Together, let’s celebrate the promise of 2022...

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As the days become shorter, we look forward to the start of a new season on December 21st, after which the daylight will gradually return. The birth of the Sun on the Winter Solstice has long been celebrated — by the Norse as Yule and by Roman pagans as Saturnalia. Saturn rules Capricorn, the sign the Sun enters as Winter begins. The Judeo-Christian holidays of Hanukkah (the Festival of Lights) and Christmas (the birth of the Son) were eventually added to this part of the calendar and now overshadow the ancient festivals. Still, many elements of modern-day festivities have their roots in the Solstice. So even if the planets are up to their old tricks this month (looking at you, Venus retrograde), let’s give thanks when the light returns after the longest night of the year. Happy Holidays!

SAGITTARIUS

November 22–December 21

On the first day of the month, Neptune gets back into gear, coaxing you to let go of memories and emotions that have kept you tied to the past. Have you been entangled in a family or domestic matter? Stop to consider what you need to feel more at ease with it. On December 4th, a solar eclipse rattles your sign, giving you a great excuse to set your intentions for 2022. Tune out the world for a minute and focus on yourself. You can craft a solid plan in your head to move in a fresh direction over the next year. Trust your judgment and continue to evolve into a mature, well-rounded individual. When Mars and Pluto collaborate on the 6th, work privately in a low-key setting on something that will help you to earn income, declutter or feel better about yourself. Mars clashes with Jupiter the next day, however, so be mindful of your mood and subconscious motives. Otherwise, bottled up aggression or secrets could come bursting out. Take extra care with your words that day. Venus’s conference with Pluto on December 11th can intensify material desires, and you might become fixated on a particular one. Possessiveness can be a problem; it will help to drill down to your deepest values and your true needs. Hours later, a tussle between the Sagittarius sun and Neptune could kill your buzz. Part of you is fired up to be out in the world, while part of you wants to nest at home now. To align yourself with the energy shift, try taking your foot off the gas and coasting. If someone you live with is playing the role of killjoy, it’s good to remember this is a fleeting transit. Mars barrels into your sign on the 13th for a six-week stay, increasing your drive tenfold. Here’s your chance to pursue your agenda and further your own interests. Operate independently to whatever extent you can so you won’t have to worry about stepping on toes. You’re motivated to show what you can accomplish and to stand up for yourself during this productive period. Later that day, Mercury segues into your worth zone, sharpening your financial acumen and making it easier to assess your resources. With Venus turning retrograde in that zone on the 19th, you’ll be turning inward to pore over your finances, possessions and assets and ponder the link between your self-esteem and your fiscal behavior. It’s worthwhile to ask yourself if your values are reflected in your priorities. You might also question your attachment to specific belongings. Make a point of distinguishing between needs and wants, and if you find yourself fearing what you lack or stand to lose, hold steady instead of reacting. Think back to December 21st, 2013–January 31st, 2014 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was going on with you then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. After the sun moves into that zone on the 21st, even more of your attention will turn from who you are to what you need. Keep pondering how you can best provide for yourself. On December 24th, Saturn and Uranus have their last showdown of the year. The first two occurred in February and June, and again, circumstances could change on a dime — no matter how rock-solid your plans seem. Be ready to think on your feet again. It’s great to be organized, but you also need to be flexible. A clever workaround could save the day. If you spot a solution, take the detour it requires. On the 25th, try not to obsess over what you used to have or what you didn’t get. Stay in the moment and be grateful for what you do have now. After Jupiter descends to the foundation of your chart on the 28th, he’ll spend the next several months hunkered down there. Your family and home life will be a source of support during this time. You might enhance your current space, relocate or visit faraway relatives. Contemplating your childhood can give you a better understanding of yourself. Your connection with your mother could strengthen, and you should make a point of surrounding yourself with wise women. On the 29th, Mars gels with Saturn, empowering you to combine decisive action and sound judgment. Take steps to execute a plan, or walk your talk to strengthen your case with someone.

