This Rare Planetary Alignment Could Seriously Amp up Your Drive and Determination

Astrologer Jennifer Racioppi is here with her weekly predictions, with a wellness twist. She's sussing out what the stars are saying for the week of January 15, no matter what your sun sign is, and what that means for your daily self-care, fitness, nutrition, love, and career habits. (Hint: You might want to dig up your 2018 intentions from a couple of weeks ago—because the time is right to go even deeper with your goals.)

Monday, January 15

As we encounter the halfway point of January, the week kicks off on an unusual note: There are six planets in the cardinal sign of Capricorn. This fleeting and rare occurrence screams ambition, drive, and determination. With the upcoming new moon tomorrow, and Jupiter, the most massive planet in the solar system, making a supportive angle to powerhouse Pluto in Capricorn, you can get a lot done today. From a health perspective, the stars support rigor when it comes to your workout. Embrace effort and focus. Then think about the new moon tomorrow. What are you intending to co-create with the universe?

Tuesday, January 16

With the first new moon of 2018 happening at 26 degrees of Capricorn at 9:17 p.m. EST, it’s time to get lunar with it. New moons occur when the sun and moon align at the same degree in the sky, commencing a new lunar month. When you set intentions at the time of the new moon, you plant seeds for your desires in alignment with the cosmos. So please do recommit to your intentions for 2018 today. Haven’t set intentions for the new year yet? No worries—tonight’s the perfect time to do so. However, there’s reason to stay cautious. Uranus, the planet of revolution and change, makes an awkward angle (known as a square) to the sun and moon, meaning you may have to let go of what you are holding onto to reach out for something new.

Wednesday, January 17

Venus, the planet of love, exits Capricorn today entering into rebellious Aquarius—where she’ll travel until February 10. Thanks to a concentrated focus of planets in Capricorn, things have seemed all business and work since the start of the new year. Yet today the vibe starts to shift ever so slightly, with Venus exiting the sign of tradition and moving innovative Aquarius to embrace authenticity. Disrupt the status quo. Ask for what you need. You do you, boo. Take a stand for what matters.

Thursday, January 18

If you feel the urge for a good cry today, allow it. With Mars the planet of action, in a perfect trine to Chiron, who rules healing, it serves you well to tune in and feel your feelings. Schedule a reiki session, make an appointment with your therapist, or call your bestie to tell her what’s on your heart and mind. Crystal healing bodes well today, too. You have to feel it to heal it. So be present with whatever's coming up for you. And, if you are feeling awesome today, let those good vibes move you to positive action in your life. You'll likely inspire and uplift others.

Friday, January 19

With the moon in psychic Pisces, you may have an increased capacity to lead with your gut. With yesterday’s Mars /Chiron trine still in play today, there’s so much healing happening. Amplify this by listening to the subtle impulses that guide you intuitively. Not sure how to connect with your intuition? Don’t over-complicate it. Try free-writing for 15 minutes (where you let it flow during that time period without worrying about grammar, or even making sense) and see if your subconscious doesn’t reveal a truth (or two) that you need to digest. If that sounds too cerebral, let your intuition guide you forward via dancing. Turn on some music and dance freely letting your body guide you. Maybe even hit up an ecstatic dance class, too. When you learn to intuitively move your feet to a rhythm, you also learn to intuitively trust the impulses of your body.

Saturday, January 20

The Sun exits Capricorn today, entering into freedom-loving Aquarius. With Venus already paving the way for the sun, you may feel primed to let your freak flag fly. Don’t be afraid to embrace unconventional and unorthodox thinking. Over the next month, while the sun travels in the sign of the water bearer, your innovative mind may feel on fire. So switch up your routines, and let your health practices feel fresh and new. Want to try that kundalini yoga class? Go for it. Thinking about pole dancing? Not a bad idea. Want to learn how to do aerial yoga? Why not! Try new things. You never know where they might lead you.

Sunday, January 21

Think back to Monday and savor how much good happened for you this week. Bust out your journal and write out your wins for the week. Having kicked off with an intense focus in Capricorn, followed by the sun and Venus shifting into Aquarius (hello freedom), a lot went down. So notice how you changed! What did you learn? How did you grow? What are you grateful for? In the words of world-renowned positive psychology leader, Tal Ben-Shahar, PhD: "When we appreciate the good, the good appreciates." Spend sometime savoring what's going well for you.

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women's health—to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success.