Rule number one: Never be basic. And with Monday's new moon in fly-your-freak-flag Aquarius, the universal runway should be quite the spectacle. The vibes keep rolling on Saturday, too, when messenger Mercury heads into Aquarius until March 5. We all have a Ziggy Stardust living inside of us — whether we're zoot-booting on the daily or toying with an alter ego — and this new moon wants us to let it out. But not fitting in doesn't mean casting ourselves into the misfit role. Aquarius is also the sign of community, encouraging us all to be more inclusive of people who are "different." Geek is chic this week, too, as future-forward Aquarius energy could spawn some Einstein-level breakthroughs. Got an idea for an app, website, or YouTube series? Launch it near Monday's new moon and reap stellar rewards during the Aquarius full moon on August 18.
Sunday is Valentine's Day, but with all the laid-back, "one love" Aquarian energy floating around, we'll almost forget to be romantic. Fortunately, Cupid flutters in on the wings of a decadent Taurus moon and puts us back in a slow, sensual groove. Don't skimp on the traditional touches this year — and don't be cheap! Better to buy bae a single bon-bon from the haute chocolatier than than to pop up with a stale, foil-wrapped 10-pack from the corner shop. Bighearted Jupiter enters the picture near dinnertime, making late afternoon and evening dates the most gushy and affectionate. Plan accordingly.
Aquarius
Ready, set, refresh. Monday marks 2016's only new moon in Aquarius, a day for clean breaks and untainted perspectives. What's done is done, dwelling won't do a drop of good. Switch to the front-facing camera — it's time to look ahead. Set aside time on Monday to make a wish list, vision board, or goal sheet for the next six months. What would you like to accomplish by the corresponding full moon in Aquarius on August 18? Consider Monday your launch date and get into action to manifest your dreams. On Saturday, chatty Mercury also moves into your sign until March 5, blessing you with the gift of gab. It won't be hard to sell people on your visions and ideas. Pitch, present, and promote what you have to offer. The public loves you!
Valentine's Day will be a cosier affair for you this year as the Taurus moon awakens your nesting instincts. Breakfast in bed followed by a day of extreme cuddling? Yes, please. But do get out for dinner or you could get a little cranky from the cabin fever. Opt for a quieter venue, because under these stars, it's all about the conversation. Don't have a date? That won't stress you. Celebrating the friendship kind of love (which is the Aquarius favourite, anyway) will make your heart sing. Schedule brunch with your girls, somewhere nice and intimate, but also not rushed, where the waiter won't drop your check on the table before you've even had a warmup on your coffee. You might even host a dinner party at yours. Sentimental vibes linger through the day as well, so take extra time to write out cards Sunday morning. Speak from the heart with your Aquarius humour sprinkled in!
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Pisces
The past belongs in the past...right, Pisces? So pause before you post anything that could erupt into a Kanye-Amber Rose level feud. On Monday, the new moon in Aquarius activates your 12th house of healing transitions. Communicator Mercury also decamps to Aquarius from Saturday until March 5. The REAL f-word to ponder this week is forgiveness — at least if you want to sleep peacefully at night. But there are two ways that can play out: 1. You can lay down your sword and squash the feud with a genuine apology; 2. You can cut the toxic person out of your life. Forgiving isn't forgetting, Pisces — but it is about moving on. Creativity will be cathartic, so channel any painful emotions in art, music, or poetry. This new-moon-Mercury combo sparks a serious cleanup mission. Purge those piles and declutter your digital devices, too. All that excess is making it hard to appreciate — or even see — the good stuff around you.
Stick to a fun and lighthearted plan for Valentine's Day, soaking up the cultural scene instead of breakfast in bed. With the Taurus moon activating your social sector on Sunday, you'll want to be out and about. And you'd be just as happy to fete Cupid with your friends — or on a triple date with other couples. You'll have a way with words, too, so instead of fixating on the perfect present, spend more time composing the card — or cards, since you might love passing out old-fashioned Valentines to your entire squad.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Aries
New you, new crew? Sort through your squad this week, Aries. Are you hanging with a high-vibes group or just passing time with people who are familiar to you? With Monday's new moon in your 11th house of networking, it's time to circulate. Even if you do adore your entourage, lift the red velvet rope and let some new people in. Garrulous Mercury slips into Aquarius from Saturday until March 5, bringing more incentive to socialising, both online and in real time. Jump into forums and post more regularly on your feeds. A fateful connection could come via the introduction of a mutual friend. Do your digital devices need an upgrade? The 11th house rules technology, making this the perfect week to hit the Apple Store or invest in software that can bump your income to a higher bracket.
