Astrology’s 2025 Mood: Romanticize the Process, Not the Destination
2025 opens with a slow song. Mars, the planet of action, remains in retrograde through the end of February. And just as Mars stations direct, Venus, the planet of love, begins her 40-day retrograde on the first of March through mid-April.
We are being invited to an extended review season before pushing ahead. When we romanticize the destination, we take the journey for granted and miss important details that orient us on our path. The task of January is to romanticize the process, even when it becomes tedious—especially then.
Rather than give into the typical “new year, new me” frenzy, why not slow down long enough to feel what’s stirring inside you?
What rumbles when it’s quiet? What desires or aches surface without force? Try taking a break from the screens at night and pick up a book instead. Make someone you love a home-cooked meal. Experiment with the technologies that slow you down, the ones that remind you life is about more than speed, success, and overnight transformation.
Meaningful change takes time and demands more of us, and we must ripen for it. As poet Rainer Maria Rilke understood, “Being an artist means not reckoning and counting, but ripening like the tree which does not force its sap and stands confident in the storms of spring without the fear that after them may come no summer.”
Ground down in the wisdom of winter, a time to hibernate and prepare, a sacred process of shedding before re-emerging to greet the sun once again.
- When things feel hard, listen to this song.
- Re-read one of your favorite books. This is one of mine
- Share something you love with someone you love.
Read further and find out what the stars have in store for you this December:
(Read for your Rising and Sun signs)
Aries
Aries, be water, my friend. This year will train you to be a different kind of warrior by studying the imperfect unfolding of life. You will learn the limits of your signature willfulness and the futility of attempting to control your destiny. Instead, you will master the choreography of surrender and trust. You will find joy in the stumbling and purpose in losing your way. This month may require extra awareness and attention in your home and family matters. Before you can push ahead, you must tend to your foundation. Your friends and community’s support and love will be a bright spot. Let them show up for you.
Taurus
Taurus, say yes to spontaneous social invitations. Observe whose company lights you up and nurture new connections that nourish and expand. Learn or hone a skill in community, whether that looks like signing up for a class or joining a group. You can miss out on critical opportunities for growth and transformation when you become too attached to your routine. Shake things up. This year will bring waves of connection and solitude. Both will carry important lessons. As you continue to receive blessings and unexpected opportunities in your public life and career, stay rooted in your core values. And if you feel a sudden urge to radically change your appearance or pivot the direction of your life, take a deep breath and consult a trusted guide first.
Gemini:
Gemini, it’s time to make a budget. Have you been living above your means? January is the month to tighten up and set some limits. Use this exercise to observe your spending and how that reflects your values. Have you been overspending on gifts for other people and under-investing in your own craft? Design a budget that reflects your priorities and make it fun. This year will bring an influx of exciting career opportunities, so take advantage of this month to get organized. You might even consider signing up for a new course or seeking out mentorship to hone your skills and hold you accountable. Feed your curiosity, but focus on what will serve your 2025 goals.
Cancer:
Cancer, this year holds many blessings and breakthroughs. But first, the universe will test your patience. Use the next two months to prepare for the transformation ahead. Pay attention to the cues of your body. Do you need more sleep? Are you eating enough protein? Are you getting enough daily movement? Take inventory of how you present yourself and if it still represents the current version of yourself. Soon enough, you will feel the world open up to you with generosity and abundance, but trust the process, even when it feels slow. After reviewing your personal finances last month, be on the lookout for chance opportunities to expand your revenue through a fruitful partnership.
Leo:
Leo, what are your relationships teaching you? How have you been balancing your need for autonomy with the demands of partnership? If you’ve been going through a particularly turbulent time, things will begin to ease up. Take stock of how the conflicts in your closest connections may be distractions from the self-work you’re being asked to prioritize this year. Be aware of any codependent tendencies you may have and focus on reclaiming your independence without alienating your loved ones. Embrace moments of solitude this month, and be open to any messages you receive in your dreams. Spend January daydreaming about your wildest vision for 2025 and share it with your lover, partner, or friend.
