ROYAL STARS

MOON ALERT: Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 5:15 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. EST today (2:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. PST). After that, the Moon moves from Libra into Scorpio.

Today’s Birthday (Dec. 18). You are compassionate, idealistic and adventurous. You are alert, curious and eager for new experiences. This year is the last year of a nine-year cycle, which is why it’s important to let go of anyone or anything that is holding you back. Clear the decks for new beginnings next year.

Aries

(March 21-April 19)

HHHH This can be a productive day, particularly if you cooperate with partners, spouses or friends. Perhaps you can form a working unit with someone else. With Mercury and Venus at the top of your chart, bosses and authority figures will listen to you. Tonight: Check your finances.

Taurus

(April 20-May 20)

HHH Today you might have to work on behalf of someone else or perform a service for someone. Nevertheless, try to travel or get away and do something different to satisfy your sense of adventure. This will please you. Tonight: Listen.

Gemini

(May 21-June 20)

HHHH It’s been like wading through quicksand with Mars retrograde in your sign since August. (This lasts until April next year.) Courage! Do your best. Today is a playful, creative, fun-loving day for you! Tonight: Work.

Cancer

(June 21-July 22)

HHHH Enjoy puttering around at home. You will welcome the privacy; plus, you can get better organized, which will please you. Enjoy warm conversations with partners and close friends today. Tonight: Play!

Leo

(July 23-Aug. 22)

HHHHH This is a playful, funloving day! The arts, sports events and fun times with children will be excellent choices. You will also enjoy working and getting better organized. Tonight: Cocoon.

Virgo

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

HHHH Home and family appeal to you today. Nevertheless, you will be happy to enjoy the company of others. You also might delight in creative activities, sports and interactions with kids. Keep things lighthearted today. Tonight: Listen and learn.

Libra

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

HHHH Today the Moon is in your sign. It will return again on Jan. 12. Every month the Moon is in your sign for two and a half days. When this occurs, it gives you a slight advantage over all the other signs. You can use this! Tonight: Check your money.

Scorpio

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

HHHH This is a laid-back day. Enjoy talking to others. You will also enjoy reading and writing because you’re in the mood to learn, but at a leisurely pace. Something might make you appreciate your daily surroundings. Tonight: You win!

Sagittarius

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

HHHH This is a nice day! The Sun in your sign is empowering, and the Moon is in your House of Friendships. You will enjoy sharing your hopes and dreams for the future with someone to get their feedback. Tonight: Solitude.

Capricorn

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

HHH Relations with authority figures will be solid today; however, this is a poor day to volunteer or agree to anything important. Check the Moon Alert. Keep your eyes open. See which way the wind is blowing. Wait until this evening or tomorrow to act. Tonight: Friendships.

Aquarius

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

HHHH This is an excellent day to enjoy the company of friends from other countries to learn new ideas that cause you to think about things in a new way. Enjoy good times with friends and groups. Tonight: You are noticed.

Pisces

(Feb. 19-March 20)

HHHH You will enjoy being with younger people today, as well as creative, artistic types. Relations with others will be warm and friendly. With the Sun high in your chart, you look attractive to everyone, even if you don’t do anything special. Tonight: Explore!