JEMIMA CAINER: What 2025’s uncommon Lunar Standstill means for YOUR stars, by the Mail’s sensible new astrologer

If last year felt like it was all change and transformation, this year has plenty more of that on offer! Expect big shifts as the outer planets, which influence the way we evolve on a generational level, make some dramatic moves.

Lucky Jupiter heads into Cancer, the sign of emotions and family, from June. Nebulous Neptune, the planetary ruler of idealism and dreams, and serious Saturn, move into the sign of the warrior, Aries, in March and May respectively. This prompts themes of pioneering humanitarianism as well as a sense of the world around us changing rapidly.

But just when we think things will never be the same again, Saturn insists on a return to Pisces in September, and Neptune follows a few weeks behind, to support a process of finding closure.

Rebellious Uranus moves into excitable Gemini in July, and swings the pendulum from breaking tradition to questioning why things are the way they are. Fortunately, eclipses in Virgo this year help us find clarity amid the chaos of celestial changes.

Indeed, we find ourselves on a deep and powerful emotional journey this year as 2025 brings a Lunar Standstill. This rare event occurs once every 18.6 years, when the Moon moves to its absolute extremes, reaching its highest point in the sky above the Summer Solstice Sun, and then falling to its lowest. Think of the Moon rising and setting much further north and south than usual, making a wider arc across the night sky.

But it’s not just about what we can see. It’s about what we all feel. After all, the Moon is the celestial body of emotions, intuition, and cycles. When it moves to its extremes, it’s like our inner world is doing the same.

This may feel like being pulled in different directions, experiencing intense highs and lows, and sensing sometimes you are on an exhilarating emotional rollercoaster.

It is a marker in the cycle of emotional growth and a rare opportunity for us to connect to our innermost self.

In January, Mars moving retrograde through Cancer asks us how we take care of ourselves as well as those around us. Nurturing yourself will allow you to save your energy for the seismic changes promised by the movements of the planets in 2025.

Here’s what it means for you…

ARIES Mar 21 – Apr 20

Outer planetary transitions and retrogrades (when a planet appears to move backwards) will have a major impact on your life in 2025, starting with Mars, your ruling planet and the celestial body responsible for willpower, moving retrograde through Cancer in January. This may cause a little frustration as you feel like you are moving sideways, rather than forwards.

But before you throw down this horoscope and run off to hide in a bunker, let me tell you why this has a silver lining. This retrograde motion allows you the opportunity for reflection that prevents you from burning out and gives you a chance to determine what you really need.

Venus, the planet of pleasurable experiences and the ruler of love in all forms, moves retrograde in your sign between March and April, which means the spotlight is on how you present yourself within the context of your relationships.

You might find yourself questioning whether you feel valued and understood, loved and adored for what makes you uniquely you. Work on connections that match your energy. You’re being asked to conserve yourself for what really matters. This year requires a marathon runner’s mentality, not that of a sprinter.

TAURUS April 21 – May 21

You don’t need any radical New Year resolutions – you already have what it takes to make a masterpiece this year. You’re not one to set a goal and merely hope it happens; you dig your heels in for so long that the right thing has no choice but to come to you.

In March, your ruling planet Venus turns retrograde in Aries, making you reconsider your values. This impacts not only on finances and life connections, but your relationship with your spiritual side.

By September, as the Eclipse in your fellow Earth sign Virgo stimulates your sense of creativity, you are making notable improvements.

Uranus, the planet of rebellion, has been shaking things up in your sign since 2018. This year, in July, it finally pushes into Gemini for a brief holiday. But this groundbreaking planet is not done with you yet. It returns in November bringing bright ideas.

GEMINI May 22 – June 22

Your sign is ruled by free-thinking Mercury. Given how many interactions this speedy planet makes with the other celestial bodies, it’s little wonder you sometimes feel all over the place.

Jupiter, the planet of expansion, moves through your sign and amplifies this feeling – but this can empower you, too.

In 2025 you find you’re in a prominent position with lasting benefits thanks to a pivotal shift. The only catch? You are being asked to believe in yourself.

In March, you might second guess new beginnings. Don’t be too eager to quit or to doubt yourself.

In July, Uranus makes a surprise visit and conjoins with Venus, the planet of love, money and pleasure. You may be surprised to find yourself chosen as the most attractive option.

Don’t question yourself or the value others see in what you have to offer. Trust your instincts and listen to your inner voice which tells you to go after your dreams.

CANCER June 23 – July 23

You begin 2025 with Mars moving retrograde through your sign. This drives out old emotions and reconnects you to your roots. Going ‘home’ is what every Cancerian strives for and Mars’ journey through your sign focuses your energy on finding a place of safety.

The cosmos reminds you to stop trying to do everything for everybody else and to focus your energy on what you need. Self-care doesn’t require bubble baths and candles – although they are important, too – but means showing up for yourself. You’d move mountains for others: Mars is teaching you to apply that same willpower to looking after yourself.

You’ll be glad you set up boundaries that support your sense of security at the start of the year because Jupiter, the planet of good fortune, enters your sign in June and blesses you with an abundance of opportunities. The eclipses this year, in March and September, will ensure you have the grounding to make the most of what’s on offer.

LEO July 24 – August 23

Part of what makes you so dependable, and able to command so much respect from others, is your connection to the Sun. Just like the Sun, you really are at the centre of everything. And no matter what happens, you will always rise again.

