By Valerie Mesa

A new year has arrived, and the sun’s passage through goal-oriented Capricorn is bringing focus to the relationships that are grounded in reality. If your dating life consisted of indulging in spontaneity and adventure last month, January will be about discipline and accountability. You could be smitten with your Bumble match and yet be well aware of your differences. Are you willing to invest your time and energy into a connection that might not be realistic?

Mercury will station direct in Sagittarius on January 1, meaning that the planet of communication is now fully expressing itself. Truth-seeking Sagittarius also focuses on the bigger picture, so Mercury direct could inspire you to think ahead, and consider your long-term goals. Mars will also join the sun in Capricorn on the 4th, increasing the desire for commitment and structure. On the dark side of this transit, you could notice a change in yourself (or with your Bumble crush) as the vibe moves from playful and free to pragmatic and reserved. 

Expect a powerful shift on January 20 and 21, when both the sun and Pluto enter Aquarius. Revelations during this time could be equally as transformative as they are disruptive for you and your crush. And with love planet Venus making its debut in Capricorn on the 23rd, the connection you crave will have to be earned, because it won’t come that easy. 

Wondering what the stars have in store for your love life this January? Read on for both your and your Bumble crush’s sun and rising signs.

Aries

You’re known for being impulsive, especially when it comes to your love life, but with Mars joining the sun in hardworking Capricorn on the 4th, you’re more calculated and disciplined with your approach. Conversations with your Bumble crush could go from spontaneous and excitable to grounded and sophisticated. You’re likely to experience a shift in values when Venus joins Mars in Capricorn on the 23rd, so don’t be surprised if these serious conversations center on whether you’re both on the same page about your future together. This transit could also highlight your desire for commitment if you were initially attracted to your crush’s no-strings-attached lifestyle. Leave it to the full moon in Leo on the 25th to spotlight your heart’s desires.

Taurus

With the sun in your sister sign, Capricorn, you’re in your element and feeling committed to your personal goals. Do you and your Bumble match share similar aspirations? Transiting your expansive ninth house of adventure, wisdom, and belief systems, Mars will join the sun in Capricorn on the 4th, followed by sensual Venus on the 23rd. You won’t be settling for less during these transits, but it’s important to be careful with your communication style, as your brutal honesty could be intense for your Bumble crush. Change-maker Uranus will also station direct in your sign on the 27th, fueling the desire to rebel and break free of monotonous situations. You’re taking a hard look at yourself and your relationship values this month. Honesty is everything.

Gemini

January starts with Mercury direct in Sagittarius, bringing clarity and momentum to your seventh house of compromise, commitments, and relationships. If you spent most of the holiday season with your loved ones, you and your Bumble crush could seize this transit and reconnect via Video Chat and Voice Call. Communicative Mercury will re-enter Capricorn on the 13th, joining Mars and the sun—which puts a spotlight on taboo topics such as money. This is the time to chat to your Bumble crush about your financial goals and investments or open up about any debt you may have. Venus will activate this area of your chart on the 23rd, which can serve as a green light to take things to the next level. 

Cancer

Although you’re often admired for your empathy and tenacity, a part of you longs for a lover who can provide that same stability and warmth in return. Commitment and reciprocity is precisely what Capricorn season is about for you, so consider this an opportunity to establish a solid foundation with your Bumble crush, so you can both feel like you’re on the same page about the relationship. On January 4, assertive Mars will join the sun in Capricorn via your seventh house of significant others, followed by romantic Venus on the 23rd. These grounding transits are not only offering you a chance to solidify your connection, but also the perseverance and discipline to put in the work in order to meet each other halfway. 

Leo

This month is all about following your heart, Leo. On January 1, Mercury will station direct in Sagittarius, bringing clarity and momentum to your playful fifth house of love, romance, and self-expression. If you’ve been feeling stressed about dating or simply taking yourself too seriously, this is a reminder to have more fun and go with the flow. Making the first move on your Bumble crush never felt so good, and when considering the sun’s highly anticipated meetup with Pluto on the 20th, it’s safe to say that everything from your dating status to the way you approach relationships is on the heels of a powerful transformation. January comes to a close with a full moon in your sign, highlighting your heart’s desires. 

