Horoscopes

This week’s birthdays: New moons and full moons are both auspicious. The new moon represents the beginning, innocence infused with all the hopes of the future. This moon is hidden, and in the beautiful dark nothingness, all things are possible. The full moon at the end of the cycle fulfills the promise of the new moon. This week, the new moon in Sagittarius on Dec. 16 represents a classic case of: Be careful what you wish for!

Aries

March 21-April 19

The respect you feel for someone is almost overwhelming. Just remember that you have talents this person doesn’t have. The only difference is, this person recognizes his or her own talents to a greater degree than you do. Look at what you do well, and do it to the hilt. The results will make you proud.

Taurus

April 20-May 20

There will be many beautiful personal moments to savor. So take a break from your ambitions to rise through the ranks of management. You’ll enjoy being in the mix and getting things done. Thursday and Friday, your knack for following directions makes you the most productive (and promotable) person around.

Gemini

May 21 – June 21

Making a mountain out of a molehill is usually not a good idea, but sometimes you need to take a small problem seriously so it doesn’t get out of control. There’s a molehill on the horizon that needs looking in to. This is a truly manageable situation, as long as you handle it by the week’s end.

Cancer

June 22-July 22

While conflicting emotions might hamper your ability to make a decision, they reflect an uncommon gift: being able to see several sides of a situation. You are not one to oversimplify a problem, which makes you a valuable asset to a friendship or business. Bottom line: You’ll make the perfect decision at the perfect time.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Self-esteem ebbs and flows as you assess your position in life. At times it seems that everyone moves on while you’re still in the same place. It’s an erroneous assessment, though. Look again and you will see just how much has changed. Also, everyone feels this way. Take confidence — you really are moving forward.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

It sometimes seems that everything fun is either fattening or worse, but that’s the trick of life — balancing the wanton indulgences with the steady obligations. You’ve managed this teeter-totter with aplomb, and Friday you will be rewarded accordingly. Enjoy a special connection with Pisces people.

Libra

September 23 – October 23

A new opportunity will be presented, and it’s scary to most of your colleagues and friends. While others huddle and speculate about the dangers involved in this scenario, jump in and scramble through it to the best of your ability. Someone has to go first! You’ll be admired, followed and paid.

Scorpio

October 24 – November 21

If the so-called “right choice” is a dreary one, it probably isn’t so correct after all. Who said you can’t have fun and still be a moral person? Examine your rules for yourself, and consider chucking the dreadfully boring ones this week. Thursday, a free-spirited friend will liberate you.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Though you know better, something leads you back to a situation that isn’t doing you much good. Monday, there will be a shift. It’s subtle but certain. This time, the move you make away from the old hurt is definite, genuine and will prove lasting. You’ll feel a little brighter and lighter each day as the week progresses.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Your cautious nature is a supreme advantage in the current situation. Everyone is benefiting from your thoroughgoing evaluation of possible outcomes. The time for decision-making is almost at hand, and it will be a good decision because you put the work in. Keep gathering information this week.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Your first thought upon waking will be an indicator of your overall well-being. Recall that first thought, and write it down. Continue to keep track of your first thought of the day for the entire week. A pattern will emerge. You’ll learn something significant about yourself in this exciting stage of your life.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

It’s like you are in the middle of a swim, plowing through the water at a steady pace, when suddenly you pause mid-stroke and wonder what all this effort is for. First get to the edge of the pool, and then pose the question once more. You’ll be in a better position to answer from a place of support.