Your special winter solstice 2024 horoscope is here

Brighter days are coming. Remember that as we greet the winter solstice — and the longest night of the year for those in the Northern Hemisphere — on Dec. 21. To make it through the colder months ahead, we must come together and seek out the light within each other. Luckily, the spirit-driving sun will enter determined Capricorn on this day as well, charging us up with a renewed sense of ambition. Capricorn season makes it easier for us to think positively as we summon the motivation needed to go after our goals — and achieve them quickly. Just be sure to still keep an eye on your everyday responsibilities as you shoot for the stars. 

The final new moon of 2024 will arrive on Dec. 30 in hardworking Capricorn, urging us to really solidify our plans for the year ahead. We tend to become more focused and thoughtful under this lunation, allowing us to make resolutions that feel truly authentic to who we are. So if you've been mulling over your next big creative move, don't miss this chance to put pen to paper and begin mapping out your next passion project. 

Mars — the planet of action, vitality and strength — has been travelling in reverse through fiery Leo since early December, but on Jan. 6, he'll make his way into cautious Cancer, which could dampen our power. Over the next seven weeks of this transit, you'll be called to manage your energy wisely and focus on tending to your own needs before other people's. Avoid over-complicating your schedule during this period and tap into your strategic mind to simplify your routines. You'll be ready to start broadening your scope again come Feb. 23, when Mars stations direct. 

You might feel more comfortable letting your talents — and eccentricities — shine when the purpose-revealing sun illuminates independent Aquarius, starting on Jan. 19. As the sun spends time in the fixed air sign, he encourages us to think analytically about things but also nurture our most out-of-the-box ideas. Build your self-confidence by following your instincts and exploring whatever intrigues you. This is a brilliant moment to free yourself from restrictions and march to the beat of your own drum.

On Jan. 30, rebellious Uranus will station direct in stable Taurus, ending his five-month retrograde cycle and helping us enact change on both an individual and collective level. In particular, this transit may inspire a shift in how we relate to value and our material possessions. Use this period to really evaluate your needs and get serious about strengthening your foundations.  

Then, when abundant Jupiter stations direct in engaging Gemini on Feb. 4, it might feel as though the dark cloud above your head is finally starting to dissolve. As the planet of luck travels forward through the mutable air sign, a sense of lightness and joy could take over, putting us in an ideal position to explore our creative inklings. Enjoy experimenting with new methods, ideas and routines from now through the next nine months of this transit. Just watch that your focus doesn't become too scattered, otherwise you might find that you're unable to finish the projects that you start.

Tending to your inner world could become a higher priority when the ego-ruling sun enters sensitive Pisces on Feb. 18. Under this influence, we often feel more emotional and reflective than usual, and prefer to process things in private. Listen to whatever comes up for you in these moments — your feelings will be rich with information that can help you to make smarter decisions moving forward. Go ahead and indulge your fantasies, too, as it could help you make room for new dreams to thrive.

Finally, our perfectionist tendencies are sure to shine extra bright under the light of 2025's first lunar eclipse on March 13/14 (depending on your time zone). This powerful lunation in exacting Virgo could also serve as a wake-up call, inspiring us to press pause and restrategize our approach to work. Seize this moment to think critically about any bad habits or time-wasters that have been holding you back as of late. Expanding your self-awareness will help light your path forward. 

Here is your special horoscope for winter 2024/25.

Aries

Are you feeling inspired to switch things up at home, Aries? You'll be wise not to rush into anything this winter, especially as Mars — your ruling planet — begins travelling backward through your fourth house of private life and family on Jan. 6. This will not be an ideal time to make any impulse purchases or decisions regarding your space. Instead, use this transit as an opportunity to really slow down and evaluate what you'd like to alter in your domestic sphere. You'll be in a prime position to put your plans into action once Mars stations direct in February.  

Meanwhile, you may feel compelled to get more involved with your local community as adventurous Jupiter stations direct in your third house of communication and neighbours on Feb. 4. Have fun striking up conversations and exchanging knowledge with the people around you. Who knows? Rubbing elbows could help open new doors that'll expand your world. 