CAPRICORN

December 22–January 19

With Neptune pivoting forward on the 1st, you’ll have an easier time piecing your thoughts together and articulating them. A hunch might turn into a valuable perception, and vague ideas could bloom into creative concepts. Don’t rush to assign meaning to everything, as Neptune will take its time getting back up to speed. On December 4th, a solar eclipse at the end of your chart encourages you to start a new spiritual practice, get a dream journal going or finally put an end to something so that you can make a fresh start. This lunation wants you to resist the compulsion to control. Instead, surrender to what the universe has in store for you! Teamwork is extra productive on the 6th when Mars in your network sector joins forces with Pluto in Capricorn. A coordinated effort is likely to pay off, so collaborate with others on endeavors that are important to you and to the lives of others. Since Mars is at odds with Jupiter on the 7th, though, overconfidence, greed or overestimating your resources might pose problems in a group — so practice moderation. A Venus-Pluto encounter on the 11th sends your charisma soaring and gives you loads of personal power. Use it for good, channeling your passion and allure in productive directions. The sun battles Neptune hours later, which could make you feel less clear-headed. A self-defeating mindset can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Try not to latch onto negative thoughts and give them too much of your bandwidth. After Mars ducks into the last house of your chart on December 13th, see if you can content yourself with operating behind the scenes and not getting tons of credit for your efforts. If you’re expecting applause, you’re likely to grow frustrated. Work below the radar and/or in service of others. And guard against self-sabotaging behavior. If you slip into an old pattern or shoot yourself in the foot, root out subconscious motives — confronting yourself instead of other people. Mercury skips into Capricorn hours later, helping you to express yourself clearly and weigh personal matters with objectivity. On December 19th, Venus does a U-turn in your sign, luring you to conduct a self-inventory over the next six weeks and reflect on what — or who — has outlasted its purpose in your life. You won’t feel socially engaged but might feel more creative. Don’t hesitate to withdraw and immerse yourself in the world of imagination. The retrograde phase will almost certainly prompt you to ruminate over love and relationships, and it’s also useful to ponder the concept of self-love. What do you believe you deserve? What do you want to draw into your life? Think back to December 21st, 2013–January 31st, 2014 (the last time Venus was retrograde in Capricorn). If you remember what was going on with you then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. The sun’s arrival in Capricorn on December 21st heralds the beginning of your birthday season, filling you with vim and vigor. Go ahead and focus on yourself and take advantage of your ability to make a big splash! Saturn and Uranus have their last run-in of the year on December 24th, a repeat of their bouts in February and June. The friction between your resources and your personal pleasure has been highlighted throughout 2021. You’ve had to get creative to get what you want. If limited funds or self-worth have cramped your style, hopefully you’ve learned to make clever use of what you have going for you. A repeat rendezvous between Venus and Pluto on the 25th could complicate your social life if you don’t channel this powerful energy productively. After Jupiter shows up in your cognition-and-communication house on the 28th, your mindset and everyday interactions get a boost. Local travel is favored, and your commute could increase. Your relations with neighbors and siblings should thrive, and you’ll be educated and inspired by people close to home. You could read and write more and will be processing lots of info. Enjoy opportunities to meet a wider range of humanity and to spread your message to a larger audience. Don’t limit your encounters to familiar people or your usual type. Get out of default thought patterns and look for new ideas and ways of communicating. Talk to people with varied perspectives and philosophies. Speak truthfully, but be careful not to preach. Get involved in a community-improvement effort — or lead one. Maintain an open mind and an optimistic vision of the future.

AQUARIUS

January 20–February 18

With Neptune finishing up its retrograde period on the 1st, your finances should become clearer. But it’s also possible that an urge to splurge will strike. Money can seem magical, either showing up miraculously or slipping through your fingers. Let your spiritual values serve as your guide rather than reaching for idealized pleasure. Listen to your gut when it comes to what you really require. On December 4th, a solar eclipse in your network sector promotes new friendships, group affiliations and social media profiles. Reach out and connect! Look for supportive people you can learn from and peers who share an ideal, interest or goal of yours. Collaboration is the name of the game. You might join an organization, make new contacts and increase your following in the next six months. When Mars syncs with Pluto on the 6th, you’re better off finishing up old business than starting something new. Mars does battle with Jupiter in Aquarius the next day, so you’ll run the risk of stepping on toes in your quest to accomplish what you’ve set out to do. Your drive is a plus, but try to remain conscious of how your behavior is perceived. Venus’s mashup with Pluto on December 11th can intensify a private bond like a secret crush or affair. If jealousy or pain gets to be too much, forgiveness will be cathartic. You have a chance to change your connection to the past if you so choose. The sun’s clash with Neptune hours later suggests insecurity could rear its ugly head when you’re in a group. Maybe you’re not sure how you fit in, or you don’t have the confidence to stand out. If money’s tight, socializing and teamwork will seem harder. Don’t let peer pressure affect your self-esteem or your core values. The arrival of Mars in your network zone on the 13th sets you up for six weeks of productive collaboration. Look for opportunities to participate in teamwork, and seek out like-minded people. Try to find common ground and coordinate your wishes and requirements with those of others. Group physical activities like team sports would be another great use of this energy. After Mercury sneaks into your release corner soon after, you’ll tune into your intuition and imagination. Venus reverses course there on the 19th, luring you to muse on the meaning of life and how you can reorient yours so that it’s more in accord with your personal values. This is a good time to review the past and uncover where your heart lies—and admit where it no longer does. It’s natural to retreat during Venus’s retrograde phase, so don’t force connections. When you’re feeling introverted, observe and contemplate rather than trying to engage. Think back to December 21st, 2013–January 31st, 2014 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was going on with you then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. Once the sun plunges into that part of your chart on December 21st, your solar year starts winding down. Fit in plenty of rest and reflection to recharge your battery in preparation for Aquarius season. On the 24th, Saturn in Aquarius has his last fight of 2021 with Uranus, after crossing swords in February and June. You could feel alone and unsettled again as a result. You’ve been growing yourself up and redefining your identity lately. If you feel extra emotional now, find a way to ground yourself. The next day, another Venus-Pluto summit can turn up the heat on secret feelings and tempt you to obsess over the past. Do your best to let go rather than holding on. Jupiter exits Aquarius on the 28th and will camp out in your worth zone for the next several months. You’re transitioning from questions like “Who am I? What’s possible for me?” to “What do I need? How can I acquire it? What do I value? How can I make the most of what I have?” You could begin to make more money and spend more too. This is a period for maximizing your talents and assets; ranking your priorities; learning about finances; and respecting yourself enough to get better at providing for yourself. You’re moving from personal growth to self-assured prioritizing. Teamwork is a major plus on the 29th, and other people can motivate you to accomplish what you’ve set out to do. Welcome a gentle push in the right direction!

