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by Lilly Roddy

We all get a holiday surprise this month with Mercury going retrograde on December 15 and direct on January 8. So this doesn’t bode well for those of you traveling during the holiday time. Be sure to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destinations. And if you are going to mail packages or cards, it is best to get them out by December 5. With the full moon in Gemini on December 8, there will be lots of activity this month—even more than usual with the holiday party times. People will be open and talkative. The new moon in Capricorn on December 23 will emphasize the seriousness of the time, the economy, and the war in Iraq. People will be more inward than usual. But on Christmas Day people will be tense and argumentative. For the Hanukkah celebrants, you will also be in a more serious and introspective time.

The Sun enters the sign of Capricorn, the winter solstice, the actual origin of all the holidays around this time on December 22. Of course, Mercury will be in Capricorn, walking backward up the mountain. Venus searches for practical gifts until she moves into Aquarius on the 21st. Mars is floating through Pisces and finally leaves the sign on December 16 and moves into more friendly Aries. All the rest of the outer planets are happy where they are.

ARIES (March 21–April 19). You start the month off in an upbeat and happy time for the holidays. And you seem to be able to keep that attitude even when others are less perky. Home and family are especially important to you this year. You may even be doing some remodeling and considering moving. Work is rather productive, and with your positive attitude you can really capitalize on this time. Watch that you don’t over-schedule yourself during the holidays. You may think you can do everything, and others will be happy to let you do it.

TAURUS (April 20–May 20). This is a contemplative holiday time for you. You are looking at a secret that you have held inside of you for many years. And you want to let it out. And you will. You may lose that appearance that all is right and you are perfectly in control. You will feel better as we get closer to the solstice time. Work, relationships, and friendships are all on the upswing. And this trend should continue well into next year.

GEMINI (May 21–June 21). Relationships are on your holiday menu this month. You will want to have someone close to you. An escort will do, but he/she must be clever and intelligent. You are beginning to feel a bit bored with your career path, and you will soon have to reinvent yourself. And with your ruler, Mercury, going retrograde, this holiday time is one of self-reflection. Long-term existing relationships could be under a lot of stress. Look for all of that to change after January 7.

CANCER (June 22–July 22). Your tummy could be upset this month, and a lot of it is those mean old people at work. They should realize how smart you are and allow you to work on whatever you please for that day. But until that time happens, you may want to get clear on who is in charge of your life. Don’t struggle with authority figures. Become one. Your relationship is in for an extreme makeover. You need to take some time and get your long-terms plans in alignment. Family may get on your nerves this holiday time. Open your presents and make your escape.

LEO (July 23–August 22). You are so upbeat this holiday time. You are seeing the world in a childlike happy vision. Try to spread yourself around this holiday time so others will know what it is like. Relationships are not so clear this month. Watch that you don’t fall for someone at work. There is real chemistry, but the reaction may not be long lasting. Keep looking for some opportunities for career change. The work you do now will pay off in May of ’04.

VIRGO (August 23–September 22). This is the year to break with your family and start creating your own holiday traditions in the style that you would like to become accustomed to. Avoid the holiday rush for family guilt and heritage. You are still in the process of recreating yourself, your relationships, and your career. It is all on the chopping block and up for revision. Relationships are still testy but smooth out after the 17th.

LIBRA (September 23–October 23). You are ready for the holiday trip back home, recreating that nostalgia. You are looking forward to all the activity and feast-day chatter. But right after the holidays end, you are more career-motivated than you have been in at last seven years. Life must make sense and have a practical plan that we all must follow. Don’t be afraid to take the leadership role. We are all just waiting. If in a relationship, you will try the same thing on your partner, who will not be sold so easily. Ply with candy and liquor and fur-lined cuffs. Your sweetheart can be persuaded.

SCORPIO (October 24–November 21). You are keeping a watchful eye on your money, our money, and the money that everyone is spending. You like all this glee and felicity, but someone has to keep a sense of control. And we all know that is your job. You want a peaceful holiday. You will be more sensitive than usual if your home is too loud. You are recounting the past and how the holidays were better when you were young. And the truth is, they were. But you can make them better now. You are not really ready to work until after January 5. Extend your vacation and enjoy.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21). This holiday is very introspective for you with Mercury going retrograde along with this being your birthday time. You may seem just a bit off kilter. Happiness may be all around, and you don’t feel like you can connect. Maybe you should consider some solitude and choosing your holiday company carefully. Look for new career goals, new friends, and new relationships for the New Year.

CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19). You are more spiritually aware than usual. And truth has a special meaning for you this month. You want to get to the bottom of everything, leaving no saint unturned. The holidays come in subtly and gently. You are really revising your relationships and career paths. And if you are in business with your romantic partner, then you are having some tough times. You will have some clarity about all this but not until mid January.

AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18). You are in a strong period of self-evaluation and questioning. Spend some holiday time with friends, as they will help you keep a clear perspective about who you are to others. You can be too hard on yourself at times, but friends and lovers can always see the beauty of your soul. After the 17th, you will feel more active and ready to really enjoy the holiday time. And you are ready for a break in the action. Enjoy it.

PISCES (February 19–March 20). The end of this month begins a new chapter in your personal transformation. It will be many years before the mermaids and mermen are challenged beyond their normal scopes. You are ready for adventure on a personal level. At work, you need a provocation to incite you into movement. In relationships, you will break with routines and become the rebel you always attracted. Time is passing by and the holidays may seem to be in your way. Everyone is ready to be party and you are ready to start your journey.

A professional astrologer for nearly 20 years, Lilly Roddy counsels individuals and teaches classes. Her website is www.hermesfoot.com.

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