MONTHLY OVERVIEW:
The year begins on an inspired note, with grand visions and ideas swirling in your midst. The Sun, Mercury, Venus and Pluto are in Capricorn, your jolly ninth house, and you’re not ready to retire your Santa suit just yet. So keep it on, Taurus—the world could use some leftover optimism as the pine trees get dragged to the curb.

Although this month brings a surge of independent energy, there’s strength in numbers now. On January 17th, expansive Jupiter begins a yearlong tour of Pisces, your eleventh house of group activity (minus a short summer break). Friends, colleagues and connections make your world go ‘round. Link up with a group of like-minded forward thinkers, and cut any dead weight from your contact list. You might get involved with a non-profit or social cause. The people with whom you spend your time dramatically shape your life in 2010. With inventive Uranus also in Pisces, technology, social media and scientific advances could be part of this year’s prosperity package.

LOVE & ROMANCE:
Relationships got intense at the end of 2009, but this month brings new hope. Love-planet Venus is in Capricorn, your ninth house of expansion, travel and optimism. On the 15th, Venus sits astride a Capricorn solar eclipse, launching a positive new romantic chapter. You could travel with your sweetie, meet someone far away, or discover a whole new “type.” Open your mind and embrace adventure, Taurus.

Freedom isn’t a feeling your security-driven sign normally craves, but the eclipse teaches you the power of a loosened grip. The benefits go both ways, so if you’ve been possessive or controlling, consider how it feels when the shoe is on the other foot. Nobody bosses the Bull around, right? Start granting others the same human rights that you demand for yourself.

That said, a little planning goes far in keeping hearts connected. On the 19th, Venus enters Aquarius, your structured tenth house. From then until March 6th, date nights are mandatory, especially since your work schedule heats up. If you’re single, dress up and head to gallery openings, cocktail parties or invitation-only events—you never know who will be there.

MONEY & CAREER:
Your mind whirls with ideas this month, but it will take time to sift through all the pearls to find the few that are cultured enough to keep. Write down those brainstorms, do research, but don’t act until mid-month, when Mercury goes direct. If you’re a business owner, an entrepreneurial idea gets a mega-boost at the Capricorn solar eclipse on January 15th.  You might travel for work, or you could pick up a long-distance client. Some Bulls will return to school to brush up skills, earn credentials, or even study a new language. This year, whatever you commit to will consume your attention. With Saturn going retrograde in your sixth house of organization and habits from January 13th until April 7th, work demands a dedicated, disciplined approach. You’ll need a great organizational system to rank priorities, meet deadlines and manage your many accountabilities.

On the 19th, the Sun enters Aquarius, your tenth house of career and success. One of your brilliant ideas may be ready for takeoff, or at least, it could merit a solid business plan. With Venus joining the Sun, professional events are fruitful opportunities, so combine socializing with a chance to meet industry heavyweights. Don’t be shy about handing out your card or setting up a coffee date to explore possibilities.

HEALTH: MIND, BODY & SOUL:
For the next three years, health is one of your main priorities. Personal trainer Saturn is in Libra, your sixth house of fitness and well-being. It’s time to break bad habits, take care of your body and stop running on fumes. There are no gimmicks or shortcuts; just good old-fashioned exercise and nutritious eating. Saturn will be retrograde here from January 13th until April 7th, an important time to revamp your habits.