Welcome to Erica’s first STAR SCOPES of 2026. It is a major new term in the school of life. The energies of the Winter Solstice and the planetary alignments have given us a new blank page and a whole new curriculum. The shedding of a skin – all that no longer serves, supports or inspires – during the Chinese year of the snake is drawing to a close and will be replaced in mid February by the year of the horse and the element of fire. Water and earth are giving way to the elements of fire and air. It is a potent mix, a blaze of transmutation. What has been “normal” is gone and that which is extraordinary, magical and empowering is the life path being offered if we are brave enough to place a first foot on that pathway. We as a collective must find ways to create an alternative which embraces, first and foremost, kindness embellished with empathy and loving support for humanity and beings of nature, down to the heart of Gaia, Mother Earth. We need to develop the courage to ask for help when we need it. And to offer help when asked by others. Vulnerability and accountability are the buzzwords for an expanded and loving future, and we each have our part to play. We live in challenging and exciting times, and this is the life course we signed up for. There may be moments when we wonder what were we thinking? And why we didn’t sign up for flowering arranging in the Andromedan system? But here we are. Gaia needs us, and we know we have what it takes. Never has there been a greater opportunity to speak out, be authentic and intend that a kind and compassionate life is possible for all. While on the surface the world looks to be even more divided, it calls us to live as kindly and compassionately as we can. Sometimes that means stepping back and not allowing our personal triggers to bring us to aggressive behaviour. Sometimes that means stepping forward and standing alongside those who are being oppressed – that is assertion. Be open to the old falling away and new paradigms manifesting. Above all, do not feed fear. I am reminded of the story of the native brave who called on the tribal elder to ask about his disturbing dreams. He described a black and a white wolf fighting inside him. He said: I am afraid. The black wolf is so strong. Will it win? Which one will win? The elder replied: My son, which one do you feed?

My Starscopes are channelled using an alchemy of astrological signs, tarot insight, and angelic guidance.  This month, I am calling in the wisdom of the angels combined with tarot.   As you know, I always work with the mighty angelic realms. Angels are no fluffy inventions; they are mighty cosmic energies capable of omnipresence and the ability to bring wisdom and love to any situation. Amongst their ranks are the Powers, Principalities, Thrones, Virtues, Cherubim, Seraphim and The Archangels.  The Archangel who presides over January is Gabriel, the divine messenger who is present at births and new beginnings. So, at the birth of this new calendar year Gabriel is here to guide us to renew the message of truth, to experience the fullness of this life on earth. Ask Gabriel to help you become still, to hear the message and find your true path. We each have a unique path, and yet we walk together. Honour yourself and others. and the guidance of the fairy realms who also fight so hard for our mother earth. She is our only mortal home. Without her we are nothing.

We are being called to adapt and courageously champion our beautiful planet and stand firm with those who are brave enough to be the change we need to see. As the prophecy states: when the earth grows sick, and the animals are dying, there will come forth people of all races, creeds and colours to defend her. And by their courage and actions they shall make the earth green and fertile again.  They shall be known as the warriors of the rainbow.   This is a paraphrase.  There are many versions of the Rainbow Warrior.  Whatever the origin, it matters not to me. The words inspired the formation of Greenpeace and their flagship, the Rainbow Warrior.  So, let us stand as rainbow warriors alongside the awesome elementals: the fairies, the merfolk, the cetaceans and the dragons and make this year a year when our voice of care and compassion is heard.  Even a small action is a step, and you are never alone with a dragon by your side!

Erica is an angel communicator, dragon whisperer and Holy Fire III, Karuna, Usui/Tibetan, Dragon Seichem Reiki Master. She works as a writer, broadcaster, healer, psychic advisor and sound healer. She lives in Cornwall.     

As your sign launches us into 2026 the angel of love, Hanael, offers an open book with blank pages to write your story, your unique journal.  The theme of your year is balance between light and shadow, yin and yang, power and surrender. Each has their place in life, and we would be lesser without the contrast. Consider what you wish to pack for your journey and journal of the year. As the year of the snake finishes the shedding of the skin, the fire of the horse is blazing a path in front of you. What are you passionate about? Create an amazing life vision.

Aquarius, you are never one for limitations.  You are the sign of blue sky thinking, the square peg that refuses to even see the round hole. As the year of fire and air ignites, set yourself free of illusion and limitation. This is particularly true of emotions. Sometimes Aquarius can be accused of being aloof or detached. In fact, you care deeply. It’s simply you don’t engage in the way most people do. Be open to profound emotional connection and new beginnings.  If you are looking to move home, use your feelings to find it. What does it look and feel like? Vision board it. Then keep a weather eye on the horizon.

