By Minerva

Starcast

Christmas isn’t all groaning boards and Hallmark moments. Even Bob Cratchit had at least one problem relative. There will be life after Christmas. Aries (March 20-April 18) Despite the Christmas craziness, much of the random wildness of recent weeks is dissipating. Mercury and Jupiter are a great problem-solving duo. They huddle now in your travel sector, suggesting a post holiday trip.

Taurus (April 19-May 19) You’ve an urge to try something new. A new lover, perhaps? Or a fresh approach to an old one? Whichever, 2019 begins on a happy, hopeful note. Hang in there, 2019 promises that you’ll be king fish in a celebrity pool.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) A colleague (maybe lovey-dovey, maybe business, maybe both) gets up close and personal. If you’re not hammering out details, you soon will be. A Christmas fantasy? Not likely. This is real life practical. Cancer (June 21-July 21) Jupiter and Mercury in your work sector suggests a busy yule. All that “joy to the world” jazz makes it tough for Cancers to hold on to resolves. Nevertheless, one last mega push can cap 2018 with the triumph you deserve.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 21) Look forward to high times and adult situations. The Christmas Fairy nods encouragement as your popularity quotient soars. Enjoy a lively, well-deserved holiday. Naughty? Nice? It’s your call, Lionchild. Virgo (Aug. 22-Sept. 21) Glorious goodies rain down on Virgos everywhere. Make an important decision and get cracking on it. You’ll be extra creative where real estate, home decorating and family members are concerned.

Libra (Sept. 22-Oct. 22) Much of 2018 was about communication — either aggressive efforts to achieve it or more subtle efforts to deal creatively with the lack of it. Expect Santa’s largess to include a breakthrough that’s not only positive but sweet.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You’ve fought the good fight in 2018 and have much to be proud about. Enjoy! The sweet smell of success is sexy as all get out. Now: Ensure a cool yule by grabbing onto a rare deja vu opportunity.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 20) Jupiter’s pirouette opens windows of opportunity. Expansion gets the cosmic green light. That means romance! But when will you find time? Better schedule a counseling session with the Christmas angel.

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 18) You’ve worked hard in 2018, accepted the karma thing that’s been hanging over you. Establishing a solid baseline emotionally is what this year and next are all about. It’s time to make an important decision. Take no prisoners!

Aquarius (Jan. 19-Feb. 17) Your prediction looks much like Leo’s. For each of you the theme centers around intimacy — too much or not enough. Better get cracking on a letter to the Claus household. Address it to Sobriety. She’ll know what to do.

Pisces (Feb. 18-March 19) As Jupiter and Mercury blast a trail through your fame house, strike while the stars are hot to stake your claim. What you do is a mission statement for who you are. If Minerva’s preaching to the choir, it won’t be “Silent Night.”

Minerva’s mailbag

Q: You are the best astrologer! My question is, how can I get my Jupiter transits for the coming years? What house is Jupiter in, and what does that mean? I like abundance, opportunities and good luck. — Dan

A: Hi Dan, nice to hear from you. I can’t tell you about your upcoming Jupiter transits because you didn’t tell me your sign. But I can tell you that Jupiter transits are all about those things you like: abundance, etc. They last about a year and sometimes the really good stuff doesn’t happen until near the end of the transit. They visit our signs every 12 years. Jupiter left Scorpio, entering Sagittarius on Nov. 8. It will move on to Capricorn on Dec. 9, 2019.

To ask Minerva a question, go to www.ask minerva.com or write to Minerva, Sunday Datebook, San Francisco Chronicle, 901 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103.