PISCES

February 19–March 20

On the 1st, Neptune powers on in Pisces after five months off the grid, making it easier for you to tune into the outside world, actively engage and make your dreams a reality. If you’ve been drifting along lost in thought, now you’ll feel more in step with others. Then on the 4th, a solar eclipse in your achievement angle makes it clear that you’re meant to climb the ladder. Set some new goals, embark on a fresh chapter in your career or set off in a different direction in your life. When Mars gels with Pluto on the 6th, a shared experience can deepen a friendship, while fighting for a cause can empower a group. Have an adventure with other people — breaking new ground together is better than flying solo today. A Mars-Jupiter spat the next day tempts you to cross a line while asserting your views or behave a little recklessly in the name of growth. Do your best to maintain self-awareness. When Venus and Pluto get together on December 11th, jealousy may arise. It’s worth it to drill down and deal with underlying issues rather than hoping they’ll disappear. A platonic connection could take a sexual turn, or you might be intensely attracted to someone you meet through tech. Soon after, the sun squares off against Neptune, which could make you feel burned out for a bit. The professional or public side of your life is claiming a lot of your attention. But you may not be sending totally clear signals to higher-ups in the process of trying to prove yourself. If you’ve been on a roll, you might get down on yourself and lose momentum. How about lowering the bar and attempting relatively simple tasks for now? Rest when you’re tired, and don’t get discouraged. After Mars climbs to the pinnacle of your chart on the 13th, you’ll be fired up to chase after your goals and make headway in your career. Your ambition will be in overdrive for the next six weeks, mobilizing you to achieve your aims. Work on independent projects if possible because headstrong Mars doesn’t like answering to anyone! Then hours later, Mercury heads into your network zone, helping you to get your point across in groups and get on the same page with people. Venus enters her retrograde phase in that zone on December 19th, coaxing you to consider what contribution you’re making to the greater good and what roles you play in others’ lives. You’re bound to feel rather out of sync with your squad, peers and other groups and should take some time to look at the web of connections you’ve formed. This period is ideally suited to figuring out what you want to do next—and with what team by your side. Think back to December 21st, 2013–January 31st, 2014 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was going on with you then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. After the sun dashes into the same part of your chart on the 21st, you’ll be even more oriented toward friends and groups. You may not know what to think on the 24th when Saturn and Uranus skirmish, as they did back in February and June. You’ve been tying up loose ends in an effort to get on with your life, and you’re seeing things with fresh perspective. How to process the past and new visions of the future at the same time? All your old assumptions and instincts aren’t wrong, and not every new revelation and hunch is right. Give yourself more time to sift through it all. On the 25th, another Venus-Pluto meetup could trigger attraction and/or jealousy. But the big news arrives on the 28th with Jupiter’s re-entrance into Pisces. The planet of expansion will set up shop in your sign for the next several months, launching another cycle of growth for Fish. Jupiter gifts you with confidence and optimism, inviting you to picture the possibilities of who you can be and what you can achieve. Open your mind and pursue new experiences. Learn more about yourself, and if it seems like you’re not on your true path, experiment and explore to discover your guiding purpose. Look for opportunities—then seize them! Your enthusiasm will be contagious, and your newfound independent spirit can inspire people around you. You’re meant to bet on yourself and make good on the promise that lies within you.

