HOROSCOPES

Just like presents under the tree, there’s a mixed bag of astrological offerings for the Christmas season, but patience, planning, diplomacy and, for some, romance will help ease your way into 2019.

SAGITTARIUS • NOV 23-DEC 21

You may be feeling a little sensitive at Christmas gatherings, meaning someone’s criticism or unsupportive remarks could upset you. It’s best not to give them any fodder, so keep your most-valued thoughts, ideas and achievements to yourself – you don’t need anyone else’s approval, anyway. If you’ve got lots of lastminute tasks to do around the house or concerning family, motivation planet Mars in your zone of home and domesticity will give you a push; unfortunately this alignment sparks family conflicts, so tread carefully.

CAPRICORN • DEC 22-JAN 20

Been burning the candle at both ends? Of course you have – that’s the hardworking Capricorn’s way. Mercury, planet of brain power, is now in your zone of rest and healing, urging you to slow down and unwind before you have a complete meltdown. Got a passion project you’re itching to start? Use the summer break to get cracking. Your ruling planet, Saturn, is in your sign, pushing you to stop putting duty and obligation before fun and pleasure. If you’re not happy in your life, that will become increasingly hard to ignore.

AQUARIUS • JAN 21-FEB 19

Got a festive to-do list so long you don’t know where to start? On December 22 Santa brings you an early present – a full moon in your zone of organisation, giving you the ability to prioritise and manage time like a pro. Meanwhile, Venus, planet of love, remains in your zone of longterm plans until New Year’s Eve, so if your partner has been last on your list in 2018, make your relationship a priority going forward. Don’t let work draw your attention away from the people who matter most.

PISCES • FEB 20-MAR 20

Instead of a Christmas break, you might feel like you’re heading for a Christmas breakdown. As you approach the finish line, be realistic about what you can get through, for the sake of your own sanity. Christmas Eve could be particularly stressful – your ruling planet Neptune, the planet of illusions, is clashing with Mercury, planet of communication and intellect, causing a day of mixed messages and general confusion. Try not to lose your cool – instead, chalk it up to the silly season and have a laugh about it.

ARIES • MAR 21-APR 21

If dreams of sun-soaked holidays have lulled you into an early state of relaxation, wake up and smell the eggnog. On Christmas Day the planets of illusion and intellect are at odds, meaning you may not be seeing things clearly. Pretending family tensions don’t exist, or trying to live out a TV-commercial fantasy of Christmas harmony, won’t work out well. The December 25 to 31 period is ideal for focusing on next year’s goals – make sure other people’s opinions or ideas don’t steer you away from what you want.

TAURUS • APR 22-MAY 21

With more social engagements than Harry and Meghan, your energy may be flagging. But with action planet Mars in your zone of social activity until New Year’s Eve, the buzz will continue long after December 25. If December so far has been tough on relationships, good news – Mercury, planet of communication, has finished its foot-inmouth high jinks, and is now making words flow like Champagne on New Year’s Eve. If you’ve got something important to say to someone special, this is your moment.

GEMINI • MAY 22–JUN 22

Physically on task, but mentally on holiday? You’re on the home straight now, Gemini, but you’ll need to work hard to stay focused – especially on Christmas Eve, due to tension between the planets of mental clarity and daydreaming. You’ll have to be your own PA in order to stay on track – steering clear of distractions, such as social media, will help. Family relations could be fraught, but don’t be tempted to hide the truth to keep others happy. Keep it real, and you’ll avoid drama down the track.

CANCER • JUN 23-JUL 23

If Cupid didn’t strike your love life this year, don’t despair – Mars, planet of intimacy, is in your zone of travel and adventure until New Year’s Eve, so you could strike up a romance with someone on holiday or on an adventure activity. Couples could hit turbulence, drawing swords over differing viewpoints. Try to be open-minded rather than defensive. Patience is a virtue, Cancer.

LEO • JUL 24-AUG 23

2019 will be all about expansion on the home front, starting from now. Venus, planet of love, and Mercury, planet of communication and ideas, are in your home and family zone until December 31, giving you the impetus to discuss renovation projects, marriage, adding to the family or moving house. If you’re single, you could meet someone in your hometown or through friends. As Venus tends towards over-indulgence, think twice about multiple serves of the Christmas

pavlova.

VIRGO • AUG 24-SEP 23

The best gift you can give yourself on Christmas Eve is strong boundaries. Don’t let others take advantage of you – if you do, you’ll regret it. Overhauling your finances is a worthy New Year goal. On January 2 your sharp organisation skills will be at their peak when the Sun aligns with Saturn, planet of responsibility; make the most of this for budgeting, rethinking investments and setting financial goals.

LIBRA • SEP 24-OCT 23

As you check out of work for the holidays, the impending full moon of December 22 could bring some good news or a good lead for professional success in 2019. After the highs of the festive season, your emotions could take a nosedive on January 2, when the Sun and melancholy planet Saturn collide, leaving you feeling adrift or isolated. Try not to believe everything you think – Christmas may be over, but there will be plenty to celebrate in the months ahead.

SCORPIO • OCT 24-NOV 22

This year might not have turned out as you’d hoped, but you can turn things around. The December 22 full moon hits your astro zone of visions, so carve out time amid the madness to scribble down what you intend to create next year – be clear on what you want. Travel will be a big focus, so maybe lock in a holiday. On Christmas Eve, know what you need to get done, and don’t let anyone in a last-minute panic cajole you into helping sort out their mess. AWW