*Eleditor’s note: Astrology isn’t a religion. We’re not sure it’s a science, either. It’s magic, maybe. But, as with feng shui, say, things affect things. So as long as we don’t go blaming our problems on the stars, as long as we assume responsibility for our own actions…well, hell, a little auspicious coincidence and applicable wisdom can’t hurt. And so, with that grain of salt…enjoy!

The most powerful time for curiosity to overpower complacency is at the beginning of a new year.

One of the things I love most about Astrology is that it gives us the ability to get a feel for what’s in store. At the same time, it can showcase just how far we’ve come. Essentially, we’re superstars in the making and our stories will always continue to evolve.

No matter what any horoscope reads, today can be the beginning of anything we want.

Many of us have gone through intense transitions and changes in 2015. Seeing our way through new terrain has been difficult. Whatever our personal stories are, we’re on a path for a reason and doing the best we can.

The good news—it’s time to look ahead and step into the positive vibe of 2016. A positive mind set is key when diving into any astrology forecast. Life is always going to bring ups, downs and all-arounds. It’s about how we decide to approach situations that can bring importance to the story.

That is the key to shining any positive vibe.

No matter what anyone says, there’s always hope for a new beginning and brighter day. We are always in charge of our own destiny.

This ability to make a change or look at things differently is available every day, not just at the beginning of a new year. Even if it’s just one baby step at a time, the choice always begins within us.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

On that note, let me dive into the New Year ahead and share a glimmer of how I see our stories continuing to evolve.

It’s time to live, laugh and love our way into 2016—one sign at a time.

In all honesty, the terrain of 2016 looks a heck of a lot easier than it did in 2015. The year ahead involves picking up the scattered pieces of 2015 and finding new ways to put them back together.

Many of us have already found out that our old ways weren’t working. There have been radically changing planetary energies in effect for several years that have forced many of us to let go. We came to the point where we just couldn’t hold on anymore. Our newly formed foundations will become stronger and feelings of satisfaction will stem out of all our hard work.

Now, we’re going to be given the ability to see things more clearly. A new vision is in the process of forming. A major planetary theme of 2016 involves looking at things in a new light. Many of us will go through a process of letting go of false illusions and coming to a place of acceptance. Denial will not work in the year ahead. With a major planetary influence involving Saturn and Neptune, the rose colored glasses will simply have to come off. Extra details on this influence can be found here.

By the end of 2016, our stories will have evolved in such a way that the things we wanted in the beginning of the year may turn around completely. We will be better equipped to go with the flow—transitions will be.

Creative and inspirational visions along with powerful love affairs were born in 2015.

The New Year will be an opportune time to feed our visions and love interests—in a more realistic kind of way. Opportunities will be readily available in all sorts of practical matters including seeing our way through newly formed relationships. The little things are going to mean the most.

Big dreams also started to develop with the lucky Jupiter running through Leo. Now our ideas will begin to take on a new form in 2016. The more practically natured Virgo is in the process of getting Jupiter’s love. That’ll help us fine tune our plans into more reality driven ones. Extra details on the Jupiter in Virgo influence can be found here.

Libra, the relationship sign, will also get Jupiter’s attention beginning in early September 2016. That’ll bring love back into the picture in more abundant kind of way. During the 2^nd half of the year, the universe will be shining a special light on our abilities to connect with others. People looking to develop deeper connections and make stronger partnerships will benefit.

Relationships will be key.

This is not to say we’re all going to be loveless in the first half of 2016. On the contrary, we are going to be working our way through the practicalities and realities of what we need to do to make our relationships better. Jupiter will also be working rather nicely with Pluto, helping empower us. That confidence booster will push us along in our goals and show us what’s really working.

The New Year is also a great time to focus back on ourselves. Getting more in tune with our bodies and health will do a world of good. This is a great time to begin thinking about dieting and implementing new healthy regimens. Finding ways to connect to ourselves spiritually will also prove beneficial and help us see our way through the not-so-certain times.

During the 2^nd half of the year, we’ll be able to reap the rewards of our efforts, especially in the relationship department. The lucky Jupiter will make his grand entrance into Libra—the sign most connected to working with others. Relationships, in addition to our own personal connection, will really begin benefitting at that time.

Positive relationship payback is in store. Put in the time, keep a positive mind and eventually feel the shine.