Taurus

You're known for having a warm, calm presence, Taurus. But you may have to work harder to channel those qualities when Mars — your spirit-ruler — starts moving in reverse through your third house of communication and neighbours on Jan. 6. If this confusing influence makes you feel a bit scatterbrained, remember that you can only control what you do. Keeping track of your responsibilities and exercising compassion for others will help you emerge from this transit unscathed.

On the work front, you likely won't need to raise your voice in order to be heard this winter. In fact, starting on Jan. 30 — when your career-ruling planet, Uranus, stations direct in your first house of appearances and the self — you could find you're able to command the attention of your colleagues with confidence. You might even find that this energy inspires you to stray from your go-to style and try on a new professional aesthetic. Enjoy taking chances and turning heads. 

Gemini

Are you ready to imagine fresh possibilities for yourself, Gemini? You could get the push you've been waiting for when the moon — which oversees your finances — begins a new cycle in your ninth house of travel and knowledge on Jan. 29. This lunation will create the ideal conditions for you to dream up — and make key decisions about — your next trip or educational pursuit. Don't miss this exciting chance to enrich your life with unforgettable new experiences.

Then, when Jupiter — your love-ruler — stations direct in your first house of appearances and the self on Feb. 4, you'll be blessed with an effervescent glow that's sure to capture the eye of just about anyone in your path. Single Geminis may find themselves attracting potential partners who feed off of their optimistic energy. Not interested in romance? Take advantage of this moment to pour yourself into your passion projects and find fresh ways to nurture your creativity. 

Cancer

Are you prepared to exercise more patience at work, Cancer? Once Mars — your career-ruler — begins travelling backward through your first house of appearances and the self on Jan. 6, it may feel harder to get your ideas off the ground and like your usual formula for success isn't quite working, but you'll be wise not to take this to heart. Instead, focus on finding a physical outlet for your nervous energy and do your best to accept the things you can't control.

Then, you could find yourself in the mood to start banishing any insecurities or fears that have been weighing you down starting on Feb. 4, when your routine-ruling planet, Jupiter, stations direct in your 12th house of secrets and dreams. This transit can help open your eyes to the beauty and blessings that surround you; use this period to practise gratitude for the things you already possess and pour yourself into self-care practices that'll nurture your personal growth. 

Leo

Prepare to get organized, Leo. Starting on Dec. 21, your ruling sun will begin making his way through your sixth house of health and routines, which may motivate you to get a headstart on your new year's resolutions. In particular, this transit could encourage you to build habits that support your well-being and help you maintain your momentum moving forward. Take note of how even the smallest changes to your schedule can improve your mood in a big way. 

Then, when your passion-ruling planet — Uranus — stations direct in your 10th house of career and influence on Jan. 30, you may feel compelled to take some serious professional swings. This transit will be a perfect opportunity for you to start a new business venture, push for a promotion and chase your most unique ideas. Just remember: while nonconformity looks good on you, you'll still need to maintain your composure in order to get what you want. 

Virgo

Does it feel as though your voice is starting to get drowned out, Virgo? When fiery Mars begins travelling in reverse through your 11th house of groups and goals on Jan. 6, you may find that you have a harder time seeing eye-to-eye with your nearest and dearest, and feel tempted to fade even further into the background. If so, don't be afraid to take some quiet time to recalibrate and consider things from their perspective. You'll be ready to reconnect again when Mars stations direct toward the end of February. 

Meanwhile, as Uranus — your routine-ruling planet — stations direct in your ninth house of travel and education on Jan. 30, you could feel called to let go of certain rigid beliefs and make space in your brain for new ways of thinking to grow. Have fun experimenting with different philosophies and practices, and let yourself be changed for the better. 

Libra

Keeping your cool will be your secret weapon at work this winter, Libra. This could prove especially true once your relationship-ruling planet, Mars, begins travelling backward through your 10th house of career and influence on Jan. 6. All eyes will be on you during this period, and people will remember how you reacted when faced with challenges. So do your best to lead with grace, strength and wisdom, and you could end up making a lasting impression. 

