Written in the Stars - Week of December 25

Venus Sextile Jupiter — When the planet of love and pleasure dances with the planet of gigantic joy, it feels better to give than to receive — or at least, just as good! Harmony, cheer and goodwill toward our fellow humans will reign today. Pleasure, parties and happy surprises are all forecast. It's a present from your stars! Happy holidays!

ARIES

Great things are happening in the realm of your work and life purpose, Aries! Lucky Jupiter continues to inspire and expand your abilities in your House of Work and Routine, and now he's making a lucky angle with powerful Pluto in your House of Career and Destiny. This energy creates the perfect atmosphere for transformative change. You see yourself clearly now, and have the necessary willpower to develop your talents and attain your goals. Go forth and conquer!


TAURUS

Your ships are coming in, Taurus, and you're at the helm! Lucky Jupiter is having a ball in your House of Creativity, Romance and Play, and making a very fortunate angle with powerful Pluto in your House of Journeys and Philosophy, demanding that you go boldly into new territories — whether they be geographical or metaphorical. This energy gives you both the urge to attain goals, and the drop-dead discipline to do it. Even your furthest goals are within your grasp now.


GEMINI

Your home-base is growing, Gemini, whether you're adding a new addition to the family or your house. Giant Jupiter is blessing your House of Home and Family, and how he's making a lucky angle with powerful Pluto in your House of Intimacy and The Other, indicating that you can have both the comfort and the intense connection, and meaningful life, that you desire. You have the power to achieve great things now, and your stars say a potent partner will assist you. Go for it!


CANCER

Your words have power, Cancer, and your stars say your influence is transforming the lives of several key players in your life, and yourself. Lucky Jupiter is lighting up your House of Communications; when you open your mouth, you open a path. Choose your words wisely! He's making a lucky angle with potent Pluto in your House of Partnerships, indicating that what you say one-on-one could shift a balance of power in your favor. Pinpoint your message, then shout it from the rooftops!


LEO

You are getting ready for a major level-up, Leo! Lucky, gigantic Jupiter is blessing your House of Money and Values, and he's making a fortunate angle with powerful Pluto in your House of Work and Routine, giving you a powerful impetus to transform your daily routine in order to work on your natural talents, make more money, and enjoy a positive, productive New Year. Your courage and willpower are at a high, so envision your goal and roll up your sleeves. It's within your reach.


VIRGO

Are you ready to see the results of your recent months of luck and expansion, Virgo? Things are changing, and change is good. Lucky Jupiter is still lighting up your House of Self, making you more optimistic and excitable, and he's making a fortunate angle with powerful Pluto in your House of Creativity, Romance and Play, indicating that a hobby or creative pursuit you're a smidge obsessed about could yield some amazing personal rewards. Be outlandish — get rewarded.


LIBRA

What makes us grown-ups is our ability to parent ourselves, Libra — are you raising someone you're proud of? Your stars forecast a major breakthrough leading to a high level of spiritual contentment and understanding. Lucky Jupiter is blessing your House of Secrets and the Past, shedding light on old issues and putting them to bed. He's making a tenacious angle with powerful Pluto in your House of Foundations, indicating that you're creating a beautiful future with your transformative work. Keep at it!


SCORPIO

It's time to get your words out into the world, Scorpio, because you have an eager audience waiting with bated breath. Giant Jupiter is warming up your House of Allies and Organizations, increasing your prominence and popularity in the community, and he's making a lucky angle with powerful Pluto in your House of Communications, indicating that your message is not only crucial, but transformative, with the potential to create change, earn money and even take you to new places. Start talking!


SAGITTARIUS

It's all about attainment for you now, Sagittarius. With your ruler, giant Jupiter shedding lucky light in your House of Career and Destiny, and making a tenacious angle with powerful Pluto in your House of Money and Values, an overhaul of your moneymaking skills is forecast, along with a major dose of recognition and celebration! You've got the willpower and the know-how, according to your stars, so it's time to act like you know you can't lose. Go forth and conquer!


CAPRICORN

Who you really are is becoming clearer as you grow, Capricorn, and your stars are forecasting big breakthroughs and leaps forward because of it. Lucky Jupiter is shining in your House of Journeys and Philosophy, and making a powerful angle with tenacious Pluto in your House of Self, indicating that you're undergoing a major transformation, and these changes are set to catalyze a new adventure filled with faraway places, distant dreams and goals you once thought impossible. Set yourself free!


