Dec. 12-18

ARIES (March 21-April 20) Early Tuesday, a close friend may express a strong need for privacy or social isolation. Ironically, quiet reflections will greatly improve communications: encourage thoughtfulness and wait for reliable social invitations. Later this week, long-term friends or potential lovers will reveal their deepest fears. Pay special attention to social disputes, mistrust between relatives or private family disagreements. Important emotional breakthroughs will soon take precedence: stay open.

TAURUS (April 21-May 20) Loved ones may this week propose unexpected career changes. At present, business excitement and job speculation will inspire passionate debate, dramatic suggestions and unrealistic plans. Renewed ambition may prove more important than restructured goals: if possible, advocate independent thought and rekindled employment dreams. Friday through Sunday, romantic overtures are warmly inviting: take time to explore newfound attractions.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) Romance and long-term friendships may this week offer unique moments of intimacy. A recent phase of mistrust or lagging self-esteem will no longer restrict key relationships. After Thursday, ask gently probing questions and expect genuine answers. For many Geminis a new era of emotional healing now begins: make sure loved ones understand your limits, goals and private needs. Late Saturday, a controversial invitation may trigger bold discussions: don't hold back.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Job satisfaction is now on the rise: over the next 12 days, many Cancerians will expand their abilities to accept or complete new assignments. Improved skills, special training and, in some cases, a return to yesterday's forgotten career dreams will all prove worthwhile. Progress will be fast: share long-term plans with loved ones and ask for detailed advice. After Saturday, a close friendship may be briefly tested. Private versus public information is accented: remain cautious.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Group invitations may soon trigger rare discussions between loved ones. After Tuesday, planned events, sentimental reunions or controversial family gatherings may create a powerful need for acceptance and forgiveness. Find positive ways to end unproductive disputes: your social attitude will be quickly adopted. Friday through Sunday, career or financial speculation is best kept private. At present, loved ones may feel exposed or challenged by new ideas: stay alert.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Someone close requires detailed career or financial advice. Over the next 10 days, governmental applications, long-term debts or corporate permissions will inspire bold discussions. New job options or rekindled business partnerships demand serious consideration: expect friends or relatives to actively explore all proposals. Late Friday, a new friend or colleague may reveal complex romantic feelings. Refuse to be derailed: an honest reaction will prove successful.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) After Tuesday, a stalled friendship moves forward: expect valid progress concerning rare ethical triangles or lingering social doubts. Some Librans, especially those born after 1967, will also inspire renewed confidence between despondent friends, loved ones and romantic partners. Don't hesitate to act as mediator: your observations are meaningful. Later this week, a past employer or business partner may offer fast choices: check facts and figures for glaring errors.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Diplomacy between colleagues is essential for team success. Over the next seven days, co-workers and managers may rely heavily on your ability to resolve silent disputes. Use humor, unique invitations or special compliments to address outstanding tensions: your empathy and attention to detail won't be forgotten. After Thursday, a complex family disagreement will be easily resolved. Pay attention to small financial errors: loved ones may need sincere encouragement.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Private discussions between family members or friends will this week build lasting trust. In the coming weeks, key relationships may evolve to new levels of acceptance and intimacy. Express complex ideas and watch for steady progress: social support, compassion or a renewed faith in shared goals will provide rare opportunities. After Wednesday, business and financial agreements are misleading. Carefully research all written proposals: faulty information will soon prove costly.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) Social triangles and competing workplace loyalties are now unavoidable. Over the next six days, older colleagues may ask for special permissions, improved schedules or new assignments. Complex and powerful emotions are in operation: refuse to act as mediator and all will be well. Late Saturday, a sudden romantic invitation may strain family relationships. Shy or withdrawn friends may openly vie for your attention. Remain quietly detached: tensions may be high.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21-Feb. 19) Before mid-week, a recent phase of isolation or miscommunications in the home will end. Close relatives expect an honest emotional response: openly discuss all daily expectations and private obligations. Loved ones may be particularly sensitive to issues of financial duty, traditional roles or family loyalty. Offer sincere and meaningful promises. After Thursday, social invitations will expand your awareness. Creative change is healthy: use this time to foster new relationships.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Financial negotiations will now work to your advantage: over the next 12 days, expect roommates, long-term friends or family members to respond positively to new home suggestions and practical instructions. An attitude of gentle leadership will help established workable rules in previously strained relationships. Watch for important breakthroughs. Friday through Sunday, a close friend may ask for added patience. Difficult romantic or family decisions are highlighted: stay balanced.

If your birthday is this week: Friends and lovers may be reluctant to make meaningful choices over the next six weeks. At present, private social fears or hidden family disputes may be a top priority for loved ones. If so, avoid serious discussions and wait for signs of progress: close friends, romantic partners and trusted relatives may now need extra time for contemplation. After mid-January, watch for a fast business proposal from a new friend or colleague. Remain cautious, however, and study small details: loan applications, funding agreements or legal partnerships will require careful scrutiny. Much of 2006 will bring steady increases in business resources and financial security. Wait, however, until early February before taking serious employment or investment risks.

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