Your January 2023 Horoscope Wants You to Be Gentle With Yourself

Happy new year, astro lovers! Do yourself a favor and ease into the magical energy 2023 will bring. With three planets still retrograde at the beginning of the month (Mercury, Mars, and Uranus), things are moving slower than usual, but that doesn't mean you won't see progress on your New Year resolutions. In fact, with the patient sun rising in Capricorn until Jan. 20, the first half of the month is excellent for taking small steps toward your 2023 responsibilities and intentions rather than attacking everything at once.

To keep you level-headed and in good spirits, while the retrograde planets wrap up their backspins, Venus, the planet of love and money, will say goodbye to conservative and committed Capricorn and cruise into unconventional and community-oriented Aquarius on Jan. 2. This fun and quirky transit is excellent for hosting a vision board party, introducing your partner to friends and extended family, joining a book club or accountability group, leading a group project or presentation, and getting involved in activities and projects around your neighborhood.

Listen to your body and nourish yourself on Jan. 6 when the nurturing Cancer full moon lights up the sky. Ruling the house of home and feeling, this full moon brings major attention to your family life and emotional well-being. This is a great time to get serious about setting intentional boundaries that support your mental health, future investments, and long-term growth. If feeling stressed, soothe yourself with a warm bath or tea. Be extra gentle with yourself and others.

Luckily, you'll start to feel level-headed again once Mars ends its retrograde in restless Gemini on Jan. 12. Mars's forward movement brings relief to chronic overthinking, internalized anger, and stress. This is especially relieving for mutable signs Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. On Jan. 18, Mercury, the planet of communication and scheduling, will officially end its retrograde in Capricorn. With Mercury now direct, it's a great time to ask yourself: How has my mental focus and discipline improved over the past six weeks? What lessons about patience and responsibility have I learned?

To help celebrate the end of the January retrogrades, Aquarius season officially starts on Jan. 20, and it's all about living life authentically on your terms. If looking for the perfect date to update your plans for 2023, the first new moon of 2023 is a good time to start. Also known as the Chinese New Year or lunar new year, the Jan. 21 Aquarius new moon is excellent for connecting with your soul tribe. And with Venus ingressing into intuitive Pisces on Jan. 26, there's no better time to create magical experiences with those you love.

See exactly what the next 31 days have in store for you with your January 2023 monthly horoscope, according to your zodiac sign and rising sign. For a deeper dive into your year ahead, also read your 2023 horoscope.

Aries (March 21-April 19) Monthly Horoscope For January 2023

Happy New Years, dear Aries! Prioritize your professional goals at the beginning of the month, as your January 2023 horoscope starts with the conventional sun in Capricorn settling into your ambitious tenth house of long-term goals until Jan. 20. As a Mars-ruled fire sign, you are inspired by Capricorn season's ability to push you out of your comfort zone. Your hard work is rewarded on Jan. 4 when Venus forms a supportive sextile with generous Jupiter in your sign. Work with these invigorating vibes by treating yourself and your friends to a fun outing. Remember to enjoy the things you work so hard for.

Fortunately for you, Venus will ingress into your elaborate eleventh house of Aquarius on Jan 2., easing any financial tension experienced while Venus was in conservative Capricorn. The eleventh house is the area of your chart that rules friendships, charity, and technology, making it an excellent time to get involved in a charitable cause, visit friends, and improve your social media presence. On another note, the comforting Cancer full moon on Jan. 6 lights up your emotional fourth house of home and family. During the full moon, you may feel more nostalgic and introverted. Use this time to check in on loved ones, tend to sensitive feelings, and clean your home. Adding candles, essential oils, and fresh flowers to your space will also help calm and alleviate anxiety.

If you need a pick me up, your energy levels will increase on Jan. 12 when your planetary ruler, motivator Mars ends its two-month retrograde and goes direct in Gemini. Challenges in your career sector should also lighten on Jan. 18 when messenger Mercury ends its retrograde and goes direct in Capricorn. While you've enjoyed your quiet time, your social calendar will see a significant shift starting on Jan. 20 when Aquarius season officially begins.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Monthly Horoscope For January 2023

Welcome to the new year, Taurus! You'll feel eager to explore and expand your personal and professional goals this month as your January 2023 horoscope kicks off with the powerful sun in Capricorn forming an upbeat trine with electrifying Uranus in your sign on Jan. 2. This lively energy brings you the clarity and change of scenery you need to get moving on your 2023 goals without the fear of failure. Try not to let your self-doubt get in the way of the incremental progress you can establish at this time, especially with Venus in Aquarius moving into your tenth house of ambition and success on the same day (Jan. 2).