AQUARIUS

Have you surprised yourself lately, Aquarius, with how much you've grown and how far you've come? Lucky Jupiter is lighting up your House of Intimacy and The Other, making you more willing to be vulnerable and share deeply of yourself; meanwhile, he's making a tenacious angle with powerful Pluto in your House of Secrets and the Past. Your stars are setting you up for enormous gains, both financial and spiritual, thanks to your willingness to take emotional risks. Be proud.


PISCES

You won't just "get by" with a little help from your friends, Pisces, you will truly ascend. Jupiter continues to bless your House of Partnerships with luck, spirituality and expansion, and he's making a fortunate angle with powerful Pluto in your House of Allies and Organizations. You are building a powerful network of those you can truly love, trust and who can go with you through your life's journey. Expect to be surrounded by those who want to see you succeed. Take their hand.

Written in the Stars - Week of December 18

Sun Square Jupiter — When the planet of expression is energized by the planet of jubilant abundance, we feel full of inspiration and optimism to make big things happen. But this restless energy can manifest as bombast, conceit or empty promises if it's not tempered with discipline. When focused, this dynamic aspect evokes creative breakthroughs.

ARIES

You're feeling a little restless now, Aries, a little held back from going full-speed-ahead toward your goals. Giant Jupiter is blessing your House of Work and Routine and making you crave progress, but just now he's creating some frustrating friction with the Sun as he moves from your House of Journeys and Philosophy into your House of Career and Destiny. You still want the liberation of adventure, but you're getting the opportunity to see how "thinking big" but focusing on small details can earn you the professional attention you deserve.


TAURUS

Have you been saddled with a few too many commitments and duties recently, Taurus? Your stars say you're feeling the urge to break free, and that opportunity is coming in just a matter of days, if you can tap your deep well of patience. As the Sun moves from your House of Intimacy into your House of Journeys and Philosophy, your focus goes from the singularly important to the massively adventurous. Your opportunity to express yourself freely is coming, after a brief period of frustrating hold-ups. Don't fret! Fun is forecast!


GEMINI

Even if you have the biggest mouth in the zodiac, don't bite off more than you can chew this week, Gemini! You're eager to progress with regard to your most important motivations, as the expressive Sun moves from your House of Partnerships into your House of Intimacy and the Other; but when he squares off with giant Jupiter in your House of Home and Family, this energy can create a frustrating friction — a sense that you're not as available to support others as you'd like to be. Give it a week. Huge opportunities are unveiled.


CANCER

You won't have to hold it in much longer, Cancer, your urge to share all that you've learned and assembled. The expressive Sun is moving from your House of Work and Routine into your House of Partnerships, emphasizing the importance of the human element for the next few weeks. Make time for one-on-one meetings and hangouts, but try not to bowl over others with your enthusiasm. Jubilant Jupiter is energizing the Sun, making you want to be all things to all people. Invest in a date book and stick to it!


LEO

You may be feeling like a caged animal this week, Leo, as the limitations of your personal freedom or creative potential feel heavier than usual. Your ruler, the Sun, is leaving your House of Creativity, Romance and Play, and making a challenging angle with bigger-is-better Jupiter, who's roosting in your House of Money and Values. Take heart! They're making friends, and by next week, when the Sun enters your House of Work and Routine, you'll be making sense of how you can make your daily grind the key to your freedom.


VIRGO

Your desire to explore, expand and "break free" might have a little cold water thrown on it this week, Virgo. The expressive Sun is finishing his course through your House of Home and Family, and making a challenging angle with expansive Jupiter in your House of Self, indicating that domestic demands may overtake your personal needs. Never fear! By the middle of next week, the Sun will be in your House of Creativity, Romance and Play, forming a lucky angle with joyful Jupiter that gives you the leap you're looking for. Your chance to "make it big" is coming.


LIBRA

You're normally a gregarious soul, Libra, but this week, you may feel like social demands are limiting your ability to care for yourself. The Sun is finishing his expressive cruise through your House of Communication, calling in a flurry activity, messages and events, and he's making a challenging angle with spiritual Jupiter in your House of Secrets and the Past, indicating that while you just want to pull the shades and spend a little time on yourself and building up your foundation, circumstances will demand your input. Don't fret; in a few more days, it'll be smooth sailing.