Then, you may find yourself yearning for more intellectual stimulation when Jupiter — your communication-driver — stations direct in your ninth house of travel and education on Feb. 4. This transit could put you in the mood to entertain travel opportunities, accept invitations and pursue experiences that'll open your eyes to new worlds. Prefer to stick closer to home? Remember that you can still gain a wealth of knowledge by cosying up with a good book. 

Scorpio

There's no need to force progress on your creative projects this winter, Scorpio. In fact, when Mars — your routine-ruling planet — begins travelling backward through your ninth house of education and beliefs on Jan. 6, you'll be invited to really slow things down. Have fun tinkering away and allowing yourself to get lost in the finer details during this transit; you may even find that focusing on smaller-scale issues allows you to bring a sense of order to the chaos. 

Then, when Uranus — which oversees your domestic realm — stations direct in your seventh house of relationships on Jan. 30, things could start to heat up at home. If you're in a relationship, this energy might inspire you to open up a conversation with your partner about implementing changes that feel long-overdue. Single? Consider embracing your vulnerability by inviting someone special to hang out and see your space.

Sagittarius

Are you ready to hunker down this winter, Sagittarius? You may notice your domestic urges start to intensify as your routine-ruler, Venus, sashays into your fourth house of private life and home on Jan. 3. This will be an excellent moment to focus on decluttering or reworking the flow of your home. You may even find that dreaming up fresh possibilities for your surroundings inspires you to host a get-together where you can show off all the progress you've made. 

Still, you'll be wise to keep an eye on your schedule, as your popularity could begin to skyrocket once Jupiter — your ruling planet — stations direct in your seventh house of relationships on Feb. 4. This transit can also help set the stage for a fruitful creative or business collaboration. Just make sure that you evaluate your chemistry as well as your shared goals before jumping into any long-term partnerships. 

Capricorn

Are you ready to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight, Capricorn? As the purpose-defining sun lights up your first house of appearances and the self on Dec. 21, your astrological season will kick off with a bang. People will likely be paying extra attention to everything you say, do and wear over these next few weeks; don't hesitate to use this transit to celebrate what makes you unique and evolve into the next version of yourself. 

On the home front, you'll be wise to tread carefully when navigating certain power dynamics, especially as Mars — your domestic-ruling planet — begins travelling backward through your seventh house of relationships on Jan. 6. If family conflict happens to crop up under this influence, do your best to employ compassion as you sort things out. Speaking from the heart — while still taking a little space for yourself — can help you get back on the same page. 

Aquarius

Don't be afraid to tap into your individuality this winter, Aquarius. You may notice that people are particularly drawn to your unique sparkle as your romance-ruling sun illuminates your first house of appearances and the self on Jan. 19. With all eyes on you, it'll be a wonderful time to follow your instincts and speak out about the matters closest to your heart; let your singular perspective and love for humanity lead the way.

Then, when Uranus — your ruling planet — stations direct in your fourth house of private life and home on Jan. 30, you may feel a sense of urgency to reshape your domestic sphere to suit your current tastes. If you've been considering a larger renovation or even a move, this could also be an ideal moment to take action. Your reflexes will sharpen under this influence, allowing you to easily navigate any challenge that crosses your path.

Pisces

Feeling inspired to throw yourself into a new hobby or passion project this winter, Pisces? If so, you'll be wise to set a budget you can stick to, otherwise you could end up in a sticky situation when Mars — your financial-ruling planet — stations retrograde in your fifth house of pleasure and creativity on Jan. 6. To properly indulge all your various interests during this period, you may even need to come up with innovative ways of stretching your dollar. Just remember that this is all for fun and try not to let yourself get carried away in either direction. 

Then, when your routine-ruling sun enters your first house of appearances on Feb. 18, you'll be in the mood to share your dreamy outlook with the world — and people will be equally eager to soak up every word. Enjoy dazzling everyone you meet with your offbeat sense of humour and take all the compliments you can get during your astrological season.