January Culturescope: Your Horoscope-Inspired Guide to Things To Do and Places To Go in Melbourne This Month

This is a series in which we recommend the best things to do this month based on your horoscope, as read by Alison Lasek. Astrology not your thing? Skip straight to the culturescopes for some of the best things to see, explore and do in Melbourne this month.

The new year begins with the sun in practical Capricorn, which helps you set clear intentions for the year ahead. If the festive season was a busy one and resolutions haven’t yet entered into the equation, it’s not too late. Outline your goals before January 20, when the sun moves into Aquarius – the energy of Capricorn will help you stay committed.

Venus moves out of the freedom-loving sign of Aquarius and into sensitive Pisces on 27 January. Expect your sensual side to awaken! Venus is exalted in Pisces, which means its energy flows more freely. You’re guaranteed to feel more loving and you’ll enjoy the pleasures life (and your city) has to offer.

Aries

The new moon in Aquarius on January 22 will get you socialising outside your comfort zone and expanding your network. It’s a great time to put yourself out there – the people you meet will inspire you to dream big.

You’re more selfless in love when Venus enters Pisces. You may feel inspired to volunteer your time to charity or cook for a time-poor friend. It’s not often we do things for others with no expectation of thanks or reciprocity – this is a great time to practice.

Culturescope: The Keys opened late last year, and we love it. Between its three bars, 12 bowling lanes, a dance floor, gaming arcade and massive beer garden, you’ll find the spot to either catch up with your oldest mates or your newest ones.

Taurus

Venus in Pisces is one of the most social times of the year for you, so you may feel more charming than usual. You’ll feel drawn to situations where you can connect with large groups. The Aquarius new moon will get you thinking about your long-term career direction and setting ambitious goals for the future. This isn’t the time to be modest.

Culturescope: Take advantage of the warm weather and meet your friends at Full Moon Fever, the laid-back new open-air rooftop saloon above Lulie Tavern.

Gemini

The Aquarius new moon will get you feeling optimistic, especially about your future, and you’ll be open to new adventures and perspectives. It’s a great time to start a new course or plan a trip. Expect to be a bit of a magnet for people when Venus and its positive energy enters Pisces, and, whether you’re in a creative profession or not, your work will have some extra flair.

Culturescope: Didn’t get the R&R you needed over the new year? There are some beautiful destinations close to home to check out and into.

Cancer

Enter the Aquarius new moon, farewell negativity and energy-draining situations. You’ll find yourself receptive to lyrics that soothe or images that shock with Venus in Pisces. One of the things Venus governs is art and beauty. Pisces is highly sensitive, so when the pair come together the possibility to experience something on a transformative level is there. Expect art to feel fun and entertaining, but also cathartic.

Culturescope: Check out the events calendar at the Wheeler Centre for some literary inspiration, or the NGV, ACMI or ACCA for talks and exhibitions to inspire that creative flair. And haunting, ethereal music combines with visual splendour at Rone’s "Time" installation in the CBD – hurry there if you haven’t already.

Leo

You’ll start feeling more clear about what you want from your relationships when the Aquarius new moon arrives. It’s a time for fresh starts: a new role, a new relationship, a break-up. Make sure to spend some quality time with the people you care about most. (The new moon brings fresh energy to Leo’s seventh house, which is all about one-to-one relationships.) Any issues in your most intimate relationships will come to the surface when Venus enters Pisces, but you’ll be able to work through them too.

Culturescope: If it’s been a while between dates with your partner, best pal or most cherished colleague, these date spots have your name on it.

Virgo

If you’ve been wanting to establish a better work-life balance but have struggled to set good boundaries, the new moon in Aquarius is here to help. You’ll feel motivated to put time into your own wellbeing and, even better, any routines you put in place now have a great chance of sticking. Venus in Pisces has a positive influence on all your relationships, from your lover to your tennis partner.