Virgo

January begins with Mercury direct on the 1st which will help bolster your communication skills. If you’ve been struggling to find the right words to say to your Bumble crush, now is the time to give that conversation another shot. With the sun in Capricorn, followed by Mars on the 4th and Venus on the 23rd, you’re more likely to see the value in tradition and romantic courtship. Capricorn season is about self-mastery and this area of your chart can also revolve around your hobbies, so take the time to refresh your Bumble profile and Interest Badges to celebrate what you love doing in your spare time. Just remember to update your profile before January 11, as the new moon on this date is the perfect time to open Bumble and put yourself out there to make new connections.

Libra

As communication planet Mercury stations direct on January 1, the month begins on a mentally stimulating note. If you’re already exchanging messages with your Bumble crush, Mercury’s journey through Sagittarius could bring a lively and spontaneous element to your conversations, making the interaction feel like a quick-witted tennis match. This is all the more reason to venture outside of your comfort zone and discover new ways to connect with your match, even if that’s as simple as sharing a funny meme or sending them a song link. On January 20, the sun will join powerhouse Pluto in Aquarius via your fifth house of passion, romance, and self-expression, which is an excellent opportunity for those of you interested in a refreshing change and dating outside of your type.

Scorpio

You’re an enigmatic water sign, but January’s astrology will inspire brutally honest exchanges with your Bumble crush. This is partly because of a transformative sun-Pluto conjunction in Aquarius on the 20th, which will activate the most personal point in your birth chart. Use this time to reflect on what makes you feel secure in your love life, without overthinking the future. Additionally, your traditional ruler, Mars, will join the sun on the 4th, followed by romantic Venus on the 23rd via your third house of communication. This transit will inspire down-to-earth discussions where everything from career goals to family dynamics could be a topic of conversation, so get ready to go deep with your date. On January 27, Uranus will also station direct in your relationship sector, which could shake things up in unexpected ways.

Sagittarius

With Mercury going direct in your sign on January 1, you’re not only as enthusiastic as ever about love, but also confident enough to explore your romantic connections further. Mercury governs your seventh house of compromise and significant others, so be sure to use this vocal transit wisely, as you’re talkative and ready to be honest about your needs with your Bumble crush. Whether in-person or via Bumble, it’s important to know that your words carry weight, so think twice before your unfiltered ways get the best of you. On January 4, Mars will join the sun in Capricorn, followed by Venus on the 23rd via your second house of values. Despite being a free spirit, these pragmatic transits increase your desire for tradition, structure, and commitment in your love life.

Capricorn

It’s your birthday season and in addition to celebrating, you’re bringing your A-game to your dating life. As a cardinal earth sign, this is nothing new to you, but with more than three planets transiting your sign (Mars on the 4th, Mercury on the 13th, and Venus on the 23rd), one thing’s for sure: you mean business. Although you’ve never been the type to shy away from a goal, you’re all the more driven to see results in January, which can be equally as attractive as it is demanding for your Bumble crush. Just remember to meet your romantic interest halfway from time to time. Egos could flare up during the full moon in Leo on the 25th, but not if you’re willing to put your pride aside.

Aquarius

If the holiday festivities distracted you from your Bumble matches, Mercury direct on January 1 is equivalent to a reset and will ignite your 11th house of community and socializing. While transiting larger-than-life Sagittarius until January 13, Mercury—ruler of your fifth house of romance, passion, and self-expression—is fully aware of the infinite possibilities. This could inspire you to date with more intention and explore other romantic options. The sun will also be in Capricorn and your 12th house of surrender during this time, giving you the courage to be honest with your Bumble connections about what you’re looking for. This all happens just in time for the sun-Pluto conjunction in your sign on the 20th, where everything from your approach to dating to your sense of self is on the precipice of a massive transformation.

Pisces

January is about unapologetically taking charge of your love life, and standing firm in your values. Are you ready for a romantic relationship? What are you looking for in a significant other? Mercury will station direct on January 1, inspiring you to tap into your sense of authority and take the lead. If you’ve been connecting with a Bumble match who genuinely piques your interest, this is a green light from the cosmos to take charge and approach your crush with confidence and curiosity. Assertive Mars will be joining the sun in Capricorn on the 4th, followed by Venus on the 3rd, via your 11th house of community and friendship. You may come to find that you’re in the same professional industry as your crush, or perhaps match with someone you share mutual connections with.