2016 New Year horoscopes

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A snapshot of the year ahead ...

Aries

(March 21-April 20)

LOVE & LUST

The lunar eclipse rocks the relationship boat around March 23 and it will take your latent diplomatic skills to get things back on an even keel! From May 27 until June 29 you could suffer from a lacklustre libido, as Mars (planet of sex) reverses through your intimacy zone. From September 9 until October 2017, Jupiter jumps through your partnership zone and you'll experience your luckiest love cycle for the past 12 years. Love and travel are linked, so it's a fabulous time to go on a heavenly holiday with your partner or start a hot new romance with a sexy foreigner.

LOOT & LUCK

In March, lucky Jupiter trines Pluto in your career and work zones so it's a wonderful month to look for a job, hit your boss for a raise, apply for a loan or start a business. If extra money comes your way, then make sure you secure it wisely (with an eye to future needs rather than present whims). Your financial situation appears to go backwards in June, but with patience and persistence things gradually improve. September 9 through until December 31 is the perfect time to start a promising joint venture.

LIFESTYLE

Your reckless Ram nature intensifies from April 17 through until June 29, when Mars (your ruling planet) is in retrograde mode, and your energy and timing are all over the place. Aim to be reasonable and responsible -- rather than impulsive and impossible! August and November are the best months to travel (as long as you plan your trip carefully).

FAMOUS ARIES

Sarah Jessica Parker, Russell Crowe, Kate Hudson.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

"You have good days and bad days. That's a marriage. That's a relationship. That's a friendship."

Taurus

(April 21-May 21)

LOVE & LUST

Attached Bulls - the year starts well when passion planet Mars moves through your love zone in January and February and a relationship heats up. But then frustration sets in from April 17 until May 26, as Mars reverses through the lust zone and your sex life seems to go backwards too. With Jupiter and the Solar Eclipse stimulating your love zone, June through until early September are marvellous months to join an online dating site, fall in love, move in together, propose, get married or renew your wedding vows.

LOOT & LUCK

When it comes to finances, it will be one step forwards and two steps back. With Mars and penny-pinching Saturn both reversing through your 'money-from-others' zone, you can expect cash flow problems and budget blow-outs. Separating your wants from your needs is a must in the current economic climate, as you cut excess consumption and learn to get by on less. Things improve after September 9, when Jupiter jumps through your work zone and you may expand your business, get a promotion or land a better job.

LIFESTYLE

January through until September 9 is fabulous for fostering friendships as you extend your peer group to include an adventurous new crowd. Some Bulls will welcome a new baby into the family or enjoy improved relations with a child or teenager. The eclipses activate your hopes and wishes zone (in March and September) so make an overly ambitious wish-list and then do all you can to make your dreams come true.

FAMOUS TAUREANS

Cate Blanchett, David Beckham, George Clooney.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

"It's always good to take on things that at first seem bigger than you. Then you just try and surmount them."

Gemini

(May 22-June 21)

LOVE & LUST

With Saturn in your relationship zone, expect some romantic challenges in 2016. Singles - you may have to kiss a few frogs before you find your Prince (or Princess) Charming. But don't give up - each dating disappointment will lead you closer to your soul mate. Passion planet Mars reverses through your love zone from April 17 until May 26, when sexual satisfaction may be (temporarily) hard to find. Attached Twins -- March and June are the prime months to plan an erotic weekend escape with your lover, as Jupiter and Pluto kick-start your mojo and your libido goes into overdrive.

LOOT & LUCK

The Jupiter/Pluto trines (on March 17 and June 26) are fabulous for money matters involving family and real estate -- or an inheritance, superannuation payout, divorce settlement or bumper tax return. By all means celebrate your windfall in style, but Pluto encourages you to think strategically and plan for the future, so make sure you squirrel some cash away for when finances are tight.

LIFESTYLE

The best time to redecorate, renovate, build an extension, sell property, buy a new home, house-sit or relocate is between now and September 8. From September 9 through until December 31, some Twins will welcome a new addition to the family, while others enjoy improved relations with a child, teenager or friend as you share mutual hobbies, sports or interests. You could also benefit (artistically and financially) from exploring exciting new avenues of creative expression.

FAMOUS GEMINIS

Nicole Kidman, Johnny Depp, Natalie Portman.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

"Life has got all those twists and turns. You've got to hold on tight and off you go."

Cancer

(June 22-July 23)

LOVE & LUST

If you are attached, 2016 is the year to take a long hard look at your partnership and transform it in some way. Are you truly 100 per cent committed to your spouse? If not, then it's time to resuscitate the relationship ... or extricate yourself as gracefully as possible and move on. For Crabs who are sick and tired of being single, March and June are the best months to go looking for lasting love as lucky Jupiter boosts your chances of finding your soul mate on an online dating site.

