Your special winter solstice 2022 horoscope is here

A new season begins on Dec. 21 for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. On the shortest day of the year, the ego-ruling sun enters disciplined Capricorn, marking the start of winter — and inspiring us to be wiser with our time and energy. If you've been wanting to make progress on one of your passion projects, harness the energy of this cardinal earth sign to devise a winning strategy. You'll be ready to rise to any challenge during this transit. 

However, we could begin to lose focus on Dec. 29, when communication-ruling Mercury stations retrograde in Capricorn. You'll want to give yourself extra time for travel, as delays often increase during this transit. If you're heading out for New Year's Eve, make the necessary preparations to ensure you have a seamless evening: Charge your phone, choose the right footwear and triple-check your communications. We'll be ready to return to our own version of normal when Mercury begins moving direct again on Jan. 18, 2023.  

Our collective strength will increase around Jan. 12, when action-oriented Mars stations direct in adaptable Gemini, ending his own retrograde cycle and allowing us to reclaim some of our energy. But figuring out how to work with this exuberant vibration may be a bit tricky. When we want to do everything, picking a direction can be a challenge. Embrace your flexible and curious sides as you navigate it all.   

Our thirst for knowledge will grow even stronger as the sun moves into intellectual Aquarius on Jan. 20. Aquarius season often compels us to head into the unknown to discover what's possible. Use this uplifting transit to celebrate your unique perspective and consider ways that you could share your message with the world. 

Then, when enigmatic Uranus stations direct in Taurus on Jan. 22, changes could start to come quickly. With Uranus in retrograde over the past five months, a metamorphosis has been brewing within you. As the planet of innovation moves forward again, seize this opportunity to break out of your comfort zone and transform your world. 

On Feb. 18, the sun enters intuitive Pisces, giving us the chance to connect with all things immaterial. This astrological season encourages us to empathize with others, embrace our emotions and expand our imaginations, but it's also easy to get lost in a fantasy world if we're not careful. Stay aware of this to prevent any self-destructive behaviour, and support your spiritual side by connecting with nature, practicing thankfulness and quieting your mind.

Finally, when security-loving Saturn enters nurturing Pisces on March 7, we could feel our global consciousness start to deepen. As the ringed planet moves through this mutable water sign, he inspires us to let go of nihilistic ideas and stand up for what we believe in. Saturn will reside in this compassionate sign until February 2026, so take note of how your worldview changes during this period. It's time to use your intellect to make a meaningful impact on the world around you. 

Here is your special winter solstice horoscope:

Aries

Prepare to bundle up, Aries. When Mars, your ruling planet, ends his retrograde cycle in sociable Gemini on Jan. 12, there will be no tying you down. You're sure to be out socializing and exploring hidden gems around town as the red planet inhabits your third house of communication. 

Then, on Feb. 19 or 20 (depending on your time zone), love-and-beauty-ruling Venus enters your sign, helping to boost your confidence and ignite your fire. If you're single, this could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in which you fearlessly go after your desires. If you're in a relationship, try to relish this transit's playful and direct energy. No matter your status, you'll be sure to be open and honest about being rewarded for your efforts. This conviction could even cross over into the workplace, giving you the chance to increase your earning potential. 

Taurus

Hold your cards close to your chest, Taurus. When Mercury, your financial ruler, stations retrograde in sensible Capricorn on Dec. 29, embracing an attitude of self-protection will take you far. Mistakes are more easily made during this transit, so it's important that you're extra careful with your hard-earned cash throughout. You'll be ready to make informed decisions with your money once Mercury completes his post-retrograde shadow period on Feb. 8.

With Uranus, your career-guiding plane, in retrograde over the past five months, you may have been undergoing a professional transformation. When the planet of innovation begins moving direct in hard-working Taurus on Jan. 22, it's time to show off your potential and make a fabulous impression on your colleagues.

Gemini

How do you handle conflict, Gemini? You may have to navigate a few clunky conversations at home this winter, with messenger Mercury — your ruling planet — moving retrograde through your eighth house of sex, death and debts starting Dec. 29. You may also require a second or third pair of eyes to help you review any documents during this time. While brighter days lie ahead with Mercury turning direct on Jan. 18, you must remain vigilant until Feb. 8, as things could still go haywire until he completes his post-retrograde shadow period. 

Then, when Mercury enters Aquarius in your ninth house of philosophy and long-distance travel on Feb. 11, your focus will shift to greener pastures. Take this chance to plan your dream vacation or research classes that will enrich your intellectual powers and expand your worldview. You may also feel inspired to find new ways to give back to your community. 

Cancer

It's up to you to find your true calling, Cancer. When Mars — your career-ruling planet — stations direct in flexible Gemini on Jan. 12, you could be presented with some unexpected opportunities at work. This transit allows you to explore a myriad of options and may even flip your preconceived notions of what an acceptable occupation is. Focus on following your dreams as you choose which direction to head in.

Then, when romantic Saturn enters intuitive Pisces on March 7, learning to trust yourself in matters of the heart could help bring you comfort. This transit takes place in your ninth house of travel and beliefs, so if you're single, don't hesitate to connect with people from different walks of life if you feel drawn to them. Partnered up? Explore uncharted waters by signing up for a class together or taking an impulse trip if the desire strikes.

Leo

If you're looking for love this winter, you may not have to look far, Leo. When Uranus, your romance ruler, stations direct in your 10th house of public image and career on Jan. 22, you could find yourself drawn to someone you know through work — the planet is unpredictable and loves to stir things up. If you're partnered, this transit could elevate your relationship into power-couple territory. At the very least, you'll become a force to be reckoned with in your social circle. 

