Holographic makeup, anyone? 2017 begins on an enchantingly esoteric note, which makes this shimmery trend all the more fitting. On Tuesday, January 3, Venus floats into poetic Pisces — and joins her partner Mars there until 28th January. For better or for worse, we'll all be driven to distraction now. After all the hard news of 2016's final quarter, this sweet escape could bring some relief — all good as long as we don't float off in any bubbles. When planets tour Pisces, it's important to note "the man behind the curtain" even if we're enjoying the show. Everything could feel a little nebulous under this planetary pairing. This phase can be great for romance, the arts, and meditation — anything that allows us to suspend our obsession with "reality." Instead of rushing headlong toward our goals, we can ease gently into our 2017 routines. And why not apply some Piscean magic by using the law of attraction? The rules are easy: Instead of dwelling on what's not working, picture yourself already surrounded by the outcome you want to create. Collect and collage images that support that ideal. Visual cues can be incredibly helpful with the whole manifestation process. And while there can be a pull into the underworld (seafaring Pisces' domain), keep replaying Michelle Obama's message in your head, "When they go low, we go high."
Another reason to gently flow into 2017? Messenger Mercury is still retrograde until this Sunday, 8th January. The signal-jamming backspin began on December 19, and has been turning everyone's attention to tying up loose ends instead of rushing toward new goals. Devote this week to any lingering cleanup missions, returning phone calls and emails and basically clearing all decks. When Mercury's back on track next week, we can let the master-planning commence.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
Let the Kodiak bears hibernate the winter away. As 2017 launches, you're in full-on social-butterfly mode. This Tuesday, charming, glittery Venus buzzes into Pisces and your outgoing third house for a month — and until January 28, her partner Mars will join her there. This active energy will basically ensure that your cultural calendar is full all month, but not just with your go-to crew. Expand your network, Capricorn! Opportunity is directly proportional to the number of inspiring people you know. Take the initiative, inviting coworkers to grab lunch or interesting acquaintances to meet you for drinks after work. Romantically, you may have a bit of a wandering eye, however, since this Mars-Venus cycle makes you an unrepentant flirt. Enjoy a round of liberal right-swiping — or witty banter if you're attached — but if you're not totally interested, keep it moving. Love could arise from the friend zone, even. Who knew?
This Mars-Venus cycle will also bless you with the gift of gab — but that part probably won't kick in until next week. Until this Sunday, expressive Mercury remains in retrograde, a phase that can increase the likelihood of miscommunication. You've been hit extra hard this time, since the retrograde (which began December 19) took place in the Capricorn zone of the sky. Sit on those big ideas for one more week and use Mercury's reverse trek for what it's best for: all "re"-based activities, like revising, refining, and rescheduling. After Sunday, you'll have a clearer path to progress again!
Illustrated by Alia Penner.Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
Keep it simple, clean, and serene, Aquarius. This Tuesday, January 3, sensual Venus joins her dance partner Mars in Pisces and your "back to the basics" second house. Before you start adding any bells and whistles to your 2017 agenda, take time to prune away anything overly complex, unrewarding, and just plain…extra. You'll be much more creative once you've given yourself a blank canvas to stare at. Ahh. Venus is the celestial stylist, so invest in a few easy staples — like Aquarius Emma Roberts' denim skirt — that anchor the wilder pieces hanging in your closet. When it comes to romance, slow and steady is the way to go. Let those attractions build momentum by holding back a little, Aquarius. (But not too much.) Even existing relationships could benefit from a more measured pace. Good things come to those who wait!
Another good reason to devote this week to decluttering? Until Sunday, Mercury will hover in retrograde mode, moving backwards through your 12th house of completions for half the week. There are certain things you know you've outgrown, but make a "maybe" pile for the pieces that still tug on a heartstring or two. If you don't keep them for yourself, think about gifting them to people you love so you can watch them enjoy a second life. On Thursday, Mercury slips back into your 11th house of technology. Be ultra careful to log off any public computers you use, and think about changing to stronger passwords for your banking sites and sensitive data. A little extra protection can't hurt!
