Raise your hand if you want to ring in 2016 in Rome, Reykjavík, or, hey…how about Rio? One day before NYE (Wednesday the 30th, that is), hedonistic Venus swings into Sagittarius, the sign of the global jet-setter. Thought you’d stay in and watch the fireworks on the TV? Sorry, better make new plans. This Venus phase lasts until January 23, sounding the call for cross-cultural romances and proving, quite clearly, that #LoveWins. With the moon and passionate Mars in romantic Libra on NYE, we’re betting on some bliss-inducing kisses as the clock strikes midnight.
Sunday’s star map throws the world a curveball when Mars embarks on a two-month tour through secretive, seductive Scorpio. And until January 23, this is going to be a really awkward dance with Venus. We’ll feel wildly uninhibited one minute, and then totally closed up the next. Best to keep those wilder moments behind closed doors, and undocumented on Snapchat. And trust us, with lusty Mars in the zodiac’s sexiest sign, when the lights (and cameras) turn off, it’s going down for real.
Capricorn
You work hard for your money, Capricorn, and it’s time to treat yourself. Decadent Venus cruises into your 12th house of fantasy and escape until January 23, sanctioning a NYE getaway. Under these dreamy skies, you’d happily dance in 2016 on a South Beach rooftop — or even a club in the Caribbean. Or, escape in a soulful sense with a candlelight meditation, during which you set intentions and even whip up a vision board for your next year of life. (Oh, how you love those goals.) One hitch: You’ll feel drunk in love with Venus here, which might also impair your judgment when reaching for another glass of bubbly. Enjoy the celebrations, but keep a levelheaded wingwoman close at hand if you plan to cut loose.
On Sunday, motivator Mars has a clear message for you: The dog days are over! You don’t have to kick off another year in crazy workaholic mode — oh, no. As Mars swoops into your 11th house of collaboration until March 5, embrace the spirit of teamwork. Joining forces with other savvy souls can take you all into a bigger league together. This Mars cycle is also stellar for sprucing up your online profiles — even launching a website or creating an app. Get your geek on!
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Aquarius
Start spreading the news! Glamorous, amorous Venus sails through your communal 11th house until January 23, awakening the social butterfly in you. Be the glue that holds your crew together this NYE, bringing together your seemingly random friends into an unforgettable plan. (Party at Château Aquarius, maybe?) Or, be the wild card of the bunch by joining up with a friend’s entourage for the night. Your calendar will be busy all the way until your birthday season begins in late January. Just be careful about planning too many one-on-ones. Group hangs will save your sanity, and also bring the bonus of letting you play Superconnector for those friends who HAVE to meet.
Between trivia nights and brunches, reserve some brainpower for your career. Motivator Mars rouses your inner tycoon from Sunday until March 3 (and then again, from May 27 to August 3), making this THE year to tackle your chief professional goals. From starting a business to grooming yourself for an executive title to signing up for teacher training or a degree course, dive into action around your ambitions.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Pisces
Forget about elbowing through the claustrophobic crush of NYE revellers. This year, you’ll want to sip Champagne somewhere exclusive — like an invite-only party or a black-tie gala. With decadent Venus moving into your posh 10th house until January 23, you have cosmic clearance to spend a little more on tickets for your celebrations. This is the masculine zone of your chart. Even if you start the night with a girl gang, you could adopt some boys along the way — and throughout the entire three-week Venus cycle.
Wanderlust hits you hard this weekend, as passionate Mars zips into your travel sector from Sunday until March 5. Oh, the places you SHOULD go, Pisces. Make sure your primary resolutions involve visiting unexplored corners of the world. This Mars phase churns up some entrepreneurial urges. Get that startup going, even if it’s just a side business (at first…). You’ll feel wildly independent in Q1 of 2016, but Mars can be rash. Give yourself breathing room if you need it, but don’t go AWOL on your inner circle or you could lose their trust.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Aries
Grab your passport and book that standby flight! Pleasure-seeking Venus cruises into Sagittarius just before NYE, activating your wanderlust. Anywhere BUT home is where you’ll want to ring in 2016, Aries. Set off fireworks in a distant city, with friends who don’t try to clip your wings. If you can’t leave town, make a point of mingling multiculturally and rolling out with your motley crew. Venus is the governess of love, so it’s anyone’s guess whose lips you’ll be locked to at midnight. Keep an open mind and heart.
