Venus in Capricorn and Jupiter in Cancer begin the year in reverse motion, and Mars retrograde will take us through most of the spring, but make no mistake that 2014 is a thrust-ahead year for each and every one of us.

To January 31, Venus retrograde calls for belt tightening and a reassessment of priorities, goals, and finances. While after-season sales are a bargain hunter’s delight, profits can be down. Venus in Capricorn continues to the start of March, so don’t expect the Senate scandal to fade away soon. The stars are especially active over the next week. Thursday’s sun/Mars can strike the first flint. Sunday through next Thursday is a mobilizing time, but the stars will dish up stronger momentum at the end of the month. Use these first few weeks to get yourself better organized.

Even though the end of January is optimal for action, the window is short. Encompassing the Sochi Olympics, Mercury retrograde begins on February 6. March through May, Mars retrograde shifts the target, objective, or momentum. This is also a heating-up influence for social trends, social unrest, economics, politics, and personal-relationship matters. April delivers two eclipses and the peak of the four-year Uranus/Pluto cycle. Weather extremes are the new norm. Fracking is tragically shortsighted.

If the stage has been set in the first half of the year, the second half can deliver reward and harvest time.

Aries
March 20 - April 19

Mars, your ruler, spends the first seven months of 2014 in Libra. This transit is sure to trigger something major in the relationship-and-romance department. In fact, you’ll break new ground on all levels—social, professional, one-on-one, and me-to-me. A new financial avenue or status is in the works too. Thursday through next Tuesday, the big push is on.

Taurus
April 19 - May 20

Stay goal-oriented and focus on the results you want to see. Even with several planets spending time in retrograde, the first quarter of the year is your best time to get things under better control. Venus in Capricorn rewards you with better-than-average returns. Up-front effort will produce immediate gains, but later benefits will prove to be of even greater worth.

Gemini
May 20 - June 21

Venus retrograde can start the new year on a financial or relationship backtrack, but if so, it won’t stay that way for long. Mars in Libra propels you through July. For the first half of the year, Jupiter in Cancer increases your resourcefulness. For the second half, Jupiter in Leo increases your opportunity, creativity, social popularity, and success ratio.

Cancer
June 20 - July 22

January calls for a serious personal and professional reassessment, and there’s no time to waste. Giving you a strong kick start, Mercury opposes Jupiter on Thursday and the sun does the same on Sunday. Through July, Jupiter in Cancer keeps desire and need on a major growth curve. March through May brings huge change. Plan for it now, or watch it sweep you away.

Leo
July 22 - August 22

Through the start of March, Venus in Capricorn prompts you to streamline, reduce, and economize, which in turn helps you maximize where it will add up best. Work out a better routine now and look for reward in the second half of the year, when Jupiter advances into Leo. Saturday/Sunday, coast, ease into it. Monday onward, hit it full on.

Virgo
August 22 - September 22

Mercury, the sun, and Venus retrograde help you to start the year on a major bounce-back. Sunday is great for travel, recreation, scouting missions, and heart-to-heart or money talks. Through July, Mars and Jupiter keep you ambitious and on full steam ahead. August onward, Jupiter in Leo increases your financial and romantic prospects, your confidence, and your successes.

Libra
September 22 - October 23

A momentous year lies ahead. Through March, Venus in Capricorn cements the foundation. Through July, Mars in Libra keeps you firing on all cylinders. March through May, Mars in retrograde helps you to create a wider divide between your past and your future. Whether you get up to something or nothing, the weekend can evaporate. Monday, it’s action time.

Scorpio
October 23 - November 22

Time and money are well spent on professional development, education, communication upgrades, a writing project, and a marketing or PR campaign. The year ahead, especially the second half, can produce great gains in the areas of personal and professional reputation, recognition, and status. Mars in Libra keeps potential, creativity, romance, and opportunity on brew. The next week is ideal for a full-throttle fresh start.

Sagittarius
November 22 - December 21

You might be narrowly focused, but call it life as it should be for now. You can do no better than to invest your all in a specific project or goal, and the one or ones you love. Also, aim to get a better handle on your finances. July onward, Jupiter increases reward, success, love, and luck. Sunday to Tuesday, get a move on.

Capricorn
December 21 - January 19

Travel or stay right where you are. You’ll cover a greater distance over the next week and over the next few months. Dive in Sunday through Thursday, but remember that moderation is key. A first step, a single word, a small change, a donation, a little extra effort—it won’t take much to create a significant impact.

Aquarius
January 19 - February 18

Haven’t been able to get yourself there just yet? You will soon enough. Monday’s log-in can be a good start, but you’ll gain better momentum later in the week and later in the month. Venus favours you in March, Mars does you justice through July, and Jupiter bestows benefit for the rest of the year.

Pisces
February 18 - March 20

Saturday/Sunday, the Pisces moon keeps your good flow going strong. By Monday, it’s time to hit it fresh. Both Venus and Mars pave the way for a major lifestyle redirection. This includes a new relationship, family, and/or financial status. Life thrusts into full steam ahead March through June. August onward, Jupiter upgrades health, work, and creative opportunities.