ARIES

March 21–April 19

As Neptune turns direct on December 1st, hopefully your private quest for higher meaning and a connection with something greater than yourself can get onto a more productive track. Come to terms with where you are in your life, have faith in the fact that you’re here for a purpose and trust your intuition. On the 4th, a solar eclipse in your exploration corner pushes you to take a leap of faith and set your sights on a fresh adventure like a new course of study. Onward and upward! Mars collaborates with Pluto on December 6th, indicating that your most promising strategies for success will be intense, focused work and partnership. You might zero in on a passion project, essential research or a challenging investigation. Or you could form a dynamic duo and put your shoulders to the wheel together. An argument between Mars and Jupiter the next day implies that sex and friendship will be a risky mix, and you might get involved with someone who clashes with your crew or your ideals. Look before you leap. On the 11th, a Venus-Pluto meetup may allow you to snag a powerful mentor, do notable creative work or assume an impressive leadership role. Since the sun is under hazy Neptune’s spell later that day, your enthusiasm is likely to wane momentarily. You’re intent on spreading your wings, but a little voice inside you is whispering worries like “Where do I belong? Is this the right path?” Perhaps you’re charging into the future but also feel pulled back into the past. If you’re fluctuating between eagerness and hopelessness, know that the truth lies in the liminal space. With Mars blasting into your expansion sector on December 13th for a six-week stay, you’ll be even more motivated to explore new territory and will go out of your way to have learning experiences — perhaps even taking a major trip if that’s doable. The courage to fight for what you believe in can lead you to become a social justice warrior during this period. But you should know it can also get you into heated debates. Mercury climbs to the peak of your chart soon after, improving goal-setting, career planning and communication with authority figures. With Venus doing an about-face on December 19th, you might begin to question your goals and feel undervalued at work. If you’re reaching for a brass ring that’s not living up to your expectations, pump the brakes and reassess your career trajectory—factoring in joy. The importance of loving what you do is highlighted by this retrograde period. You might also consider how you come across publicly and professionally and whether you’re getting the recognition you deserve. Think back to December 21st, 2013–January 31st, 2014 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was going on with you then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. The sun’s ascent to your achievement angle on the 21st gives you even more drive to chase after goals in the coming month. Then on the 24th, Saturn and Uranus cross swords for the last time this year. Their first two arguments took place in February and June, causing trouble between personal values and group interests. A friendship may be influencing your self-esteem, or a group endeavor is affecting your finances. You’re figuring out who your team is and forming new bonds. But insecurity around income, needs and resources is unsettling you. Self-sufficiency and accountability to others may seem incompatible this year. As you reprioritize, consider your ties to a wider community. With Jupiter slipping into your release-and-retreat corner on the 28th, you’re encouraged to take your hands off the wheel and drift. You’ll require quiet time to rest and reflect, and your subconscious will offer up its wisdom through spiritual practice, dreams, psychotherapy and the like. Feelings can be freed, and you can glean inner truths. Release what no longer serves your growth, whether it’s an unhealthy relationship or a dead-end job. Make peace with losses, mistakes and imperfections, and have compassion for yourself and others. Believe that we’re all connected. A spiritual mentor can guide you during the next several months, or perhaps you’ll play this role for someone else. Let your imagination and intuition wander, drawing you to revelations and creative visions. Develop your ideas behind the scenes in preparation for future undertakings. It’s also a good time to study a metaphysical subject that intrigues you.

TAURUS

April 20–May 20

As Neptune gets back up to speed starting on the 1st, relations among your friends will be more straightforward, and social plans won’t seem so tentative. You might hit refresh on a certain friendship and examine your various relationships — both personal and professional — to assess if they’re still a good fit. You can view people through a clearer lens going forward. On the 4th, a solar eclipse in your depth-and-merging house nudges you to seek an outside resource like a grant or loan, pay off debt or make a psychological shift that opens the door to satisfying intimacy. When Mars clicks with Pluto on December 6th, cooperation is the name of the game. You might snag a partner in crime who will take a leap of faith with you. It will be easier to pull off a major coup if you team up with another individual. Don’t let your ambition cause you to push someone too hard the next day, because a Mars-Jupiter dustup could disrupt your personal or professional life. Try to keep it all about cooperation. Venus’s date with Pluto on the 11th can intensify new experiences and maybe even make them feel life-altering. What more incentive do you need to say yes to something or someone different? Hours later, a sun-Neptune squabble can also color your relationships, and you might feel torn between friends and a paramour or between one-on-one closeness and playing the field. If you’re zeroed in on an emotional issue or passion project, spreading yourself thin will deplete the energy you’re devoting to that. After Mars plunges into your depth zone on December 13th, your libido revs up and you’re emboldened to take charge in bed or pursue someone you’re attracted to. You could also channel your passion into a pet project, an emotional matter that needs your undivided attention or an investigation of some sort. Mercury shows up in your exploration corner soon after, brightening your outlook, and helping you to take in a range of possibilities. But after Venus begins to backtrack through that part of your chart on December 19th, you may become unsure of what’s worth believing in and wonder if the tried and true would be a safer bet than whatever you’re currently hoping to manifest. You might long to be somewhere else and reminisce about a trip. Or you might miss someone who expanded your world and yearn for a different time. It’s normal to withdraw as your appetite for adventure wanes. Weigh the ways in which pushing boundaries, learning and having new experiences will make you happy. Think back to December 21st, 2013–January 31st, 2014 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was going on with you then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. The sun’s transition into that corner on the 21st can thankfully bring a jolt of enthusiasm that inspires you to broaden your horizons in the month to come. You’re still interested in entertaining different viewpoints and beliefs. On the 24th, you’ll once again be reevaluating, as Saturn squares off with Uranus for the last time. Their previous tiffs in February and June may have tempted you to rebel if responsibilities, a system or a boss seemed too onerous. Perhaps you’re questioning your career path and fearing failure — or success. Look at how far you’ve come and how hard you’ve worked. Part of you doesn’t want to play it too safe. Ask yourself what you think should change next. Then on December 25th, a reunion between your ruler, Venus, and Pluto can tempt you to try to repeat the high of a recent experience. You might venture far outside your comfort zone in a somewhat compulsive way without necessarily gaining what you’re after. On the 28th, Jupiter lands in your hopes-and-humanity house, enabling you to widen the circle of people in your life and develop new dreams. As you cultivate different aims and interests, people who share them will enter your life. Networking is likely to pay off during the next several months because the contacts you make can inspire you, support you and teach you. Your faith in humankind is building, making this a good time to launch a philanthropic endeavor. Plus, you’ll have luck with technology and could expand your social-media influence. Collaborations will flourish, so there’s no reason for you to fly solo. Time to grow Team Taurus!