Sunday is Valentine's Day — yes, we know you heard — and the moon will be in luxe-loving Taurus this year. This Hallmark holiday doesn't always go down well for your indie-spirited sign. But ignoring it altogether could bum you out come Sunday, when you see all the brunch-goers raising pink specialty cocktails in the name of amour. As every Aries knows, self-love is the most important category of them all. Plan ahead for a decadent day, even if that means treating yourself to a 90-minute salt scrub and massage or splurging on the chef's tasting menu with two of your best friends. Coupled Aries should plan ahead. Make a reservation somewhere fancy — and early in the week, before everything books — so you can regale romance in sophisticated style.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Taurus
Hashtag: #MogulMode. Monday's new moon in Aquarius and your ambitious 10th house brings a rush of momentum for your career. A reputation-boosting project could land in your lap or you could be tapped for a raise and promotion. But don't wait for corporate to extend an offer. The squeaking wheel gets the oil. Make sure your professional game is tight, Taurus: Tweak your CV and LinkedIn profile, pull together a portfolio or website that showcases your accomplishments, and then set up a performance review or client pitch meeting. Start planting seeds for success. Since this is a new moon, you have six months — until the Aquarius full moon on August 18 — to watch them grow. But the windfall or white-light idea could come even earlier, since clever Mercury cruises through your career sector from Saturday until March 5. Network away and dress for success. Remember: It doesn’t take a fortune to look like a million bucks. Polishing up your image a bit — even with a few vintage treasures — will help you make a strong and professional impression.
You're at the top of Cupid's favourites list this Sunday, as Valentine's Day is ushered in with a Taurus moon. Pause from your professional projects early in the week to map out an exciting plan. You need to nail down those reservations before everything is booked! You'll be up for an adventure, even something active, like a chocolate-making class, an off-Broadway matinee, or a road trip to an antiquing hotspot. Fearless Jupiter enters the mix around dinnertime, turning you into a total minx. Forget playing coy, tigress. Make. Your. Move.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Gemini
Early spring break, anyone? Monday's new moon in Aquarius and your jet-setting ninth house will already activate your wanderlust. São Paolo, Sydney, San Francisco? You could be double-tapping that "reserve now" button before the week is through. Even if you can't get away for a few weeks, months even, get a 2016 travel plan on the calendar. You might even take the trip near the full moon in Aquarius on August 18. Just having this to look forward to will help you burn away the winter blues. On Saturday, messenger Mercury also hits the Aquarius zone, hanging there until March 5. Long-distance connections heat up and you could reconnect with a pal or professional contact in another port. Entrepreneurial Gems will get a burst of momentum from the new moon-Mercury collab. Get plans underway for your empire or look into schooling and training programmes to help you develop your skills. This might even be the week you sign up for teacher training.
Get ready for a fantasy-fuelled weekend. Sunday's moon in Taurus lights up your dreamy 12th house, helping you surrender to Cupid's charms. Keep your itinerary flexible with lots of room to roam — or romp in the sheets after breakfast in bed. You might even prefer to spend the day inside, tucked away with bae. Or, rally friends for a themed party, like "Sequins and Seagrams" or even an ironic "Down With Saint Valentine" send-up where you write letters to your exes, read them aloud, and burn them in a bonfire.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Cancer
Put down that selfie stick, Cancer. Monday's new moon in Aquarius activates your private eighth house — and on Saturday, social Mercury lands there until March 5. As your low-key sign knows (but sometimes forgets), every moment doesn't have to be recorded on Snapchat or Insta; in fact, you'll find it refreshing to duck out of the spotlight for a spell. Use the week for reconnecting to close friends, sharing secrets, and developing important projects behind the scenes. And how about entertaining a special guest star in your boudoir? The eighth house is also the erotic zone. Monday's new moon could bring a "winter warmer" to cozy up with between the sheets and share spicy, soulful, pillow talk. Existing relationships will deepen, too. What's next for the two of you? Start discussing future plans for the sake of your own security. Time is precious, Cancer, and you need to know that you're investing it in someone who sees you as an essential factor in their future. Otherwise, get clear about categories, moving the non-committal types from heartthrob to hookup.
