Horoscope: December 15, 2016

Your Stars Today

Aries | March 20 – April 18



If you follow astrology closely, you’ll undoubtedly know that on the 19th the ideas planet Mercury begins one of its retrograde cycles. This triggers sudden changes, sometimes because of errors. Whatever the case, because plans are unlikely to remain as they were first organised, the more flexible they are, the better.

Taurus | April 19 – May 19



By now you’ve probably realised that you’re better off simply living with certain differences with others than trying to reach an accord. Thus far, all your efforts to talk things through have only made things worse. As much as you dislike the idea of compromise, it will make life much easier.

Gemini | May 20 – June 19



With both the enthusiastic Mars and Venus, which accents life’s pleasures, currently positioned in one of the most expansive portions of your chart, it’s time to think about a serious break. While this could involve travel, making an alteration in your routine or, possibly, studying something intriguing would do the trick.

Cancer | June 20 – July 21



Worrying as leaving decisions involving business or financial matters to others seems, not only are their intentions good, they’re actually better informed than you are. If you’re uncomfortable handing everything over to them, discuss their plans beforehand. What they have to say will both be enlightening and will reassure you.

Leo | July 22 – August 21



Tempting as it is to tackle increasingly worrying developments that would, if changes continue as they are, upend elements of your life, there’s really nothing you can do. Instead, observe both what’s actually taking place and the potential impact of those events. What you learn could be unexpectedly encouraging.

Virgo | August 22 – September 21



Clashes regarding practical matters are annoying enough. But when events combine those practicalities with emotional issues, as is the case now, there’s no simple solution. In fact, your best bet is to take things in stages. This way, you’ll be able to pause and review the facts gradually, as they surface.

Libra | September 22 – October 21



It would appear that recently you’ve been too tactful for your own good. While your assessment of certain individuals as being touchy was correct, you weren’t aware that’s a façade they use to avoid facing problems head on. The only way to overcome this is to tackle issues as bluntly as possible.

Scorpio | October 22 – November 20



The last thing you’re in the mood for are sudden changes in plans, especially those you worked hard to organise. Disruptive as these would be, they’re also part of a pattern of unexpected developments that will benefit you, and in all sorts of ways. At least explore them. You’ll be glad you did.

Sagittarius | November 21 – December 20



Being a fire sign, one of your strengths is your optimism. However, this can mean you ignore minor issues in the hope they’ll somehow vanish. Not only is that unlikely, with things moving so swiftly, they could get worse, and within days. Tackle them now. You’ll be glad you did.

Capricorn | December 21 – January 19



Planning ahead may be a virtue. However, you’re urged to avoid making commitments until the 29th, when the Capricorn New Moon takes place. This constitutes your own personal new year, and is about what must go as much as what’s next. Decisions can wait. For now, focus on exploring your options.

Aquarius | January 20 – February 18



Obviously, you prefer to try to organise things. To know what you’ll be doing, when. Now, however, the trick is to make plans, conscious that on 19 December, Mercury begins one of its regular cycles of retrograde movement, triggering the usual surprises. The more flexible your arrangements, the easier life will be.

Pisces | February 19 – March 19



For most Pisceans, standing up for others is easy. Standing up for yourself and what you, personally, care about is another matter. However, once the dynamic Mars moves into your sign for a six-week stay, this Monday, you’ll find that suddenly it’s much easier to put you and your interests first.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 15^th, 2016.