The Stars This Week - 12/26/05 - 01/01/06

2005 is wrapping up with some intense planetary energy, beginning with the Sun's sextile to impulsive Uranus on the 29th -- get ready for surprises! The new Moon in Capricorn on the 30th is the stuff of hard work and focus, and Mercury's conjunction to Pluto on the 31st is sure to heighten your powers of persuasion. The New Year rolls in on a pleasant note, with Venus's arrival in Capricorn and the Sun's cooperative trine to Mars on the 1st.

December 29: Sun sextile Uranus

When the Sun gets together with startling Uranus, there's no telling what might happen -- but it can't help but be surprising. Fortunately for all of us, the Sun is in sturdy, respectable Capricorn at the moment. So while you may still take a risk, it will certainly be a well-calculated risk. Still, with Uranus involved, there's no way to predict a situation's outcome, outside of knowing that it won't even be close to what you'd expected. Then again, once we become adults, how often are we actually surprised? Sit back and enjoy it.

December 30: New Moon in Capricorn

It's time for the yearly meeting of the Sun and Moon in Capricorn, which is sure to turn our attention toward duty, responsibility and getting the job done. Period. In the meantime, heaven help any friends or family who aren't quite so involved in their own work matters or projects, because they'll definitely have to learn to get along without you for a few days. They'll share some of your thoughts, though: For example, they'll want to take charge of their own careers, and they may even receive some interesting offers along those lines. Everyone's been working hard -- there's no doubt about that -- so why not give yourself the evening off from your responsibilities and have some plain old fun with the ones you love? 'Tis the season, after all ....

December 31: Mercury conjunct Pluto

With the emotional Moon in serious Capricorn, you won't be able to shake the feeling that you 'should' be doing something -- even if you're absolutely sure you've made your list and checked it twice. Still, you really should let go long enough to celebrate the New Year. And with thoughtful Mercury and intense, powerful Pluto in cahoots, your resolutions will be off to a potent start. These two planets, regardless of the sign they're in, are an amazingly persuasive duo. But since they're in Sagittarius, the sign of the salesperson, you'll be particularly adept at convincing others of your point of view, whether you do it through humor, rationalization or plain old common-sense philosophies. Just make sure you let up on the serious stuff by midnight. Raise a glass of whatever you choose, embrace someone you care for and bring on 2006 with a wish, a hope and a positive attitude. Happy New Year!

January 1: Venus into Capricorn, Sun trine Mars

Since December 24, Venus has been retrograde, creating the illusion that she's moving backward. Well, now the planet of love and beauty is rolling all the way back to Capricorn, leaving Aquarius's rebelliousness in favor of dedication and goal-oriented responsibility. During this unusually long stint in Capricorn, right through March 5, you'll be inspired to turn that casual travel companion/party partner you've been keeping company with into a full-time significant other. Meanwhile, the Sun, also currently in Capricorn, will form an easy trine with energetic Mars, putting the heavens' two fireballs in the mood to cooperate. If you've got something tough to tackle, whether emotionally or physically, it's time to do it. You'll have just the right amount of determination and stamina -- not to mention a remarkably cheerful attitude!