Ironically, Valentine's Day is when you'll be in the least romantic headspace this week. With the Taurus moon activating your laid back, "one love" 11th house, you'll be too restless for any deep eye-gazing across a flickering candlelit table. But if you must succumb, set up other plans, too. Meeting up for dancing, drinks, or a show with other couples can keep the vibes upbeat. Single? Love could flutter in from the friend zone or through the introduction of one of your pals. A humorous take on the Hallmark holiday could hit the right note with you, too; for example, dressing up in ball gowns and doing karaoke with your girls. Your IDGAF vibes will only serve to make you more attractive and appealing.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Leo
How perfect is this? Valentine's week kicks off with Monday's new moon in Aquarius and your seventh house of partnerships. A real-deal romance could take flight under these moonbeams or you could finally turn a casual situation into something much more exclusive. Coupled Leos won't be shy about discussing the future. Some dreamy talks about "the two of us" could lead to some big decisions this week. On Saturday, expressive Mercury also hops into Aquarius until March 5, making you a total love magnet. People will want to partner up with you, Leo, for romance and finance, since this new moon-Mercury confab could bring a promising professional prospect your way. Lawyer up! You'll probably need a contract to seal this deal.
Valentine's Day could be a formal affair as the Taurus moon lights up your elegant 10th house. Splurge on the orchestra seats or the chef's tasting menu — it will make the moment more memorable...photo ops a must! Your 2016 Valentine could even be a little older — or notably younger — than you this year. Coupled Leos could have grand goals in mind. As you're feeding your love a forkful of chocolate torte, you might just blurt out your desire to go in together on a summer beach house share or to start saving up for a romantic tour through Italy in August.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Virgo
Bless this mess? Those are fighting words for neat freak Virgo! But as much as you love a colour-coded closet, you can fall into the packrat trap, too. Monday's new moon in Aquarius rocks your efficiency-loving sixth house. And on Saturday, Mercury, your cosmic ruler, floats over to Aquarius for three weeks, too, sounding the call for a clean up and hacking mission. Be merciless with your sorting: If you haven't used it or worn it for more than a year, let it go. Don't, however, give away your workout gear. This new moon inspires you to take better care of your health. Since it falls in team-spirited Aquarius, try group classes or even rally a friend to be your fitness buddy. News about a job offer or special training could pop up, too. Explore! This could spell money in the bank by early March.
V-Day getaway? With the moon in Taurus this Sunday, your ninth house of travel will be activated. Cancel the reservation at your favourite local joint and book an Airbnb in another city. An overnight stay helps you relax and stop fixating on all the stresses of home. Later in the day, you'll feel bold and candid. Make the first move if you're out and about or gush about your vision of love to the one you adore. (Babies? Cohabitation? Be real about what you want.) Sparks could fly with a cutie from a different culture, too, so keep an open mind and heart.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Libra
How lucky are you, Libra? Saint Valentine is knocking on everyone's door and you have a totally romantic forecast for the week. It starts Monday, with the new moon in Aquarius and your fifth house of true love. Someone swoonworthy could enter your life or you could make a fateful right swipe. If you're in a relationship, there could be rapid developments — even talk of engagement rings and babies if you're ready for that. Reviving your romantic attitude is mission: critical though, and that might require you to take better care of yourself. Scale back on exhausting activities so you have room to rest, flow, and have fun for fun's sake. When you're relaxed, you're most receptive to Cupid's arrows. On Saturday, expressive Mercury also moves into Aquarius until March 5. You'll give Rumi a run for his rhymes and stanzas, so don't be shy about sharing those loving feelings.