GEMINI

May 21–June 20

After Neptune pivots direct on December 1st, your life direction or professional path could become better defined. If you’ve felt disillusioned with your career or bewildered when it comes to what you should do for a living, you might seek out someone who can help you craft your dreams into clear-cut objectives. Your faith in the contribution you can make to the world can fuel you to keep going. On the 4th, a solar eclipse in your one-on-one angle hints at the possibility of a new partnership or a new level of commitment in an existing one. Start thinking about how you can make your relationships healthier and more balanced over the course of the next several months. A Mars-Pluto mashup on the 6th can boost your productivity by allowing you to zero in on key tasks and execute them from beginning to end with impressive dedication. Narrow your focus to whatever is most important and get to work. The next day, a Mars-Jupiter run-in could pull you off-track if an urge to escape tempts you to rush or gloss over details. Take a break, then get back at it. Venus meets up with Pluto on the 11th, making a personal bond or emotional matter feel urgent. You may enjoy a potent sexual attraction, and then mistrust, control, jealousy or obsession arise. That same day, a sun-Neptune skirmish lures you to see what you want to see and assume you’re on the same page with another person. If you feel like someone isn’t supportive of your goals and it’s challenging to work as a unit, prioritize creative, charitable and spiritual objectives. After Mars crosses your one-on-one angle on the 13th, you might experience further tension in close relationships. In the next six weeks, get grievances out in the open and work through them. Partnerships can be productive during this period, and you’ll accomplish more with a companion than you will operating solo. Recruit other individuals for activities and endeavors, and try to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Choose your battles well, striking fair compromises whenever possible. Your ruling planet, Mercury, enters your depth zone hours later, enabling you to focus on what matters most to you and talk about strong feelings and other intense or taboo topics. On December 18th, a full moon in Gemini can trigger a disorienting mood swing that calls for you to put your needs first for a day. The antidote? A change of scene or a mental escape like a great book. If you know that someone or something is the culprit pushing you over the edge, you may consider walking away now. Full moons are often about endings! The next day, Venus enters her retrograde phase, coaxing you to ponder what you want from your closest relationships. Delve into your psyche and try to understand — and love — yourself better. You might crave intimacy, trust and sharing but find it elusive. Or you might dwell on an ex. Don’t focus on what you’re not getting or what you’ve lost. Strive to know your own heart. Think back to December 21st, 2013–January 31st, 2014 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was going on with you then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. The sun plunges into your depth zone on the 21st, shining a light on those private emotions and helping you to tune into your inner life. Saturn and Uranus square off on December 24th, as they did in February and June, which could throw curveballs into your plans. Be willing to go with the flow if a surprise comes your way. On the 28th, Jupiter climbs to the pinnacle of your chart, sending your ambition skyrocketing for the next several months. You might assume a high-profile role and gain recognition, so embrace responsibility and get ready to shine. Your professional path is expanding, and you’re meant to set your sights higher. You might score a promotion or find a job that will take you far — literally or figuratively. You could teach or lead a team. Your confidence is blossoming, which can fuel your climb up the ladder or make it hard for you to tolerate answering to anyone. Seek a career mentor who can help you find your true calling if you’re still searching for it — or help you plot your route to success if you know what you want to do.

