2020 wasn’t exactly the easiest of years, but we Soda Citizens are optimistic. We’re looking ahead to a better + brighter 2021 – and to help get you get in the spirit, we’re sharing these locally-inspired horoscopes to get you motivated for the year ahead.
To create our predictions, we researched what some nationally-known experts are saying about the heavens (we link to a few of our inspirations in the trivia below). So, whether you plan your days based on your birth chart or you’re here just for fun, read on to see what 2021 has in store, based on your stars.
Before we dig into each sign, here’s a little trivia about the year ahead – • Most astrologers agree that 2021 will be less tumultuous than 2020, and it will be an especially good year to draw abundance into your life. It will also be a time to come up with improved ways to organize our lives.
• Planetary movements will play a key role (as they always do in astrology). Some highlights: The positions of Jupiter, Venus + Saturn will enhance the importance of community in our lives. And, Saturn’s move into Aquarius is one that historically comes with some big shifts – the last time it was there, the internet was introduced to the public. See the precise movements of celestial bodies withthese charts.
• In the Chinese zodiac, 2021 is the Year of the Ox. This year, the element associated with the ox is metal(2020 was also a metal year, but was the Year of the Rat). For all signs of the Chinese zodiac, the year will bring prosperity and luck in business ventures, as well as wellness. Experts say to be on the lookout for new career opportunities as well. DYK: The Chinese New Year is a lunar event, usually celebrated between mid-January and February. This year it’s on Feb. 12.
Read on to discover what the stars predict for the year ahead, Columbia-style.
WaterCooler ○ Over the weekend, Gamecock Football Head Coach Shane Beamer hired Justin Stepp as the new wide receivers coach. Stepp will come to UofSC from Arkansas, where he’d been the wide receivers coach since 2018. (WIS)
Cause ○ Senior Resources and Columbia Housing Authority’s partnership, Senior Meals and Masks, will now extend through the end of February. The program provides 323 senior citizens that live in housing units through Columbia Housing Authority with masks + two frozen meals, milk, fruit and a cookie on a weekly basis.
Coronavirus ○ South Carolina public K-12 schoolswill receive approx. $900 million from the federal $2.3 trillion COVID-19 spending package that passed on Dec. 21. Funds will be distributed to school districts based on populations and poverty ratings – the breakdown of these funds hasn’t yet been decided. Local school boards will decide how the funds are spent. (Post and Courier) ○ Yesterday, SC DHEC reported a 3,492 new COVID-19 cases and a 33.3% positive rate, which is now the highest rate recorded in the state since the onset of the virus.
ComingSoon ○ A new infrared fitness studio, HOTWORX, has been announced in Lexington. Fitness classes, such as hot yoga, hot barre and hot pilates, will be taught in temporarily private infrared saunas with a virtual instructor. Currently, the gym is offering discounted memberships.
Number ○ 7. The number of stores and kiosks that have been added to Columbiana Centre’s directory over the past few months. Currently, the mall has 16 vacancies. The new mall tenants include Garra Fish Spa(one of those spas that offer fish pedicures), Edge, Hickory Farms, Hot Topic and more. (The State) ○ 110,000. The square footage of Nephron Pharmaceuticals’ new vaccine production, chemotherapy and antibiotic wingexpected to be operational in March. Ⓟ
NowOpen ○ Drayer Physical Therapyhas opened its tenth Columbia location on Forest Drive in the Lowes Foods shopping center (4711 Forest Dr., Suite 19). Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (The State)
City ○ City of Columbia Parking Serviceshas added timed visitor parking to the Lady Street parking deck, which is available on levels G-B, 1-B, 2-B and 1-C.
Celebrate ○ Next Tuesday, Jan. 12, DRIP on MAINis celebrating its eight year anniversary with free homemade chocolate chip cookies with the purchase of a coffee or espresso drink.
Ranking ○ 116. In a recent WalletHub study of best and worst cities for keeping your New Year’s resolutions, Columbia ranked no. 116 (out of 182). The study looked at key metrics that indicated one’s ability for self improvement, including exercise opportunities, income growth and employment outlook. In the study, Scottsdale, AZ ranked first and Gulfport, MS ranked last. (WalletHub)
Health ○Is a healthier heart on your list of New Year’s resolutions? Here are 3 ways to make it happen. ❤️Ⓟ
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Active ○ Yoga with The Rooted Community | Tues., Jan. 5 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | femmexCOLUMBIA, 1501 Richland St. | Registration required | Unwind and find your zen with some mid-day yoga at femmexCOLUMBIA. 🧘♀️
ForKids ○ Kids Sports Camp| Tues., Jan. 5 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. + 1 p.m.-4 p.m. | 1626 Main St. | $25+ per session | A weekday sports camp for kids; call 803.239.7865 to sign up. 🏌
PlanAhead ○ Virtual Artist Talk: “A World seeing more than, human culture” with Rina Banerjee | Wed., Jan. 6 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Visions from India artist Rina Banerjee speaks to the specificity of American identity + South Asian culture as it relates to her work. 🎨 ○ Columbia Fireflies’ Critical Need Blood Drive| Thurs., Jan. 7 | 12-5 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St. | Blood donations are more needed than ever – sign up for a donation slot here. 🩸Ⓟ ○ Dueling Piano Show| Sat., Jan. 9 | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $10+ | The show is free, $10 is needed to reserve your table. Reservations aren’t required but recommended to ensure you have a seat. 🎹
Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
Merrill Gardens is now open + welcoming new residents | Photo provided
If you’ve been to the new 20-acre public park in The BullStreet District recently, you’ve likely noticed the dreamy rooftop and lush patios over at Merrill Gardens. Here’s everything you need to know about Columbia’s newest senior living community.
Family-owned Merrill Gardensoffers residents a vibrant life in an inviting environment, with spacious, well-appointed common spaces + a variety of floor plans. Their types of care include:
Independent Living Think flexibility, freedom, and fun for seniors, both singles and couples. Merrill Gardens takes care of the cooking, cleaning + yard work so residents can focus on all the things they love.
From private apartments (where small pets are welcome) to Anytime Dining (read: the flexibility to enjoy meals whenever) to an Active Living calendar filled with fitness classes, charity work, games + outings, Merrill Gardens promises a full, liberated life.
Merrill Gardens offers spacious apartments with full kitchens | Photo provided
Memory Care Garden House offers residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias a caring environment + dedicated team, which focuses on honoring every resident from day one with a family feel and positive social engagement. Learn more.Ⓟ