On Sunday, heat-seeking Mars — your cosmic overlord — moves into Scorpio and your INTENSE eighth house until March 3. While Venus may be activating your free spirit, Mars will bring out your possessive streak. Talk about confusion! But why not look for the best of both worlds? There are others out there like you — people who are always growing and expanding, but can also remain loyal and true. Don’t settle for less than a hybrid model of stability and excitement. This Mars phase ramps up your money mojo. Learn about investing or the real estate market. You could make a mint in Q1.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Taurus
Well hello there, you sexy thing. Your inner minx takes the wheel this week, as love planet Venus slinks into Sagittarius and your erotic eighth house until January 23. Although you’ll enjoy being out and about, you could welcome 2016 from the dimly lit corner of a club, party, or sultry restaurant — preferably engrossed in conversation with one special soul. Private celebrations with a VIP guest list would be right up your alley, too. This Venus cycle puts you in a playing-for-keeps headspace. But be careful, Taurus, because your possessive streak could bring out the crazy in you. Deep breaths — texting you-know-who for the fourth time is not going to get you a response any faster. Quite the contrary!
On Sunday, the urge to merge grows even stronger as Venus’ co-pilot Mars moves into Scorpio and your committed-relationship house until March 5. Say "sayonara" to anyone who’s stringing you along — they’re just a bad investment of your precious time. If you’re already in the couple bubble, there could be some exciting developments ahead: key exchanges, ring-sizings, mulling over baby names. Mars CAN add stress, though, so choose your battles. Maybe it’s easier to silently pick up your partner’s socks and drop 'em in the hamper instead of trying to reprogram a bad, but ultimately harmless habit.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Gemini
Who will be the Kanye to your Kim? The contender could be revealed this week, as amorous Venus sails into Sagittarius and your relationship house until January 23. While you love a “just for fun” hookup as much as the next modern woman, the emptiness of these interactions could start to get under your skin. If you meet someone who can go the distance — and you probably will over the coming three weeks — be more obvious about your interest. You can be kind of hard to read, Gemini. With the moon and lusty Mars in your romance house on NYE, your midnight kiss could linger on well into 2016. Already taken? This Venus cycle brings new and exciting ways to bond.
When the Champagne haze wears off this weekend, hop online and buy your first ClassPass of 2016. From Sunday until March 5, motivator Mars will stomp through Scorpio and your sixth house of healthy routines. Core-based exercises are highlighted, so give that mat Pilates class a try. Work will be busy, which you’ll love, but the stress levels could ratchet up. All the more reason to make cardio classes an essential part of your 2016 plans.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Cancer
WTH, Cancer? Hours before the first flute of Armand de Brignac has even thought about passing your lips, you’re already dreaming of a detoxifying juice cleanse. Blame the buzzkill on Venus, who crosses the threshold into Sagittarius and your sixth house of healthy living just one day before NYE. Cancel the club-hopping and go to the candlelight yoga and meditation instead. Okay, maybe that’s a little extreme. But there’s no reason you can’t start the celebrations with a few early-evening sun salutations. This Venus phase lasts until January 23, so it won’t be hard to get into a healthy groove as 2016 begins — or find a sexy fitness buddy to help you get your heart rate up, both in and out of the bedroom.
Speaking of romance, you’re due for a renaissance! From Sunday until March 5, passionate Mars blazes a trail through Scorpio and your glamorous, amorous fifth house. Kill the slouchy sweatshirts and crush it in curve-hugging cashmere. When you look good, you feel good — and when you feel good, you’re a much more receptive target for Cupid’s golden-tipped arrows. Mars will heat things up fast, though, so fasten your garter belt, Cancer! Your urge to merge will be stronger. Take the lead but be careful not to apply too much pressure, even if you wanted to be married with a baby — or living the bohemian life in a 250-square-foot, minimalist bungalow with your bearded-hipster lover — like, yesterday. This Mars phase could bring a hit of fame, too. Set up the webcam and record a YouTube series. Any opportunity to shamelessly self-promote should NOT be wasted.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Leo
Mirror, mirror on the wall: You’ll be the sparkliest of them all this NYE — and well into 2016. Frisky, fashionable Venus zips into your flashy fifth house until January 23, lighting you up like a fireworks display. Admit it: You enjoy being the centre of attention. This phase feels a lot like a romantic renaissance. Keep your standards high, because the best is yet to come. But whether you’re single or spoken for, be clear and vocal about your desires. It may not be as obvious as you think that you long to have rose petals scattered on the bed — or that you’d feel more loved if you got a nightly Snapchat and phone call instead of just a text a couple times a week.