When was the last time you attended an industry function, work event, or conference, Taurus? Venus's placement in Aquarius and your eleventh house of community until Jan. 26 makes it the perfect time to brush up on your networking skills. If feeling shy or unsure about what path to take, the Jan. 6 Cancer full moon shaking up your third house of communication and self-expression helps you release fears about public speaking and rejection. Use this cleansing lunation to air out old grievances with a therapist or close friend, write in your journal, and listen to positive affirmations and audio recordings.

Money matters clear up for you on Jan. 12 when go-getter Mars ends its retrograde and goes direct in Gemini and your second house of disposable income, but that doesn't mean throwing away the budget! For those ready to increase your cash flow this month, consider taking on a side hustle and selling your creations. Bulls intentionally taking a much-needed break from the grind will return to work around Jan. 18 when messenger Mercury ends its retrograde and goes direct in Capricorn. Just be on the lookout for a professional breakthrough to manifest around the Jan. 21 Aquarius new moon, marking a new beginning in your career sector. Uranus will also end its annual retrograde and go direct in your sign the next day (Jan. 22) bringing the confidence you need to boldly embrace your fresh start!

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Monthly Horoscope For January 2023

Get ready to re-emerge from your retreat this month, Gemini. If the end of 2022 was a slow time filled with emotional endings and self-realizations, your January 2023 horoscope opens the door for new social experiences and sustainable financial growth. To help you get in the mood for all the fortunate opportunities coming your way both personally and professionally, Venus will visit community-oriented Aquarius and your ninth house of public officials from Jan. 2 until Jan. 26. Use this lucrative transit to reconnect with friends and coworkers in high places. Someone you know may owe you a favor or put in a good word with the boss. It's your turn to rise to the top!

On Jan. 6, a sentimental full moon in Cancer will rise in your second house of monetary security, bringing emphasis to how your family life, living environment, and source of income are impacting your financial health and self-worth. If you are feeling stress and tension in this sector of your life, it may be time to advocate for your values and contributions. You may need to be more mindful of emotional spending and create clear boundaries around money matters with a business and romantic partner.

Celebrations are in store mid-month when passionate Mars completes its retrograde and goes direct in your sign on Jan. 12. Since Oct. 30, you may have battled with self-confidence issues and feeling respected by romantic partners and peers. However, after a much-needed ego check and energetic makeover, you're ready to step into your personal power with a newfound sense of playfulness and curiosity. To assist you on your redemption journey, your planetary ruler, Mercury, will end its retrograde and move forward in Capricorn and your esoteric eighth house. With Mercury moving forward in the sector of your chart ruling self-empowerment, take advantage of the inner work you've done over the past four weeks. What adventures will you embark on when the sun moves into Aquarius and your ninth house of exploration on Jan. 20? Make sure to write down your wishes underneath the Aquarius new moon on Jan. 21. Happy manifesting!

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Monthly Horoscope For January 2023

Open your heart to the wonderful energy the new year has in store for you, dear Cancer. Your January 2023 horoscope is breathing fresh air into your relationships and self-image this month. To get you off to a solid start, January begins with a powerful Venus-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn and your seventh house of partnerships on Jan. 1. This deeply penetrating energy encourages you to get honest about your needs in a partnership without holding back. As an empathetic and caretaking water sign, it may feel counterintuitive at first to put your needs before others, but it's imperative you learn to speak up for yourself. This is especially true with messenger Mercury retrograde in the same sector of your chart until Jan. 18.