CANCER

June 21–July 22

On the 1st of the month, Neptune’s about-face will bring a foggy vision of the future into sharper focus and help you to accept not having all the answers. Keeping an open mind will make it possible to discover personal philosophies and truths that strike a deep chord with you. Let go of old preconceptions and false boundaries. A solar eclipse on December 4th can prompt you to learn a skill, start eating differently, try a new fitness regimen, launch a job search, streamline your schedule, adopt a pet or work a new habit into your routine. Mars aligns with Pluto on the 6th, reinforcing a romantic or creative bond. If you’re toiling away on something and really putting your heart into it, you’re liable to receive a powerful response. Act on your passion! But you should know that a Mars-Jupiter dustup on the 7th might lead you to rush things and overshare. If your expectations are sky-high, a lack of restraint can cause problems that day. Dip your toe in the water rather than diving right in. Venus and Pluto rendezvous on December 11th, generating another strong emotional vibe. You could meet someone who has a profound effect on you, or an existing bond will change when your role in it changes. Later that day, a sun-Neptune encounter might cause you to run out of steam, even if you’re very motivated. If you lose the thread momentarily or don’t know enough to continue on the same track, you’re entitled to escape for a bit. After Mars cruises into your efficiency corner on December 13th, you’ll have even more energy to tackle your daily duties, job responsibilities and punch list — plus some left over to squeeze in regular workouts. Focus on making yourself useful and taking care of the most necessary business. Roll up your sleeves and get busy, without expecting a lot of recognition. Take satisfaction in being productive and helpful over the course of the next six weeks. And if you’re not in the mood to cooperate with others, work alone to whatever extent you can. When Mercury crosses your interpersonal angle hours later, dialogue and negotiations will flow more freely and you can see eye-to-eye with others. On the 19th, Venus starts backpedaling in your one-on-one angle, and nostalgia for an old partner may set in. You can learn from memories when you allow yourself to drift into the past. How might you apply the lessons you gain to current and future relationships? Reflect on your closest bonds and examine what you want from people. If others seem to be pulling away or withholding, try not to take it personally; we all feel less connected during Venus retrograde. Think back to December 21st, 2013–January 31st, 2014 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was going on with you then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. After the sun enters that part of your chart on the 21st, your interactions will give you energy, so keep trying to connect. Saturn and Uranus stage their final confrontation of the year on December 24th. A close relationship and a friendship may be at odds. Or perhaps you’re fixated on something that’s affecting the various social ties in your life. Change is unavoidable, but you don’t need to react in the heat of the moment. After Jupiter rockets into your expansion corner on December 28th, you’ll be inspired to spread your wings for several months to come. Seek out opportunities to travel, continue your education and have growth experiences. You’re on a mission to find more meaning in life. To do that, you need free rein to explore. Seek out difference — unfamiliar subjects, foreign cultures and beliefs and people from a range of backgrounds and places will stimulate your mind. Wanderlust will kick in, spurring even cautious, homebody Crabs to stray far out of your comfort zone. Courage, faith and optimism can mobilize you to live life to the fullest and take chances. Stay open to a wide array of possibilities. Aim to increase your consciousness and become more of a future-oriented visionary. Use this period to discover and maximize opportunities, develop your personal mantras and get involved in a cause you believe in. On the 29th, a Mars-Saturn confab can enable you to solve a problem. Look at something from different angles, and think in terms of what can be done to bring about improvement.

LEO

July 23–August 22

As Neptune powers forward on December 1st, a close bond may start to make more sense, and you might clarify your expectations. Consider how you share power, whom you trust and what relationships you invest in. On the 4th, a solar eclipse in your fulfillment sector favors new romance, creativity, fun and personal passions in the months to come. You might get into a new hobby, start a love affair or launch an artistic project in the first half of 2022. When Mars clicks with Pluto on the 6th, you can get a lot done working from home or working on your home, so dive into domestic projects or work remotely. A squabble between Mars and Jupiter the next day could trigger irritability and cause you to take out your frustrations on a person of whom you expect a lot. Focus on tolerating your own feelings and the imperfections of others. On December 11th, a Venus-Pluto mashup may lead you to fixate on details or become controlling on the job, especially if creativity is involved. Tempted to micromanage and criticize? Instead, concentrate on getting more pleasure out of your work or your daily life. The sun and Neptune go at it hours later, hinting that you may not receive the response you’re looking for from other people. Don’t let anyone burst your bubble. You’re in the mood to be yourself and do what you want to do; concentrating on feedback can diminish your joie de vivre. Romantic relationships may feel confusing or tiring that day if you’re not sure who someone really is or what they’re offering. After Mars shows up in your joy sector on the 13th, you’ll find the courage to chase after what you want and do as you please. Sexy sparks could fly, or a competitive spirit may drive you to play games and sports and show off your creative side in the next six weeks. Mercury heads into your efficiency corner soon after, improving your ability to deconstruct and analyze. Just be careful not to nitpick or worry too much. With Venus turning retrograde on December 19th, you’ll be reevaluating such issues as your job, habits, time management, schedule, skills, responsibilities, health, diet, fitness and pets. How can you reshuffle the deck so you get more satisfaction out of each day? Does your routine reflect the importance you place on your wellness, work and time? Follow your heart in aligning self-improvement with your inner values. Think back to December 21st, 2013–January 31st, 2014 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was going on with you then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. The sun enters that part of your chart on the 21st, giving your daily productivity a shot in the arm, which could slightly offset the lull of Venus’s retrograde. On the 24th, Saturn and Uranus resume their fight that began in February and continued in June. Has your ambition been in conflict with a partnership? Is someone nudging you onto a new path? Maybe you’re in a relationship, and the two of you don’t share the same goals. Strive to express your authentic self in your vocation and in your relationships. Venus and Pluto repeat their December 11th encounter on the 25th, with Venus backtracking this time. Avoid obsessing over a conflict from two weeks earlier. With Jupiter moving into your depth-and-merging zone on December 28th, you’re prompted to get to the truth in your psyche and in your closest connections during the months to come. You could see the upside of sharing your life with someone and take a leap of faith by investing in a serious relationship. Mutual emotional support, pooled resources and satisfying sex are a few of the possible perks. And you could learn to trust if it’s been difficult in the past. You may also delve into a passion project or a process of psychological growth and need more private time. It might be a good idea to seek the guidance of a therapist or another healing professional during this period. Intensive inner work, investigations and research will all be fruitful. And you can benefit from outside resources like grants and loans, so go in search of what you require. Although you should pursue necessary funding, don’t go overboard on iffy schemes or borrowing. When Mars collaborates with Saturn on the 29th, you can easily assert your desires, and a partnership will benefit as a result.

