In this installment of Practical Magic, Lisa Stardust lays out your school year horoscope. Always remember that magic is for believers, but this column can also simply serve as a guide to getting in touch with yourself — magically or not.

The new school year has begun, so naturally you may want to know what’s in store for this academic period. Will you get straight A’s? Will you make the team? Will your teacher hate you? Only time will tell, but luckily I’m here to help you navigate this school year with some advice from the cosmos.

This school year horoscope is a roller coaster. The first semester in 2024 will fly by — especially since two eclipses commence at the end of summer and in first days of autumn. However, the 2025 spring semester might cause some intense problems, due to the fact that astrology brings several retrogrades of different planets beyond Mercury (we’re taking Venus and Mars), as well as the eclipses that will rock our worlds. Let the cosmos spill the tea for this school year horoscope to show you how to thrive despite the astrological ups and downs.

Aries

You might find yourself daydreaming more than usual in class. It’s not that you don’t find the subject matter to be stimulating, but your mind is foggy, thinking about what you could be doing outside of school. With this sentiment, it might be hard to concentrate; therefore, you should ask a classmate to copy their notes to prepare for any exams or assignments that are coming up since your head is lost in the clouds.

Taurus

This year, you’re taking the lead and starting humanitarian organizations at your school to help both the local and global communities you live in thrive. Being the group leader will allow you to show off the compassionate and empathetic side of your self. As someone who loves helping others, you will get a boost from the joy of others. Advocating for others and giving them power to succeed speaks to your tender heart.

Gemini

The 2024-2025 term is your glow-up year. Not only will you excel in all of your studies, but your peers will admire your wits, intellect, and efforts — so much so that you might even win the election for the homecoming court or student body. Your popularity will motivate your classmates to be themselves without putting on airs. After all, your natural rizz and brainpower got you to conquer the school. Go get ‘em, Gem!

Cancer

When signing up for extracurriculars and clubs during the first week of school, don’t overdo it. You might not be able to do everything you want to, and that’s OK. You don’t need to stress yourself out by attending every meeting and doing everything on the roster. As the year progresses, you might decide to relinquish yourself from some of these activities and pay more attention to others. Do what feels right for you.

Leo

As the school year begins, you might find that you do not want to dominate the halls or student council, leaving room for other people to take the reins as the Queen Bee. Doing this frees up your time, giving you a chance to focus on different passion projects that speak to your heart. You might find that creative endeavor takes center stage in the months ahead, allowing you to let your talent shine brightly.

Virgo

A new after school gig is boosting your penny bank, but it’s taking time away from social events. Before you get used to living on a bougie level without your besties by your side, make the hours you spend at the internship worthwhile to ensure you get to hang with your crew. You can have your cake and eat it too if you’re down to find a middle ground. Remember, life is a balancing act.

Libra

The beginning weeks of this school year hit different. It could take a minute for you to let your true self shine since you are in the process of growing into the person you want to be. After the first month and a half of school takes off, you’ll be able to get that swagger and positivity back into your step. Pretty soon, you’ll be back to your confident self.

Scorpio

Lots of things have changed over the summer — particularly, the pecking order of your crew. Rather than let someone else lead your pack of pals, insist that each friend has the same amount of influence. Create a dynamic that allows everyone to have a say. That way, everyone’s thirst for fun will be met. Plus, there will be no hierarchy in your social circle. All for one and one for all.

Sagittarius

Aligning with your crush’s schedule might put a damper on the ship during the first semester, since you don’t have lunch or any free periods together. That doesn’t since you don’t have lunch or any free periods together. That doesn’t mean it’ll be impossible to hang. Find the time to engage in exciting activities or staring into each other’s eyes. The second semester will create tensions since you’re spending too much time at school together.

Capricorn

The sky’s the limit with the amount of intellectual and spiritual growth you will have this year. Start by associating with various types of thinking in order to comprehend these modalities. Releasing perceived notions and ideology from the past might be challenging at first, but once you realize that the universe is a vast place full of infinite knowledge you’ll want to switch majors and study topics that connect you to the world at large.

Aquarius

Late nights spent attending the concerts are thrilling, but can lead you to oversleeping or catching up on z’s during class. You can go out and get rest if you know your limit. Rather than going to a pre and post celebration of your favorite artist, limit it to one. Also, don’t overdo the events in the beginning of the school year. Pace them to avoid musical burnout.

Pisces

Your imagination will be on overload with innovative ideas and rad concepts, which is fantastic for someone as artistic as you. Consider using your innate gifts to write an impactful essay, join the school newspaper, or have an art show featuring your paintings. You’ll impress your teachers, family, and friends with everything you have to offer because you are learning to use your extraordinary talents to express your emotions and sentiments in an impactful way.