Virgo
Virgo, what connections do you crave? From friendships to loverships, January is asking you to prioritize relationships of all kinds. If you’ve been outgrowing friendships, make a soft goal of cultivating new ones. If you’ve been avoiding dating, consider opening yourself up to the possibility of a blossoming romance this year. But first, write down how you want to feel. Throw out the list of non-negotiables and instead focus on the qualities and experiences that light you up. This month is also a ripe time to restart any holistic health routines that keep you grounded from daily movement, home-cooked balanced meals, to long neighborhood walks. Stay active and stay open.
Libra
Libra, be patient with your career goals. Whatever frustrations and delays you experience now will be remedied in the second half of the year. Use January to plan and prepare for unexpected opportunities that come your way. Trust the process and have faith. If you’ve been looking for a new home or recently moved, luck is on your side now. And while you may have started the new year sick or recovering from a cold, this year is auspicious for your health. Consider setting a tangible goal like signing up for a half-marathon or lifting heavier to keep you motivated and accountable. The end of the month will bring a surge of romantic and creative energy, setting the stage for a central theme of 2025.
Scorpio
Scorpio, live your questions. What are your latest obsessions? Feed your curiosity by learning something new or going deeper into something you’re already into. With your planet ruler in retrograde, you’re being forced to slow down and relinquish control. Observe how you respond to these compromised conditions. How do you deal with your anger? Find a channel for your frustration. Turn your irritability into fuel for change. Before overheating, breathe and meditate for at least 5 minutes every day. Spiritual discipline will ground you this month. Aquarius season asks you to tend to your foundation, home, and family.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius, money is on your mind. Do you want to spend more wisely in 2025? Write down one achievable financial goal and one new habit to help you accomplish it. This month, you will focus on your financial obligations and responsibilities. If you’re self-employed, get a head start on your taxes. January also catalyzes a significant reckoning in matters of your home and family. Are you considering a relocation or renovation? Have you been prioritizing your relationships with your parents? This year will mark significant shifts in your foundation and reveal where you belong. Lighten up at the end of the month and make time to socialize and enjoy life.
Capricorn
Capricorn, what new beginnings are you seeding? How are you preparing for your next trip around the sun? Identify which skills you want to develop. This month asks you to review your partnerships in romance and business. Initiate a check-in with your closest collaborators to start the year with a shared vision. Allow space for both parties to be transparent about any growing concerns or fears. Use January to get clear about the terms of your agreements and stay curious. You can intimidate even those closest to you with your air of competence and authority. When it feels authentic, lead with vulnerability and be open to feedback. If you’ve been overspending, it’s time to make a budget and stick to it. Channel your resourceful Saturnian nature and make a dollar out of 15 cents.
Aquarius
Aquarius, you have to practice who you want to become. Start now. You have been living in the back of your mind lately, scheming in the dark. This month, the details of your daily work demand extra attention and care. Start the year by getting organized and implementing new systems and structures to simplify your operations. If you’ve been neglecting your yearly check-ups, ask a trusted friend to help you make an appointment. Prioritize the boring-yet-necessary steps to setting yourself up for success. By the time Aquarius season rolls around, you’ll be ready to resurface to connect with loved ones. Make time to celebrate yourself and let people show up for you. Resist the temptation to self-isolate and allow this important milestone to pass you by. Your time is now, Aquarius. Shine your light.
Pisces
Pisces, are you ready to pursue your soul’s true path? This year will mark significant beginnings and endings in your partnerships and purpose. Apply the skills you cultivated last year in setting boundaries to honor your needs. Creative projects and romantic prospects might be under review this month. If any ex-lovers circle the block, weigh your options before acting impulsively. Don’t be discouraged if your creative and artistic pursuits are slow to gain traction. For now, just commit to showing up to your craft every day and trust the rest will work itself out in time. After an exceptionally busy holiday season, indulge in rest and your signature Piscean daydreaming.