The darkest day of the year arrives on Dec. 21, marking the beginning of winter for those in the Northern Hemisphere. At the same time, our ego-ruling sun will enter ambitious Capricorn, putting us in the mood to start planning for the year ahead. When the sun moves through this cardinal earth sign, we're often driven by a desire for consistency. Use this moment to meditate on how you'll handle the dark months to come and make the smartest use of your time.

You'll be filled with high hopes for a brighter future as bountiful Jupiter stations direct in reliable Taurus on Dec. 30. When the planet of luck, knowledge and abundance moves forward in this fixed earth sign, he also calls us to live in the present and practise gratitude for the things we already possess. This is a wonderful opportunity to share what we have with the people around us.

Then, take a second to clear your head and sharpen your critical thinking skills as Mercury stations direct in intelligent Sagittarius on Jan. 1, 2024. This shift will empower us to step into the new year with a more productive mindset, helping us correct past mistakes and resist cyclical behaviours. Still, try not to push yourself too hard, as mix-ups can still happen until the communication-ruler concludes his shadow retrograde period on Jan. 20.

Starting Jan. 4, when energetic Mars speeds into hard-working Capricorn, our stamina could receive a much-needed boost. We're also known to become extra-focused under this influence, which allows us to make quick progress on our passion projects and realize our dreams. Just be sure that you don't let your newfound drive get in the way of your compassion for others during this period.

We'll be called to reframe our perspective when the spirit-driving sun illuminates independent Aquarius on Jan. 20. During this astrological month, we could feel compelled to express our individuality and seek out new ways of doing things. We may also find ourselves able to understand the needs of others more easily; consider how you can use your personal resources to support the greater good.

Also on Jan. 20, transformative Pluto will leave materialistic Capricorn and make his way into forward-thinking Aquarius. As he does, the planet of power, death and rebirth will encourage us to rethink how we connect with our friends, communities and to humanity as a whole. This transit could also signal that we're on the precipice of a significant shift in how we function as a society. The last time that Pluto moved through Aquarius was from 1778 to 1798, a period that saw both the French and American revolutions. If you get a chance to peek behind the curtain, don't turn away from the truth.

You'll have the chance to start making some meaningful changes once unpredictable Uranus stations direct in determined Taurus on Jan. 27. As the planet of rebellion and innovation moves forward, he urges us to adjust how we approach our resources in particular. This means we may have to make some uncomfortable yet necessary alterations to how we approach our money and possessions, but we're sure to come out on the other side stronger — and with a more sustainable outlook.

Finally, don't forget to practise softness as the sun enters compassionate Pisces on Feb. 18/19 (depending on your time zone). You can support your spirit by engaging in self-reflection, daydreaming and artistic pursuits without guilt throughout this period. Just try to avoid trudging too far into the depths of your inner psyche; aim to love yourself as you would others and look for beauty in your surroundings.

Are you ready to turn up the heat at work this winter, Aries? Starting Dec. 21, when your creativity-ruling sun enters your 10th house of career and influence, you could feel emboldened to make some serious waves. Use your imagination to dream up some ambitious goals and map out how you plan to accomplish them in the new year. This is also a beautiful time to rub shoulders with people who can help you get what you want.

Then, when your ruling planet, Mars, also enters your 10th house on Jan. 4, you could receive an extra boost of confidence that helps you to take full advantage of the exciting professional opportunities that lie ahead. Whether you're gearing up for a promotion or looking to start a new entrepreneurial venture, you'll find you're able to summon all the tenacity and drive needed to reach the milestones you set.

It's OK to move slowly when it comes to your finances, Taurus. In fact, this could prove particularly necessary as Mercury, your money-ruling planet, begins travelling through your eighth house of sex, death and other people's money on Jan. 1. With the speedy planet still in his retrograde shadow period until Jan. 20, you'll need to be careful when it comes to decisions around investments, inheritance, debts and mortgages. Use your intuition and do your research before signing any contracts or making any large purchases.

Then, prepare to start making a splash in your professional world once Uranus — your career-ruling planet — stations direct in your first house of appearances and the self on Jan. 27. If it feels like you've been hitting a brick wall with your efforts at work lately, this transit could empower you to tap into your hidden potential and chase long-held desires. Follow your instincts and let your enthusiasm take the lead.

Have you felt tempted to retreat from the world lately, Gemini? This winter, go ahead and take some extra time alone to process your emotions, particularly as your love-ruling planet — Jupiter — stations direct in your 12th house of dreams and secrets on Dec. 30. This transit could offer you a vital opportunity to break damaging relationship patterns. While taking responsibility for your actions may be difficult at first, doing so will ultimately help you heal and grow your heart.

Then, you may have the urge to shake up your day-to-day routines as Pluto, your health-and-work-ruling planet, moves through your ninth house of travel and education beginning on Jan. 20. Your clever mind could crave stimulation more than ever during this period. Seize this chance to explore uncharted territory and experiment with new ways of doing things.

Two heads are often better than one, Cancer. You'll be wise to remember that when the sun — which governs your relationship to money — illuminates your seventh house of partnerships and marriage starting Dec. 21. Teaming up with friends, loved ones and colleagues could prove especially lucrative during this period. Still, it's important that you don't let your voice be stifled in the process. Prepare to stand up for what you believe in as you chart your path forward together.

Then, when Pluto — your creativity- and entertainment-ruling planet — enters your eighth house of death and transformation on Jan. 20, you could feel inspired to immerse yourself in a surprising new interest or hobby. Perhaps you'll find yourself fascinated with puzzles, astrology or antiques. Anything that centres around uncovering hidden knowledge is sure to pique your interest — have fun playing detective.

