Rockie Horoscope

Reality sets in about the same time that the down-to-earth Capricorn sun shines its light on the limitations that Saturn in Cancer has imposed. Thursday might also offer up more secrets (unsuspected steroid users?) while Mercury and Pluto meet during their third and final conjunction for another year. What you suspected at Thanksgiving, just before Mercury turned retrograde, and learned more about during December, could now be confirmed. If you're a certifiable fanatic, Saturday's your day to show it; athletic Mars and idealistic Neptune align in a supportive, opportunistic way. Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, dawns with an earthy, value-conscious but sensuous Taurus lunar vibe. Carpe diem! On Wednesday, at 3:22 p.m. PST, the sun moves into progressive, "all things are possible" Aquarius, just in time for the dreaded inauguration.

Aries

On your own you're fairly effective this week, but the stroke of good luck that could put you over the top is more likely to come via a partnership arrangement than by sailing solo. Try to safeguard the relationship by not indulging in every whim. At this juncture, practical is better than pleasurable. Should you sense your determination growing stronger as the week progresses, chalk it up to the relatively rare (once every two years) marriage of Mars, your ruling planet, and persuasive, borderline obsessive Pluto. Power to you people!

Taurus

Bulls may find themselves on the same radar screen, responding to the same stimuli, as the Twins and Virgins in your lives. Throw in a Libra's reaction to an artist who moves you, and you've got yourself quite the crew. However, the benefits of this astrological grouping might not show up until next weekend, when lucky Jupiter oversees your joint efforts. Does a trip to Vegas sound like work? You're also in one of those magical periods when transferring a product of your imagination to the material world won't raise a sweat.

Gemini

Like your Taurus neighbor, Gemini can be inspired to make art this weekend, but you're also lucky at love and, by next weekend, cards as well. As long as you don't brag too much about your good fortune, the gods won't shoot you down. A problematic money matter shouldn't frustrate you much longer; before the month is over, the planetary roadblocks will dissolve. After Wednesday, airy Aquarius energy makes it easier to come up with an innovative idea, an original presentation that'll move you closer to the front of the line.

Cancer

As soon as the Capricorn sun ends its opposition to Saturn in your sign, primarily the Crabs born in mid-July can kiss their latest crisis goodbye. You might exchange words of wisdom and shed a few tears later in the month, but nothing will motivate you to take action as much as the frustration you're currently feeling. Whether a similar problem arises in mid-April during the Aries new moon/solar eclipse, which is when the sun tests Saturn once again, is another question. No doubt you'll cross that bridge if and when you come to it.

Leo

More of that mysterious karma cleansing could occur this week while your sun ruler confronts Saturn in your 12th house. That's the place where cosmic consciousness clouds men's minds and erases memories of former lifetimes. Can we assume that you're still paying for playing rough and loose a century ago? Right now Lions can accomplish something akin to a miracle by pursuing your partner's vision of how this year will turn out. A high-minded sense of purpose is yours for the taking, and the sharing, the minute someone lights your creative fire.

Virgo

Another week of feeling at one with the ones you love. Because your Mercury ruler won't be this attached to affectionate, harmonious Venus forever, make the most of their time together - the rest of the month - to cement a close relationship, to take it to another, more serious (as befits long-lasting, tradition-minded Capricorn) level. Your commitment might thwart some of the mischief Mars is creating as it tests your desire for domestic bliss. But isn't an occasional thrill better than no excitement at all?

Libra

Like some natives of Virgo, Gemini and Taurus, you're gravitating toward each other for some unknown, but historically relevant, purpose. The reason could become obvious when informative Mercury merges this weekend with your artistic Venus ruler. Although you may feel pressured to produce on demand, the procrastinator in you often does the best work when you're under the gun. Writers are especially receptive to what they see, visual artists to what they read or hear, ranging from traditional sources of inspiration to the offbeat and untried.

Scorpio

You might have to reconsider what you hope to accomplish by going back to school, also whether a trip to a foreign country can provide the answers you're seeking. At the moment there are indications that you're bound to encounter opposition and frustration on various levels. However, in the long run, say by midsummer, you'll have learned an important, life-sustaining lesson. On a less lofty, philosophical plane, take it easy if you're the designated driver, or the sole voice of reason on a group shopping spree, at least for another week.