Is time accelerating, or is this only a perception? Either way, expect the coming year to speed by as fast as last year did. Twenty-thirteen delivers the third year of the critical Uranus square Pluto cycle. Occurring once every 35 to 40 years, this sharp-corner transit revolutionizes reality from the ground up. That which is no longer effective falls under the wrecking ball, while at the same time that which has come to its ripe moment will burst onto the scene with great vitality.

So far, Jupiter’s one-year tour of Gemini has wiped out hockey. Who knows what will happen with the game once the planet’s four-month retrograde cycle finishes on January 30, but look to February’s start for a vibrant make-it-happen time. The window is small due to Mercury retrograde—February 23 to March 17—but if you miss that opportunity, don’t fret. Mid March through August delivers the optimum get-it-rolling time.

Twenty-thirteen takes us through our first full year of Saturn in Scorpio’s power play. This is a limiting, recessionary, and tough-measures influence. It is also one of astute strategies, resourcefulness, and ambition meeting with accomplishment. Although it’s usually a harsh-squeeze transit, Saturn’s work is eased for most of the year by Neptune and Chiron in Pisces, and Jupiter in Cancer. Tackle it in the spring, and by summer you should feel well situated.

Aries
March 19 - April 19

Profession, finances, and intimate relationships are slated for significant developments and/or major turnarounds in 2013. You’ll continue on the acceleration program begun when Uranus/Pluto first joined forces in 2011, but now you’ll see more tangible results and rewards. Saturn in Scorpio, an empowerment and restoration influence, now taps from where it does you the most good. The year delivers your time-is-ripe moment.

Taurus
April 19 - May 20

Pluto/Uranus continues to prompt a major personal, social, and educational breakthrough. In 2013, Saturn in Scorpio will force you to end relationships, circumstances, and ways of being that no longer serve. At the same time, what’s worthy and appropriate can progress quite naturally. Stay ambitious, make a total commitment, and apply the effort, and the work will be quickly replaced with reward.

Gemini
May 20 - June 20

Venus and Mars keep vitality, creativity, hopefulness, and plans fresh. Even so, more effort is needed, especially Sunday/Monday. Venus in Capricorn, starting late Tuesday, increases your determination. By the month’s end, Jupiter and Ceres in Gemini hit full-steam ahead. Until then, talk, develop, consider, and refine. Mid January to mid February, mid March to mid April, and June are your best launch-it times.

Cancer
June 20 - July 22

Personally, professionally, and relationship-wise, Pluto in Capricorn continues to demonstrate how much you’ve outgrown and compels you to step into a whole new reality. Saturn in Scorpio thrusts you into a power-play year. The first half keeps you busy implementing the transition. Mid year settles you into your new groove. June, July, and August piece it together for you very nicely.

Leo
July 22 - August 22

Regarding work, weight loss, health, and other improvement mandates, Pluto makes you well aware of your shortfalls. To your great advantage, Uranus keeps desire, will, and opportunity going strong. Saturn in Scorpio is usually tough on your sign, but in 2013 it offers your best support. There’s work to do and time to put in, but by mid year you’ll have gained good ground.

Virgo
August 22 - September 22

January is a fresh-start month and 2013 a fresh-start year. While Mercury in Capricorn puts your attitude and ambition in the right place, give yourself a few weeks to acclimate to a new job, semester, routine, or lifestyle. Through June, Jupiter in Gemini keeps you busy with one thing after another. By July, you should feel nicely situated.

Libra
September 22 - October 22

For the past few years, the stars have conspired to break you out of the crystallized family and relationship patterns that have kept dredging up the past. Pluto and Uranus conspire to speed up the liberation process. Through June, life and opportunity are well mobilized. Travel, relocation, education, and marketing are favoured. By July, it’ll be time to drop anchor.

Scorpio
October 22 - November 21

Twenty-thirteen delivers the first full year of Saturn in Scorpio. Continuing through 2015, Saturn in your sign is not usually an easy transit, but it is one that offers ample reward when you get onboard with the task it sets before you. In July and August, Saturn optimizes a time-is-ripe plateau and rewards you for that which has already been set into play.

Sagittarius
November 21 - December 21

Venus in Sagittarius finds you fresh and ready for a new chapter. Never a dull moment, Mars in Aquarius boosts you with ideas and plans too. By the end of January, relationships, sales, marketing projects, and social opportunities hit a fuller stride. The first two weeks of February and mid March through June are optimal for exploring, expanding, creating, and initiating.

Capricorn
December 21 - January 20

You still have more working it out, finishing off, and rebuilding to do, but Saturn helps you to stay the course and make good progress. Now and for the next several years, Uranus in Aries accelerates your personal and lifestyle reinvention program. By the time July arrives, you should find you’re right where you want to be.

Aquarius
January 20 - February 18

Past Monday midday, Mars in Aquarius will pick up energy and speed. You may be on full throttle, but the world won’t quite be there until the start of February, when both Jupiter and Ceres in Gemini end their retrograde cycles. January through June is your optimum be-seen, be-heard, team-up, or jump-start-it time.

Pisces
February 18 - March 19

January keeps you busy with family or personal sorting out. Watch for the start of February to put life on a fuller and faster swing. February 23 to March 17, Mercury retrograde hits refresh or revisit. A new address is optimal from May onward. By June, life, love, and career should be on a smooth sail.