Are you ready to get a jump-start on your New Year's resolutions, Leo? Starting Dec. 21, as your ruling sun illuminates your sixth house of health, work and habits, you could find it easier to identify what has and hasn't been working lately with regard to your daily routines. Use this burst of clarity to determine what you want your schedule to look like in the coming months.

Then, as Uranus — your passion-ruling planet — begins travelling through your 10th house of influence and public life on Jan. 27, your confidence could start drawing people in even more than usual. If you're single, you may end up attracting someone who's previously admired you from afar. But no matter your relationship status, you're sure to have fun hitting up all sorts of parties and events throughout this period. This is a fantastic moment to capitalize on the fresh opportunities that networking can provide.

A simple change in perspective has the power to change your whole life, Virgo. Be sure to keep that in mind as Jupiter, your domestic-ruling planet, stations direct in your ninth house of travel and education on Dec. 30. If you've been thinking about making a move, this could be an excellent time to check out new living spaces or even consider embarking on an adventure abroad. If you're happy where you are, try finding ways to quench your thirst for knowledge from the comfort of home, like taking an online class.

You could feel even more empowered to spread your wings and soar off in a new direction when your health- and work-ruler — Uranus — also stations direct in your ninth house on Jan. 27. Seize this moment to embrace spontaneity and accept invitations to explore the world around you. Opportunities could come quickly, so be ready to act.

You have an innate ability to soothe wounded egos and smooth ruffled feathers, Libra. But your talent for charming just about anyone could reach new heights once Venus, your ruling planet, makes her way into your third house of communication and neighbours on Dec. 29. Harness this energy to build up the people around you and spark engaging conversations within your social circle.

Then, your perception of value could start to shift tremendously when Pluto — your money-minded planet — enters your fifth house of pleasure and creativity on Jan. 20. Throughout this nine-month transit, you may feel less tied to material possessions and more eager to focus on fostering joy through experiences. Have fun experimenting with new hobbies and filling your world with wonder.

Break out of your comfort zone this winter, Scorpio. As your career-ruling sun enters your third house of communication and neighbours on Dec. 21, speaking your mind could help usher some exciting new jobs, projects and collaborations into your professional world, so you'll be wise not to clam up during this period. Now is also a smart time to entertain small talk — it may help you gather inspiration for your next big idea.

Then, when Uranus — your domestic-ruler — stations direct in your seventh house of relationships on Jan. 27, you could feel empowered to make some positive adjustments to your closest connections or foster new bonds with people who celebrate your individuality. Avoid burning bridges unnecessarily, but prepare to step away from those who might hold you back from evolving into your best self.

Are you ready to settle in and get cosy, Sagittarius? When Venus, your domestic-ruling planet, makes her way into your first house of appearances and the self on Dec. 29, you'll have a beautiful opportunity to ground yourself in your space — or perhaps a new one. But while it could be tempting to splurge on new items for your home or do a big design overhaul, it's important that you do a little price-shopping before you commit to anything.

Meanwhile, you could find yourself in the mood to start establishing helpful new habits as Jupiter — your ruling planet — stations direct in your sixth house of work and routines beginning on Dec. 30. Take advantage of this energy to set powerful intentions for the new year. If you can stay accountable to your goals, you may even be able to transform one of your hobbies into a lucrative side hustle or career.

All eyes are on you this winter, Capricorn. And the holiday season will only add to your sparkle, especially as the sun illuminates your first house of appearances and the self on Dec. 21. You'll be bursting with charm and eager to enjoy the spotlight, making it an ideal time to voice your ideas and plant seeds of inspiration in the people around you. Just be sure to take a break from strategizing every once in a while to connect with your favourite people and treat yourself to little luxuries — you've earned it.

Then, you may want to prepare yourself for the unexpected — and budget accordingly — after your wealth-ruling planet, Uranus, stations direct in your fifth house of creativity and pleasure on Jan. 27. During this period, exciting events and classes could pop up that you absolutely won't want to miss. Get ready to go with your gut and exercise untapped parts of your brain.

Is it time to recharge your emotional batteries, Aquarius? As the sun — which oversees your love life — illuminates your 12th house of secrets and dreams on Dec. 21, you could feel the urge to retreat from the crowds to reflect on the events of the past year and how they've affected your heart. Whether you're single or attached, feel free to press pause on meeting new people until you're truly in the mood to socialize. You should be ready to come out of your shell after the excitement of the holiday season has passed.

Then, you could be blessed with a cosmic power-up when your career-ruling planet — Pluto — enters your first house of the self on Jan. 20. This nine-month transit may even function as a sort of preview into the next 20 years of your professional life. Pay attention to how you interact with people at work during this time and prepare to let go of things you can't control. Contemplating themes of power, transformation and rebirth will help you curate the career you desire.

Friends can make practically anything fun, Pisces. You could get a first-hand reminder of this when your routine-ruling sun enters your 11th house of friendships and goals on Dec. 21. This will be a beautiful time to invite your favourite people to join you in your pursuit of health and happiness. Enjoy spicing up each other's days with walks, workouts and other enriching activities. Teamwork will also be favoured under transit, making it easier for you to see eye-to-eye with just about anyone.

Then, when Mercury — your domestic-ruling planet — stations direct in your 10th house of career and public life on Jan. 1, you could feel called to make adjustments to your schedule to better prioritize your professional ambitions. While you often prefer to focus on others, this is the moment to redirect some energy toward achieving your vision. People will be especially ready to listen to your ideas after the messenger planet concludes his shadow period on Jan. 20. Save your most important conversations for then.