Sign Language Astrology: 12.22.10-12.28.10

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Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) It’d be lovely if you could be perfectly well-rested and psychologically ready (or even eager) for a challenge the next time one presented itself. Of course, shit mostly hits the fan when we’re sleepdeprived, overworked or just plain unprepared. Yes, you’re notoriously adept at rolling with the punches when this happens. However, you don’t need to rely on your improvisational skills and resourcefulness right now, since you have the luxury of getting yourself rested and psyched up for whatever comes your way. It may be something challenging, it may not—either way, since you can, spend some time this week just getting yourself ready.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Creating a bonfire fueled by all the things you don’t want in your life may be momentarily satisfying, but it’s likely to have repercussions that create more hassle than anything else. It’s good to shed the shit, but you must find more subtle means of doing so. “Losing” things can work for an unwanted scarf, but people aren’t gotten rid of so easily.You must find ways to strip your life down to the people and things that really matter to you, but gently, in ways that leave those you move on from better off than when they met you. I assure you, it’s possible. It’s up to you, however, to find the way. Once you set the intention, though, it shouldn’t be that hard to figure out.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Acts of giving can assume some seriously strange forms this holiday season. Be alert for unexpected and unusual opportunities for generosity right now. Sometimes they could be about stepping up and doing something no one would expect you to do, unprompted. Other times, weirdly enough, it might be about what you don’t do (not smoking is an obvious example). Getting good at this is going to stretch even your vaunted intuition.You’ll have to read between the lines, and then sometimes read between those lines. However, if you do as well as I know you can, people will be amazed at your virtually psychic ability to give them exactly what they need, just when it occurred to them to need it.

Aries (March 21-April 19) Once upon a time, diverging from the standard set by society for intimate relationships wasn’t done, or only done in absolute secrecy. Now, more people are empowered to create their own parameters and paradigms for their entanglements. Hopefully, you rule-breaking Rams are leading the charge. It’s OK to go for the white-picket-fence-suburban-house-withtwo-kids cliché—but you should recognize it as a choice, and only make it if it perfectly suits who you are.You are more empowered to create the exact scenario you want than you’ve ever been.You’d be a little bit of a fool to ignore that amazing opportunity.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) For many plants, flowers are the beginning of the end, or at least of a dormant phase of their existence.They usually occur in response to changing conditions that won’t allow the plant to continue as it has (cold weather approaching, for example), so it makes an effort to reproduce by creating a flower. It’s interesting how the chapter before death (or a long sleep, anyway) is when they are at their most beautiful. I think understanding the reasons behind the creation of such beauty only enhances it, don’t you? This week, make an effort to perceive and understand the hidden agenda behind all the beauty you see; you’ll find that it will make some sparkle, and some almost vanish—and won’t it be interesting to see who does what?

Gemini (May 21-June 20) When ill-mannered associates get bitchy and judgmental, try to resist simply jumping on the bandwagon and validating those catty critics (or worse, adding fuel to the fire by offering witty jibes of your own). Being a “mean girl” is juvenile and beneath you, and really should have been left behind back in junior high. It’s sometimes very hard to not get caught up in the frequently funny remarks, though, especially when one is as clever and pithy as you frequently are. Find other ways to impress and delight, however, since you assuredly can. Cattiness doesn’t suit you.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) It’s actually surprisingly easy to avoid dealing with the stuff you’re dreading this week, as distractions are frequent and plentiful.That doesn’t mean you should, however.Taking breaks from annoyances before they make you loopy is a good idea; avoiding them altogether will almost certainly exacerbate the problem. If you’re waiting for “a better time” to deal with something difficult, ask yourself now to pin down just when that better time is (and then hold yourself to it). More often than not, you’ll realize you’re just delaying the inevitable, and it’d be easier and less painful just to get it over with.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Here’s the thing about developing internal discipline (something Leos often struggle with): It’s not just about keeping up with a commitment. Sometimes, it’s about being determined to pick it back up after you (almost inevitably) let it slide.That’s almost harder to do, since at that point you’ve completely lost momentum. But it’s a necessary skill, one which all people known for their reliability have mastered. Sure, they drop the ball less often in general—but that doesn’t mean they never drop it.They just pick it right back up as soon as they can.You must learn to as well.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) People change.That’s why long-term compatibility is a tricky thing to come by. People who are soulmates now might be complete opposites in a decade. In a way, you have to get lucky that you both change in ways that allow you to continue getting along and appreciating each other.This, of course, is not something you can truly predict or accurately plan (although nudging things in the right direction is entirely possible).That’s why I wouldn’t worry too much about it anytime soon. Be in the moment and let things just play out.You’ll be happier that way.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Everyone loves their dog or kid—so much so that they can sometimes be oblivious about what a pain in the ass their loved one can be. They want to believe little Scruffy is a special angel who’s very nearly perfect; when the reality diverges wildly, it can be a very difficult topic to broach, especially for you excessively tactful (and frequently too nice) Libras. However, because of your diplomacy, you’re actually the perfect person to address such a delicate matter. If something like this comes up this week, please step up to the plate and take care of it.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Light is meaningless without darkness, but that doesn’t mean good is meaningless without evil. Sure, a noble act means more when it’s in the context of many ignoble ones, but it’s still amazing in their absence.You don’t have to wait for something awful to occur before you step up and make something wonderful happen. Keep that in mind this week, as it’s quite likely that nothing particularly bad will happen.There’s still loads and loads of potential for good, though. If you are alert, you should be able to discover and manifest quite a bit of it.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) I understand your reluctance to be a know-itall bore. But the thing about wisdom is that it only increases its value when shared.That doesn’t mean you need to chime in every time you know something others don’t.That would turn you into just the kind of annoyance you’d like to avoid being. It does mean, however, that when your insight is specifically requested, you need to overcome your reticence and weigh in, unequivocally.What you have to say is worth hearing (whether or not they really want to hear it)—and, after all, they asked for it.