Welcome to 2021, lovers! This year promises to be different than 2020—but not in the ways we expect—with several planets moving residence from stubborn, resistant Capricorn into flowing, futuristic Aquarius, giving an experimental flavor to the new year. That kind of shift can feel inspiring and frustrating while we are standing still, waiting for new ideas to become reality. Be mindful of your expectations; change is coming but won’t be seen overnight. We are still very much enmeshed in the political restructuring of the systems within society that were cracked open last year, as well as the new normal caused by the pandemic. There will be unavoidable drama and ego-clashing that comes with massive change. Knowing this is unavoidable helps us trust that it’s a temporary place on the wheel of evolution.
When it comes to matters of the heart, Venus shifts from fiery Sagittarius into tough-love Capricorn on January 9th, joining Mars in sensual Taurus, offering commitment and stability. What self-love practice, partnership, or lifestyle do you want to commit to this year? With the planets of money, love, and sex kicking off the new year in grounded earth signs, the energy is ripe for putting your intentions into practice to create the experiences you crave. Indulge your kinkiest fantasies when the sun glides into experimental Aquarius on the 20th, encouraging liberation from sexual repression. Freedom to express yourself without shame is a theme of 2021, and we will all continuously show up to create new policies, visibility, and equality for all.
Capricorn & Capricorn Rising (Dec 22-Jan 20)
Happy solar return, Capricorn! You’ve made it through one of the most challenging years you’ll ever have to face. Knowing you never have to repeat it is something to celebrate, especially if you are feeling any trepidation towards the new year. Try to see your birthday as your own personal new year and a fresh start. That may mean looking at your goals with fresh eyes and seeing where adjustments can be made. The more flexible you can become, the less you will struggle. With Venus and Mars in fellow earth signs, make the most of your drive forward by channeling your energy into your erotic life this month. Test the limits of your own pleasure followed by sensual massages to combat any post-sex body aches.
Aquarius & Aquarius Rising (January 21-February 18)
This is your year, Aquarius. You are a pro at the art of detachment when it comes to seeing the bigger picture and understanding the ideals of the group. Now it’s time to focus inward and detach from any lingering anxiety occupying space in your mind that may be preventing you from downloading the answers you’ve been seeking. Make space for plenty of meditation and relaxation while your nervous system continues to reset before your birthday month. Consider what have you been craving in your erotic life that would enhance your mindset: Is it more experimentation, greater variety, or less pressure? Name those desires and let your partners surprise you in delicious new ways.
Pisces & Pisces Rising (February 19-March 20)
This year, connection is at your fingertips, Pisces. Whether you are looking for a new relationship, friendships, or a greater sense of belonging in general, you’ll have access to new doors of connectivity that seemed previously closed. Set intentions this month around the spaces you’d like to fill in your life with meaningful relationships, staying open to them looking different than you may have imagined. Your attraction powers are high right now, so make sure you set clear boundaries with who you are sharing your time and energy with—not everyone is entitled to have full access to you. Discernment has its perks, especially when it comes to fulfilling your fantasies. It will be well worth the wait.
Aries & Aries Rising (March 21-April 19)
You begin the new year with a renewed sense of drive and purpose, Aries. Capricorn energy allows you to tap into the pure momentum to move forward with the proper grounding necessary to bring about lasting change. You may notice you have new clarity toward your goals, and the extra energy to dig in and finally make some power moves. With your attention turned toward setting up your work and finances for the year, try not to neglect your sex life. Whether you are flying solo or committed, prioritizing your sexual wellness will help balance your moods and reset your focus, keeping you on track. Make sure for every Zoom meeting scheduled, you give yourself ample time for pleasure-filled snack breaks.