VIRGO

August 23–September 22

It gets easier to read people and to view your relationships pragmatically after Neptune comes out of reverse on December 1st. If you’ve been pining for someone who’s unavailable, romanticizing a bond or putting a person on a pedestal, hopefully the fog will clear. When you see the unvarnished truth, you can form healthy, real relationships. On the 4th, a solar eclipse points to an imminent change in your family or living situation. It may inspire a relocation, reno, decorating spree or new self-care practice in the coming months. Mars joins forces with Pluto on December 6, empowering you to pitch creative ideas, advocate for yourself and speak from the heart. But when Mars clashes with over-the-top Jupiter on the 7th, you could assume an overly critical or pious tone or skip past details in your plan of action. Take a breath and proceed one step at a time. Venus’s rendezvous with Pluto on the 11th will intensify fun, artistic pursuits, romance and self-expression. Because the heat is getting turned up, you’ll feel more passionate and maybe even obsessed. Try not to veer into jealousy and possessiveness. The sun and Neptune clash later that day, which could deplete your energy to deal with people. If you’re hibernating, a particular person in your environment might be draining you. You’re in a sensitive mood and inclined to take things personally. Taking care of a loved one who needs you would be a good use of this planetary pairing. After Mars descends to the foundation of your chart on the 13th for a six-week stay, you’ll become busier on the home front, perhaps tackling a domestic project or continuing to WFH. You might find yourself getting prickly and fighting for reasons you don’t even understand. If that happens, try to get to the bottom of compulsive behavior rather than lashing out instinctively. It may be a little hard to get along with family or people you live with during this phase. Spend time by yourself if you don’t feel like you can manage to keep the peace. Aim to increase your level of comfort and emotional wellbeing. Fortunately, Mercury zips into your joy sector that night, helping you to maintain your sense of humor and boosting your ability to look on the bright side. Venus starts backpedaling there on the 19th, which could cause you to become more guarded with your heart, even though you long to give and receive love. You could reminisce about an old love or rediscover a previous source of pleasure. You’re likely to feel more introverted and may suffer from a creative block. But this is the perfect time to reevaluate what you want and what makes you happy so you can prioritize accordingly when Venus edges ahead in January. Think back to December 21st, 2013–January 31st, 2014 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was going on with you then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. After the sun arrives in that sector on the 21st for his annual month-long visit, you’ll be a little more inclined to express your individuality, creativity and personality. Saturn and Uranus duel again on the 24th, as they did back in February and June. Try to stay open to new ways of doing things, and leave room in your schedule for spontaneous adventures. With Jupiter crossing your interpersonal angle on December 28th, your relationships with other individuals will be a major source of personal growth in the months ahead. It will be easier to connect with people, and you’ll cross paths with a wide range of fresh faces who can open up new worlds to you. It’s a period for learning through your relationships and about your relationships. A romantic or business partnership could take off, or you could meet someone who’s a better match for you than your current mate. Perhaps you’ll travel with your S.O. or study together. If you’re using dating apps, cast a wider net; Jupiter is a fan of difference and distance. And keep your eyes peeled for other types of opportunities to join forces; you might get a collaboration off the ground soon. You’ll benefit from a variety of contacts, making this a favorable time for finding a teacher or mentor. Mars and Saturn team up on the 29th, suggesting you can get to the bottom of private frustration or anger by patiently analyzing it.

