HOROSCOPE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2017 Mars Enters Scorpio

Mars enters Scorpio, raising eyebrows everywhere. But are we really so shocked at what we see, or are we just pretending because it makes us look innocent? Complicated behaviors arise out of complicated situations. Before pointing at offenders, check to make sure you yourself haven’t offended in some some similar way. The ARIES first rule (March of professionalism 21-April 19). is not The to second ask others rule to is do to your adhere work. to the trained, training it’s not manual. your If fault, you weren’t but the true professional finds a way to get trained TAURUS nonetheless. (April 20-May 20).

You agreed. You checked the box. That box included limitations that you will definitely outgrow and push against in time -- as well as limitations that you are better off respecting. Knowing the difference, that’s the thing. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). As you mix into the crowd, you’ll be with all manner and types of people, most melding with your goodwill and positive intention; some, not so much. Just remember that all rudeness is essentially weakness or ignorance. CANCER (June 22-July 22).

You’re not looking to blame anyone, though neither would you mind if someone else would step in and take responsibility for what’s going on. It could actually happen... miracle of miracles! LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Avoid matters of religion and politics in polite company. Extend the taboo-topics list to finance, health, fashion, taste preferences in general and basically anything that highlights differences of opinion, ideology or belief. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22).

You’ve trepidation about tackling the events of the day, but that won’t stop you. The upside of being afraid is an adrenaline rush -- just what you need to take courage in the face of fear. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ll use the past to reference where you are. That’s the proper use of it, after all. To use it as a refuge would make you smaller. To use it as your glory would deny the excitement that is to come. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21).

Some say it isn’t right to change the goal. Some say it signals weakness or failure. But not all goals are worthy. A worthy goal is the water that raises all ships. 21). SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.

Your success today will depend on your ability to compartmentalize and manage your emotions, including the very subtle, almost non-emotion of boredom. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19).

It’s not that everyone wants or needs to be included in the shenanigans; it’s just that everyone wants to feel invited. Handle the invites in a highly inclusive manner and you’ll be a social success. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18).

There’s something new on the horizon that will not fully rise if not for your input. You can’t imagine how important you are to this right now, but hopefully you won’t doubt it, either. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20).

Shakespeare suggested, “Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.” In his time, three hours (without a cellphone!) must have been excruciating. However, he has a point. And you’ll earn many points for a timely arrival. TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 9).

Maybe it’s because you teach and you give. Or maybe it’s because you rarely complain and find it quite natural to inspire others. Whichever it is, you’ll enjoy a solar return that includes you being very well-liked and well-compensated in all the ways that matter to you. Exciting news comes in May. Travel comes in October. Capricorn and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers PUPPY are: PROFILE: 12, 22, 20, 3 and 33.

If you know when your pet was born, check out his or her sun sign and the personality that goes with it.

SAGITTARIUS: You can spot the Sagittarius dog in traffic: nose out the window, ears flapping in the wind with a big smile across his doggy snout -- a canine explorer of the world, happiest on the go. This pup loves to meet new people and smell new smells. The perfect environment is one he hasn’t seen before. Fearlessness is a Sagittarian trademark. This pup is the first to jump in the swimming pool or head toward that intimidating Great Dane and say hello.

Guided by Jupiter, the planet of good fortune, the Sagittarius dog is a lucky charm. Owners of Sagittarius dogs credit them for social introductions and other fortunate happenings. These dogs lead their owners into interesting situations they wouldn’t otherwise have had a reason to know about. Even when they are misbehaving, something good usually comes of it.

Sagittarius dogs have a strong need to be free. They love to run off the leash and can’t resist escaping the fence when they get the chance. Tags and/or microchip registration is a must for this puppy! CELEBRITY PROFILES:

Sagittarius is the sign of exploration, exemplified by Simon Helberg exploring outer space as his character Howard Wolowitz of “The Big Bang Theory.” Three natal Sagittarius luminaries suggest that Helberg is an independent thinker who loves to travel and learn different cultures. His moon and Mars in Capricorn indicate a highly structured approach to life and stellar business instincts.

have a real connection with places today. You’re like a divining rod, but instead of pointing to where the underground water is, you know where the good energy is. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Things are heating up on the social front. You could interpret the excitement that comes with this as stress, but instead, try to see this as the harbinger of good things to come. Work out highly charged emotions in exercise. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When he was young, the great composer Giacomo Puccini, your sign mate, was dropped by a music teacher who told him that he had no talent. You’re doing something the experts don’t understand. Maybe it’s just beyond them. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18).

Could it be this easy? Smiles are the light that makes gloom disappear. Go where the smiles are; that can be the tricky part, but your awareness of the energy of places will help. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20).

Spend more time thinking of the needs and wants of another. All the answers are in there -- the answers to making the relationship better, creating smoother interactions, having more fun... and getting your way in turn. TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 10).

You have been the arms that caught the falling, and though you don’t want to live your life with arms extended in waiting, you’re a really fine protector. Because of this, you’ll be promoted, admired and adored. There’s a windfall coming your way in March. You’ll heed a calling in July that’s clear and resonant. Libra and Taurus adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 20, 1, 44, 48 and 12. FORECAST FOR THE WEEK

AHEAD: Each relationship is its own world, with its own atmosphere and environment. The harshness of life, which is often keenly felt in the atmosphere of relationships, inspires and requires us to form different kinds of protective armor to function optimally. Some of the armor we build is made of the emotional equivalent of hard metal. Other armors are as thin as veils yet unmistakably there. There is no single correct armor for every situation. Just as people choose the clothing that they feel is appropriate for what they will do with their day, we suit up emotionally for life with the armor we think will be correct.

The square of Venus and Neptune can be disorienting. We may imagine we need more protection than we really do, or we may let our guard down when we shouldn’t. It’s an exercise in awareness. Of course, it would be easier if we could decide once how we’re going to interact with a person and then stick with that forever. But relationships are never static. If we’re not alert and improvisational, we’re not really in the moment with others. Just know that if you’re still deciding which armor to wear around the different individuals in your life, it means you’re alive to the relationships. CELEBRITY PROFILES:

Emmanuelle Chriqui will star with Rob Lowe in the crime comedy “Super Troopers 2” and then get top billing in the science fiction thriller “Omphalos.” A Sagittarius loves to explore different genres and worlds in her work -- the more different from everyday life the better. With three planets in artistic, partnership-oriented Libra, Chriqui is a consummate team player.