Horoscope

Starcast

The new year kicks off with Mercury joining Saturn in determined Capricorn. The pair-off reminds us that life is real, life is earnest. In other news: a Sun-Venus-Pluto trine jars social relationships. Maybe this is a good thing. Aries (March 21-April 20 ) As Baby New Year shakes his rattle, your natural intuition resonates. The year 2018 takes off — much of it defined by the reign of lucky, expansive Jupiter in your fame house. The time’s come to go out, see and be seen. This promises to be a great year for you. Taurus (April 21-May 20) Vibrant Venus, your planetary patron, positions herself with Pluto and the sun in Capricorn this week. Think spiritual growth, higher education, travel. An impressive playing field, to be sure. We’re talking adventure. Would you, could you, run away to romance? Gemini (May 21-June 20) As Pluto, Venus and the sun do the wild thing in your hormone house, Mercury tosses thunderbolts. Think birth, death, sex and other people’s money. Interesting? Feel the juices stirring and know that your strong sex appeal will be a potent asset as 2018 takes off. Cancer (June 21-July 22) A contract coup is a given in 2018, along with a (possibly unexpected) partnership. As Mercury turns star maker, agreements — romantic, business or both — play at a theater near you. Make the most of an opportunity that fell by the wayside. This time it’s ready to fly. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Despite your roaring reputation, current qualms have a deer-frozen-in-the-headlights feel to them. Basic, nitty-gritty problems have you flummoxed, but with power planets crowding your work center, you demand to be appreciated and will be. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 21) With merry Mercury cavorting in your fun house, you twinkle like a little star. A new year brings a new deal. Ride your hobby horse for all it’s worth. The results can morph into something super colossal, or a “just for kicks” playmate may drop the “M” word. Libra (Sept. 22-Oct. 20) As 2018 takes off, you’re determined to put your house in order. Once you’ve peeled away the layers of experience and learned the difference between your own needs and the expectations of others, you’ll be ready to roll. Get it straight and get it right, because you’re heading toward some life-changing choices. Scorpio (Oct. 21-Nov. 20) Mercury, otherwise known as Mr. Moxie, is back at the helm doing his CEO thing. This, combined with Jupiter (Mr. Lucky) in your sign, places you directly in the catbird seat. Scorpios rule! Unfortunately, this transit doesn’t last forever, so determine now just who and what you want to be. Then go for it. Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 21) Sometimes it’s hard to wrap your brain around the money thing. Currently, personal income and shared resources (stock options, inheritance, alimony, etc.) are prime issues. Some Sajs will get fabulous insights. Like how to genetically engineer a cash cow. Others will be thinking more like mad cow. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 21) Miraculous Mercury joins the sun in your sign this week, adding more than a touch of magic just where it’s needed most. True, there’ve been some slowdowns lately, but the pace is quickening. Make this week count. You’re in the right place at the right time. Now do the right thing. Aquarius (Jan. 22-Feb. 18) Getting credit for what you do has never topped your list. You’re more the virtue-is-itsown-reward type. This week a surprise communication related to the past brings an issue together. Expect to carry the day and receive the plaudits you richly deserve. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) You start the year with a menage a trois of planets mixing it up in your “wish” house. You’re going to be very, very creative. At the same time, communications skills receive special hype. Trust the latent salesperson in you to work miracles.