Repercussions from the “of two minds” Gemini full moon and the prophetic Sagittarius sun's merger with power-obsessed Pluto on the 15th won't go on forever; it'll just seem like it. Whether or not you resolve the questions driving you to distraction pales beside the issues generated by the square between expansive Jupiter and constrictive Saturn, exact on the 16th, but due to repeat in June and again in October. The provocative relationship between the two largest planets in the solar system exerts tremendous influence on education, business and the social order, but sometimes its favorite playground is real estate. What was your house worth in May 2000, during their conjunction? And now? Venus, ruler of the NYSE and other value systems, entered tech-stock-friendly Aquarius on the 15th, but not for long. The goddess turns retrograde on the 24th and returns to old-school Capricorn on January 1. Winter begins Wednesday, the 21st, at 10:35 a.m. PST/1:35 p.m. EST. Cheers!

Aries

Besides celebrating the coming of the sun, the winter solstice also marks the progress you've made since the spring equinox and your birthday. Because Capricorn governs your midheaven, current career concerns will probably be what matter the most. However, you can't ignore the ongoing tug of war between impulsive Mars, your cut-to-the-chase ruling planet, and philosophical, consider-the-big-picture Jupiter. Don't be surprised if an authority figure, e.g., the landlord or Grandma, decides to take sides.

Taurus

Boys rule! You're in for a decidedly masculine couple of weeks as macho Mars in Taurus challenges both paternal Saturn and avuncular Jupiter before settling into a productive, probably athletic as well, New Year's weekend. After circumventing restrictions and confronting the voice of experience, you'll be ready to begin an adventure of your own making. Like a committed crusader, you're willing to go to battle for your beliefs, plus bragging rights and opportunities to grow wealthy and wise. In this situation, your gentle, genteel Venus ruler seems missing in action.

Gemini

There's something inexplicably sexy about the winter solstice, especially since it occurs in your house of partners and the interests and resources you have in common. Whether you curl up by the fire, dive under the covers or drive out to the beach, make the occasion of the sun entering Capricorn magical for you both. Coincidentally, your Mercury ruler in your Sagittarius house of allies is about to expose you to an unusual, unexpected experience as well as a possible job offer. Good stuff for the holidays. Enjoy.

Cancer

Moon Children can practically feel their temperatures rise as the sun prepares to enter Capricorn and celebrate the “coming of the Light.” Every solstice holds the promise of change; the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere indicates that the days will soon get longer and that, in six short months, summer and your birthday will be here. But for now, your heart and soul are drawn to significant others, the affection and concern you have for them and the impact they have on you. It may only be seasonal, but it is what it is.

Leo

Every sign of the zodiac that your sun ruler travels through has an influence on how you feel and what commands your attention. And while the equinoxes might restore your equilibrium, it's the solstices that have the most profound effect. Summer and Cancer can brighten your disposition and warm your heart, but it is winter and Capricorn that provide the solitude your soul needs to survive. This is especially true for the year ahead; restrictive Saturn in Leo can pile responsibilities on you that you're neither prepared nor willing to assume. It's called growing up.

Virgo

The holidays could be hot for you this year. The more planets there are in hospitable earth signs, the greater the attention you receive. Particularly since affectionate Venus and passionate Mars are coming on to each other. Add the creativity of the Capricorn sun in your house of romance and recreation, and even a modest, self-deprecating Virgin should be able to read the writing on the wall. So where's the “however”? Ah, the expense of it all! It might not cost a fortune; however, be prepared to pay if you want to play.

Libra

Experiencing more false starts than usual? Blame your Venus ruler for shifting gears as she moves from pragmatic Capricorn to idealistic Aquarius and then, smack in the middle of last-minute Xmas shopping, turns retrograde. So the week before New Year's might seem as familiar as the week before Christmas: the same cast of characters, the same stuff, only headed in the opposite direction. Until February 3, when the goddess faces forward again, you'll have time and reasons to re-evaluate relationship and family issues.

Scorpio

Why a financial transaction with a neighbor shows up as a crucial ingredient in this holiday season is a mystery only a Scorpio could solve. Does someone have tickets to scalp? Is there a joint yard sale in the offing? Now is also a good time to pursue a romantic relationship; although you may have had to back off while your Mars co-ruler was retrograde, the planet of passion is ready to turn up the heat. Ergo, so should you. Since Mars won't stay in your Taurus marriage house much past Valentine's Day, carpe diem.

Sagittarius

Archers born in mid-December often have natal planets in Capricorn, so their birthday mindset will continue through Christmas and, thanks to late Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations, beyond. The others can make the most of clever Mercury coming back to early Sagittarius, speeding up their thought processes, and punctuating their conversations with wisdom and wit. But try to refrain from playing the fool, a practice you're apt to resort to when your Jupiter ruler is threatened by musclebound Mars and stony-faced Saturn.

Capricorn

No one who is as committed to family as a Capricorn wants to hear that while your tradition-bound Saturn ruler is being provoked by troublemaking Mars, the holidays might not live up to your expectations. On the other hand, you could be spurred on to do more to brighten up the house or spend more on the people who live there. Remember: Saturn hasn't been in luxurious Leo for almost 30 years. For many this could be your first experience of living really well in the material world. Time to lavish expensive gifts on loved ones (along with the people you need to impress).

Aquarius

Good timing. The garrulous, gregarious Gemini full moon takes place in your house of fun and games, while the witty and wisecracking Sagittarius sun turns up the heat on relationships with close colleagues and/or casual acquaintances. Sounds like a party in the making, especially if you have a romantic agenda in mind. Another factor in the rise of your libido is that after 10 weeks in retrograde, horny Mars is finally facing forward. Soon enough the planet of desire will put you in a compromising position, but until mid-January, enjoy.

Pisces

The holiday season is hardly the time for a major dispute, but while demanding Mars and naysaying Saturn refuse to budge from their ironclad positions, you could catch more incidental flak than a well-meaning Fish should. Wishing for peace and good will may not be your primary objective this Christmas, but pissing off your nearest and dearest, even if they seem to be more hardhearted than usual, certainly isn't. Where's the love? Look to casual friends and folks with mutual interests for a good, guilt-free time.

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