Winter horoscopes

The start of a new year is a natural time of transition, where we pause to reflect and plan. Astrologer Donna Taylor looks at the winter season in your star sign and offers her guidance on how to find balance and contentment in the months ahead

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Capricorn 22 December – 19 January

There may be a lot to contemplate as 2019 gets underway; January especially may feel intense, but with that intensity comes the power to make things happen. This is a good time to consider what you want to do next and then to start taking steps to make it a reality. It may also help to clear out the dead wood. Once that’s done, you’ll be in a much stronger position. The arrival of March sees the end to domestic problems, at which point you can take a creative idea and run with it. As film director Frank Capra said: “A hunch is creativity trying to tell you something.”

Aquarius 20 January – 18 February

“The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments. If you don’t celebrate those, they can pass you by.” Fashion model Alek Wek reminds you of the importance of connection, your big theme for 2019. Indeed, your friendships, social connections and group involvements are the key to your wellbeing – so, instead of hibernating, get yourself out and involved with life. Or invite your friends over. Succumbing to your fears and anxieties is all too easy, especially in today’s high-tech world, so focus on the future and your friends, for this is where your happiness lies.

Pisces 19 February – 20 March

“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do,” said Bob Dylan. As 2019 gets underway it would seem that a new direction is calling you, so if a door opens that feels meaningful, step through it. Try not to let issues with friends, groups or organisations that you’re connected with derail you, but instead keep your focus on where you want to be. It will become much easier from March, when electrifying ideas and a stronger sense of personal power will propel you forwards into a new chapter.

Aries 21 March – 20 April

2019 begins with the theme of harvest, in the sense that you are now reaping what you have sown. This, then, could either be a time of success, fulfilment and greater responsibility, or a time of frustration and regret. Whichever way the cookie has crumbled, Mars in your sign during January and February suggests that you have the power and energy to change things and start steering your life in the direction you’d like it to go. This winter, then, is the time to act boldly. As philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.”

Taurus 21 April – 20 May

“In the long run the pessimist may be proved right, but the optimist has a better time on the trip.” Daniel L Reardon’s quote begs the question: would you rather be right or happy? As the year begins, it’s important to ask whether your philosophy is working for you. 2019 will ask big questions of you – namely, how much you’re willing to change, to rewrite the rule book of who you are and how you approach life, so that you may do, be and experience more. March brings a dynamic new beginning when you’ll have the energy, motivation and enthusiasm to make empowering changes.

Gemini 21 May – 21 June

“There can be no rebirth without a dark night of the soul, a total annihilation of all that you believed in and thought that you were,” said Sufi mystic, Vilayat Inayat Khan. Letting go is never easy but as 2019 gets underway it seems it is the only way forward. Trying to control a particular outcome or holding on to a situation that has outlived its purpose will only prolong the problem. What will work best for you during these winter months is a flexible approach. Shed your old skin, allow things to fade away and trust that a regeneration is taking place which will result in a new you.

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Cancer 22 June – 22 July

As 2019 begins, it may help to consider French essayist, Joseph Joubert’s wise words: “Kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve.” Regardless of whether it’s someone close or someone you don’t know well, it seems others are testing you and the best way to meet that test is to create a level playing field and be more forgiving. This doesn’t mean allowing others to dominate you or for you to control them; more that you refuse to carry a grudge. Press on with your life instead because January, and February especially, bring potential for you to take big strides forward.

Leo 23 July – 22 August

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated,” said Confucius. If the pressures of daily life seem too much – and they might, especially in January – the antidote is straightforward: make time for play. Jupiter in your fun zone reminds you that the point of life is to enjoy it. So, reactivate an old hobby, or discover a new one. Fall in love with something or someone. Invite more colour and spontaneity into your life – it doesn’t always need to be about fast rules and tight schedules. Make space in life for things you enjoy, and winter will reward you with a renewed zest for life.

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Virgo 23 August – 22 September

“Follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary,” said Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. So, the big question as 2019 gets underway is: what is your heart urging you to do? Focus on what you love and let it drive you forwards. These winter months offer tremendous potential for turning a creative idea or hobby into something more substantial; all that’s required is patience, discipline and self-belief. Other people may be instrumental in helping you, especially in March, when co-operation will illuminate the way ahead.

Libra 23 September – 23 October

Home and domesticity are the key themes as 2019 kicks off, and it’s worth reminding yourself that your efforts will be rewarded in the long term, particularly if you approach your situation with a joyful heart. As Mother Teresa once said: “Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do… but how much love we put in that action.” Aim to create a solid, stable, organised base from which you can flourish. A little turbulence is likely in January and February, when others may not see eye to eye with you but, from March, you move into a period of greater calm and productivity.

Scorpio 24 October – 22 November

“A man should look for what is, and not for what he thinks should be,” said Einstein. Most of our suffering stems from life not measuring up to what we think it should be. If life is currently falling short of your expectations, or if others are failing to meet your standards, it will help to take whatever you have and make the very best of it. Abundance, prosperity and an opportunity to make a living in a more meaningful way are the gifts on offer to you right now. March brings dynamic shifts in your personal life, at which point things begin to get a whole lot more interesting!

Sagittarius 23 November – 21 December

2019 is a time for new beginnings as Jupiter returns to your sign, promising more fun, enjoyment and adventure, but also a greater sense of meaning and purpose. The only fly in the ointment is the material side of life – so if work, finances or practical matters aren’t filling you with joy, you may need to consider whether you’re giving these things too much or not enough importance. As the Greek philosopher Epictetus said: “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”