Your horoscope for the week ahead: A powerful full moon in Cancer will bring a flood of emotions

A powerful full moon in Cancer starts the week off on Monday. Cancer is a caring and nurturing zodiac sign that prioritizes family. However, it is opposed by the repressive energy of Pluto. This will create a tense and possibly confrontational atmosphere. If you're a parent, you may feel extra protective of your children at this time. Take a few deep breaths and try to stay calm if you feel the impulse to get angry. The influence of the full moon lasts several days, magnifying all celestial dynamics during this time. 

The unpredictable energy of Uranus will be extremely potent as its retrograde cycle comes to an end on Tuesday. Uranus will also be engaged in a square alignment to retrograde Mercury for several days, so watch out for glitches to travel plans, transportation and technology. It's a rocky start to the week, but keep in mind that dynamic Uranus alignments can produce flashes of good luck. It's absolutely crucial to manage your mood, as Uranus could bring you some major opportunities. 

On Wednesday, the sun enters the fixed sign of sociable Aquarius, ruled by Uranus and Saturn. Aquarius takes us into the heart of winter. The good news is that the days are now getting longer. The growing light will be noticeable. 

Mercury's orbit takes it between the sun and Earth on Sunday, creating what is called an inferior conjunction. His light will combust in the sun and be reborn as a morning star. Make a list of your hopes, dreams and aspirations. The Master of Strategy will load them up in his merchant ship and find ways of turning them into reality. 

Here is your horoscope for the week of Monday, January 17, 2022.

Aries

You need the right tool for the job at hand. You don't need a pneumatic drill to crack a walnut, nor a rocket engine to drive a bicycle. What you are dealing with is essentially a simple matter, but a volatile emotional undercurrent is magnifying it to gigantic proportions. Be careful not to pursue a plan of action that is way over the top. Sit back for a moment and do your best to view the situation objectively. There is a solution that is perfectly adequate — and easily doable. 

Taurus

It's been quite some time since you felt as though you had any astrological advantage, so it should cheer you up to know that things are looking much better now. You are entering a cycle that will put you in the winning column. A constructive set of changes will bring an increased amount of joy into your life. All hours of the day will no longer be consumed with facing problems and difficulties, leaving you more free time to pursue what fulfils you.  

Gemini

There are things you want to do, even yearn to do, but cannot. Strangely, opportunities are appearing in areas that you have no desire to enter. It feels as though an invisible hand is pushing you in a direction you do not wish to go. This may seem rather disappointing, but you could be missing something. Perhaps there is a hidden treasure waiting for you on the other side of the wall, which is why the muses are so determined to push you down this pathway. 

Cancer

Do you feel as though there is an inner force working against you that is beginning to manifest itself in your outer world? This may be true, but you will succeed in getting rid of it. And who knows where this force actually resides? This week, you will receive penetrating insight into a challenging negative energy fed by an overly self-critical mind. The good news is that the tide has begun shifting to your advantage. You will feel more powerful and in control of events that befall you. Help is coming, both spiritually and materially. 

Leo

Your wishes to the universe have been heard, but they appear to be in the category of miracles. This explains why it's taking so long to fill your order. Try not to lose patience — or still worse — hope. Your requests are being processed, and word has it that some are reasonable and actually quite achievable. Though they do require some extra time, you'll be very pleased with the results when they come. 

Virgo

Waking up from a nightmare can leave us with a disquieting feeling. The really bad ones can even leave us feeling ensnared in a horrible trap. Are you prone to nightmares? The good news is that they often warn us of impending difficulties, giving us time to prepare. Astrological indications suggest that things are on the up and up. Your worries will subside as a benevolent source takes you by the hand and guides you. Your future is looking positively rosy. You have nothing to worry about. 

Libra

If we find ourselves pleading for small blessings from the universe, we shouldn't be demanding about it. The universe doesn't take kindly to calls for help, especially if they are tainted by fear. This week, remember that even if you don't have much by way of money, you are rich in other ways. Dwell on that thought as much as you can. Determination is the key to just about everything right now. You have an abundance of good things that you can enjoy. What's more, they will multiply if you dwell on them. 

Scorpio

There is a growing drama threatening to pull the rug out from under your feet. It seems to be intensifying, but there is a way of managing it. A big change is required now in your life. Your sense of adventure is crying out, and you know the status quo cannot continue. Try not to interfere. Let events unfold naturally and unimpeded. You may feel a bit wary of the direction they are going, but just let it happen. Everything will resolve itself quite naturally as long as you stop stressing yourself more than necessary. 

Sagittarius

Success can be achieved this week. Whether it is obvious or not, the road that you are on will lead you there. It may appear to be winding around in endless circles, but this just so happens to be the quickest route. You may feel like someone is hoodwinking you with their advice and directions, but that is impossible. You're just too smart and streetwise. So carry on as you are and you will find what you are looking for. 

Capricorn

So much has confused you lately, it's as if you are blindfolded. The rules keep changing, and what you know one moment becomes irrelevant the next. One thing is clear, though: you need to step forward with confidence and devotion to your cause. Doing so will help you reach that picture-perfect destination. Clarity will come despite all the mixed signals. Be proud of what you are doing, and stick to the tried and tested. 

Aquarius

A certain long, drawn-out drama seems to be happily coming to an end. But how can you be so sure? You may think that it's too early to celebrate. This has gone on for so long that it has come to feel like the permanent state of affairs. You might even feel a sense of loss without it. If you're feeling threatened by all the change, trust that there is nothing to worry about. You've learned a lot. You're ready to graduate. There is only one thing left to do now: really digest what you've come to understand. 

Pisces

It's a fact of life that many of us have a proclivity for finding faults in others that are actually most rampant in our own personalities. Unfortunately, someone you are dealing with does not have the wisdom to comprehend this truth. It appears that the wiser we get, the lonelier we become. It will require a bit of adjustment, but eventually a joyous recognition will happen. You'll feel wonderfully thankful for what you have learned as you reach that blissful state of happiness. The pain that you have been through will all be worth it.