What Mercury Retrograde Will Mean For You in January 2016 [Harper's Bazaar]
Mercury is due to go retrograde at the start of the new year, from January 5 through January 25. Our 2016 resident astrologer, Rebecca Gordon of My Path Astrology, shares exactly what's in store for you below.
Aries
Productive and heated discussions about your career path will be the hallmark of this Mercury retrograde. It seems that a key conversation must be had with an investor or a VIP, though it will be best to wait until months end to give the final signature when Mercury has finally gone direct. Conversations tend to go from simmer to boil fast in the first half of January with rapid-fire Mars in the mix so it's best to keep your own counsel for now and rethink your strategy. Mercury has a final brush with power Pluto on January 29 and this seems to seal the deal you have been waiting for. Until then, keep your cool. This new and improved trail ahead will take time to become clear, so be radically patient Aries, and your future path will soon develop into a bright and sharp focus.
Taurus
This Mercury retrograde will bring an opportunity to become a student again and brush up on a vital skill set. Back to school could mean a new industry training, an online media class and perhaps a chic plaid winter dress and lovely pens to compliment. This new skill will take your business to the next level, though first get clear on exactly what you are looking for and do the diligence as this course may be quite an investment to make. You may first opt to take a mentor for lunch or schedule a phone chat to get a clear sense of your options here. This conversation will open doors especially near January 13 and 14 as they will have sound advice for you. It seems that this training may greatly enhance your business partnership and other client relationships as well.
Gemini
A challenging, though necessary money conversations is ripe to be had and there is no better time to review your finances then this Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn. You are well known for your ability to create new ideas out of thin air. Yes, your skills are in high demand in this 'information age', though how to properly monetize is the question. Mercury Retrograde will simply ask you to reassess your financial 'story' and untie the knots therein. Yes, re-write it. Mercury sticks like glue to power Pluto in your financial sector all month so consult an advisor and get a second opinion. It appears that you also will be able to somehow monetize from your home or refinance – opportunities look promising mid-month. You may like to wait until months end when Mercury goes direct, to put your new strategies into action.
Cancer
The year begins with a promise of partnership renewal. As Mercury swings back around in your commitment sector, you can finally clear the air where things have been stressful in your relationship. The beginning and end of January punctuate this month with conversations about your level of commitment, your future together, and perhaps a contract or marriage, though are likely not be the easy talks. Truth will win. Unattached or looking? A new, more serious partner will enter the scene and this may well also be a revisit from the ex. Mercury retrograde is a valuable time to bring closure to any question marks from your past so you can move ahead with greater clarity and wisdom under your belt. This retrograde will help you do a clean and thorough sweep through your past to make room for this future relationship on your horizon.
Leo
Being a Leo, you have that natural glow, that stamina and bounce-back resilience that has credited you a reputation for working hard and playing hard. As Mercury begins to retrograde through the health and body sector of your chart, you're kindly asked to make 'great health' the centerpiece in the middle of your living room – the main thing in your life for now. Basically, it's time to get a second opinion on a health concern that has been nagging or unidentifiable. Expert mind and body wisdom will bring solutions. Listen to what your body needs and prepare to launch 2016 with a new health regimen that includes nutrition, exercise and a healthier daily routine. You are set to emerge from this retrograde highly empowered and ready to make 2016 your healthiest year yet.
Virgo
Texts from the ex? It's that time of year. Winter. Retrograde. A new Moon in your sector of 'true love'. The usual suspects. Judging by the angle of Uranus, planet of surprises – conversations about love will challenge you out of your comfort zone of the linear life. This retrograde sits hot on the heels of love and one thing that is clear, is the level of truth you are up for this time around, especially after the last 5 years of…lessons. January13 and 14 stand out as your best date nights as four planets join in an alchemical potion to knock you off your feet. Transparency will win so don't be afraid to discuss the 'hard stuff'. This retrograde will expedite your relationship as in a 'make or break' kind of way.
