The Stars This Week - 01/16/06 - 01/22/06

First up in this week's mixed astrological bag is a harmonious conjunction between Mercury and Venus on the 17th. But the planets are at cross-purposes by the 18th, as active Mars squares dreamy Neptune -- just try to avoid major decision-making. As the Sun dashes into Aquarius on the 20th, however, and Mercury follows suit on the 22nd, take the time to revel in all your unconventional, creative ideas!

January 17: Mercury conjunct Venus

Finally -- a cooperative, pleasantly surprising day. Chatty Mercury and loving Venus will get together now, uniting everything under their jurisdictions: love, beauty, words and thoughts. Toss in the fact that they'll both be wearing earthy, practical Capricorn, the sign that wrote the book on forever, and you've got the potential for promises, oaths and even proposals with a capital P -- especially if you've already been thinking along those lines for a while.

January 18: Mars square Neptune

This is a tough one to work out: Mars, the planet of physical action, is in an argumentative square with Neptune, the planet who loves nothing more than dreams, fantasies and finding escape hatches from 'the real world.' Needless to say, there's not a lot these two have in common. Your best bet is to excuse yourself from any and all situations that require you to make sound, reasonable decisions -- because even if you think you're capable of it, you're probably not right now. Stall, just for a couple of days, until you feel more confident (or at least more objective). If you really need to make a decision now, call in a friend you're certain has your best interests in mind, and ask their advice.

January 20: Sun into Aquarius

The Sun is off for erratic, quirky Aquarius, the most rebellious sign in the heavens. For the next month, even those of us who are ordinarily controlled can expect to raise a few eyebrows -- and to secretly get quite a kick out of it too. Act on your impulses (the legal ones), don't be alarmed if you're feeling nostalgic and restless all at once, and jot down each and every unusual thought that crosses your mind. This is the stuff that megasuccessful inventions are made of. Basically, your motto for the month is 'just do it' -- and be sure to enjoy it!

January 22: Mercury into Aquarius

Those impulses you've been feeling ever since the Sun entered Aquarius on Friday? Expect them to become even more insistent now. Mercury, the planet in charge of communication, will set off for the same sign, leaving us all much more open-minded than usual. Needless to say, if you already think of yourself as unconventional, don't be surprised at what you're able to rationalize -- and talk others into believing. Planets in Aquarius have never been especially good at controlling their impulses, however. So if you're already prone to coloring outside the lines, better hire a chaperone (for you) and a bodyguard (for anyone who foolishly decides to publicly disagree with you).

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