Home and family take priority in early 2016. From Sunday until March 5, motivator Mars cruises through your domestic sphere. Ready to renovate or redecorate? You’ll have plenty of mojo for the mission. But Mars can be stressful, too. You might need more space from relatives, roomies, or a female friend who keeps stealing your signature style. Honour your desire for alone time and autonomy now, even if that means renting that white van and relocating to your own cozy one-bedroom.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Virgo
Corral the caterers and shake up the signature cocktail. Festive, flirtatious Venus drops by your domestic fourth house until January 23, making Château Virgo the centre of all things social. Follow any urges to host on NYE — which might mean having a dinner party before heading out to an 11 p.m. DJ set. Get out of the house after a while, but know that you won’t be much in the mood for strangers as 2016 gets underway. Huddle up with your homies, playfully kiss your crush at midnight, or slip off to a corner with your sweetie if you’re already spoken for. This Venus cycle brings out your flair for decorating, so redoing your bedroom like, say, a French bordello could be resolution number-one for 2016.
Sunday’s stars call your social butterfly back out of the cocoon. Until March 5, red-hot Mars zings through Scorpio and your third house of communication and partnership. Pair up for pleasure and productivity: Working the tag-team angle will truly get you farther, faster. With Mars here, you’ll be in the zone when it comes to writing or creating any kind of media. Make a point of posting regularly on your blog, Snapchat, Insta, or wherever, because your followers want more!
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Libra
Pucker up, Libra. With the moon and mojo-boosting Mars both in Libra on NYE, the midnight kisses will come pouring in. And it doesn’t stop there: With your ruling planet Venus heading into your communication sector until January 23, you’ll have them BEFORE hello. Your flirting skills have always been more potent than the average coquette’s. Use them to your advantage — charming people, luring your honey into adventures — but make sure you don’t lead on your lovestruck fans. Your feelings could run hot-and-cold for the next few weeks: It’s best to wait until, maybe, the third date before tweeting that you may have met The One.
When you walk by the fogged-up windows of the gym this weekend, don’t just rush past the people sweating it out on the ellipticals. Head to the counter and sign up for a trial week — or, if you already like the facilities, nab that 2016 discount they’re hawking. With go-getter Mars moving into your grounded second house from Sunday until March 5, having a healthy routine will keep you sane, stable, and feeling like your sexiest self through the long, cold winter.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Scorpio
Newsflash, Scorpio: There’s a lot of grey area between saving for a rainy day and making it rain. As decadent Venus decamps to your budget-minded second house until January 23, find a healthier balance. Skipping out on an epic NYE plan because it’s “too expensive” could be a bummer that sets off the winter blues. Buy the ticket, but tell friends that you’re opting OUT of the bottle service. With the moon in your fantasy-fueled 12th house on NYE, escape with live music or an amazing DJ set. Your inhibitions will be lowered: Snog to your heart’s desire, but watch your Champagne count.
Strap yourself in a wild ride starting Sunday! High-octane Mars makes its biennial stopover to Scorpio, filling your tanks with rocket fuel. And it gets better: In 2016, Mars will spend an extra long time in your sign, first from January 3 until March 5, and then again from May 27 to August 3. Translation? You WILL crush it this year, especially when it comes to your epic personal goals. Like fellow Scorpios Kendall Jenner and the transcendently brainy Willow Smith, Mars helps you stand out and gain major attention. But watch the stress! The red planet can make you anxious, too, so keep some white space in your calendar for that much-needed time in your girl cave.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Sagittarius
Still dwelling on THAT situation? Give it a rest, Sagittarius. This week, love planet Venus makes her annual stopover to Sagittarius, reminding you to look to the future instead of ruminating on the past. This Venus cycle — which lasts until January 23 — will kick-start a whole new chapter in your love story. You could be attracted to a totally new type now. And you won’t be at a loss for attention and admirers. If you’re in a relationship, give yourself a longer leash. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. And when you ARE together, make sure you stack the shared calendar with adventurous nights on the town to keep the boredom from creeping in.
On Sunday, make-it-happen Mars slips into Scorpio and your esoteric 12th house until March 5. Instead of vying for the spotlight, head for the studio. You’ll do your best work behind the scenes in early 2016. The 12th house is the “helpful people” zone of the zodiac wheel. Sign up for coaching sessions, find a mentor, work with holistic healers or even a spiritual guide — like that wisdom-dropping yoga teacher who blows your mind with truth-bombs while you’re resting in savasana. Knowing your boundaries is essential, though. Keep your schedule lighter than you think you should, so you don’t become a massive stress head.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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