Horoscopes
Your January 2022 Horoscope Is Here And Yes Mercury Is In Retrograde
New year, new you? Astrologer Alice Bell offers advice on how to handle the first Mercury retrograde of 2022 based on your astrological sign.
- Written By
- Alice Bell
- Illustration
- Louise Lockhart
You will be starting off 2022 feeling extra ambitious, with Capricorn season still in full swing for most of January. You might be more motivated to work hard and take on additional responsibilities, and you will be thinking about what you want to achieve moving forward. However, you may only want to agree to opportunities or commit to relationships where you see a long term potential. You will want to know that all of your hard work and efforts will eventually pay off.
Halfway through the month, Mercury goes retrograde from January 14 until early February. Because Mercury is the planet of communication, any projects related to writing or speaking may need to be reworked. You may notice that tasks at your job slow down, or an opportunity gets delayed. This may be frustrating, and you could also feel a little confused about what you need to be putting your energy towards. On the other hand, you may want to revisit past hobbies or reconnect with old friends. This is a three week period where you will want to slow down and reflect, rather than trying to push ahead with new plans.
Aquarius season starts at the end of the month on January 20. With the sun moving into this super social air sign, you may want to become more involved in a group or community. You could also be looking to have greater independence and freedom at work, or you may want to make a change in an area of your life. You will be embracing the traits that set you apart, and you may feel more like mingling with people and sharing ideas.
ARIES
You will focus on your long-term career goals at the start of the month, Aries. You might have work opportunities come in, or you could be taking on greater responsibilities at your job. You may even be receiving praise from your colleagues, or you could be motivated to look for a new job. Once Mercury retrograde starts on January 14, you may be unsure of where you stand in certain friendships. There may be underlying issues that need to be discussed with a friend, or you could want to connect with old acquaintances you haven’t seen in a while. Friendship problems are more likely to clear up at the end of the month, with the beginning of Aquarius season. You may feel supported by a group or find it easier to socialize and network with people. You will be busy with community events, and you may even assume a leadership role.
TAURUS
You might be traveling somewhere new at the start of the month, Taurus. You will want to expand your knowledge of the world, and you could be motivated to read and research specific topics. You may be enrolling in an online course or be occupied with writing or teaching-related projects. Once Mercury retrograde starts on January 14, you may feel unsure of where you’re headed next with your career or just not as motivated. Big work projects might be delayed, or you could have to go back and revise something before launching. You will be more confident in where you need to put your energy at work towards the end of the month as Aquarius season begins. You could be finally getting traction with projects, or you might be taking on increased job responsibilities. You may also be receiving praise or public attention because of recent projects.
GEMINI
You will be doing inner healing at the start of the month, Gemini. You could be cutting ties with negative habits or relationships, or you might be overcoming fears related to intimacy in your close relationships. On the other hand, you might want to save or invest more of your money. Once Mercury retrograde starts on January 14, you may face delays with travel plans, or you could have to dig deeper to find inspiration for writing or teaching projects. You may want to revisit old work and revise what you already have, or you could be reflecting on how you want to change some of your core beliefs. You will be inspired to move ahead and learn new material at the end of the month, as Aquarius season begins. You could want to research niche topics, or you may want to sign up for a course in something specific.
CANCER
You will be focusing on your close relationships at the start of the month, Cancer. You might be establishing partnerships at work, and you will be teaming up with people to get more done. You may also be forming new romantic connections or feel closer to your current partner. You will be carving out time to strengthen your relationship. Once Mercury retrograde starts on January 14, you might want to reflect on certain patterns and behaviors you keep engaging in. You may also be more interested in topics that pertain to psychology or self-improvement, and you will want to have deeper conversations with people. You will be taking any relationships you’ve established to the next level at the end of the month, as Aquarius season begins. You may be splitting with a romantic or work partner, or you could be developing sources of passive income for yourself.
LEO
Leo, you will be busy with mundane, everyday tasks at the start of the month. You could be juggling a lot of projects at once, or you might be met with numerous work opportunities. You could also be more mindful of your health and want to exercise frequently or eat better. Once Mercury retrograde starts on January 14, you may face confusion in a close relationship. You could be unsure of where a partnership is heading, or you might encounter miscommunication with someone. You will want to improve upon how you speak to others, and you could be openly discussing any problems. As Aquarius season begins, you will find relationships easier to navigate at the end of the month. You might be partnering up at work or spending more time with a romantic partner or close friend. You will want to weigh your ideas against someone else to get a fresh perspective on any dilemmas you’re facing.