Speaking of time, the patient master planet, Saturn, will be front and center. He’s going to be helping us continue to redefine our goals and find new approaches to challenges. With the influence of Sagittarius in Saturn’s path, the power to believe and find new meaning is going to come through more powerfully than ever.

There will, of course, be some redos and reworks to hurdle through in 2016 as well. No year would be complete without that influence. With the communications centered Mercury going through four retrogrades, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to get it right and find new ways of working through issues. The earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) will feel the heat of Mercury’s tricks but at the same time those are the signs that’ll benefit most from Jupiter’s luck.

Action driven Mars will also retrograde in 2016 and this is going to be rather interesting in the relationships department. Mars retrograde periods are also known for taking away from our energy drive. These periods can also create more passive aggressive behavior, because frustrations will be difficult to release.

However, we can better align with that energy if we’re aware of it. Finding ways to rejuvenate, in a more laid back kind of way, will be key from mid-April through the end of June. That will help us better align with the energy in play as well as make us better equipped to stand up for ourselves.

By the end of 2016, some of us may indeed move mountains in breaking through the barriers that have held us back. With a powerful combination between Saturn and Uranus taking root then, it’s evident that our hard work will take us somewhere radically new. The unconventional is going to be looking a little more conventional and we’re going to be okay with it.

Here’s an extra little glimmer into each sign’s forecast, key themes and a positive mantra for 2016.

If you know your rising sign, read for that one as well in order to combine themes and influences. Here is a free rising sign calculator. I’m also including a personal music pick to help close the year on a high note.

Aries: “Shaken Not Stirred.”

With Uranus, the planet of awakening, running strong through your sign in 2016 there’s no doubt you are going to feel alive. A new vigor may even come over you and it’s even possible that you decide to change your look—in a radical kind of way. This is your year to step outside the box and switch up routines. Keeping the faith that everything happens for a reason is also key. Chaos always comes right before some of the greatest and most beneficial changes.

Key Words: Awakenings, Persistence, Believing in the Power of You, Appearance Changes.

Close Out 2015 With this Song: Overload by Life of Dillon.

Taurus: “Perseverance Pays Off.”

Things are looking up for you in the year ahead. You have been working hard to achieve your goals and 2016 is a time when some positive universal payback comes into play. Both the lucky Jupiter and empowering Pluto will be working for you. You’re moving into a time period where you can live a little and have some fun. Children, relationships and dating should be particularly beneficial.

Key Words: Slow & Steady Wins the Race, Let Loose, Confidence Booster, Career Empowerment.

Close Out 2015 With this Song: Easy Love by Sigala.

Gemini: “Jingle, Mingle & Roll.”

The New Year will be anything but dull, Gemini, and I know you’re all about mixing things up. You’ll gain extra benefits on the family front and will find they will be a great support to you in 2016. Relationships will go through a process of change. You’ll be finding ways to roll with the ups and downs. Something may not be working and 2016 will be a period to gain more awareness of what you need to feel complete. Decisions could be made in order to deepen committed relationships. Important transitions could come in your career.

Key Words: Family Ties, Friend Switch-Ups, Relationship Awareness, Career Opportunities.

Close Out 2015 With this Song: I Won’t Let You Walk Away by Mako.

Cancer: “Follow Your Heart & Listen to Your Soul.”

Deep changes have been happening within you, Cancer. You’ve been going through a process of letting go of the old you, in order for the new one to take its place. Things are looking up for you in 2016 and you might find yourself taking more short trips and getting out more—especially during the first half of the year. Communications are also important and you’re finding better ways to get your point across. Where you live or work could go through a process of change or readjustment in order to make it better. Coworkers could also become a prominent theme.

Key Words: Letting Go, Spiritual Healing, Living Environment Changes, Career Awakenings.

Close Out 2015 With this Song: Let You Go by The Chainsmokers.

Leo: “Fearless & Fragile Heart.”

All that creative and inspirational energy you felt in 2015 is now going to manifest to a whole new level. It’s time to take your ideas and make them real. Money will be a prominent theme and you might find yourself spending more. However at the same time, additional streams of money may find you as well. Your belief system is also going through some radical changes as well and you might find yourself connecting to new and unusual teachers. It’s likely that you become more on the go in the 2^nd half of 2016.

Key Words: Money in/Money Out, Unusual Spiritual Connections, Practical Creativity, Bigger is Not Always Better.

Close Out 2015 With this Song: Rivers by Thomas Jack.

