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See what 2023 has in store for you with our yearly horoscope by our astrologer, De Rui

A sleeping tiger awakens as the new year begins with Mars and Mercury waking up from their retrograde slumbers in mid-January, ready to make up for lost time. Action and communication will operate in a more direct and impactful manner now than in the past few months, making it easier to log concrete progress on goals.

A major shift in world dynamics begins to make itself known from mid-March onwards. Saturn enters Pisces, its first big move since 2020. Also, from March to June, Pluto briefly dips into Aquarius, its first change of sign since 2008.

Saturn’s new position could underscore the final phase-out of global pandemic controls on our (anti-)social behaviors. In their place, we may encounter stricter demands on our spiritual wisdom, deference, and actions in service of higher truths.

Pluto’s broader and deeper shift as well is likely to mark a much-needed break away from the collective adulation of worldly success, money, and status, in favor of honoring more humanitarian, selfless purposes. The joint impact of Saturn’s and Pluto’s moves may be to elevate the humble and to deflate overblown, out-of-touch egos everywhere.

On the individual scale, a significant pick-up in vitality and energy permeates March and April, as both months play host to New Moons in the fiery sign of Aries. This presents an extended opportunity to explore what makes us feel real and alive.

In fact, the coming spring is a preview of cosmic themes soon to reign in the second half of 2023 and in 2024. Tuning into bodily impulses and natural instincts could be wise heading into July. The biggest celestial event of the year unfolds on July 18, when the intersection points between the Moon’s path around the Earth and the Sun’s path change signs, a cosmic event occurring every 18 months.

Between January 2022 and July 2023, the Universe brought forth lessons about self-sufficiency and internal resilience (Taurus) when we would otherwise have preferred to rely or depend on others (Scorpio). These conflicting urges may have occurred on a personal level and have undoubtedly unfolded on the geopolitical stage, between major economies, amid war and general animosity.

We may have a few more lessons to learn yet about what security and resilience really mean as a New Moon will be illuminated in Taurus in May, just as Jupiter moves into the same sign. These lessons could potentially come in the form of surprises or disruptions to physical security, the environment, or financial markets.

Over the next cycle from July 2023 to January 2025, the benefits of being authentic, assertive and, if need be, going our own way (Aries) when we would prefer to be conciliatory and avoid confrontation (Libra) are likely to play out, likely both in the micro and the macro arenas of our lives. Harmony and cooperation are wonderful but, as we may learn, perhaps not at the cost of honesty and self-preservation.

Between August and October, positive reforms and overdue changes can be implemented under an auspicious configuration of planets sitting in Earth signs. Collectively we are called to tap into a connection to higher powers (Neptune), and as a result, words and actions can come through as inspired and genuinely moving. Any children born under this planetary alignment can lead blessed lives no matter what circumstances they start with.

The second half of October marks a period of mending fences and strengthening relationships, taking us into an energetically quiet, tail-end of 2023. We may have new insights about our social needs and what where we stand with our values following a Venus retrograde in July, August, and September. The last part of the year could be a good time put those revelations to use.

Aries

You shine the brightest in the first few months of 2023, when Jupiter expands your vital essence and confidence until mid-May. From July 18, after the Moon’s North Node moves into Aries, you will become a beacon for others who are only just beginning to discover their voice. Show others how to be direct and unashamed about their basic and primal needs. March is a great time to be socially active, while June and December could be your most productive months. Love could blossom in late summer.

Taurus

May is likely to be a standout month this year as the planet of abundance and optimism, Jupiter, enters your sign and begins to support your confidence and vitality. To top things off, the Taurus New Moon energy permeating the second half of May is a time when your talent for steadily building safety and security is most likely to be handsomely rewarded. August is a great time to tackle big projects, and the late-summer Venus retrograde could bring fresh reflections about your love life.

