January Horoscope for Libra:

That last Full Moon/lunar eclipse of 2009 made it clear that you're entering a time of great personal change. Sudden events are revealing that you're in a long term process of re-creating your life. Deep emotional needs seem at odds with demands placed on you by your career, financial obligations, those in authority (government). As things shift with the economy and those around you struggle to find balance, your own equilibrium is knocked off its moorings. This is the start of a long journey that lasts all year.

Take time now to fix in place some solid habits that allow for catharsis. Mars is retrograde all month, so look to exercise as a way to keep the energy from getting stuck. Play and pleasure also remind you that life is good. It's also a month to add colorful flourishes to your home, your designs and your wardrobe. Break up the seriousness with acts of generosity that appeal to the child in yourself and those you love.

Purposeful Connections

Your ruler Venus is in career-minded Capricorn through the 18th. This heightens an already hot theme for 2010 of seeking substance in relationships. It's harder to just hang out now. You'll be seeking encounters that go below the surface, and feel connected to a shared sense of purpose.

As Venus moves into Aquarius (the 18th), the social vibe turns toward vast networks of people. You may look to join associations that reflect your emerging search for something solid to explore. You're drawn to the weird and cool, and find genius ideas out on the fringes. It's a key time to come together with minds that you can speedily spark off, and careen off together into new intellectual territory.

Mental Heavy Lifting

Mercury's retrograde in Capricorn gives the first two weeks of January a contemplative feel. And you may find yourself musing on bigger issues of your legacy, and how to build or hold on to wealth. There may be some reflection on your heritage, and what aspects of it will survive into this bold new era. It's traditionally not a good time to sign contracts, and with so much up in the air, you're apt to shy away from commitment anyway.

There may be many loose ends. Things that seemed resolved may be revealed as unstable. You may have to make peace with uncertainty now, as so much is in flux.

Losses and Gains

As the month rounds to an end, there's a bright creativity-enhancing Full Moon in Leo on the 29th. This buoys the spirits of your inner artist, and may send you into the design parlor, craft table or studio.

The month goes out with a Saturn-Pluto square on the 31st. The pressure to change is strong, and yet, you may sense there's more breakdown before it's time to build. This can be an especially frustrating time, so be good to yourself. You may be forced to let go of a person, job or ideal. There may be a loss of a sense of control, as events happen that are connected to the larger societal upheaval. It's a time to have faith, and look for inspiration in literature, music, art, on times like these when there's so much loss. It's a year of transformation that begins on note of looking back. As you let go and surrender to the changes, this creates more space within which to build anew.