What to Steer Clear of This Year, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

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Life is rarely linear, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the world of astrology. The stars’ ever-changing movements reflect the cyclical nature of our lives down here on earth. That was the case for 2023’s cosmic forecast, and it holds true in 2024, too.

Most forecasts will tell you what your zodiac sign can expect in the year ahead. We’re taking it one step further by exploring what you should avoid based on the astrology of 2024. With potent shifts on the horizon involving Pluto, Jupiter, and Mars, there’s plenty to unpack.

Keep reading to learn more about what to steer clear of in 2024, based on your zodiac sign. (If you’re familiar with your full astrological birth chart, read for your rising sign as well as your Sun sign. Astrologers make predictions based on your rising sign, as this placement determines which areas of your life will be impacted by upcoming transits.)

Aries: Lying or Stifling Yourself

2023 was a big year for Aries. The North Node entered your sign for the first time in 19 years, ushering in a pivotal season of growth and individuation. Saturn’s swan-dive into Pisces also helped you rest and tend to your mental health. Translation? You’ve been putting in the work behind the scenes, and in 2024, it’s time to express yourself. Come May, lucky Jupiter in Gemini will light up the communication sector of your chart, emboldening you to speak your truth and expand your mental horizons. Writing or everyday conversations could open doors for you. Be genuine, and don’t stifle yourself. Just prepare for a noticeable dip in energy when your ruling planet, Mars, stations retrograde in December.

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Taurus: Ignoring Your Finances

Like Aries, Taureans thrived in 2023. Bountiful Jupiter graced your sign for the first time in 12 years, fortifying your identity and self-image. The glow-up vibes will continue until May, when this lucky planet sashays into neighboring Gemini. You may earn a sizable sum of money through your collaborations or professional networks. Plus, powerful Pluto will spend most of 2024 in Aquarius, beginning a 20-year cycle of transformation in your career. With so much activation in these money-related sectors, you should be wary of ignoring your finances. Taureans value stability, so steer clear of impulse purchases, and invest wisely. Your future self will thank you.

Gemini: Playing It Small in Life and Love

Did someone say main character energy? Jupiter, the planet of luck and expansion, enters Gemini in late May, thrusting your sign into the cosmic spotlight. You’re bound to feel more optimistic and autonomous, which will help offset any ongoing tension in your career or public life (shout-out to restrictive Saturn, which has been bogging down this part of your chart since last March). Needless to say, this is not the time to play it small. Give yourself permission to take up space in your relationships, and build confidence by prioritizing your own aspirations. Just be mindful of any momentary setbacks when your ruling planet, Mercury, is retrograde.

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Cancer: Neglecting Your Mental Health

For Cancers, balance is a keyword for 2024. The North Node’s entrance into Aries last year kicked off a major period of growth in your career, which continues in 2024. Meanwhile, Jupiter’s foray into Gemini in May will magnify the part of your chart associated with rest and mental health. These conflicting energies could leave you feeling pulled in different directions, especially around March and September’s lunar eclipses. Balance is possible, but it will require you to prioritize self-care as you build out your busy schedule. Whatever you do, don’t neglect your mental health to appease others.

Leo: Compromising on Your Values

Leos had a tender but transformative 2023 thanks to Venus’ months-long retrograde in your sign. What have you learned about your values and self-worth? In 2024, it’s time to put that intel to good use. Jupiter will enter Gemini in May, pulling focus on your social life. Opportunities that arise via friends or networking events could catalyze personal or creative breakthroughs. For better or worse, Pluto’s entrance into Aquarius will intensify your one-on-one relationships. If power struggles arise, stay true to yourself, and don’t compromise on your values. A word of caution: Mars, the planet of action and ambition, will close out 2024 by retrograding in your sign. Expect to feel sluggish as the year winds down, and don’t overexert yourself to compensate.

