December 16th-22nd
Weekly Horoscopes

 ARIES (March 21-April 19)
It’s a mystery. Why is someone not responding to you? What happened to that promising offer? The answer is Neptune. This planet of deception and illusion somehow got in the way of proceedings. Or was it you who misinterpreted something? In an astrological climate like this, the way to go forward is very carefully. The chances are that in the next seven to ten days the mystery will be cleared up. Long-range goals and people and places at a distance could be in the frame, so you may need to reconsider a plan or an endeavor that involves such things.
Time for a rethink?


TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
There’s many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip. An old saying that could prove very fitting at this time. Sun-Neptune angles inspire and confuse, and you have to be very careful not to get the wrong end of the stick. Finances may well be the focus for any confusion, so if the figures don’t add up, start digging. And with the countdown to Christmas beginning in earnest, be mindful of last-minute purchases, especially when on-line. Go away and think about it before pressing the launch button. Likewise, if someone dangles a tempting offer in front of you, check it out.
Buyer beware.


GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Which way is up? And why are there no directions? The answer lies with Neptune, the planet of muddles and mysteries. There is a chance that you are caught up in the magic of the season and enjoying every moment but there is an equal possibility that something will get away from you. Now you see it, now you don’t, kind of thing. Relationships are especially vulnerable to this influence in that someone’s behaviour could cause you to doubt their loyalty. However, if you are looking for romance or hoping to put the magic back into a love affair, you couldn’t have better “stars”.
Magic and mystery.

CANCER (June 21- July 22)
This is a perfect astro-scape if you’re planning to set the seal on a romance or, indeed, do anything romantic. Otherwise, it’s a bit iffy. Neptune is chorus-master and while this planet is just what you need if you are singing carols and decking the halls with holly, it’s not what you need if you’ve got precise plans and you need immediate answers. Also, with Mercury having just turned direct, messages you may have missed or information you needed could only now be surfacing. Do your best to manage the slips and slides of the week-ahead, and remember, there is a reason for everything.
Out of this world?


LEO (July 23-August 23)
Doing sums in your head can be a risky business, especially when Neptune in the eighth house of shared finances is in play. Things don’t add up. This is also the perfect metaphor for other kinds of events that defy explanation. Maybe you missed a message or have got something around the wrong way. Or perhaps the reason someone has gone cold is because they have misunderstood you. While this is the season of all things sparkly, it can get in the way of reality, and keeping one foot anchored on planet Earth is a good idea. Don’t get caught up in things that simply aren’t there.
Keeping anchored in reality.


VIRGO (Aug 24-Sept22)
Neptune has many faces and, like the ocean, many moods, so, while some Virgos will get the most magical side of this planet others will be in the deeps of despair. Confusion reigns. You may lose your way. Whatever the circumstances that are raising doubts and uncertainties, you are unlikely to solve them at this time. What you can do is deploy your common sense and leave well alone until reality comes to town. Clearly, if there is an emergency, you’re going to have to respond as best you can but otherwise, chill. And if you have a celebration in store, enjoy every magical moment.
The Neptune effect.


LIBRA (Sept 23 - Oct 22)
Don’t rely on your spider-sense. Normally, your intuition takes you to the right place but under this Neptunian influence, you’re more likely to end up where you didn’t mean to go. Add to this, Mercury’s recent return to normal service, and especially with travel and communications, take it slow and trust reliable navigation systems. On the plus side, this is the perfect time to indulge in the romantic, the fantastic and the spiritual. Let your heart sing but don’t listen to the voice of your hopes or fears.
Feet on the ground.


SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21)
Take the pedal of the metal and chill. Good advice but not necessarily very practical at this time of year. Whether you’re travelling or trying to get everything on that list completed, there’s a chance you’ll make a misstep that will delay and divert you. So, do what you can, but don’t go into overdrive. The ministry of disinformation is also at work, meaning you cannot trust everything you hear and everyone who makes a promise. Check the facts. Do the figures. And have a back-up plan, especially for anything that involves travel.
Take no chances.


SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21)
This can be the most wonderful time of the year but it can also be the worst. If you’re in a good place, all the sparkles and tinsel feed your happy-self, but if things are difficult, seeing other people enjoying Christmasy activities can make a situation worse. Pop Neptune into the mix and the good will be out-of-this-world good and the bad… In a Neptunian mist, it is difficult to see the reality, and this you should remember whether you’re en route and in unfamiliar territory or dealing with a situation that you don’t quite understand.
If you don’t know what to do, do nothing.


CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19)
Until Saturday, the Sun will remain in the twelfth house of secrets and shadows, so avoid making impulse moves or acting on the assumption that a situation is what you think it is. Adding to the complexity of the week ahead, the Sun is squaring Neptune making the going ever more misty and mysterious. It is a climate in which romance flourishes and the magic of the season takes you in. However, what appears to be real has no substance. And this little piece of advice could come in handy should you be dealing with something you’re not liking one little bit.
Is it really real?


AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18)
One of the benefits of a Venus transit of your sign, is that it acts as a buffer against the slings and arrows of any of the more challenging influences. However, for some Aquarians, this is one of the happiest and most successful periods of the year. Romance is to the fore, whether you’re meeting someone who lights your fire or putting a relationship onto a more permanent footing. Nonetheless, we can’t ignore the Sun-Neptune square which can generate confusion and send you off in inappropriate directions. Even if you are ten feet off the ground, aim to maintain contact with reality.
Ground control.


PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20)
Neptune brings out the best and worst in life and love, and sometimes the best and worst in you. As the ruler of the outer realms and all things spiritual, Neptune can elevate us, and this is certainly something you should aim for if you’re feeling aggrieved or let down – take the higher path. However, this planet of mystery and illusion can lead us up some blind alleys and into dangerous waters too, so don’t trust first impressions or listen to the voice of your hopes and fears. Common sense should be your default position.
If it looks like a fish and smells like a fish…