Forecast for Dec. 17-30
By Cortney Litwin / Special to The Malibu Times
The main cosmic event this week is Mars in Leo turning retrograde from Dec. 20 through March 10. This influence can create roadblocks to initiating a new project or relationship. It’s also an inopportune time to buy anything mechanical. Conversely, it’s a terrific time to reinforce the area of your life affected by retrograde Mars (read your ascendant sign below for details).
In the meantime, the Venus-Uranus square on the 19th casts an unpredictable, rebellious energy over relationships. Jupiter merging with Neptune on the 21st-28th energizes humanitarian endeavors and spiritual activities.
The sun entering Capricorn marks the winter solstice, while Venus entering Capricorn on Christmas Day helps stabilize relationships. Retrograde Mercury from Dec. 26 through Jan. 15 causes snafus in communications.
Finally, the Venus-Pluto conjunction on the 27th deepens (and complicates) relationships, while the Venus-Saturn square the next day brings up concerns about longevity in love.
If you know your rising sign from your time of birth, read that too.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Your Mars ruler turning retrograde can put a damper on initiating creative projects and romantic liaisons, but is an excellent time to finish projects you’ve already started and turn up the heat in your current relationship.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Retrograde Mars inspires you to strengthen family ties and work through any family issues that push your buttons. It’s also a good time to undertake those home repairs and remodeling projects you’ve been putting off.
Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Having the courage to speak your truth, promote your ideas and express anger constructively will be the gift of retrograde Mars, so focus on how you use (or abuse) words to get your thoughts and feelings across to others.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Although financial ventures initiated before March 10 are likely to founder, retrograde Mars is a good time to strengthen your finances by revitalizing your current moneymaking projects and reassessing spending patterns.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Retrograde Mars in your sign turns your energy inward, making it difficult to promote yourself and pursue your goals. On the positive side, it encourages personal growth activities that strengthen your confidence and purpose.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
It’s all about resolving the past and getting in touch with your inner guidance during retrograde Mars. Spiritual activities, therapy or just taking time for yourself will energize your psychic so you can intuit your highest path.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Lack of new (and reliable) social contacts will be the downside of retrograde Mars, but revitalizing your current friendships will bring personal rewards. It’s also time to evaluate your aspirations-and how you pursue them.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Getting new business projects off the ground will be tough during retrograde Mars. However, it’s a great time to reassess your work, and to reinforce and revitalize those areas that are weak or underdeveloped.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Retrograde Mars can prompt a revitalization of your spiritual life with activities that support your highest purpose. It’s also time to strengthen your wisdom and knowledge by exploring subjects you’ve studied in the past.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Revitalizing the intimacy with your partner can be the gift of retrograde Mars. But first you may need to heal some emotional wounds from the past. It’s also time to strengthen your finances by dealing with debt.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
The upside of retrograde Mars is in revitalizing the bond with your significant other. On the downside, you may first need to work through some anger from the past. Strive for understanding each other instead of arguing.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Reassessing and strengthening your diet and exercise routine will heighten your energy, especially after Mars turns direct in March. Actually, it’s time to make adjustments to your daily routine in general, including your work.