Messages are clearly mixed in January as the month starts off with you feeling somewhat restricted. Your ruling planet Mars is in authoritative Capricorn, which puts more emphasis on work than play. The Sun is also in this sign until January 20 and, most important of all, the love planet Venus is in your emotionally complicated 8th House of Intimacy until January 7. The positive side of Venus in this part of your chart is the potential to go deeper with someone. Your strong desire or someone else's powerful attraction to you can encourage you to work through problems and overcome differences to share the deep feelings you have for one another.

However, Venus in your 8th house can also make you feel confined, as if you are constantly being measured and tested, which is probably not your idea of a good time. On January 7, though, Venus fires into outgoing Sagittarius and enters your 9th House of Travel and Higher Mind. Your attention wanders far from who or what is in front of you as the call for new people and experiences grows louder in your mind. If you're in a relationship, planning a trip is one way to keep passion alive. Routine matters and predictable patterns can feel more limiting than ever. Broaden your horizons to discover different kinds of connections and different ways of loving.

Mars enters freedom-loving Aquarius on January 15, followed there by the Sun on January 20 that will encourage experimentation and stimulate your social life when you're part of a group or working for a cause.