A brand new year, and there's already so much to look forward to. School has resumed, but don't let that get you down, my dears. January is only the start to a fantastic adventure in this season of life for us all. While I'm not one to spout the need to use your Inner Eye, I do want to encourage you all to meditate, open your mind, soul, and heart, and see what might come your way. And even as some of us stop our resolutions before the year is over, I just know many amazing things are in store. Now, sit down, and let us begin our first readings of the New Year by recognizing and celebrating the many amazing heroines throughout history. These leading ladies demand our attention, so let's waste no more time chatting. From fiction, to real life, there are so many admirable women to learn about. Now, let us begin, and do let me know how many sugars you would like in your tea.
And so we begin with the sign that starts us off in the year, Capricorn! And we can't forget the Aquarius babies of January, too!
CAPRICORN - December 22 - January 19: Greta Thunberg
While it was not planned that the youngest on our list would be first, but here we are with Greta Thunberg. She pulls at our hearts with her passion for controlling climate change, and skillfully navigates those emotions to encourage people everywhere to take care of our Earth. Embody her spirit, dear Capricorns, and seize the year!
AQUARIUS - January 20 - February 18: Buffy Summers
You may not be an experienced vampire slayer like Ms. Buffy, but that doesn't mean you can't find other ways to represent her bold spirit in your life. Our water bearers may have quite the burden of keeping those they love safe this year, but it's something they're more than happy to do. Be the hero you've always wanted to be, and maybe carry a stake with you just in case.
PISCES - February 19 - March 20: Harriet Tubman
Hope and fear frequently walk hand in hand. And that is something Harriet was well aware of. She saved as many as 70 enslaved people after escaping herself. The fish sign of Pisces shows us that two parts of our being pulled in opposite directions. Find balance when you can, but remember that for any pain you may have now, joy is surely on it's way to you next.
ARIES - March 21 - April 19: Wonder Woman
Diana, princess of the Amazons, fierce warrior and member of the Muggle comic The Justice League, there is all the strength of the ram. Going in head first to save the day, which is something you may also as an Aries. Just remember that not every task needs such a forceful hand, and you're sometimes better off letting others take the lead on occasion.
TAURUS - April 20 - May 20: Katniss Everdeen
Our dear Katniss sacrificed herself to save her sister in the Hunger Games. Though she had no idea she'd be such a symbol of resistance, she took the reigns as best she could. Once things had changed for the better, she returned to the serene and calming scenes of nature. And so you, too, should take a moment to reflect on the previous year in a cozy spot of your choosing. You deserve the moment of peace.
GEMINI - May 21 - June 20: Yevdokiya Zavaliy
A lot like Mulan, who was mistaken for a man, and ultimately went on to lead her own platoon during World Warr II. Like Yevdokiya, you may have tons of challenges on your plate, that may require you to head in a new, maybe even dangerous, direction. Do not deny fate any longer, and take a risk. After all, Geminis are excellent multitaskers, and your regular activities will be there if you wish to return to them.
CANCER - June 21 - July 22: Harley Quinn
Nothing gets past Harley Quinn, and while she's struggled in transitioning from villain to hero, we see how the world is so much more than good and evil, and it takes a keen intuition to navigate such a realm of possibilities. For this month, you may find your suspicions are correct, and never doubt your gut instincts. After all, it's what keeps Harley out of trouble most of the time, too (that, and perhaps her large collection of hammers).
LEO - July 23 - August 22: Amelia Earhart
Our pioneer for women pilots! Amelia loved the feats she accomplished, and was the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She embodies the feisty and royal status of the mighty lion, just like you, dear Leo. While you should not deny your nature, do take heed that sometimes it's best to limit going headfirst into the unknown. Take your time to fully learn just what you're getting into, and you'll do just fine.
VIRGO - August 23 - September 22: Hermione Granger
Ah, yes, the most brilliant witch of her time. The goddess sign comes as no surprise for Hermione, who is logical and diligent in her studies and plans in life. Though this sign is surely full of intelligence and hard work, just like you are, just remember there's a fine line between it and obsession. There's no need to get overly stressed if something doesn't go your way. Take a break, and use that brain of yours to brainstorm a new path to follow.
LIBRA - September 23 - October 22: Junko Tabei
This Japanese mountaineer was the first woman to climb the Seven Summits, which are the highest mountain points on each continent. An incredible and daunting task, and all that accomplishment comes directly from Libra's strive of balance, both in the physical and mental realms. Take the appropriate amounts of risk, and you'll be climbing mountains in no time!
SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21: Miriam Makeba
Nicknamed Mama Africa, this passionate and powerful Scorpio did more than sing up a storm. She was also a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations. You are not to be messed with, and that may mean reminding those around you that you have the strength to succeed, and will, and if those who hold you back continue doing so, your stinger should remind them otherwise.
SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 21: Margaret Hamilton
Though often recognized as the Wizard of Oz's Wicked Witch of the West, Margaret was more than just an actress. She was a schoolteacher, and remained an advocate of public education throughout her life. Adventurous archer, follow her example, so that you, too, can find fun things to do all while keeping up with your responsibilities and moral code.
While we reflect further on 2019, let us also remember that a new year means a second chance. Let's not take it for granted.
Until next month, my dearies,
-Ms. H. Trelawney