SCORPIO
It can feel quite frustrating, Scorpio, to be told to lower your standards, or the heights at which you set your goals, in order to do things like eat, pay the rent and keep the lights on. This week, you may feel conflicted — the Sun is making a challenging angle with giant Jupiter from your House of Money and Values, putting your urge to shore up your security is at odds with your call to do "bigger and better" things. Don't be tempted to throw the baby out with the bathwater. In a few days, you'll get a couple of messages that set you free. Wait for it as patiently as you can stand!


SAGITTARIUS
Your time is coming, Sagittarius. It's often in the home stretch that we feel the bumps, setbacks or delays most keenly, and you can expect to endure a little of that this week. The expressive Sun is finishing up his course through your House of Self, creating a combative angle with your ruler, giant Jupiter, who's in your House of Career and Destiny. In a few more days, you can expect upgrades to your career and money sectors — but until then, some frustration and restlessness are forecast. Have patience — things are shaping up beautifully, even if you can't see it yet.


CAPRICORN

A period of rest and reflection is ending, Capricorn, as you gear up for your personal New Year (your birthday). In a few more days, you will step into the spotlight, as the expressive Sun enters your House of Self. Until then, he's finishing his run in your House of Secrets and the Past, and making a frustrating angle with giant Jupiter in your House of Journeys and Philosophy, breeding frustration born from the urge to break free. Jupiter is raring to set you free for your new adventure — use these last few days of astrological timeout to set crystal-clear intentions. Who are you becoming?


AQUARIUS

This week may be fraught with frustrations, Aquarius, as you're being asked to remain in the public eye a little longer, when all you want to do is take retreat with your closest partners. The Sun is finishing his ride through your House of Allies, and moving into your House of Secrets and the Past, which will give you space for rest and regeneration. You may feel as if you can't please anyone, but by the middle of next week, you'll be experiencing the deep, affirming connections you long for, which are forecast to bring beautiful new opportunities. Hold on a little longer!


PISCES

Just hold out a little while longer, Pisces, to see the results and rewards for all the hard work you've put in. Your stars are setting you up for a big reveal in the very near future (think, within a week) that is forecast to bring the right people into your life to help you get your projects off the ground. Until then, a bit of frustration is forecast — you may be feeling a bit "big for your britches," aware that you've outgrown certain situations and personas. Don't allow your enthusiasm to be dampened — just temper it with discipline. The results will be miraculous.

Written in the Stars - Week of December 11

Mars Square Pluto — When the god of energy and action squares off with the god of power and obsession, we are bound and determined to attain our desires. Determination is great; it's the "bound" part you want to avoid. Beware of the will to win becoming the instinct to dominate. Nix unnecessary struggles; use this energy to craft a strategy.

ARIES

Is it your way or the highway, Aries? You could endure a few bumps with your closest partners this week, as Mars, the planet of action and aggression rides through your House of Partnerships, and squares off with Pluto, ruler of power and control. It could be that you feel frustrated now, held back or limited by certain connections that you think are keeping you from getting to your rightful place in the world. This energy imbues you with great determination; focus on internal breakthroughs rather than external conflicts.


TAURUS

You're normally content with and committed to your routines, Taurus, but now you may feel the desire to break away acutely. The weight of your daily commitments may feel like like a drag compared to your larger goals. "How can I travel to Europe/write my book/create my masterpiece when I have to mop the (epithet deleted) floors?" Your tenacity is one of your greatest gifts, and is highlighted by this dynamic energy; rather than wasting time in anger, channel your will into making more strides toward your next level-up. This frustration will pass.


GEMINI

You're a free-spirited sort, Gemini, so you don't appreciate it when others put limits on you any time — but this week, limits could feel like shackles. Mars, the planet of energy and action, is in your House of Creativity, Romance and Play, urging you to be yourself and do your own thing, but he's squaring off with the planet of power and control, Pluto, in your House of Intimacy and The Other, putting your personal desires at odds with your "greater" needs. Rather than resenting others in frustration, channel your aggression into solving problems — the better for you to enjoy yourself sooner.


CANCER

You draw power and satisfaction from your connections, Cancer, but this week you may come up against some opposition, as aggressive Mars squares off with powerful Pluto from your House of Home and Family. You could become frustrated with your partner or closest loved ones when they seem to "get in the way" of your plans or challenge you. Your best bet is to focus this dynamic energy on what you can control, and that is certainly not people, or even circumstance. It's you and your actions, and they are powerful now.


