Happy New Year lovely rams! There’s nothing like a fresh new page to get Aries thinking about all those plans and schemes that are in the pipeline for 2012! Unfortunately though, you may find that the planets have other ideas in January, as your ruler Mars slows down almost to a halt, in preparation for turning retrograde on the 24th! The thing about Mars is that his retrograde spells are rather rare, they only happen once every two years, so you will probably be very aware of the changes in energy. He is currently in your house of work and health, which means you will find it very hard to get moving at work right now, you may feel undercurrents of tension but for some reason will be unable to make yourself heard. Chores and tasks will be met with frustration as things don’t seem to work as planned. You also need to take extra care of your health, because accidents and injuries involving your head or high temperatures will be much more likely. This is a time for slowing down and re-assessing your current working regime, to see how you can improve your efficiency.

Jupiter on the other hand is behaving himself very well this month, he is moving steadily forward again in your house of money. This is a fortunate place for the jolly giant to be, you will probably find you are lucky with finances and have more opportunities to make some cash. Bank managers and financial advisors will be helpful and optimistic, and they will understand your plight if you are struggling to make ends meet! The days of the 21st to 31st could be tricky ones however, as Jupiter squares the Sun and Mercury in your house of friendships. Around the new Moon of the 23rd in particular, a social event or an outing with friends will see you in an impulsive mood, and you could end up splashing out in a big way! Be wary of lending money to others at this time too, you are unlikely to get it back, and if you put your bag down at a party, you could easily misplace it.

This month’s full Moon on the 9th will illuminate your domestic area, and a change to your family life will crop up around this date, a family member could leave to start a home of their own or you may be moving, or having to let go of old items which no longer fit into your cupboards! Transformation is in the air, so make the most of it and accept the new start which this ending will inevitably bring. Saturn will be slowing down in your house of partners in January too, in preparation for turning retrograde in early February, so partners could be oppressive. This will be particularly challenging for rams born between the 16th and 20th of April, as Saturn will stop dead over your natal Sun! Your sense of responsibility to loved ones will become unbearable and you will need to try extra hard to find some time for your own needs.

Venus moves into your house of secrets on the 15th, where she aspects several planets between the 16th and 23rd. Matters of the heart will feel very private and you may have to keep a new love under wraps for a while. Money-making schemes at work will be covert and working behind the scenes, particularly on creative projects, will be profitable. Chiron conjunct Venus during these days will also enhance your psychic awareness, so stay alert and open your mind! Have a wonderful month!