What's in your stars after Christmas?

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) A wave of optimism flows through the week. Comments made in the last few days give you reason to think a corner has been turned. Moving forward comes from a feeling of confidence and trust. A close relationship is changing and, if you work closely together, future progress may be swift. Mixed feelings around the New Year festivities could lead to some confusion. Plans could change overnight, perhaps due to transport or lack of it.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Being made aware of some possibilities over the last few days certainly gives you food for thought. With an optimistic streak, taking the next step in a plan is more likely to succeed. The sense that you could be leaving someone behind jars. Could regular contact and even involvement not be possible? Travel disruptions or bad weather may threaten to delay or cancel a get-together for New Year. Have a plan B that may even involve staying put.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Blame your determination and excitement about the future for a bout of restlessness this week! You simply do not want to stand still for a minute longer than necessary. Of course, many are still in holiday mood and may not share your enthusiasm for speeding on with the job. Pump up the plans if you are travelling over the New Year. Check the car, timetables and weather.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) It hardly seems the right time and it is sharp off the starting line, but there is a feeling of urgency where a job is concerned. Doing your best is important to you and so, if you need to get down to it, don’t feel guilty! Loved ones know how enthusiasm takes you over. Get-togethers at your home are preferable this New Year, although avoid teasing anyone who doesn’t want the hassle of travel. It is nothing personal, just the weather, bad luck or some pesky planets!

LEO (July 23 - August 23) Success seems to be coming from the effort you have put into helping others. This is something that comes naturally to you, of course, as you truly love people. A few friends may be moving or moving on in some other way this week but you should not dwell on the past. Why not make a retrospective leap for the New Year by having one at yours?

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Are you at something of a crossroads? Career or a partner seem to be going in different directions? Maybe change in one or the other is necessary? Certainly don’t stifle your options by taking the easiest path. Loving yourself and others means having to be safe and secure when possible. Although you may feel obliged to take a certain path, there is nothing wrong with changing direction.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Making the most of your new and recent contacts brings both social and work benefits. A project that started some time ago could just be coming into its own. Certainly, then, it is not the time to neglect that! Someone with bright ideas and a ready smile needs to be brought closer. Current happiness seems to be nearer than you have realised. Sometimes we see a familiar option as failure.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Increased activity brings a surge of optimism this week. Comments made in the last few days really made their mark on you and could show a way forward. Although looking for self-improvement, finances need to be well balanced. Remember that there is a right time for most things. Romantic notions should not get in the way of practical considerations. Anything you are unsure about can be delayed, at least for a time.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) The holiday spirit prevails and that can be a little frustrating for you. Ditch the frustrated grunts, though, by getting stuck into a new plan yourself. How to convince others needs careful thought. The answer can be as much social as practical. Keep an open mind. There is much to be said for changing plans to include a relatively quiet New Year. There is much to think about and to be getting on with. Why waste time?

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) There are ways in which technology can save you time but trying to manage it alone may not be the best option. Is this the moment when you remember that investment is needed in order to move forward permanently? Does someone at home know a little more than you give them credit for? A very relaxed week brings a happy glow. Brainstorming sessions keep you wide awake, safe and sober as the New Year begins.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Plain speaking and the ability to laugh at mistakes will prove crucial this week. In the everyday bustle we do tend to forget our sense of humour, don’t we? The relaxed holiday mood should have released something emotionally. It will help to propel you forward. We do not have the happiest planets for travel over New Year. You, of course, are the one who others depend on to be sensible and sober.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Giving credit where it is due is something that we can all be a bit lax about. Someone deserves a little more than they have been given. Feeling a bit more sensitive this week leads to your being able to respond more to others. It isn’t soft, it isn’t strictly necessary but it is desirable for all concerned! Sticking your neck out is nothing new to you. Even so, be prepared to put on your sensible hat and avoid pumping up your ego.

Monday’s Birthday Luck: Happy Birthday! Capricorn, in a year when you will win friends and influence people, be prepared to shine! Of course you are terribly sensible and would not dream of letting your passions run away with you unless, of course, love is involved?

Tuesday’s Birthday Luck: Happy Birthday! Trying to be logical is not always easy in the months ahead. There is excitement and there will be unexpected arrivals, Capricorn. One of these could involve a promotion. Are you ready?

Wednesday’s Birthday Luck: Happy Birthday! Optimism is sometimes lacking when you feel under pressure, Capricorn. It is a mystery why because, this year, confidence should be high. Learn new tricks.

Thursday’s Birthday Luck: Happy Birthday! Capricorn, being the very happy centre of attention suits you in the months ahead. An unexpected delight around March sets you in a very good mood indeed. Where from here?

Friday’s Birthday Luck: Happy Birthday! Quite apart from the fact you are now feeling so much more in charge of your future, there is plenty of optimism. Keeping one step ahead of others and technology is crucial, though, Capricorn.

Saturday’s Birthday Luck: Happy Birthday! Creating a specialist niche works well for you in the months ahead, Capricorn. Even so, nothing stands still so be sure you are bang up to date with anything affecting your work.

Sunday’s Birthday Luck: Happy Birthday! Capricorn, confidence is your friend and doubt is your enemy. Keep a balance by staying in control of all that you are able to in your everyday life.