VIRGO
You will feel creative at the start of the month, Virgo. Work might be slower than usual, and you could be occupied with your hobbies and activities that light you up. You may need space away from group outings so that you can lean into your own interests. In addition, you might be spending more quality time with your children. Once Mercury retrograde starts on January 14, you may be unmotivated at your job, or you could find it hard to focus on the little details. You may want to revisit past work projects and pick up where you left off or could be paying better attention to your health if you feel low energy. You will be ready to hit the ground running again at the end of the month, as Aquarius season begins. You might be following a set everyday routine or want to stick to a regular exercise schedule.
LIBRA
You may feel a little introverted at the start of the month, Libra. You might be focused on activities around the home – moving, renovating, or decorating, or you could be reflecting on the past a lot. You will want to stay in and feel emotionally grounded, and you could be reaching out to family members for support. Once Mercury retrograde starts on January 14, you may not feel so creative. You could feel like you’re comparing yourself to other people too much, or it could be challenging to get ideas flowing. You may want to revisit past hobbies to get inspiration. You will be getting a confidence boost at the end of the month, as Aquarius season starts. You may be able to express your full self in social and dating situations, and you will be able to focus on the activities you like to do for fun outside of work.
SCORPIO
You may feel restless at the start of the month, Scorpio. You will want to keep your mind active by reading a lot or mastering a new skill set. You may also be busy with short travel or meeting up with acquaintances, and you’ll want to share your ideas and converse with other people. Once Mercury retrograde starts on January 14, you may experience confusion at home. There could be misunderstandings with a family member or delays in moving or renovating your place. You may also be revisiting childhood memories and want to bring up any problems you’re having within the family. You will feel more secure in these close relationships at the end of the month, as Aquarius season begins. You might be moving ahead with home-related plans, and you will be strengthening the bond with your family or your closest friends. You could also have greater clarity surrounding events from the past.
SAGITTARIUS
You will be busy with work at the start of the month, Sagittarius. You might be in charge of your projects at your job, or you could be preparing to launch a side business. You will be focused on bringing in additional sources of income, so you may want to pick up freelance work or ask for a raise. Once Mercury retrograde starts on January 14, you may want to cut back on who you’re socializing with, or you could have to be very mindful of how your words come across. You could be reflecting on how you can be a better communicator, and you may have to revise writing or presentations. As Aquarius season begins, you will feel a lot more clear-headed at the end of the month. You might be taking short trips or meeting up with people, or you could want to spend time reading and intaking new information.
CAPRICORN
You will be turning in a different direction with your personal interests at the start of the month, Capricorn. You might be writing out a list of goals you want to pursue in the coming months, or you could be attracting more attention and opportunities from others. In addition, you might be focused on your appearance and want to splurge on new clothes or get a haircut. Once Mercury retrograde starts on January 14, you could feel like you’re not getting paid enough or appreciated for your efforts at your job. There may also be delays with launching business plans, or you could be reflecting on how you can better budget your finances. You will be more confident in your skills at work by the end of the month, though, as Aquarius season begins. You might be back on track with your own projects, or you could be receiving money from side projects.
AQUARIUS
You might be keeping to yourself at the start of the month, Aquarius. You may want to be alone to process any heavier emotions. You could be letting go of a situation or relationship in your life that you’ve been holding onto for too long, or you may want to face any unresolved fears or anxieties. Once Mercury retrograde starts on January 14, you may be unsure of the next direction you need to go in, or you could be doubting yourself. You may want to revisit past personal interests or rediscover the talents that set you apart from everyone else. You will be coming out of hiding at the end of the month, as Aquarius season begins. You may feel a lot more energetic, and you’ll be attracting new opportunities and relationships into your life. You could also be enhancing your appearance by doing self-care activities or updating your wardrobe.
PISCES
You will be busy with social commitments at the start of the month, Pisces. You may be seeing your friends frequently, and you might be the one organizing group outings and bringing people together. You will feel accepted by a community, and friends could even be connecting you to new opportunities. Once Mercury retrograde starts on January 14, you will want to keep your ideas and opinions to yourself. You might be slowing down and reflecting on your emotions, or you could get interested in activities that calm your mind, such as meditation, yoga, or journaling. You will be craving more alone time at the end of the month, as Aquarius season begins. You may experience an ending in an area of your life as you let go of anything that is no longer serving you. You will want to shed yourself of relationships or internal habits that are holding you back from reaching your full potential.
Alice Bell
British Vogue's resident-astrologer, Alice Bell was initially drawn to astrology to answer questions in her life related to relationships, work and her emotions. Friends and coworkers began approaching Alice, looking for similar answers to their challenges. Even though she has helped numerous clients, she is still amazed by astrology’s transformational effects. Follow her @stalkalice.