will be retrograde then.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Scorpio
Deep sigh of relief: After three INTENSE years, things are finally settling down on Planet Scorpio. As of September 17, 2015, taskmaster Saturn’s tour through your sign is firmly in your rearview mirror, and the aftershocks are fading away. Now, you get to plant your feet on solid ground and catch your breath…well, kind of. Momentum-boosting Mars makes a biennial visit to Scorpio in 2016, and for longer than usual. From January 3 to March 5, and then again from May 29 to August 3, the excitable planet will cruise through your sign, providing a rocket launcher for your dreams. Take action around big ideas, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way. Figuring out work and money could be priority number-one in 2016. You don’t just want to make bank; you also want a career you enjoy. So where’s the gap? Sign up for specialised trainings, seminars, and consultant sessions, and maybe even go back to school if that’s what it takes to lock down the dream job and the higher pay. You may already have the skills, but do you have the connections? With jovial Jupiter cruising through your team-spirited 11th house until September, this is the year to make “network” a verb. Socialise strategically, because a killer business connection could come via a friend-of-a-friend. You could get heavily involved in politics and campaigning for the presidential candidate of your choice. Embrace your inner activist in 2016. The 11th house is the tech sector of the zodiac wheel, and you could give those Silicon Valley gazillionaires a run for their startup capital with one of your own inventions or apps. Geek out!
Your love story will be epic and NSFW while Mars slinks through Scorpio until August, giving you off-the-charts sex appeal. Single status could be your preference with the lusty, independent planet here. If you’re in a relationship, fill the shared calendar with adventure dates — and let yourself flirt a bit; it is your sport. Two eclipses in your romance house — on March 9 and September 16 — could bring swift developments in your love life, including an engagement or pregnancy. Lovestruck Venus cruises through Scorpio from September 24 to October 20, keeping the heat full-blast this fall. But everything chills out considerably on September 9, when Jupiter floats on to Libra and your healing, transitional 12th house for a year. You’ll need more solitude and dream time then; some Scorpios could even take a gap year or a summer to sail around the world with their love — or even as a solo expedition!
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Sagittarius
Active Sagittarius, you’ve got the #SportySpice thing dialled in, but in 2016, think along the lines of athleisure when selecting your go-to comfy pieces. With your ruling planet Jupiter cruising through your career zone until September 9, you’ll be spending time in bigger meetings with important people — and quite possibly as the project lead or (glug) the boss. Though Forever 21 may be your spirit age, your wardrobe, résumé, and other “branding” need to sing with sophistication now. There are TWO full moons in Sagittarius — on May 19 and June 20 — ensuring that you’ll come into your own more than ever. But since you're an indie-spirited sign, being responsible for other people can make you break out in cold sweat. Don’t worry! Taskmaster Saturn is also on its second of three years in Sagittarius, grooming you to step into this next level of leadership. You’ll work harder than ever this year. And you’ll see RESULTS. Your moment WILL come, Grasshopper — especially while go-getter Mars visits Sagittarius from March 5 to May 29 and again from August 3 to September 27.
Mars in Sagittarius also makes you sizzle with raw sex appeal this spring, summer, and fall. Circle these hot spots on your calendar for getting your freak on. But Mars will also weave in and out of your 12th house of fantasy and illusion from January to March and early in the summer. Run the background checks before falling head over wedge loafers for “The One.” Maybe you HAVE met a legit candidate for the role of your other half…but you could just as easily be mistaking a rogue for a royal. Coupled? Careful about playing with fire, because your raw reptilian urges could overtake good sense. (But hey, open-minded as you are, you might wind up happily ensconced in a throuple or some other unconventional arrangement.) Teamwork makes the dream work when Jupiter moves on to your collaboration house for a year on September 9. Phew! You could also strike gold with a digital venture, and even raise capital by crowdfunding in the last quarter of 2016.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Capricorn
You tend to be more practical than fanciful, Capricorn, but 2016 is totally different. With your ruler Saturn parked in your 12th house of fantasy all year, you’ll swear that unicorns exist and that spirit guides are sending you strong, clear messages at every turn. (It’s true — all of it.) Although you have the business savvy to start a successful psychic hotline, you’re also realising that there’s more to life than work, work, and, oh, more work. In 2016, you’ll find your fulfilment from pursuing your art, doing charity work, and starting a serious meditation practice. Traveling will play a role, too, as jet-setting Jupiter tours your worldly ninth house until September 9. Rack up those frequent-flyer miles with trips around the globe. That yoga retreat in Bali has “Capricorn” written all over it. In love, sparks could fly with a cutie from a different culture, or someone you meet while traveling. Already involved? Start saving up for an adventurous couple getaway: surfing in Nicaragua or backpacking around Southeast Asia, maybe? Some Caps could even relocate for love or give a long-distance relationship a try.