Valentine's Day itself will be intimate. With the moon in your sultry, seductive eighth house that day, you'll prefer the company of one special soul. If you don't have a romantic date, raise a toast to amour with one of your best friends. Before you hit the brunch spot, you might even write up wish lists or make vision boards to send up your desires for love in 2016. The law of attraction is on your side this Sunday and it always helps to have a clear idea of who you want to draw your way.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Scorpio
Let the nest-feathering begin! Monday's new moon in Aquarius and your domestic zone brings some changes to Chateau Scorpio. With the burst of momentum from these moonbeams, you could totally revamp your apartment, changing the decor scheme or making your space functional for your current interests — hello, sewing corner or yoga room? Unhappy with your home base? New moons reveal fresh opportunities and a dream listing could pop up while you’re sipping your morning espresso. This new moon falls in your fourth house, the feminine zone of the zodiac wheel. An amazing GFF or she-mentor could step up, rocking your world. Spend more time with your mum or sister, too. On Saturday, strategic, social Mercury also enters Aquarius, hanging there until March 5. Sharing space with one of your girls — for home, work, or storage even — could help you cut costs. Regardless, you're going to need more ladies' nights this February.
You're in Cupid's inner circle this Valentine's Day, thanks to Sunday's moon in Taurus and your seventh house of relationships. This certainly won't be a casual affair...but then again, is it ever for a Scorpio? Spend the day with someone who has real-deal potential — or just celebrate the love you share with your besties. If you're in a relationship, skip the triple dates and make it a "just the two of us" thing. Sharing an adventure or simply doing something that holds sentimental value will be a bonding experience, as long as you're able to give each other some undivided attention. Don't be surprised if talks turn to "what's next for us?" Hey, is that a ring in someone's pocket? This marriage-minded moon could even bring an engagement for Scorpios who are ready to meander down the aisle.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Sagittarius
Think locally — and act that way, too. Action heats up close to home for Archers this week, thanks to Monday's new moon in Aquarius and your social third house. Put your suitcase in the time out corner and explore your own 'hood. Can't stay put? You could zone in on a "home away from home" and become a legit face on the scene. This new moon governs transportation, so if your ride needs an upgrade, start test driving those 2016 models or searching for a great used car. Kindred spirits pop up, as do key collaborators for your passion projects. Partnerships formed now could evolve into an epic success by the corresponding full moon on August 18. On Saturday, Mercury also moves into Aquarius until March 5, causing your social butterfly wings to beat at an even higher BPM. Your popularity is on the rise — just don't forget your old squad as you expand your contact database.
Valentine's Day might not be the romantic hotspot of your 2016 calendar, but celebrate, anyway. With the moon in Taurus and your sensible sixth house, you might opt for a set-it-and-forget-it plan by making reservations or booking tickets early in the week. You'd also enjoy some time with Mother Nature, so think about renting a cabin in the woods or having brunch at a mountain lodge followed by a day of snowshoeing or a hike. Not feeling the Hallmark-holiday vibes? Devote the day to self-love and self-care with a massage, infrared sauna schvitz, or a flowy yoga class. Invite friends or a date over for a healthy dinner, prepared with the Sagittarian flair for cooking foods from other cultures. Chicken tagine and flourless dark chocolate cake, anyone?
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
Capricorn
Is money burning a hole in your pocket? Alas, you can’t blame your strategically torn denim any longer, Capricorn. Monday's new moon in Aquarius puts you in financial planner mode, helping you pull your Q1 budget into better shape. A temporary austerity plan may be necessary, as long as you're not depriving yourself. Elegant Capricorns cannot survive on packaged ramen alone...or ever. Focus on your income column instead of stressing about what you don't have. You're the money-earning magnate of the zodiac, after all. Miracles tend to happen with just a little bit of elbow grease from you. Ready for a new job? An offer could land in your inbox near Monday. Circulate your résumé, too. With messenger Mercury shifting into Aquarius from Saturday until March 5, your social network could hook you up with amazing work opportunities. Is there a gap in your skill set? Invest in training that will bump up your salary significantly over the coming six months.
Valentine's Day should be one for the history books this year, Capricorn. With the moon hovering in your fifth house of passion, glamour, and true love on Sunday, you are definitely among Cupid's darlings. Opt for a decadent plan, whether single or spoken for. A spa day with the girls could be as much fun as a gondola ride for two. Dressing up, dancing, seeing a live show — all fine options and hey, why not do them all? Your wild streak could make an appearance, too, so don't totally over-schedule the day. You might just slip off into a semi-private corner for a little surprise snogging with someone you meet along the way.
Illustrated by John Lisle.Photographed by Christine Hahn.
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