Spirit Speaks

December-January Horoscope

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) The New Year has barely begun, and you are already hung-over with questions about the meaning of life. This is a year of transition, and a time to discard attitudes that work against you. You have a renewed sense of hope and confidence in your ability to create the life you want. Work and friendships are highlighted, and romance has you in the mood for love.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) If you are ready to be more productive, discipline is the key. Money awaits you, and contacting the right people can further your goals. Don't be discouraged by short-term setbacks; your patience will pay off in dramatic fashion. Your intuition can lead you to the right place at the right time. Listen to your inner voice for a better understanding of your purpose in life.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) This is an ideal time to be with people you love and who love to be with you. Are you realistic about relationships that no longer serve you? The sooner you let go of an outdated relationship, the better off you will be. Forgiveness is your best ally as you move forward into the future.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Work is in the forefront. Are you ready to take advantage of the many opportunities that present themselves? The time has come to make the changes you have talked about. And what better first step than to put your financial house in order. Do you realize how much money you throw away on nothing?

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) A renewed sense of inspiration blesses your life. You contact friends at a distance, and in turn hear from friends far and wide. Is it time to seriously consider taking the trip that's been on your mind? If you catch up on paperwork and correspondence, you'll be better prepared for future delays you have no control over. Some legal issues appear which require attention to detail.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) Information is revealed to you, and you are asked to keep it to yourself. As tempting as it may be, don't violate the trust that has been given. When compassion and love are a way of life, renewal and optimism ensue. This is a time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life; and for financial peace of mind, 'a penny saved' will do just fine.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You ponder important changes in your relationships; and perhaps a more serious involvement is what's needed. Look at the total picture in your domestic situation and adjust as necessary for your personal health. Do you want to maintain the status quo, or are you searching for a 180-degree turnaround in the way you live?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Work issues provoke thoughts of how you can improve your communication skills. Your current frustrations lie in the details. Avoid confrontations; you are better served by keeping a low profile with regard to problems and people that should be of no concern to you.If you carefully reorganize your business affairs, an efficient and productive year will follow. Health begins with regular exercise and a diet of quality foods.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Look to the past to better prepare for the future. Travel plans should be modified by the knowledge of how you spend your time. This is a year of transition: Let go of that which no longer benefits you and reinvent yourself accordingly. You find the most pleasure when you keep your work separate from your personal life. Your meditation on love arouses a new awakening.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) A life adjustment begins to yield positive results. You're in a position to make important changes to your life. Learn from the past, but be aware of how you relate to people today. Relationships are key experiences from which to grow, and you have that rare and special ability to connect with individuals in a meaningful way.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) Information about a family member circulates among relatives. There is a new clarity to your observations, which smoothly translates into understanding the people you care about. This serves as the impetus for a transformation that brings insight and purpose to your personal vision of life. Your intuition is on target, but it is to no avail if you don't act upon it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) The holidays are fun, but your financial situation may not be quite so merry if you do irreparable damage to your bank account. How do you value your possessions, and more importantly, your life? If you are careless with your words, they will come back to bite you; so for the present, the less said, the better. Quality time spent alone is fertile soil for personal renewal, and the perfect way to end the year.

Mercury Minute

DEC. 4 - The Full Moon is in Gemini at 4:25 p.m. Last month Jupiter entered Sagittarius for the first time in 12 years, and a sense of freedom and expansion lingers.

DEC. 20 - The New Moon is in Sagittarius at 6 a.m. With six planets also in Sagittarius, the quest for inner discovery beckons. Explore your philosophical side and a greater appreciation of life will emerge.

JAN. 3 - The Full Moon is in Cancer at 5:57 a.m. Although you are focused on family, don't be so involved that your work suffers. Instead, find the balance in your responsibilities and pursue daily activities accordingly.

JAN. 18 - The New Moon in Capricorn occurs at 8 p.m. It is an optimal time to revisit your goals for the year at hand. The desire to expand your business has merit, so take heed.

Byline/Bio

Michael Mercury is an astrologer from Davis. He has more than 30 years' experience reading astrology charts, and is working toward a master's degree in astrology. Visit michaelmercury.com