We're mere days away from the end of 2017, a year that was....well, it happened, for better or for worse. But a new year offers you a chance to clear out the old bad junk — I'm referring to emotional junk, mostly, though in my case it's also literal, since I haven't cleaned my room since September — so you can wind through 2018 without any unnecessary baggage. Still, it's nice to have a little guidance re: next year's challenges, and for that we'll turn to the stars. What life changes should you make in 2018, based on your sign?
First, note that 2018 will bring with it a lot of overall changes, regardless of your birth month. The year is kicking off with a Cancer-rising full moon, which sets the tone for 12 months of self-care, self-reflection, and spending Saturday nights on your couch with a bottle of wine, a couple of friends, and A Streetcar Named Desire. And while 2017 was, as expected, a year of changes and transitions, predictions for 2018 suggest this year's the time to start laying down foundations. If, for instance, you got a new job in 2017, in the coming months you'll find you'll start making your mark there. If you started a new relationship, 2018 is when the love and trust will really build. And if you made new friendships last year, those will deepen and strengthen. But let's get into specifics.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
You are gonna work. If you noticed your job performance was a little lackluster this year, over the next few months you've got the chance to step it up, big time - not because you're afraid of a bad review, but because 2018 is a prime time for you to focus on skyrocketing up the career ladder, thanks to Mars twinning up with Jupiter in Scorpio.
Taurus (April 20 –May 20)
This is your year to dream big. Though you may be used to setting smaller, more easily achievable goals for yourself so as not to risk falling short of them, in 2018, you're better off pushing back the goalposts. Venus, your ruling planet, is hooking up with the sun come New Year's Day, which means the time is ripe for you to take on difficult challenges. Train for a race, ask for a raise, slide into a cute dude's DMs - the world is your tasty Pacific oyster.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Slide into a new social circle. Come 2018, the planets will line up perfectly for you to seek out new friendships. Join a club, take a class, find a book group, and start going to parties alone — it sounds daunting, but you'll meet a whole bunch of new people with ideas and experiences different from your old group. This isn't to say you should dump all your current buddies, but it never hurts to branch out.
Cancer (June 21 –July 22)
Don't be afraid to take charge. The moon is entering Cancer on New Year's Day this year, which means the stars are set up perfectly for you to step into a leader's shoes. Though establishing yourself as an authority figure may be daunting, the planets are aligned in your favor, and failure will only serve to make you more confident in the long run.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)
Wear your emotions on your sleeve. Hip Leo's not one to cry in public, but the latter half of 2018 looks like it may bring some emotional turmoil your way. Though you'll be compelled to front like everything's fine, it's okay to lean into the feels — working through the pain will have you on more even ground by the time 2019 rolls in.
Virgo (Aug. 23 –Sept. 22)
Overbook your calendar. Virgos are usually pretty busy, but 2018 is going to be absolutely nuts for you (and me, a Virgo!) Normally, you'd be compelled to turn down some social engagements for fear of burning out, but this year, don't be afraid to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. Got three parties in one night? Wear comfy shoes and get ready to hop. Brunch, lunch, and dinner? Hey, you gotta eat. Four dates in a week? It's on.
Libra (Sept. 23 –Oct. 22)
Treat yourself. Libras can be a bit tight with money, more out of pragmatism than stinginess. But whether or not extra cash comes your way in 2018 (and it might!) this is the year to self-pamper. Book a spa day, take yourself out to an occasional nice dinner, or splurge on concert tickets — don't overspend, of course, but from time to time, it's nice not to skimp.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 –Nov. 21)
Get more involved with your community. 2018 is rife with karmic energy, making it a great time for intense Scorpios to make use of their already-strong social consciences. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, join a food co-op, attend community board meetings, or run for local political office — you'll do good and earn yourself brownie points with the universe that'll cash in when you least expect it.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 –Dec. 21)
Take a solo trip. Sagitarriuses are super ambitious, and 2018 will have them moving full throttle all year long. Friends may not be able to match your pace, making this year the perfect time to explore the world on your own. Let your own passions dictate where you go and what you see, without having to kowtow to someone else's needs. You never know what you'll find or see when you follow your own fiery intuitions.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 –Jan. 19)
Meditate. Unfortunately, Capricorns, it looks like the middle of 2018 will be a bit anxious for you, thanks to Saturn's turn to retrograde from mid-April to early September. But don't stress too much — this is a great time to pick up some mind-calming habits, like yoga and meditation. These practices will help you work through some of the stickier obstacles you're bound to face this year, plus you'll start sleeping a whole lot better.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 –Feb. 18)
Take big risks. Experimental Uranus, your planet, is going to be a big player in the skies in 2018, and it'll be whispering in your ear all year to join it on some adventures. As a fixed sign, an Aquarius may be reluctant to take the leap, but now's the time to DO IT. Switch jobs, move to new cities, and sit in the front seat of the rollercoaster, no matter how scary the drop seems.
Pisces (Feb. 19 –March 20)
Demand to be treated right. One of Pisces' best traits is that they tend to spill a lot of energy into caring for their friends and loved ones. But if you're not getting that attention in return, 2018 is the year to demand it. This may entail ending a relationship with a selfish partner, or communicating your own needs better; it could also mean asking for that well-earned promotion, or more face time with an errant friend.