Illustrated by Alia Penner.Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
Cupid wings in on an early flight in 2017, so let the romantic renaissance begin! This Tuesday, January 3, amorous, glamorous Venus joins lusty Mars in Pisces, where they'll cruise together until January 28. (Venus hovers here until February 3 for a little bonus mojo.) It's rare-ish that these two planets share a flight path — and when that happens to be in your sign, well, Pisces, your magnetism will be off the charts! Enjoy all the attention coming your way, but reserve some space in your books for the muse. This passionate cycle brings momentum for your creative projects and your professional goals. From the bedroom to the boardroom — and band tryouts in-between — people want what you have to offer.
Keep the reunions coming. Until this Sunday, social Mercury is rounding out a retrograde that began on December 19. These periods are better for revisiting the past than they are for launching anything new. Reconnecting to old friends and groups you were a part of will be a heartwarming way to launch 2017 — you might even find a bandmate, business partner, or bedroom buddy among the ranks! Hold off on filling out membership paperwork until next week when Mercury will be direct. A more relevant option may emerge then — or a better financial deal!
Illustrated by Alia Penner.Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
Before you invite anything new into your 2017 — or even settle on your resolutions — take inventory. What can you let go of, Aries? Tying up loose ends will help you create with a clearer vision. You'll have the momentum for these decluttering missions when on Tuesday, beautifying Venus joins her cosmic copilot Mars in Pisces and your 12th house of transitions. Saying goodbye can be a sacred process — you don't just have to go MIA. Make a graceful exit from a group you've outgrown, helping them find a replacement if you're in a leadership role, say. Romantically, this Mars-Venus phase can lend a fairy-tale quality to your love life. Let yourself be swept away, Aries, but don't let those rose-colored glasses screen out potential red flags. The mark of a great connection is an ability to work through issues, not sweep them under the rug.
At work, the devil is in the details this week. Fussy Mercury will be retrograde until Sunday, bringing confusion around scheduling and the division of duties. If you don't double-check, you could forget to hop on a crucial conference call or finish up an overdue assignment. Get confirmation on due dates, meetings, and all business exchanges. Better to admit that you forgot to plug an event into your calendar than to blow it off and risk damaging your professional ascent!
Illustrated by Alia Penner.Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Like Taurus Gigi Hadid, your popularity just keeps rising as 2017 debuts. The biggest challenge? How to juggle all the invites and opportunities flowing your way. This Tuesday, charming Venus (your ruling planet) joins her road dog Mars in Pisces and your 11th house of teamwork and technology until January 28. Make it a group thing, Taurus — whether you're organizing hangouts or trying to get a work project to the finish line. Be selective about who you invite in, but not snobbish. People you overlooked in the past could turn out to be the perfect partners-in-crime. Already working with a great team? Find clever ways to keep everyone organized, like using group-messaging technology like Slack and sharing files on Google Drive instead of sending a zillion attachments. Romantically, this Mars-Venus pairing could bring better odds with dating apps. Let friends play matchmaker, too. If you're in an LTR, plan more social hangouts together instead of sticking to your respective friend groups.
Go easy with the truth bombs this week, Taurus! While you may be fired up to speak your mind, your message could be lost in translation — potentially sparking a rivalry. That's because expressive Mercury remains in retrograde until Sunday, a cosmic cycle that increases misunderstandings. While you shouldn't stay silent about injustice, the way that you say it determines everything. Know your audience — and if you're going to bring in an opposing viewpoint, try to do so in a way that doesn't totally dismiss their POV. (Even if you totally disagree!) Building bridges is the goal here, Taurus; not burning them.
Illustrated by Alia Penner.Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
Power suit? Check! Your career resolutions are off to a running start this 2017 — and you'll look damn good conquering those goals, Gemini. On Tuesday, radiant Venus flits into Pisces and your ambitious 10th house until February 3. Better still? Her cohort, motivator Mars, is also piloting through Pisces from December 19 to January 28. For most of the month, they'll be sharing a flight path, helping you rise through the ranks and take on new levels of leadership. Put some attention toward your public image. Maybe it's time to pose for headshots or add a few polished staples to your wardrobe, like a sharp blazer or wide-legged trousers. (You'll give them a rock-star twist, naturally.) Romantically, this planetary pairing makes you a lot more goal-oriented. You could meet the other half of your power-couple fantasy at the office or an industry event. But if you're going to blur business and pleasure, make sure it's the real thing and not a fling that turns into an office scandal. Attached? Before January is through, set a few romantic resolutions as a couple. Shared goals strengthen your bond.
