Note to all: Mercury, the God of communication and travel will be retrograde 1/19 through 2/9. Be alert when signing contracts and carry your luggage on-board while traveling. Happy New Year to all of you!

ARIES - Concentrate on your career this month. Research future projects and work behind the scenes. Watch for misunderstandings after 1/19. Mars in Aries helps you obtain your goals in February. Consider joining with groups to accomplish your desires. You may have a strong urge to be alone between 2/12 and 2/28. Find a peaceful place and read the night away.

TAURUS - Jupiter in Cancer improves your career aspirations. Learn useful skills, as Mars in Pisces helps you achieve a goal. New projects start after 1/18. Humanitarian causes are your main concern. Friendships are a prime interest now, like-minded souls to talk and play with. With six planets in air signs in February, your mind will be working overtime. After 2/8, a new door will open regarding an existing project. Don't dwell on the past. The power is in the present.

GEMINI - Master yourself and strengthen your self-image in January. Knowledge is required to solve a moral question or plan your future. You are in demand after 1/18, and your friends may be more demanding than usual. Be creative in business matters in February, but watchful of self-sacrifice. If you follow your heart, you could win approval from those in authority. Complete important projects by 2/28.

CANCER - Finances demand much of your attention before 1/18. With Jupiter, the planet of good luck and opportunity, in your sign now, you want to achieve something that will last. Join a professional group and show off your particular talents. Change is in the air in February, and a wonderful spiritual transformation is highlighted. Take your time and let the changes unfold. Stay close to friends and family during the dark months.

LEO - Connections, both social and professional, are spotlighted in January. Past issues take on a new light after 1/9. Freedom is your battle cry between 1/10 and 3/16. Put your career goals in order; a plan or product could be ready for promotion by the end of January. Creative juices are flowing, and you will be extra busy with family affairs, or children. After 2/14, your energy will be high and it will be easier to play, fall in love and start new hobbies.

VIRGO - Follow your artistic yearnings before 1/20. Take an art class or enjoy friends at home. Financial issues will need your attention now. Delay monetary decisions until March. Work and health are featured in February. Start a new health routine. Work will be very busy. Kindness is needed for a loved one who is emotionally needy. Give advice without judgment. Take a break when you need it. This is a productive time.

LIBRA - New ideas, emotional relationships, and creative activities will be featured this year. Get your personal life in order before 1/26, when stalled projects or relationships can move forward. Humanitarian efforts are featured in February. Where can you make a difference? Find a fun way to help. After 2/14, you could be exposed to new philosophies. Work and helping others can bring satisfaction between 2/18 and 2/28.

SCORPIO - Education is emphasized. You desire new skills to achieve your ambitions. Gather data to make intelligent decisions. After 1/18, you will have to work harder to accomplish your goals. You may feel the need for more rest and good food. Friends and loved ones will be too busy to help the first two weeks of February. Don't let someone take advantage of you between 2/12 and 2/28. This is a challenging month because of all the action and mental energy in the air. Do what you need to do to help yourself. Let the rest of the world be crazy if they want to be.

SAGITTARIUS - Unconscious needs influence you in January, and working behind the scenes takes much of your time. Time alone is necessary. Solve cash flow problems before 1/9, or problems could arise. Tap into your spiritual side between 2/1 and 2/14. Promote yourself from 2/14 until 9/8 while Mars is in your sign. Home repairs are featured on 2/23, but schedule mental work for 2/27 and 2/28. Maintain your optimism. That is your greatest gift to us all.

CAPRICORN - This year you decide to let your unique self shine -- no more hiding your personal self to satisfy others' expectations. Work obligations are being restructured and family needs demand some attention. After 1/18, you may need to complete some of your work at home. Watch spending in both months and follow your hunch. Try doing something creative for cash. Intuitive juices are flowing after 2/12. Lighten up on the practical and explore your spiritual self. Answers come in the quiet time.

AQUARIUS - Having fun or keeping commitments -- that is the question. Be watchful of self-sabotage. Stay focused on your priorities. New beginnings will show after 1/18, and golden opportunities present themselves in your birthday month. Don't hesitate trying something new after you sort through your emotions. You have many people pulling on you, but when the dust settles you will make the right decision.

PISCES - Since you feel a bit overwhelmed in January, try to focus your attention on the immediate. Patience will be required with a project or relationship that appears to be going nowhere. Watch your dollars and rework your budget. Changing an attitude will bring you the best success in February. Saturn, the Lord of Karma, will no longer let you ignore your demons. Let them surface, and then release. You have the courage to make bold changes work for you. Listen to your small voice inside.