Gemini

The first quarter of 2023 can be a productive period with Mars freshly out of its retrograde and giving a boost to your energy levels. Sports and physical challenges are also well supported during these months. In the second half of June and at the end of November, the Moon illuminates and highlights your unique qualities, bringing deep resonance with the people and environment around you. April is a great time to play host and be social. Love could come as a surprise during the summer.

Cancer

From mid-March onwards, you are gifted with a stronger sense of purpose and an air of authority as Saturn moves into a new position. Especially for those born at the end of June, 2023 could be a year defined by a heightened sense of dedication and commitment to your causes. From March to May and in October, you are at your most attractive to others. April and May are time to engage with anything physically challenging as you receive a boost of energy from Mars.

Leo

The fiery energies of March and April suit your dynamic nature and open the door to greater authenticity. For those born at the end of July, the period from March to June can set up situations where you will need to assert yourself against powerful figures. Proceeding with caution can lead to success and transformation. June and December are productive periods at work. Your social life is on fire over the summer months, likely continuing into September. Love can find you in May and November.

Virgo

May and September are likely to be spiritually resonant times when the people around you are aligned with your practical values and natural skepticism. Mars gives a boost to your vitality in July and August, while your personal and social attractiveness are greatly enhanced in October. For those born at the end of August, beware of energy depletion and exhaustion due to Saturn’s influence after mid-March. Love can come on the radar in May and December, for those who are looking.

Libra

Seeds for your growth and transformation are likely to be sown in April, May or early June in preparation for changes in the years to come. You may feel more empowered than ever before to take the reins of your life and step up to any challenges. Such confrontations aren’t likely to be disruptive and the sense of confidence you gain can be gratifying. The Libra solar eclipse in October puts the focus on your considerable people skills. November and December see your social attractiveness skyrocket.

Scorpio

April, August and November might be the most productive months at work, while February and October could be exciting portals for love to arrive, for those who are searching. With Saturn’s move after mid-March, a renewed sense of purpose and commitment may enter your life. The focus on security and self-sufficiency in May and June leads to reflections about how well you have built up your own skills and resources. Events in the late summer raise useful questions about what you truly value.

Sagittarius

The planet of optimism and abundance, Jupiter, supports your confidence and sense of fun through about mid-May. January and November are prime time for love, while September is likely to be a time of high energy and physical activity. Seeds for your evolution and growth can be planted in the late spring and early summer, potentially setting the stage for changes to come over the next few years. Stepping up to challenges and powerful figures may be healthy for you at that time.

Capricorn

A renewed sense of purpose and commitment to a life path can be yours after Saturn’s shift in mid-March. February and December 2023 are good windows of opportunity for finding love. A more frenzied pace of activity in March and April could open the door to authenticity and living true to who you are. Put in the effort to figure out what really motivates you. While events in May could bring concerns about security and stability for others, you are more likely to be well-prepared for contingencies.

Aquarius

The year is off and running from the beginning with your social attractiveness at a high in January. Your personal effectiveness approaches full strength as well after Mars comes out of its retrograde in mid-January. Between March and June, there may be some foreshadowing of the next chapter of your life and the changes that you need to make. Love, of a more fleeting nature, is possible in the late summer. From October to year-end, you will want to strengthen key relationships.

Pisces

After Saturn moves into your sign in March, you will likely feel a heavier sense of responsibility to make good on the work that is important to you. Particularly for those born in late February, a sense of isolation may permeate the year since you will be more selective with your time. Before then, February supports a packed social calendar, while March and April bring the possibility of love. April and May, as well as October and November, are best for staying active and motivated.

About our astrologer

De Rui is a Hong Kong-based Western astrologer and the founder of Chart Life, a personalised astrology service for those who want specific insights for love, business and personal growth. She cautions that while the Sun sign is important, it's not the only relevant factor in our birth charts. Always look at your whole chart, or contact a professional for assistance. De Rui is a member of the UK-based Faculty of Astrological Studies, and is a graduate of Harvard University.  

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