LEO

Do you know what helps make your roar so terrifying, Leo? How rarely you unleash it. But you may feel tempted to bellow this week, as aggressive Mars has entered your House of Communications, and he's squaring off with powerful Pluto in your House of Work and Routine. You long for change and transformation, and you may feel like others aren't listening to the important messages you're sending. Rather than placing the blame on the receivers, concentrate on what you can control: yourself, the messenger. You can persuade rather than proclaim.


VIRGO

You play by the rules normally, Virgo, but this week, you could feel tempted to gamble, leap before you look and shock the world with a sharp left turn. Aggressive Mars is heating up your House of Money and Values, increasing your urge to own and attain, and he's squaring off with powerful Pluto in your House of Creativity, Romance and Play, who's obsessed with breaking boundaries and acting out. Before you barter your retirement fund for a ticket to Hollywood, focus on planning a strategy to get there safely. Your dreams are within reach — you just need to build a ladder.


LIBRA

How much of who you are do you attribute to who, and where, you come from, Libra? You may find yourself frustrated by the limits of your roots this week, as aggressive Mars charges up your House of Self, and faces off with powerful Pluto in your House of Home and Family. It's important for you to assert yourself and your desires now, but be careful not to manipulate or dominate others in a bid to get what you want. An honest approach can do wonders to alter the behavior of others. Establish boundaries. Then use them to get where you're going.


SCORPIO

When you speak, others listen, Scorpio. Sometimes this can feel more like a burden than a boon, and you might feel a bit of frustration this week when others ask for you input, when all you want to do is focus on your own business. Mars, the planet of energy and action, is heating up your House of Secrets and the Past, and facing off with your ruler, powerful Pluto, in your House of Communications. Rather than getting frustrated, use your clout to encourage others to resolve their own issues; that way, you can spend more time on your own.


SAGITTARIUS
You're feeling the pressure, Sagittarius, to produce, to realize your goals, and to prove the worth of your ideas in the real world. You're also feeling the frustration of every achiever — the friction of limitation. Aggressive Mars is heating up your House of Allies and Organizations — AKA the House of Big Goals, and he's squaring off with powerful Pluto in your House of Money and Values, indicating that you can lead your team to victory, and your audience to applause, but it won't be through manipulation or domination. Focus on your performance, not its outcome.


CAPRICORN

Don't burn the bridges that lead to your goals, Capricorn. You demand, and deserve, to be recognized for your accomplishments now, as aggressive Mars heats up your House of Career and Destiny — but he's facing off with powerful Pluto in your House of Self, indicating that frustrations could bubble regarding your status, and would be better analyzed than catalyzed. You may feel undervalued and could feel the urge to torch your opposition with a few choice phrases. Hold off — the frustration will pass, and you might still want a couple of those bridges un-singed.


AQUARIUS

You know that part of the moving process, Aquarius, where you go through all your old stuff so you can toss what you don't need, instead of lugging it along to your next stop? Don't skip that step. Aggressive Mars is riding through your House of Journeys and Philosophy, urging and empowering you to break free and go on a new adventure. But he's squaring off with powerful Pluto in your House of Secrets and the Past, indicating that you need to clear away some old, dry brush in the road before you can see the path. P.S. That brush is flammable. Avoid intense exchanges; they have the potential to go up in flames.


PISCES

What do true friendship and true intimacy mean to you, Pisces? Are you getting what you need from your connections? You may feel challenged when it comes to loved ones this week, as aggressive Mars has moved into your House of Intimacy and the Other, squaring off with Powerful Pluto in your House of Allies and Organizations. If you are giving more than you are getting, or otherwise sensing an imbalance, your time is better spent changing your habits rather than trying to change others. Show others how to treat you by the way you treat yourself. Don't burn bridges; light torches.

Written in the Stars - Week of December 4

Venus in Scorpio —when the lighthearted goddess of love and beauty enters the dark realm of the underworld, her charms take on an intense and obsessive quality. Consuming needs and passions call to us; nothing superficial seems to satisfy. Even fear is an aphrodisiac. Enjoy the thrill ride — just don't pull a Romeo & Juliet.

ARIES

You're in deep, Aries. Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, has moved into your House of Intimacy and the Other. Suddenly, all that is transformative, spiritual and intense will enthrall you. You may feel compelled to make a stronger commitment to a partner, or you could receive a financial boost thanks to someone you're very close to. Trust your intuition this week and dig deeper into subjects that excite you. You're craving intimacy and the unvarnished truth. Superficial applicants need not apply.