LIBRA

September 23–October 22

When Neptune moves forward on December 1st, you’ll begin to feel more capable of getting your health, diet or fitness on track. Find ways to get organized so your overall productivity will improve. A solar eclipse on December 4th reminds you that approaching life like a curious student keeps you forever young and engaged. New information, increased busyness and community involvement are highlighted, and you might change your habitual ways of thinking and communicating in the months ahead. With Mars and Pluto convening on the 6th, you could make a sound money move that strengthens your security. Use the assets at hand as best you can, with self-sufficiency in mind. The day after, a Mars-Jupiter disagreement tempts to splurge, though — mostly because you’re expecting something to make you happy. But what you covet might not satisfy you as much as you imagine. Press pause before blowing your budget. On the 11th, a Venus-Pluto coalition will intensify your mood and possibly elicit a desire to change the look of your space so you can shift the energy. Hours later, the sun’s spat with Neptune implies that grappling with the details of making things happen can take the wind out of your sails. If you can’t figure out how to do what’s in your head, you might throw in the towel. Fortunately, Mars barrels into your thinking-and-talking corner on December 13th, motivating you to think proactively and speak up in the next month and a half. But you could become argumentative at times and might feud with people in your immediate environment. It’s a good period for becoming active in your community, tackling a writing or reporting project, pitching your ideas and taking on challenging intellectual work. Mercury dips down to the base of your chart right after that, helping you to articulate your feelings and communicate with family. With your ruler, Venus, shifting into reverse there, childhood memories, family relationships and old emotions become more prominent. It’s worth examining your personal feelings about home, family, comfort, safety, roots, the past and any ancestral baggage you’re carrying. You may feel less at ease in your environment and start considering whether your décor or living situation really suits you. Family relationships can regress into old patterns. Venus retrograde calls your attention to the image of love that underlies your life and provides your innermost foundation. Think back to December 21st, 2013–January 31st, 2014 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was going on with you then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. On December 25th, Venus and Pluto meet up again, with Venus backspinning this time. This encounter could turn up the heat on a family conflict and bring up old emotions, so make sure to practice self-care that day! The sun’s entrance into the same part of your chart on the 21st puts even more emphasis on home and family. You’re inclined to hang out in familiar surroundings with people who know you well. On the 24th, Saturn and Uranus have their last showdown of the year. Their friction could impact a close relationship, as it did in February and June. If you’re striving to reach your full potential and feel like you’re getting erratic support, you shouldn’t stop trying to individuate. Just be prepared to experiment and welcome different outcomes. After Jupiter lands in your work-and-wellness corner on December 28, you’re encouraged to improve the quality of your day-to-day life in the months that follow. Positive changes that will make you healthier get a green light, as do extra duties that will expand your skillset. Your work ethic will get stronger, but you’ll also crave more freedom in your job and might wind up doing something more entrepreneurial. You could travel for work or assume a wider range of responsibilities. Since you’re sure to be busy, getting better at managing your time will help you to be more productive than frazzled. It’s a good time to implement a lifestyle change and make informed self-care a part of your routine. Aim to be of service and to understand your purpose. Seek work that is meaningful to you. Take pride in doing the tasks in front of you to the best of your ability. Then on the 29th, Mars and Saturn join forces, giving you the courage to express yourself boldly and deliberately. If you see an opportunity to pitch an idea you’ve been working on for a while, take it.

SCORPIO

October 23–November 21

On the first day of the month, Neptune does a 180° after five months of traveling retrograde. Desires take shape, and passions stir. A creative idea can find new life, or perhaps you’ll see a love interest in a different light. Take love and happiness seriously — making them goals, not merely ideals. A solar eclipse on December 4th motivates you to create a budget; set a financial goal; get a fresh stream of income going; strengthen your self-esteem; improve your relationship with money; and set new priorities based on your core values. Your co-rulers, Mars and Pluto, join forces on the 6th, empowering you to be your own best ally. Stand up for what you know to be true. Work on a project that you can learn a lot from. Challenging mental work and writing are favored now, and so are community endeavors. But Mars quarrels with Jupiter on the 7th, so you could ride a wave of confidence and flirt with recklessness. Restrain yourself to a wise extent. Venus gets entangled with Pluto on the 11th, which could plunge you into an obsessive loop in your head. If you can’t stop thinking about someone, try diving into an immersive process that will take up lots of your intense mental energy. You could do creative work, write in a journal or enjoy a quick getaway to somewhere beautiful. When the sun spars with Neptune hours later, you might make a questionable money move if you’re not being real with yourself about how much you actually need something. Not only might you be idealizing the degree of pleasure you’ll get from it, but you could also be viewing the object of your desire as essential to expressing your identity. After Mars segues into your worth house on December 13th, you’ll be more motivated to tackle projects involving your belongings, like cleaning out a closet and selling stuff online. Over the course of the next six weeks, the doer planet wants you to be more proactive in using the resources at your disposal. Take action that improves your finances or makes you feel more secure — and watch out for impulse buys. Mercury zips into your thinking-and-talking corner soon after, enabling you to think on your toes, gather info, meet new faces and connect with the people around you. But on the 19th, Venus’s retrograde turn can cause you to disengage from people to some degree and mull things over in your head instead of expressing them. As your thoughts drift to the past and you become more introspective, it’s natural to review old relationships, rethink what you assumed you wanted and contemplate what love means to you. All this reflection can help you revise the script of your life story before Venus powers forward late next month. Think back to December 21st, 2013–January 31st, 2014 (the last time Venus was retrograde in the same part of the zodiac). If you remember what was going on with you then, you can glean clues regarding the next month and a half. The sun’s entrance into that part of your chart on the 21st can bring more vitality to your thinking and interactions. When Saturn and Uranus cross swords on the 24th, as they did in February and June, your living situation or family could seem at odds with an important relationship. Challenges you’re facing in your personal life can trigger a disruption. Continue prioritizing self-care and inner work, and be open to relationship changes. Try not to regress now. You’re gaining emotional strength and working to construct a more secure environment for yourself. After Jupiter charges into your fulfillment sector on the 28th, learning how to enjoy life to the fullest becomes your mission for the next several months. You’ll have more opportunities to express your creativity and let your inner child out to play. This part of the chart is ruled by the sun, so let your personality shine through for all to see. Wear your heart on your sleeve. If it’s been all quiet on the romance front, your love life is likely to pick up. Spend time with people who are different from you; Jupiter espouses the principle that opposites attract. Don’t worry about whether you agree on everything and want all the same things. Have the courage to take risks and think outside the box. The spirit of adventure will show you new routes to love and happiness. And have faith that you have something special to offer the world!