On Jan. 6, the first full moon of 2023 will reach its peak in your sign, calling attention to all the progress you've made since the Cancer new moon in June 2022. Whether you've focused on putting more energy into your physical appearance, deepened your purpose and passion for life, or become more confident in who you are as an individual, make sure you celebrate your growth. If feeling isolated from peers or having trouble sleeping, your ability to rest and relax should return to normal once Mars, the planet of action, ends its almost three month retrograde in Gemini and your twelfth house of endings and isolation on Jan. 12.

However, expect a massive mood change around Jan. 20 when Aquarius season officially begins and activates your esoteric eighth house of shared resources and intimacy. On a personal level, Aquarius energy illuminates your ability to elevate others on a subconscious and spiritual level, so be sure to spread the love to your local and global community. In fact, the Aquarius new moon on Jan. 21 is an excellent time to share your wisdom and knowledge with a friend group or charity in need. To end the month on a sweet note, Venus, the planet of love and connection, will rest in peaceful Pisces and your ninth house of exploration until Feb. 20. Work with these healing vibes by taking a much-needed staycation or self-care day. Treat yourself, little crab!

Leo (July 23–Aug. 22) Monthly Horoscope For January 2023

Big changes are in store for you on the health and work front this month, Leo, so make sure you invest in a daily wellness planner. In fact, your January 2023 horoscope is all about learning how to better manage your resources and become a better teammate, partner, and leader. This is especially true with the responsible sun in Capricorn transiting through your sixth house of daily routines and duties until Jan. 20.

Just keep in mind that Mercury is still retrograde in this area of your chart until Jan. 18, so don't be in a hurry to finalize long-term plans. Instead, use the first half of the month to team up with a mentor or trusted ally and work through nagging, time-consuming details. You'll know exactly who to assign the job to once connector Venus enters community-centered Aquarius and your seventh house of partnerships on Jan. 2.

Keep the tissues close by on Jan. 6 when the Cancer full moon rocks your twelfth house of ending and completion. Although you're surrounded by people who love and support you this month, the cleansing Cancer full moon brings a much-needed farewell to unexpressed emotions and memories attaching you to an unfulfilling past. Whether you're looking to sign a new contract, attract a new lover, or release an old version of yourself, use this sensitive time to prepare for a fresh start coming in February. If looking for the perfect time to begin your next chapter, mark the Jan. 21 Aquarius new moon on your calendar. With the sun in Aquarius from Jan. 20 until Feb. 18, the next four weeks are all about building authentic relationships to fuel future growth.

Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Monthly Horoscope For January 2023

You'll find yourself balancing work and play this month, Virgo, as your January 2023 horoscope begins with the lavish sun dancing through Capricorn and your fifth house of creativity and youthfulness until Jan. 20. Although you enjoy the financial benefits Capricorn season brings, it also deepens your desire for exploring your passions and hobbies. If you're feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities on the home front, you'll get an opportunity to slip away for a quick vacay or treat yourself to a spontaneous outing when the sun and unexpected Uranus align on Jan. 2.

Although love may not be the first thing on your mind this month, don't write off an opportunity to explore the depths of your romantic affections once Venus enters Aquarius and your erotic eighth house of sex and intimacy on Jan. 2. Coupled Virgos should use this transit to experiment with new sexual positions and pleasures. Single Virgos can use this electrifying energy to expand their search for romance or indulge in some extra self-care, especially if you've been struggling to move on from an ex or a painful past.

The call for quiet deepens as go-getter Mars finally ends its retrograde in Gemini and your ambitious tenth house of career on Jan. 12. After almost three months of an inconsistent (and often overworked) schedule, enjoy the relief you receive once the planet of action moves forward. And speaking of relief, get ready for a fresh perspective on family, legacy, and children on Jan. 18 when your planetary ruler, Mercury, ends its retrograde and goes direct in Capricorn. You'll appreciate the clarity this brings as Aquarius season officially begins on Jan. 20, and the Aquarius new moon rises on Jan. 21, marking the beginning of your winter hibernation. Instead of surrounding yourself with big crowds, use the Aquarius season to create intimate spaces for yourself and the community. Remember, it's okay to grow in private. Not everyone has to know your next move.

Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Monthly Horoscope For January 2023

Start the year off with rest, dear Libra, as your January 2023 horoscope promises emotional reflection, home renovations, and extra family time, especially with the traditional Capricorn sun resting in your fourth house of home and ancestry until Jan. 20. Although you enjoy hanging out with loved ones and redecorating your home, you'll be anxious to get back to the grind and regain some independence once your planetary ruler, sweet Venus, leaves claustrophobic Capricorn and moves into free-spirited Aquarius on Jan. 2.

To help you make the transition from nesting mode, Venus and Jupiter, the planet of travel and good fortune, will align in a supportive sextile on Jan. 4. Use this upbeat energy to plan a fun outing or schedule an important meeting. Be careful what you wish for, though, because an emotional reality check could come your way on Jan. 6 when the sentimental Cancer full moon challenges your tenth house of career and public reputation. Are there boundary issues at home that may be affecting your work, or are you constantly bringing work home? Whether you're dealing with a needy boss, children, or juggling multiple responsibilities at once, use this lunation to make your expectations and professional needs clear. Remember, Libra, you are still human. You don't have to do it all yourself.

In fact, take full advantage of the extra support coming your way once Aquarius season officially begins on Jan. 20. If you're looking to attract peers to join your collaborative project or friends to plan the ultimate 2023 trip with, you'll get the green light to start organizing around the Jan. 21 Aquarius new moon. Just don't look too hard or you'll miss an opportunity to indulge in some much-needed self-care once your planetary ruler, Venus, moves into peaceful Pisces and your sixth house of wellness from Jan. 26 until Feb. 20. Pamper yourself!

Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Monthly Horoscope For January 2023

Say what's on your mind this month, Scorpio. Your January 2023 horoscope urges you to stop holding back the wisdom in your heart and turn your brilliant ideas into motivated action. With the business-oriented Capricorn sun sitting in your third house of communication until Jan. 20, you'll want to write down your thoughts and get your 2023 plans on paper.

Not quite sure what direction to head in just yet? No worries. An unexpected conversation with a mentor or romantic interest brings you the clarity and confirmation you need on Jan. 2 when the sun meets up with Uranus in Taurus and your seventh house of partnerships. Be sure to thank them for the solid advice. You can expect your words to go viral on Jan. 6 when the Cancer full moon shines a spotlight on your ninth house of publishing and broadcasting. Scorpios looking to gain more recognition for their work and a change of scenery will experience great satisfaction. Just be mindful of the long-term changes your decision brings.

If you're looking to relocate, accept a new position, or upgrade your space, hold off on the big move until Mercury ends its retrograde on Jan. 18. Fortunately for you, an opportunity to purchase family land or secure a new headquarters for your organization will present itself during the Jan. 21 Aquarius new moon. Get ready for a new zip code!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Monthly Horoscope For January 2023

As 2023 begins, Sagittarius, your desire for security and stability will be at the forefront of your mind. Your January 2023 horoscope encourages you to prioritize your long-term goals by strengthening your sense of self-worth and respect, especially at the beginning of the month when the sun is still in responsible Capricorn. To assist you on your economic journey this month, a powerful Pluto-Venus conjunction will align in your second house of values and disposable income on Jan. 1, helping you get grounded in what you have and where you are. Use this transformative planetary aspect to alleviate any fears and insecurities you may have about your financial situation. Affirm yourself with positive affirmations like I am a money magnet. I am deserving of luxury and wealth.

That said, financial freedom is not an overnight journey, Sag. Keep that in mind when the Cancer full moon challenges your eighth house of debt and joint finances on Jan. 6. This lunation is excellent for taking baby steps toward improving your credit score, paying down loans, or getting approved for funding. Because this transit takes place while money-making Venus moves through community-focused Aquarius and your third house of self-learning, it wouldn't hurt to join an accountability group or pick up a financial literacy book to sharpen your budgeting skills.

To end the month on a high note, Mars, the planet of action and desire, will complete its retrograde and station direct in Gemini and your seventh house of partnerships on Jan 12. Mars's direct motion marks the end of a dry spell in your romantic and platonic relationships. Who are you ready to give your heart to? And as if the universe knew you needed a change of pace, Aquarius season begins on Jan. 20, inviting you to put money matters to rest and reconnect with the activities and people who inspire you. Instead of overthinking your ideas and relationships, let your imagination and intuition guide you.

Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Monthly Horoscope For January 2023

It's time to elevate, Capricorn - no more holding back! Your January 2023 horoscope and solar return season invite you to fully embrace all you are and have to offer to the world. In fact, with messenger Mercury still, retrograde in your first house of self and identity until Jan. 18, there's no rush on your glow-up. Work with these reflective vibes by getting back in touch with what you want and need on a personal level this year. The world will be here when you're ready.

Expect an emotional breakthrough in a romantic or platonic relationship on Jan. 6 when the moody Cancer full moon touches down in your seventh house of partnerships and marriage. What relationships no longer serve you? Who mirrors your peace and respects your space? Venus in Aquarius visiting your house of values and security from Jan. 2 until Jan. 26 is the perfect opportunity to attract partners you trust and who have similar goals for the future. You never know where opening your heart will take you. Let the love pour in!

Your focus may shift from personal goals and relationships to money on Jan. 20 when the sun slips into Aquarius and your stability-focused second house. As Aquarius season brings emphasis to your economic needs and material possessions, it's important not to lose sight of your long-term goals. Use the Aquarius new moon peaking on Jan. 21 to set new intentions around personal finances. With money-making Venus in Pisces and your third house of self-learning from Jan. 26 until Feb. 20, it's time to put your dynamic skill set to good use. Get your side hustle on!

Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Monthly Horoscope For January 2023

Kick off the new year with extra rest, Aquarius. It's officially your out-of-office season. Your January 2023 horoscope begins with the sleepy sun in Capricorn nesting in your twelfth house of ending and isolation. This sober transit highlights any power struggles and anxiety you've been experiencing in your professional and personal life behind the scenes. Although you are the master of emotional detachment, try not to run from any intense feelings that pop up at the beginning of the month, especially with Mercury still retrograde in this area of your chart until Jan. 18.

Bring the balance back into your life for the new year by incorporating more time for wellness and creating stronger boundaries in your work schedule. If you're unhappy at your current job, the Jan. 6 Cancer full moon is a good time to turn in your final notice or negotiate new terms. Luckily, Mars, the planet of action and assertiveness, will officially end its retrograde in Gemini and your fifth house of self-confidence on Jan. 12. Once Mars goes direct, you will have the courage to ask for what you want without the fear of rejection. Remember, it's okay to be a team player, but you're still an individual, Aquarius. Speak up and use your voice.

After four weeks of hibernation, the sun will rise again in your sign. Happy birthday, Aquarius! This means that from Jan. 20 until Feb. 18, the stars will be shining on you! If looking for the best time to set your solar return intentions, look no further than the Aquarius new moon on Jan. 21. Meanwhile, changemaker Uranus, will finally end its annual retrograde in Taurus and your familial fourth house of home. Use this forward motion to add more luxury and comfort to your living space. You deserve it!

Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20) Monthly Horoscope For January 2023

Happy New Year, Pisces! Your January 2023 horoscope is all about finding your groove between rest and socialization as you enter the first month of the year. In fact, with the sun in Capricorn and your eleventh house of groups until Jan. 20, you may find yourself hosting extended family or completing a time-consuming community project. Just keep in mind that Mercury is retrograde in this area of your chart until Jan. 18, so be patient with yourself if you encounter delays.

Luckily, you'll receive a boost of energy on Jan. 6 when the Cancer full moon radiates your fifth house of pleasure and romance. If you're overdue for a playdate with your kids or an entertaining night out with friends and a lover, this could be the day you get the breakthrough you need. While you're typically an emotional sign, Cancer's sentimental energy heightens your intuition and desire for creative connection and intentional intimacy. Use this time to express your passionate side. When is the last time you did something romantic and spontaneous?

If you're still feeling drained or unmotivated on the work front, relief comes on Jan. 12 when go-getter Mars ends its retrograde in Gemini and your tenth house of career. Although you may be anxious to get back to a more stable routine, don't ignore your body's call for stillness and reflection once Aquarius season - aka your personal sleepy season - officially begins on Jan. 20. This planetary placement will give you the grace and support you need to tie up loose ends and prepare for your next chapter. So instead of speeding up this month, slow down. Trust your timing.