TAURUS

It's the perfect time to give some personal attention to your closest loved ones, Taurus. Your ruler, Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, has moved into your House of Partnerships, making you crave the give-and-take that you can only get from one-on-one interactions. You're more adaptable and diplomatic than usual, so an ideal use of this energy would be mediating, arranging or playing liaison, whether at work, at home, or socially. ('Tis the season!) You're being lent extra grace, charm and compassion now — work it!


GEMINI

Do you put your heart and soul into your daily grind, Gemini? Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, has moved into your House of Work and Routine, inspiring you to de-clutter your desk, brighten up your work space, or socialize more with coworkers. This is a great time to take more joy in your work, and consider what positive self-care habits you should work into your routine. A monthly massage? A pedicure after your first 5K, or a new gadget when you wrap up a project? Do what motivates you; work toward what inspires you.


CANCER

It's time to get out and play, Cancer! Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, has moved into your House of Creativity, Romance and Personal Expression, making you more charming, open and willing to show off what you've got. There's no better time to put your mind, heart and soul into your creative and personal projects — this energy helps evoke your inner child, who is also, naturally, your inner artist and genius. This is joyful energy that's best embraced by just being yourself and doing what you love. Enjoy!


LEO

You're a hunter and a queen or king, as the lion of the zodiac, Leo, but this week, you may feel like tending to your den. Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, has moved into you House of Home and Family, making you crave the comforts of home. You may feel like cleaning up, sprucing up, or decorating your home now, and you may provide a safe haven for others under this energy. You may even discover a way to make money from home now. Things of sentimental and nostalgic value are vital now. Indulge.


VIRGO

I am betting you have near-filled up your meticulously-kept little black book for this month, Virgo, and not just because it's the holidays. Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, is chatting everyone up in your House of Communications, making you more charming, chatty and all-around busy. You strike up conversations and establish a rapport easily now, so it's a great time to make new connections, strengthen old ones, or mediate situations at work or at home. ('Tis the season!) Work your verbal magic. 


LIBRA

It's no secret that you love the rich things in life, Libra: sweets, conversations and bank accounts. You're going to long for la dolce vita more than ever now that your ruler, charming Venus, has moved into your House of Money and Values. Your cravings skyrocket now, but luckily, this energy has a way of bringing you what you want as well, from surprise gifts to sudden windfalls. Be careful not to splurge on yourself too much — no one enjoys a hangover, or buyer's remorse. Take time to enjoy, and express gratitude for, the good things in life.


SCORPIO

Your sweet side is showing, Scorpio. Oh, don't hide it. It looks good on you! Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, has moved into your sign, and your House of Self, making you softer, more receptive and open. It's a great time to make changes to your appearance, as Venus lends luck and beauty to your looks now. Haircuts, wardrobe upgrades and beauty routines are highlighted. You're always attractive — the most magnetic sign in the zodiac. Now your attractiveness is softened, emboldening others to approach you. Get out there!


SAGITTARIUS

Are you sharing your love behind closed doors, Sagittarius? How unlike the bold adventurer of the zodiac! But with sweet Venus moving through your House of Secrets and the Past, wistfulness, nostalgia, karma and secret affairs rise to prominence. Have you fallen for someone unattainable? Or perhaps you must put an end to some unfinished emotional business. Either way, you can certainly heal certain relationships, and put others to rest, under this peaceful energy. Take time to yourself to reflect. See what appears


CAPRICORN

Are you part of a like-minded group or club, Capricorn? You're certainly an individual, but you know the value of working with a team, too — after all, you're the original worker bee. Charming Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, has moved into your House of Allies and Organizations, indicating that you'll benefit from exchanging ideas, or designing projects, with a group. It's time to share your feelings, your passions and your workload. Your ideas will be embraced and supported: offer them up!


AQUARIUS

Have you been waiting for the right moment to get back in the game, and step into the spotlight, Aquarius? Let the games begin. Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, has moved into your House of Career and Destiny, making you both magnetic and magnanimous in the eyes of powerful figures who could provide a significant upgrade to your future. Dress your best, strut your stuff, and expect to come across big opportunities. Network, socialize; you're likely to make a positive professional impression, even on a casual outing.


PISCES

It's time to "get away," Pisces, even if you don't leave your bed (which, let's face it, has been known to happen). You have a taste for the exotic now, as Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, has moved into your House of Journeys and Philosophy. You crave travel, adventure and freedom now, so whenever you can, break from the beaten path. Go somewhere new. Take a class or join a group discussing "big ideas." Explore, and meet people you wouldn't, ordinarily. Exotic new connections are forecast.