You may begin to notice new opportunities on the entrepreneurial horizon as Venus, which oversees your career, enters energetic Aries on Feb. 19 or 20 (depending on your time zone). This transit occurs in your ninth house of higher education and travel, giving you a chance to nurture your professional evolution. Help to direct this energy by homing in on your strongest interests and creating a plan to achieve your loftiest goals. 

Virgo

Variety is the spice of life, Virgo. And when Uranus, which rules over your health and work, stations direct in tenacious Taurus on Jan. 22, you may feel ready to make some big changes to your day-to-day schedule. With this transit lighting up your ninth house of adventure and higher learning, it's an optimal moment to sign up for new classes or invest time in practices that will help you care for your physical well-being. Take a leap of faith to create meaningful change in your everyday life. 

While it's important to remember that you're ultimately responsible for your own happiness, strengthening your connections with others can help to improve your overall outlook. This will be especially true after March 7, when pleasure-ruling Saturn enters your seventh house of relationships and partnerships, encouraging you to create a dedicated social calendar that helps you tend to your friends and loved ones. Now is the time to take the initiative with others. 

Libra

Have you been feeling less than romantic of late, Libra? Prepare for your inner flame to reignite on Jan. 12, when Mars — your love-ruling planet — resumes forward motion in flirtatious Gemini. If you're single, this could inspire you to break back into the dating scene. You'll want to keep track of your calendar, however, as you could accidentally double-book yourself. Partnered Libras will enjoy showering their partners with attention and dreaming up plans for the future. 

You'll be ready to snuggle up at home toward the end of winter, with Saturn — which rules your domestic life — entering generous Pisces on March 7. As the ringed planet moves through your sixth house of health and work, your focus will shift to taking care of your personal responsibilities. Consider how you can change up your schedule to make time for the things that matter most. 

Scorpio

You'll have what it takes to tackle anything that crosses your path this winter, Scorpio. On Jan. 12, your health-and-work-ruling planet, Mars, stations direct in Gemini, helping you summon your strength. It'll come in handy as the red planet cruises through your eighth house of sex, death and debts, calling you to deal with some of life's bigger responsibilities. Try to give them equal focus despite all the distractions you may encounter — and trust your own tenacity. 

Things at home should start running more smoothly after Jan. 22, when Uranus — which governs your domestic world — stations direct in trustworthy Taurus. But as the planet of innovation moves through your seventh house of relationships, big changes in your love life may also be afoot. If you're single, you could form a new connection that offers pleasant surprises. Attached Scorpios, on the other hand, may notice a need to tweak their behaviour to adjust to others' expectations.  

Sagittarius

It may soon be time to revisit your professional aspirations, Sagittarius. When Mercury, your career-ruling planet, stations retrograde in realistic Capricorn on Dec. 29, you might notice that what once brought you joy is now starting to feel tiresome. As this expressive planet moves in reverse through your second house of value and money, take time to reconsider how you make your living. Mercury will station direct on Jan. 18, but it's wise to remain careful with any significant agreements, documents and communications until he completes his post-retrograde shadow period on Feb. 8.

Then, when Saturn — your financial ruler — traverses imaginative Pisces and your fourth house of home and family on March 7, taking care of your surroundings will come to the forefront. It's time to come up with a budget that will allow you to create your ideal living space.

Capricorn

All eyes will be on you this winter, Capricorn. On Dec. 21, the spirit-ruling sun enters your sign, illuminating your first house of self and appearances. People may be drawn to you and seek out your guidance during this time, so enjoy all the attention and lend your advice to anyone who needs it. Just remember to take time to recharge your emotional batteries occasionally so you don't risk burning out.

Meanwhile, if it feels like your personal responsibilities have been piling up, some relief may be headed your way on Jan. 12. As Mars, your home-and-family-ruling planet, stations direct in lively Gemini, you'll be granted a second wind to help you conquer your to-do list. If you've wanting to improve your space, the beginning of this transit may even provide you with a plethora of ideas, but be sure to sharpen your focus before you break ground on any new projects.

Aquarius

You're sure to capture the hearts and minds of everyone you meet this winter, Aquarius. The spirit-driving sun enters your sign on Jan. 20, shining a light on your house of first impressions and the self. This transit's influence can embolden you to share your ideas with the world and gain traction in your passion projects. Make time to connect with likeminded people during this period, so you can work together to realize your dreams. 

Meanwhile, have you been wondering if your space could use a punch of personality? You'll be ready to alter your surroundings to better suit your taste when Uranus stations direct in methodical Taurus on Jan. 22. While you may need to improvise, and practice a little trial and error, you have the potential to pull off a few significant design changes as your ruling planet moves through your fourth house of home and family. 

Pisces

Finding your way financially may be tricky this winter, Pisces. When Mars, your money ruler, stations direct in Gemini on Jan. 12, you could feel pulled in multiple directions when it comes to your cash. As the red planet traverses through this spontaneous sign, it's important that you focus on building a sense of self-reliance. Accepting yourself for who you truly are will help bolster your inner confidence so that you can stand on your own two feet when making financial decisions in the future.

Step into the light and celebrate yourself when the sun enters your sign on Feb. 18, brightening your first house of appearances and the self. As your charismatic spirit draws people in, those who have underestimated you in the past could have a change of heart and come to recognize your many talents. 

Bryanna Collier is an astrology and fashion writer. Her work focuses on astrology, personal style, and how the two intersect. Follow her work at The Star Crossed.