It’s been a chaotic time, but the end of autumn finds Mercury and Venus ushering in a fresh start under the twinkling holiday lights following their retrogrades. To explain: each retrograde has a “post-shadow,” which essentially means a bit of a paradigm shift. Mercury rules communication, while Venus rules love and money, so conversations around these themes might finally feel less muddled and more smooth-sailing. Enmeshments may untangle, responsibilities may firm up, and reciprocity may finally be restored.
As ever, the winter solstice arrives on December 21, marking the shortest day of the year and the start of Capricorn season, a sign that urges us to think practically and long-term. This isn’t just about dreaming up New Year’s resolutions: the Sun in Capricorn asks us big questions about how we want to invest our time and energy, and what we want to build for our future, so there’ll be a lot of that this winter.
It’s not all plain sailing, though. We’ve got a Mars retrograde approaching on January 10, 2027, which could brew up a number of conflicts and interpersonal obstacles. Fortunately, the solar eclipse in Aquarius lands a month later, on February 6, which will usher in a sense of community, with a few new faces entering the scene. And then, a lunar eclipse in Virgo, on February 20, will bring us back down to earth, reminding us of our everyday responsibilities and commitments.
So yeah, a lot going on. But what does winter have in store for your sign specifically? Scroll on to find out.
Aries
March 21 – April 19
January’s Mars retrograde is actually this winter’s highlight for you, Aries. You’re the go-getter of the zodiac, and Mars, your planetary ruler, is the warrior. But the retrograde will have you slowing down and rethinking your goals, particularly around work and ongoing projects (which will be a good thing). Mars’s reentry into fellow fire sign Leo urges you to get clear on what—and who!—you are really passionate about, and cut the distractions in your life that are keeping you from pursuing your heart’s desires.
Taurus
April 20 – May 21
Venus ends its retrograde on November 13 and clears its shadow at the start of the season, promoting a peaceful environment, especially in the workplace, and will perhaps find you starting some gigs that feel particularly worth your while. The solar eclipse in Aquarius later this winter could also find you embarking on a big new career path. The movers and shakers in your industry may swap places, and with so much change in the air, you might be able to position yourself in a new role.