LOOT & LUCK

January through until August is a period when your career and/or public profile could suddenly take off via the clever use of social media (and a helping hand from Jupiter). You could find that something you write reaches a wide audience or even goes viral. Canny Crabs will find numerous ways to monetise these lucky opportunities. September 10 through until December 10 is a terrific time to buy and sell property, or start a home-based business.

LIFESTYLE

With Saturn visiting your wellbeing zone, you need to get serious about your health. Take a good look at your diet and fitness programme and keep up to date with medical and dental checks. Don't skimp on sleep and regular relaxation or you'll find your Crab energy has deserted you. With two eclipses (and Neptune) in your aspirations zone, it's a year when your wildest wishes really can take flight. Now's the time to tap into your inner muse, set ambitious goals, dream big dreams and visualise a fabulous future.

FAMOUS CANCERIANS

Nelson Mandela, Meryl Streep, Prince William.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

"There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."

Leo

(July 24-August 23)

LOVE & LUST

Many lions will take the plunge via an engagement, wedding, moving in together, or by becoming a parent in 2016, as you strive for more permanence in your primary partnership. With hard work and commitment, your love life will slowly go from strength to strength. Single cats -- expect a temporary dating drought between April 17-May 26, when Mars and Saturn both reverse through your romance zone. The best times to meet your soul mate are in February, March, September and December, when your cat charisma attracts amorous admirers.

LOOT & LUCK

Jupiter (planet of prosperity and good luck) transits through your money zone until September 9, so expect a boost to your bank balance via a pay rise, bonus, gift or extra business coming your way. Any windfall won't last long if you don't manage it wisely though. Jupiter then moves through your social networking zone until October 2017 and you could hit the internet jackpot when something you post (or sell) online goes viral.

LIFESTYLE

March and June are momentous months, when you'll be given the opportunity to cut the dead wood from your daily life, reform bad habits and proceed in a positive new direction. Expect big domestic changes in June, when retrograde Mars stimulates your restless gene and turns your living arrangements upside down. With Jupiter and Uranus activating your travel zones, a domestic sojourn or overseas adventure is on the cards between September 9 and December 31 so start planning (and booking) ASAP.

FAMOUS LEOS

Helen Mirren, Barack Obama, Amy Adams.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

"I still have a gypsy sense of adventure."

Virgo

(August 24-September 23)

LOVE & LUST

Attached Virgos - the Solar and Lunar Eclipses (in March and September) bring up hidden tension or simmering resentment, particularly if one of you has been putting work before the relationship. It's best to bring these problems up into the light of day, where they can be examined, discussed and resolved. Singles - Cupid's arrow is most likely to strike in February or March, so brush up on your flirting technique and sexy one-liners. But avoid playing the martyr by falling for a dubious dreamer, a sexy schemer or a needy individual who wants to be saved.

LOOT & LUCK

A frustrating financial issue could come to a head around the time of the Lunar Eclipse on March 23. Between April and August, it's very important that you sort out any cash flow problems because prosperity planet Jupiter moves into your money zone on September 9 (where it stays until October 2017). So, if your financial affairs are in order, then you can capitalise on the lucky opportunities that come your way during this period.

LIFESTYLE

From January through until August, Jupiter encourages you to be the boldest and very best Virgo you can be, as you tackle challenges that would usually daunt you. Confidence is the rocket fuel that will take you places in 2016! But be extra careful with correspondence, contracts, computers and travel from August 30 until September 22, when Mercury (your ruling planet) reverses through your sign and scrambles your communication antennae. Due diligence is essential.

FAMOUS VIRGOS

Ingrid Bergman, Cameron Diaz, Beyonce.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

"I don't regret a thing I've done. I only regret the things I didn't do."

Libra

(September 24-October 23)

LOVE & LUST

Under the influence of Uranus, your love life will be unpredictable. For some attached Librans, a relationship that has lost its spark could unexpectedly be reignited.

For others, a previously happy partnership could suddenly encounter problems. Singles -- if you settle for a superficial, second-best love then you are selling yourself short. Have the confidence (and patience) to wait for the right person to come along. February and March are the best months to look for love, and you'll have more luck if you don't go for your usual type.

LOOT & LUCK

Have you been rash with cash? Money matters come under the spotlight in June, when Mars retrograde brings financial problems to a head. Time to stop overspending, learn from your mistakes, formulate a fresh fiscal plan and then move on. September 9 through until December 31 is lucky for Librans, as Jupiter moves through your sign for the first time in 12 years. If you don't have definite goals and aspirations, then this is the time to formulate them. The more balanced, settled and certain you are, the more you'll reap the rewards that come your way.