Culturescope: Ate Miles is a social run club started by Attica sous-chef and mental-health advocate George Wintle. The group recently opened up to people outside the hospo industry – everyone is welcome, and each run concludes with a free coffee.

Libra

What do you do that’s just for you? Not for your career, your family and friends, or for self-improvement. The Aquarius moon is all about investing in activities that delight you, with no strings attached. So it’s a good time to get creative and express yourself in new ways. Venus’ shift into Pisces will be good for your work life, enhancing relationships between you and your bosses and colleagues. You might even find yourself earning a little extra money.

Culturescope: The Fermentary makes some of the best sauerkraut and kimchi in the state, and it hosts excellent workshops too. Sign up for a class, get your hands dirty and learn how to make pickles, Nocino, wild mead and hot sauce.

Scorpio

With the Aquarius new moon comes permission to take some time out and enjoy the comforts of home. It’s a period connected to fresh starts in your living situation, so if you’ve been contemplating a move, reno or redecoration, get the ball rolling now.

Then, get ready to have a good time when Venus moves into Pisces. More than any other sign, Scoropios will be putting on their party shoes and enjoying the good things in life. It’s also an ideal time to start new creative endeavours.

Culturescope: Some sensational bars opened in 2022. Chances are there are still a few to cross off your list. Grab your mates, and your party shoes, and make a beeline for them.

Sagittarius

Have you heard of intellectual wellbeing? It’s about recognising how powerful regular learning, problem-solving and creativity is for our mental health. The Aquarius new moon may inspire you to pick up a new journal or teach yourself cryptic crosswords – don’t resist the urge.

When Venus enters Pisces, you may feel a sense of calm arrive, too. If you’ve been busy over the festive season, it’s a great time to relax and enjoy time at home and connection to your chosen family. Resist any pressure to be productive and enjoy some time out.

Culturescope: Cook something delicious at home, then catch up on some of the brilliant series and movies that came out over summer.

Capricorn

If you have an urge to splurge on that new designer handbag, it might be because the Aquarius new moon has shimmied into and brought energy the area of your chart relating to material security and finances. Keep your budget balanced by saying yes to extra work or income opportunities. When Venus enters Pisces you’ll be keenly aware of the great people that surround you; you’ll enjoy great conversations with friends, neighbours and colleagues.

Culturescope: High Street in Armadale just keeps getting better and better as a fashion and homewares destination. Go window-shopping and peek into new and very beautiful stores from Bassike, jeweller Natasha Schweitzer and Maison Balzac.

Aquarius

You’ll be feeling lighter with the arrival of the Aquarius new moon and ready to get to work on your goals. When Venus moves into Pisces you may feel a shift in your finances, with new opportunities to network and earn money. At the same time, you may feel a little extravagant and likely to outspend your budget, so exercise caution where you can.

Culturescope: Opt for some budget-friendly activities around Melbourne this month – $9 cocktails on a sunny rooftop, free entry to a colour-bombed recreation of Greece’s Parthenon at the NGV and interesting talks that won't cost you a cent at MPavilion.

Pisces

After a busy festive season you may be feeling the call to go slower, and the Aquarius new moon means you can take a break without experiencing major FOMO. Time in nature is a great remedy. Yoga, meditation and journaling are also superb ideas.

Pleasure takes priority over work when Venus enters Pisces. You’ll be feeling warm, social and exceptionally agreeable. If you can get a few days off, this is a great time to get out of town or plan an adventure with friends.

Culturescope: Check out Heide’s new healing garden or The Light Practice, which opened its second location in Richmond last year, and offers yoga alongside light therapy, meditative soundscapes and ancient relaxation tools.

alisonlasekastrology.com
Things To Do in Melbourne

Alison Lasek is an astrologer who has worked in arts, culture and communication for more than 15 years, including six years at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. She has contributed to publications including Art and Australia, Runway Journal and Vault magazine, and studied under British astrologer Alice Bell.