If you've got any skeletons rattling around in the chamber of secrets, you might want to free them this week. On Sunday, Mercury will wrap up a three-week retrograde that began on December 19. Until then, misinformation could spread like wildfire — even as a result of someone snooping around in your business. Before the gossips can blow your cover, own up to that mistake you made. Although you may have to do some cleanup work, it will be better if the news comes straight from you instead of "a source."
Illustrated by Alia Penner.Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
Back to work mode? No thanks! The vacation vibes are heating up for Cancers big-time this week, making it hard to settle down at your desk. This Tuesday, January 3, dreamy, romantic Venus joins her dance partner Mars in Pisces and your worldly ninth house. Together, they'll activate your wanderlust until January 28. Set up those fare alerts and start pricing out Airbnbs in Aspen and Tulum resorts. Even if you need to save up, start your research now. If you're in a relationship, the next four weeks are an ideal time to slip off for a couple's vacay. Single? You could find amour at the swim-up bar of a tropical resort. Close to home, bring more diversity to your dating strategy. Your 2017 soul mate could be someone from a different cultural background than your own.
But do make those reservations with extreme care — maybe using a full-sized screen instead of your phone to book. Mercury remains in a signal-scrambling retrograde until this Sunday, and you don't want to get locked into a non-refundable hotel or accidentally book the wrong return date for your flight. These things can happen with greater regularity while Mercury's in reverse. You could hear from an old flame this week — but careful not to slip under this person's spell before you're sure things really are different this time. Attached? Misunderstandings can quickly boil over into lovers' quarrels. Nothing is resolved in anger, Cancer, so take those cool-down breaks!
Illustrated by Alia Penner.Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
The year is off to a soulful and sultry start for you, Leo! This Tuesday, amorous Venus joins her soul mate Mars in Pisces and your erotic eighth house. If you haven't been feeling the power of your purr, that will all change this week. These cosmic lovebirds hover here until January 28, so start by getting back in tune with your body. Get moving with a dance class or yoga — and drink lots of water to restore your flow. Sleep deprivation is like the anti-aphrodisiac, so turn in early now in the name of attracting someone to share that bed of yours. If you're already in a relationship, January could be the month of major developments. Follow that urge to merge, whether you're making a casual thing exclusive, moving in together, or even getting engaged. One thing's for sure: You will need certainty now. Lay down that ultimatum (to them, or to yourself): Are you in or are you out?
Another mission for early 2017? Loving your body — and avoiding the ridiculous barrage of pressure to fit into someone else's ideal, like these inspiring celebs have managed to do. Mercury is retrograde until this Sunday, a backspin that's been mostly taking place in your wellness zone. Forget those punishing boot-camp workouts and fad diets. Set yourself up FTW with movement classes you love and food that nourishes your body — no deprivation for the zodiac's royal! Schedule all your routine checkups and ask friends to recommend the doctors they actually like. Don't forget preventative medicine, like taking your vitamins and getting plenty of rest.
Illustrated by Alia Penner.Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Ah, the power of partnerships. The first week of January will already bring plenty of opportunities to pair up — for love, business, or a creative pursuit! From Tuesday until January 28, radiant Venus joins her soul mate Mars in Pisces and your committed seventh house. Giving your all to that one special soul will just feel right now. But if you're with the wrong one, don't ignore your intuition. Life is too short to settle, Virgo. If you're in a relationship, don't just wait around for things to develop. Consciously curate opportunities for the two of you to co-create. Whether you're organizing a ski weekend for your friend group or redecorating your shared bedroom, having a mission to accomplish together will help you bond your way into 2017.
That said, this week could bring a couple of misfires from Cupid, too. Expressive Mercury will be retrograde on Sunday, which could afflict your romantic plans. Make sure you're seeing those "hot prospects" in a clear light — especially if they are return visitors from your past. And don't be so quick to react to a supposed slight from your sweetie! There's a good chance you're misinterpreting their motives. The signals clear up again after Sunday, and you don't want to be left wishing you never sent that regrettable text! Hold your fire, Virgo.