Virgo: Letting Logistics Stop You from Dreaming Big

In 2024, expect greater emphasis on your professional pursuits. Jupiter’s foray into Gemini will put a pep in your step at work, paving the way for expansion in your career or public life. This change of pace could feel especially energizing amid any friction in your relationships (again, thank pesky Saturn in Pisces). As 2024 unfolds, stay open to new professional opportunities, especially through existing clients or colleagues. Practical Virgos tend to focus on the details, but for once, let yourself dream big. It’s totally okay to daydream and try different things as you determine your next move. As always, be wary of any minor inconveniences when your ruling planet, Mercury, is retrograde.

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Libra: Resisting Change in Your Life and Relationships

It’s time to let go, Libra. The South Node, a karmic point associated with release and decrease, stays put in your sign all year, pulling focus on any part of your life that’s run its course. Old patterning, unhealthy relationships, negative self-talk — all are on the chopping block in 2024, especially around March and October’s eclipses, which could trigger some major shake-ups. Don’t resist the winds of change. Relationship-oriented Libras often worry about disappointing the people they love, but you shouldn’t let fear hinder your growth. And besides, clearing out space in your life will make room for something (or someone) new.

Scorpio: Siloing Yourself When You Need Support

Scorpios aren’t afraid to go deep, but even your sign may struggle to adjust as Pluto takes up residence in Aquarius. The planet of transformation will spend most of 2024 (and the next two decades) in the part of your chart that governs home and family. You may feel a sudden urge to gut renovate your space; alternatively, your family dynamics could become more fraught. The good news? Lucky Jupiter is on deck to bolster your shared resources and emotional resilience. You’ve spent the past year fortifying your closest relationships, so don’t be afraid to lean on the people you love for comfort as you navigate these changes.

Sagittarius: Closing Yourself off to New Relationships

For Sags, connection is a focal point of 2024. Your ruling planet, Jupiter, will grace the part of your chart associated with one-on-one relationships, imbuing your closest connections (romantic or otherwise) with a sense of hope and limitlessness. This boost of optimism may feel much-needed amid the heaviness of Saturn of Pisces, which will continue weighing down your home and family life in 2024. Jupiter is the planet of plenty, so it’s certainly not the time to close yourself off to new connections. Put yourself out there this year, and lean on that infectious Sagittarian enthusiasm as you mingle with potential partners or creative collaborators.

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Capricorn: Overcommitting at Work

Capricorns aren’t known for being particularly light-hearted, but that could change for you in 2024. Slow-moving Pluto will finally exit your sign, concluding an intense cycle of personal transformation that began in 2008. You’ve grown tremendously, especially over the past five years, and you may feel lighter or more expressive as you begin this new chapter. Additionally, Jupiter in Gemini will up the ante in your daily life. Enjoy this boost of energy to your work and wellness routines, but be realistic about your bandwidth. This isn’t the time to overcommit in service of your career goals — in fact, doing so could take a toll on your well-being.

Aquarius: Sabotaging Your Personal Growth

Are you ready to step into your personal power? Pluto, the planet of power and transformation, will spend most of 2024 in Aquarius; following a brief retrograde in the fall, it will remain firmly in your sign until 2043. This once-in-a-lifetime transit will empower you to make sweeping changes to your identity and self-image — that is, if you can resist the temptation to self-sabotage. Pluto also governs our survival strategies, so that could be easier said than done. Think of 2024 as a period of acclimation to this potent shift. If any hard feelings surface, channel them in your art or creative outlets, which will flourish once Jupiter enters Gemini.

Pisces: Neglecting Your Living Space

If you’ve been going through it for the past year, thank Saturn, which entered your sign last March and will remain there until 2025. The Ringed Planet can be harsh, but its restrictions and reality checks always help you grow. You’ve had some time to feel out this energy, so you’ll be better equipped to handle any Saturnian “tough love” in 2024. You’ll also have Jupiter on your side. In May, the planet of luck and abundance will bless your home and family life, helping you come back to center. Don’t underestimate the power of your living space; a home that feels like a sanctuary could be just the medicine you need right now. Pisces love to daydream, so make a moodboard of your favorite decor style, and find creative, budget-friendly ways to achieve your vision as the year unfolds.