This year you might well feel as though you’re the only sane one in an ever-more maddening world, as retrograde movements from the personal planets of Mercury, Venus and Mars seem to get everyone around you in a spin.

People may start relying on you to help them solve their problems, but you have bigger fish in the fryer. In 2025, there’s not a month that goes by without a major aspect occurring between your planetary ruler and one of the outer planets. This will give you a role to play in a bigger event that many would shy away from. Fortunately for you, this year will not throw up anything that prevents you from thriving.

VIRGO August 24 – September 23

If you felt like you were being put through the wringer last year, I’m not surprised. Saturn’s move through Pisces has been intense for Virgos. You have endured some major changes that forced you to face reality and let go of some control. The lessons you learned, though, have made you more resilient.

In 2025 you get a chance to start rebuilding whatever was broken into something better. With two eclipses in your sign – the first, a Total Lunar Eclipse in March, and the second, a Solar one in September – there is much to feel hopeful about.

As Neptune and Saturn exit your opposite sign of Pisces in September and October, you get the space you need to remember who you are and why you’re so amazing. Uranus plays its part, expanding your horizons.

By September, the solar eclipse in your sign allows you to reinvent your life into something that truly works for you. The planets are supporting you in your efforts to create a future you can rely on.

LIBRA September 24 – October 23

You might prefer to stay rationally minded, but your emotions demand you pay attention to how you feel in 2025. If you’ve been kidding yourself about your capacity to do it all, it’s time to show yourself a little more compassion and let your hair down.

This year your relationship with the power of your own consciousness is revealed to you. You have much more potential to make things happen than you realise – let your intuition guide you to the places you’re dreaming of.

In March, Venus moves retrograde through Aries and prompts you to re-evaluate your relationships and what they bring. New connections are considered and anything that no longer works can be re-invigorated with a fresh burst of energy.

Planetary forces in 2025 will highlight the next steps you need to take, and pressure builds for you to follow your heart, not your head.

SCORPIO October 24 – November 22

Traditionally Mars, the planet of passion, was assigned to your sign – before the discovery of Pluto, ruler of all things hidden beneath. These two planets continue their series of oppositions at the start of the year.

Mars’ apparent backwards move may be tiring, but it’s a great chance to remember what you are passionate about, and to focus your energy on what’s important.

Your other ruling planet, Pluto, is in Aquarius for a long stint. This prompts you to dig out anything buried in your past which needs to be brought into the light and dealt with.

This detective work will also compel you to look again at what you are carrying. You’re entering a long process of emotional growth which is not without its challenges – but the wisdom, freedom and friends you find along the way will make this journey worth it.

SAGITTARIUS November 23 – December 21

Look at how far you’ve come and what you’ve learned along the way! In January you’re given a chance to reflect, as your ruling planet Jupiter moves retrograde through the inquisitive sign of Gemini.

This will prompt you to find out the ‘whys’ behind the way you relate to others and who you really are. You’re asked to believe in yourself – only then will you gain insights that help you make fulfilling life connections.

In 2025 you are ready for some joy – and to get real about what matters most to you. As Jupiter moves into supportive Cancer in June, it helps you disentangle your emotions, and establish a sense of home through some transformative events. The journey you’ve been on to find faith in yourself will help ensure you get what you deserve this year.

CAPRICORN December 22 – January 20

If the year gets off to an exhausting start, don’t worry. Mars is moving retrograde through your opposite sign and stirring up tension, but this is a lesson in taking care of yourself.

In May, your ruling planet Saturn moves into Aries – energising your sense of purpose. Bright ideas are worth noting, but be aware it might take longer than you would like to turn them into the new beginning that holds so much potential.

Fortunately, you have the foresight to see the long-term plan. Where others might feel frustrated, you can lead with your natural patience. By June, lucky Jupiter moves into Cancer and expands the focus of your connections with family and loved ones.

Important relationships where you feel supported and at home will be blessed by this transit – and families may grow too.

This is a year when you can learn how to be kinder to yourself and see yourself as others see you.

AQUARIUS January 21 – February 19

You are ready to reclaim your power and find strength from a better relationship. Pluto, now in your sign, demands that anything buried is dealt with respectfully.

Aspects of your life that might have been glossed over will be exposed and transformed over the next decade or so, helping you change dysfunction into something positive.

Uranus, your ruling planet, enters Gemini briefly in July. This brings a flash of clear thinking and a burst of creative energy which attracts romance and exciting connections.

Saturn, your traditional ruling planet, moves into Aries between May and September and helps plant a new idea which promises to thrive in the long term. You are poised for breakthroughs and the chance to build something. Don’t be afraid of success. Be excited for the changes you are being empowered to make.

PISCES February 20 – March 20

You begin the year by releasing the emotional baggage holding you back as Mars moves retrograde through Cancer.

Don’t worry about letting yourself wallow a little through January – by June you will be firing on all cylinders. That’s because Jupiter, your traditional ruling planet and the generous uncle of the zodiac, is moving into your fellow water sign of Cancer.

This brings an abundance of creative power and a warm fuzzy feeling. You are emboldened to go after a life filled with what brings you happiness. With both your imagination and playfulness boosted, this year is about rediscovering what makes you happy and nurturing your sense of fun.

You might have forgotten what life was like without your planetary ruler Neptune in your realm but, as it moves into Aries from late March , you’re reminded that you are powerful and capable in your own right. This prompts you to be courageous with what you want to do next.