Libra
Mercury retrograde will ask you to re-imagine your domestic environment even though it may be in flux at this very moment. Matters of home and partnership may not have been exactly stable over the last five years, though likely you have learned something about how much you can endure without breaking. If your nest has been sufficiently rocked over these past years, ask yourself 'what does my ideal home look and feel like and what decisive steps will get me there?' Also, be honest with yourself about where you have compromised your dreams for temporary harmony. It seems you may first need to re-visit the peacemaker role you have played as a little one. January will be a precious time to rewind the clock in order to boomerang yourself forward into your dream-home-in-the-works.
Scorpio
It seems that there is a lengthy contract to sign as your planetary ruler, Pluto will get up close and personal with Mercury Retrograde. The challenge here is simply that Mercury is Retrograde and likely there will be points to re-negotiate later if you sign under this retrograde. It's not like mistletoe. Also your colleagues will bring up valuable considerations, although you may not want to hear them. Astro-advice: Listen, Get second opinions, and consult your trusted friends that have known you for a long time. Research and find out everything you can about the company in question. You will do best to hold off until months end when Mercury is direct to give a final say when you have access to all of the information available. A good friend will bring solid counsel around January 13.
Sagittarius
Being the most expansive and visionary member of the zodiac, gestating big ideas has always been your strong suite. This potent Mercury retrograde in Capricorn will help you to create alchemy and turn one of your big ideas into a tangible reality. First, you must follow the trail of Mercury backwards through your sector of income and take a thorough, honest review. Mercury asks you to have a serious look at your revenue stream and develop a more deliberate relationship between your expansive ideas and your earning ability. Quite simply, money may not be your driving force in life, though this Retrograde should help you to remove the obstacles in your path to generating income from your big ideas. Conversations with a VIP will prove fruitful around January 13 & 14 as Jupiter sends helping hand from higher-ups. State your intentions without blinking and then listen with an open mind – that's true Sadge style.
Capricorn
You, elegant Capricorn, will be the designated host to Mercury during the entire retrograde. As you may love to plan for the future, this Mercury Retro will crown you with challenging curve ball or two. Leave plenty of breathing room in your schedule. Plans will go awry and detours will be your best friend. And suddenly a brand new direction will emerge, by mistake. So uncharacteristic and it sounds more like your Pisces best friend. I know. Yes, you may want to hold off on that new campaign launch or even signing on that new client for now. A good strategy session with your best pal will help you to reassess priorities before plodding ahead. For now, massage, Yoga, the chiropractor, and a proper sleep will be good medicine in January.
Aquarius
Time. And perhaps there is an unhealthy habit or thought to release along with 2015. The cosmic pulse says that you are long over-due for a true 'Time-Out' and I mean a personal retreat—away from the demands of work, children, partner, social media, and whatever else tugs at you on a daily basis. You may opt to try something new like hypnotherapy, meditation practice, unplug therapy in a far off land with no wifi, or perhaps a luxurious staycation or spa day. January 13 and 14 will give you the much needed support as Jupiter helps you to make those breakthroughs and release the story of 2015 in style. Here's to a lighter load for 2016 and a healthier state of body and mind – thank Mercury Retrograde for the nudge.
Pisces
As Mercury Retrograde glides through the social sector of your chart, reconnect and reminisce with a dear friend you have not seen in ages because he/she moved all the way uptown or downtown, to Los Angeles, London or wherever. Balancing work demands and a social life can be challenging in our current climate, though it seems that you will need to seriously clear the calendar for a special person this month. Make time, listen closely and read between the lines, especially in the second half of January as Mercury dances around Pluto – there is an important message here. As a Pisces, you possess the unique ability to intuit without your friend having to spell it all out. Your sweet pal will appreciate this deeply, though be cautious of over-extending resources with all of the socializing in January. That same friend will want to make a surprise intro for you mid-month… and it looks like such a gleaming 'YES'.