If you’ve already bitten your nails down worrying that you’ll lose your edge in 2016, just relax. On September 9, lucky Jupiter zings into Libra and your 10th house of success for a year, shuttling you back to the executive suite once again. Burn the dusty festival backpack (and take a long, hot shower), and grab your leather laptop case. Your exploration from earlier in the year could morph into a killer business plan or maybe a profitable imported-goods company that provides micro-financing for an indigenous population. There are also two new moons in Capricorn this year, which means you’ll grow in epic ways. Like a triple shot of New Year’s energy, plant seeds on January 9 and December 8. You’ll harvest results midyear, during the Capricorn full moon on July 19.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Aquarius
Fasten your garter belt, Aquarius: 2016 is your Year of Erotic Exploration. Until September 9, “just do it” Jupiter cruises through your sex-positive eighth house giving you a (cough) leg up in the seduction department. Fulfil those fantasies of having a threesome, trying some bedroom cosplay, becoming a master of tantra, whatever! Jupiter is all about stretching your boundaries and taking risks. But keep that privacy policy intact: The eighth house is the zodiac’s chamber of secrets — and what happens in your bedroom ain’t nobody’s business but your own. Amorous Venus tours Aquarius TWICE in 2016 — from February 18 to March 13 and again from December 8 to 31 — extending the Valentine’s Day vibes. Coupled Aquarians could buy property together, put a ring on it, or dive into therapy to bring back the love. Hint: resentment, secrecy, or unspoken expectations may be the source of your issues. And you’ll be as potent in the boardroom as you are in the bedroom. Get to work on pitches, proposals, and business plans. This year, investors will want to put dollars behind your dreams. One caveat: Anyone you get into bed with (literally or metaphorically) has got to give you a proper RDA of autonomy. On September 9, Jupiter moves into Libra and your worldly, free-spirited ninth house: You won’t take kindly to clutchy, needy behaviour — even if you exhibited some yourself earlier in the year. Grab your passport and backpack — a bohemian adventure awaits. You could go back to school, do a teacher training, or take a year in the Berlin office. Cast a wide net!
Career will be a big focus in 2016, as go-getter Mars weaves in and out of Scorpio and your ambitious 10th house between January and August. You’ll be fired up about your goals — but there could be some stops and starts. Don’t pressure yourself to figure it all out at once; enjoy the journey of discovery. With structured Saturn in your 11th house of teamwork all year, finding the right collaborators could be the key to your professional progress and fulfilment. You’ll enjoy working with a team, and even motivating your social network to be more active. Give “sweatworking” a go: Who says you can’t talk business on adjacent elliptical machines or at the raw-juice bar after a noon yoga class? You could also make a mint from an invention, app, or downloadable product. Geek is chic in 2016!
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Pisces
Double up, Pisces! In 2016, you could meet your soul mate, creative twin, or long-lost business partner. Chalk it up to lucky Jupiter sailing through the partnership zones of your chart all year. Opposites attract, so don’t be so quick to judge any hopeful candidates. Cross-cultural connections simmer with extra spice. Just stay open-minded, Pisces, because someone who totally breaks from type could turn out to be your missing puzzle piece. Already in the couple bubble? Your relationship could take a serious turn in 2016, especially when Jupiter heads into Libra and your playing-for-keeps eighth house on September 9. You’ll be bringing sexy back in an epic way then, so start setting aside a budget for that Agent Provocateur shopping spree this fall. Jet-setting Jupiter makes 2016 a great year for travelling as a couple or enjoying a vacation romance — one that could turn into a long-distance relationship.
Stay focused on professional goals. With structured Saturn in your career zone all year, you’ll make a slow but steady climb up the ladder. You could be groomed for an executive role or open up shop with your own LLC. Don’t forget the golden rule of business: It’s all about who you know. Put your attention on the influencers and powers that be — and pay your dues if you need to. Those “below your pay grade” coffee runs and later nights at the office CAN gain you loyalty points, as long as you don’t let people take advantage of your kindness. Polish up your “branding” and your work wardrobe. Sophistication is a must. If you’re transitioning into a new field, Saturn might just send you back to the ivory tower or an intensive training. Pro tip: Don’t rush to quit your day job before you have another economic-stability plan lined up. Motivator Mars will activate your career house for a good chunk of the year, lending momentum to your ambitions. Also adding to the #CantStopWontStop vibes? There are TWO eclipses in Pisces this year — a solar (new moon) on March 8 and a lunar (full moon) eclipse on September 16. The directive is simple: Invest in yourself, and the rewards will be bountiful. After all, you’re the best natural resource you have in your arsenal!
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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