Virgo: “Change Brings Empowerment.”

This is your time, Virgo, to shine. With the lucky Jupiter emphasizing your sign for the first half of 2016, it’s time to make the best of your new found confidence. If you haven’t been able to tap into the feeling of empowerment yet, hang in there, as it’s coming. You are really changing and your look might even be going through that process as well. Relationships as well as family themes are key for 2016. You’ll be finding new ways to see the inner operation of your committment and family relationships. Financial benefits could come in the 2^nd half of 2016.

Key Words: Confidence Booster, New You, Relationship Awareness, Family Dynamic Changes.

Close Out 2015 With this Song: I Can Be Somebody by Deorro.

Libra: “Feel the Love.”

Good things in store for you, Libra, and I know you need it. Radical shifts took place in 2015 that affected your sign deeply. The good news is 2016 is your year to rise up and feel the universal love. A new and beneficial 12 year cycle is approaching. The first half of 2016 will be a time to look more inward in order to prepare for a coming out in the second part of the year. Expect to feel empowerment and confidence as well as benefits in the relationship department.

Key Words: Soul Healing, Empowerment, Relationship Benefits, Greater Satisfaction.

Close Out 2015 With this Song: Another Love by Tom Odell.

Scorpio: “Rising Up.”

The last few years have been intense, Scorpio, and 2016 brings the point where you really embark upon your upward ascendant. Like the phoenix coming out of the ashes, you too will rise up and feel a sense of confidence again. The New Year might begin a time where you begin to downsize a bit—getting rid of things that no longer serve you. A new sense of value comes over you. You might also make some radical changes in your living environment or the place where you work. Connecting with friends or taking part in new groups will serve you well.

Key Words: Downsizing, Creative Surges, Friend Empowerment, Group Leader.

Close Out 2015 With this Song: Burning Gold by Christina Perry.

Sagittarius: “A New Adventure in the Making.”

Prepare to get serious, Sagittarius. Big moves are happening all around you that are shifting your awareness and pushing you to focus. The New Year will begin a totally new kind of adventure. You are moving into a chapter of great achievement. However, patience and determination will be key in getting there. You’re looking good on the career front for a good part of the year—so make sure to put yourself out there even if it means taking on greater responsibility. This is also a great time for self-improvement and dieting. You are in the committed mind set.

Key Words: Moving Mountains, Patience, Making Dreams a Reality, Finding Content in Stillness.

Close Out 2015 With this Song: Are You With Me by Lost Frequencies.

Capricorn: “Climbing to the Top.”

You’ve been working hard, Capricorn, but you have gone through some serious setbacks through the process. Your sense of self, as well as the stamp you want to mark on the world, has been going through radical change. Letting go has been a key theme of the past. Now is the time to reap the rewards of that process. The first part of 2016 is beneficial to learning new things as well as your spiritual development. You will be able to take advantage of what you’ve learned in the 2^nd half when your career gets a boost.

Key Words: Peace of Mind, Breaking Barriers, Lightening Up, Believing the Impossible is Possible.

Close Out 2015 With this Song: Peace of Mind by Above and Beyond.

Aquarius: “New Beginnings.”

Aquarius, things are looking good for you in attracting people to help you accomplish your goals. There are benefits to be collaborating and combined resources. New sources of income may begin to manifest. You’re also moving through a period where help comes a little easier. Come the 2^nd part of the year, you may start traveling a little more or perhaps take up a new learning endeavor.

Key Words: Travels Galore, Attracting Help from Others, New Money Making Endeavors, Positive Partnerships.

Close Out 2015 With this Song: Renegades by XAmbassadors.

Pisces: “Going With the Flow As the New You Emerges.”

There’s no doubt about it, Pisces, some big changes have already begun manifesting deep within you. You’ve been cleaning out your emotional closet in order for the new you to fully emerge. That process will only continue in 2016 and it’s a good thing. The release is going to help you get better in tune with who you are and what you want as well as put a shining light in the relationships department. Expect to move mountains in your career. There will be major benefits in the area of relationships and partnerships.

Key Words: Relationship Centered, Making Dreams a Reality, Ambitious, Emotional Cleanse.

Close Out 2015 With this Song: Coming Over by James Hersey.

~

Relephant:

Author: Crystal B.

Editor: Ashleigh Hitchcock

Photo: flickr/Simon Greening