Illustrated by Alia Penner.Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
First splurge of 2017: stylish workout gear and a membership to a fitness studio that you'll actually use. This Tuesday, your ruling planet, radiant Venus, joins passionate Mars in Pisces and your wellness zone. You'll easily find the motivation for your healthy-living resolutions this year, especially while these planets pair-bond until January 28. As a glamorous Libra, when you look good, you feel more energized — and if there happen to be some attractive people hitting the same spin class, all the better. Venus and Mars guide our love lives, so you might just meet your match while chatting by the treadmills. Coupled Libras, team up for motivation. Sharing those buddy workouts — and even doing a sober January — could make for a better time in bed.
Getting your home life in order could also be at the top of your agenda. Until Sunday, communication planet Mercury will be retrograde, wrapping up a three-week cycle that has affected your domestic fourth house. Deep-cleaning and decluttering can do wonders to free up psychic space, especially for someone as visual as you. Follow Japanese organizing expert Marie Kondo's rule: If it doesn't "spark joy," let it go. But hang on to those family heirlooms and a couple of the sentimental pieces you don't necessarily "need." You could regret giving them to the Goodwill once Mercury spins direct on Sunday. If nothing else, pass them on to another relative who will actually use them!
Illustrated by Alia Penner.Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
The year is off to a glamorous start, Scorpio — and while you'll need your alone time, make plenty of curated cameos on your Instagram feed. This Tuesday, celestial stylist Venus joins her partner, snappy Mars, in your fierce and fashionable fifth house. They'll sail together until January 28, launching 2017 on a lively note. Bathe your traditionally noir wardrobe in some rainbow-bright hues. And since you love a treasure hunt, go to town researching the perfect winter coat — one that can help you make a regal entrance. This planetary pairing pumps up the volume on your love life, too. Forget about disappearing under a nest of blankets! Darker days mean longer hours of nightlife — something nocturnal Scorpios live for. Pick up pairs of tickets for you and your S.O. Single? You could find true love while checking out your favorite DJ or even at a friend's party. Scorpio performers will be blessed by this Mars-Venus pairing. If the stage is calling, get thee to an audition or band tryouts!
When it comes to making announcements — or even firing off a random tweet — keep the cards close to your vest, Scorpio. Until Sunday, messenger Mercury will be retrograde, and in your third house of communication, at that. This double whammy has been causing more than its fair share of "open mouth, insert Hunter boot" moments since it began on December 19. There's no denying that you have something important to say. Use this week to revamp, revise, and retool your words so your message doesn't get lost in translation.
Illustrated by Alia Penner.Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
First order of business in 2017? Getting your house set up properly — and making it gorgeous while you're at it. This Tuesday, January 3, design-star Venus joins motivator Mars in Pisces and your domestic quarters, where they'll collaborate until January 28. Bless the Sagittarius nest with a deep-cleaning, then get all your treasures organized. You might have to spring for some storage systems, but hey, Ikea is having a winter sale. That Hemnes Glass-Door Cabinet could be just the thing — but you might as well grab the Användbar Wine Cooler, too. With social Venus here, you'll probably be doing a good deal of entertaining this January. Zhuzh up your workspace with the same flair. There's no reason your cubicle shouldn't feel as cozy and well-appointed as your Instagrammable apartment.
Give your Q1 budget a solid review this week. Until Sunday, Mercury will be retrograde, which will affect your second house of finance. These periods don't have to be scary — use Mercury's backspin to review, revamp, and refine. Money doesn't have to burn a hole in your fleece-lined pockets, Sagittarius — but with your lust for life, it's hard for you to resist the temptation of a dazzling object. If you don't see it, you won't spend it. Instead of depriving yourself, set up automatic transfers from your checking to savings (check out these hacks), so you don't blow your winter-vacation fund on $12 green juices. If you're looking for a better-paying gig, ping people you worked with in the past. One of them might have the perfect lead this week.
Illustrated by Alia Penner.Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
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