Taurus & Taurus Rising (April 20-May 20)
You begin the year with an expanded mindset, Taurus. Last year taught you how to get out of your comfort zone; even the smallest departures from the norm brought necessary change. This year, instead of struggling to regain control by setting rigid rules for yourself, try to remain in a state of flow. This will take effort on your part, but the rewards will be significant. Take your time as you implement new ways of being, and follow your urges to learn more about your passions. Growth happens in unexpected moments of surrender, which can bring discomfort. Temper these moments by digging into your most pleasurable reserves. Don’t be afraid to switch things up a bit with a new toy or roleplay game to enhance the experience.
Gemini & Gemini Rising (May 21-June 20)
You begin the new year amidst personal transformation, Gemini. There are most likely events in your life that have been catalyzed by changes you are experiencing on a psychological level. Perhaps nothing appears to be happening and the lack of movement has been causing you anxiety. Wherever you find yourself, know that things are shifting and change for the better is coming. Part of transformation is surrendering to what you cannot control while trusting you are in alignment with your goals and dreams. Staying flexible and organized will benefit you greatly in terms of managing your energy and expectations, while remembering you have a physical body that deserves loving attention, too.
Cancer & Cancer Rising (June 21-July 22)
What do you want to nurture most this year, Cancer? The partnerships you are involved with may have shifted dramatically from last year, and that brought up intense emotions, perhaps connected to events and feelings from further in your past. Have compassion for that version of yourself, and how far you’ve come. Know this is the beginning of a new cycle and you’ll have the energetic reserves to show up to it with your full heart when you allow yourself to dream about possibilities rather than dwelling on past pain. What would you like to experience in your intimate relationships? What does your vision of love look like? What do your erotic fantasies consist of? Set your intentions without expectations and open yourself up to receive.
Leo & Leo Rising (July 23-August 22)
Start out the new year by making your health and wellness a priority, Leo. Caring for yourself last year entailed paying attention to what and who drains your energy. Now that you’ve pared down your social dependencies, you’re free to focus on pleasure for pleasure’s sake. Not every activity has a tangible product to prove to yourself that you are achieving something. The way to tell when you’re experiencing a state of natural ecstasy is being fully present in your experience. Move toward what pleases you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This is where you can be fully yourself without apology, and also where your magical essence is most potent to those around you.
Virgo & Virgo Rising (August 23-September 22)
Are you ready for a pleasure reset, Virgo? This year you can trust that when you follow your heart, and act in service of the activities and relationships that turn you on, you are moving closer to freedom. Having a strategic plan for the new year works best when you allow yourself time to play and create rather than stressing over the details. Trust that things are falling into place, even if it doesn’t make logical sense in the moment. Ask yourself: What have you been craving that may have been just out of reach? Can you let yourself touch those places now? Open your heart and feel your softness, observe your desires, and create space for the spectrum of erotic sensations that await your exploration.
Libra & Libra Rising (September 23-October 22)
You may need some extra time to acclimate to the new year, Libra. Energetically, you might be feeling depleted, or unsure of exactly where you want to focus. Give yourself plenty of space to rest and reflect, as you are being asked to check in with yourself and revisit your relationships and goals. It may be time to pivot in an entirely new direction, which can feel unsettling. Sit with your intuition, paying attention to what excites you, as well as what is depleting you. Your creativity and passion are requesting an outlet, let them lead you, and open new doors of possibility. If you’re not sure where to start, begin with connecting to your body. Awakening your pleasure center will always remind you that the source of life’s sweetness is right in front of you.
Scorpio & Scorpio Rising (October 23-November 21)
Set your intentions around improving communication this year, Scorpio. You’ve got some incredible ideas; take your time before launching them. It’s better to listen to what your audience, friends, and romantic partners really need at this time, not what your intuition thinks they need. The feedback you receive may inspire you to be more open about what you need, as well. Uncomfortable conversations lead to deeper bonding once the initial anger and resistance melts away, revealing the tender heart of the situation. Transforming the way you share your thoughts and express yourself may be the piece that was missing, in terms of achieving your goals and dreams, in business as well as in pleasure.