Pisces, did life get in the way last year? Did your wish list get pushed to the bottom of the “to do” list? You feel life so deeply this could lead to disappointment and a disabling lack of motivation.  Change it up. Set the intention that this year you will prioritise your most heartfelt desires. Be open to new emotional experience that will push you outside your comfort zone…just a little. Fall in love with life, with potential, with your glorious flawsome self. So much is possible when your thoughts turn to fresh horizons.

Fiery focus is what will move you forward from any current impasse lingering from last year.  If last year felt like a constant battle, constantly standing up for yourself and your beliefs, undermining your confidence, draining your energy, it’s time to step into the leadership role and determine your next steps.  Keep your eyes on the big picture instead of fretting over details. When you wave the magic wand of your intention with fiery focus, passion and determination the irritating little details will hightail it like frightened rabbits.  This is a year of fire.  You are the first fire sign of the zodiac   Walk away from drama unless the situation is really worth your while. You’ve got better ways to use your energy.

Time to sort it out, Taurus! If you have been weighing up decisions, wondering where to head next in your life, make a real effort to see all sides of the situation. When you have an impartial platform from which to decide then you can take a long hard look at your integrity.  It’s time to be honest and that can be hard work. However, it is the only way forward. So, what will make you feel valued? What do you value?  Where are your core beliefs? Get your feet on the ground and your focus in your heart. You are an earth sign ruled by Venus. This is no time for illusion.

Last year was the space you needed to process the changes in your life. If you have been healing from challenges you will find welcome relief and a more peaceful mindset. There may also be a decision about travel or relocation. Take it slowly, a step at a time. This year is fast and fiery, and, at times, everything may seem intangible or up in the air. Use the power of full moons to illuminate how you feel and provide clarity and inspiration.

Cancer, do not fret!  No, really, stop it!  You have a brand new, shiny, untarnished new year ahead of you. Do not cast worry and unsubstantiated spin in front of you. Instead, focus on the amazing strength you have honed in the past year. Your personal power, your ability to be kind to yourself and others. You are so much stronger than you know. Make healthy choices for your mind, body and soul’s peace. Embrace friendships, value connection. And above all, make sure you go out into nature where her example of endurance in the fact of change is the inspiration and evidence you need to believe in a magical life.

What’s your internal chatter been like lately, Leo? Did the festive season leave you feeling you spent time and money you were pressured into rather than something you really wanted to do? If that is you, and that energy is lingering, it’s time to change things up. Because actually, you have plenty of resources and opportunities to be grateful for. Judgement sits in the sacral chakra which, coincidentally, is connected to Archangel Gabriel who presides over the month of January. So, if you have learned a lesson about boundaries over the holidays release the scolding self-talk and focus on all that you have coming your way in the year of the fire horse.

Virgo, one thing is for certain, this month is going to come in roaring and pass by with the speed of light. Information, opportunities, choices the need to make a snap decision. It’s all going to feel rather novel and unsettling to a sign famous for compartmentalising, service and cautious optimism. Often something which seems to be too good to be true is grounds for mistrust – and with good reason.  However, this month be open to opening the lid of the box and examining what is on offer. You never know …

Libra, it’s the year of the fire horse – saddle up! Whatever you’ve been procrastinating over is going to need your focus and attention. Finish that book, teach that course, take that trip. You are heading into a year of passionate relationships at full gallop.  If that feels scary, remember you are great at finding balance, and believe that all that work last year is about to pay dividends. Have fun.  Have faith. You have magic at your fingertips.

As the year begins and the energy of the shedding of the snakeskin comes to a close you can expect an emotional transformation. It’s time to move on.  To borrow from that famous Star Trek opening statement, time to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilisations, to boldly go where this Scorpio has never gone before. Fall in love with life and the people and places you meet. Don’t look in the depths, look to the stars and celebrate all that life has to offer.

Sagittarius, if you have been hoping for change, you’re going to get it. There’s nothing like the pressure cooker of the holiday season to help us know what we want to bring into the new year. If relationships need an honest review don’t neglect that as the new year rushes in with all its demands. Paying attention to signs, listening to what is really said are priorities.  Make sure you say what you mean and mean what you say. Life runs far more smoothly when we’re not stumbling around in the dark.

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