LIFESTYLE

Don't like something about yourself? After September 9, Jupiter gives you the confidence to make bold choices and personal changes. Many compassionate Librans will become more socially responsible and involved in volunteer work as you reach out to help the old, sick or disadvantaged within your community.

FAMOUS LIBRANS

Naomi Watts, Bruce Springsteen, Hugh Jackman.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

"One of the greatest things in life is knowing what you want."

Scorpio

(October 24-November 22)

LOVE & LUST

Coupled Scorpios - Mercury reverses through your partnership zone between April 28 and May 22, so strive to communicate clearly about your romantic expectations, or there'll be misunderstandings and domestic dramas. Singles -- the eclipses and Neptune will cause chaos in your romance zone in March and September, so expect a few false-starts and dating disasters. With a positive attitude (and plenty of patience) you could finally find love with a tender Taurus, a virile Virgo or a passionate Piscean.

LOOT & LUCK

March and June are the best months for money and business. But, with Saturn in your money zone your ability to budget is being tested, so you need to come up with a clever plan to cut consumption, decrease spending, and boost cash flow. If an investment, real estate deal or joint venture doesn't work out then don't be afraid to cut your losses, learn from your mistakes and move on. Financial improvements (and sacrifices) you make now will pay off handsomely in the future.

LIFESTYLE

Mars charges through your sign from January 4 until March 6 when you'll achieve success by being passionately proactive and productive. But energy levels will be low from May 27 until June 30 (when Mars retrogrades back into Scorpio) so pace yourself. Mercury reverses through your peer group zone from August 30 until September 22, so this is the time to review your major friendships. Make sure you choose your company wisely because false friends will just lead you up the primrose path to trouble and strife!

FAMOUS SCORPIOS

Pablo Picasso, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts.

NEW YEAR MOTTOS

"Action is the foundational key to all success."

Sagittarius

(November 23-December 21)

LOVE & LUST

It will be tricky to get the balance right between independence and togetherness when Mars reverses through your sign (from April 17 until May 26). Singles -- Cupid's arrow is most likely to strike between May 24 and June 18 (when Venus visits your romance zone) so make sure you flirt up a storm and circulate in style. Couples -- love and lust are on the menu in August and September. September is also the month to be extra considerate towards your partner as you try talking less and listening a lot more.

LOOT & LUCK

Sagittarians are natural entrepreneurs and, with lucky Jupiter (your ruling planet) trining Pluto (in March and June), it's the ideal time to initiate an exciting new business venture. Economically uncertain times are when entrepreneurs really flourish. Perhaps you could expand your present job, buy out your struggling competitor or live the laptop lifestyle by starting an online business? Don't be too slap-dash, though. There is no substitute for thorough preparation and proper planning.

LIFESTYLE

2016 is the year when you can dazzle the doubters and make a strong impression in the public sphere. But there's a fine line between blowing others away (with your boundless energy and enthusiasm) and turning them away (with your blunt and sometimes insensitive approach). As Saturn moves through your sign (until December 2017) it will teach you to celebrate your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Being the authentic you is really the only way to go.

FAMOUS SAGITTARIANS

Bruce Lee, Jane Fonda, Brad Pitt.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

"Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself."

Capricorn

(December 22-January 20)

LOVE & LUST

Attached Capricorns - clear, concise and consistent communication is the key to romantic harmony! The more you bottle up your emotions and keep things from your partner, the more fractured the relationship will become. Singles - when looking for a partner, have you got ridiculously unrealistic expectations? Look for love with someone who is sexy, smart, successful - and fabulously flawed. Cupid's arrow is most likely to strike in June and July, so make sure you dress to impress and socialise in style.

LOOT & LUCK

Between now and September 8, good fortune comes from education, publishing, imports, exports, foreign friends or overseas commerce. Jupiter then charges into your career zone (from September 9 onwards), so you can look forward to plenty of professional opportunities and lucky breaks, which could include a promotion, new job or boost to your public profile. More studious types will spend money on training and upgrading job skills.

LIFESTYLE

Run-ins with work colleagues or authority figures are likely in March when the Lunar Eclipse boosts your bossiness and impatience. You'll be extra restless until early September, as Jupiter stimulates your latent wanderlust. Travel and study are two ways you can shake up your life, and get things moving in an adventurous new direction. But the Saturn/Neptune squares (in June and September) may force you to look at a cherished dream in a much more realistic light.

FAMOUS CAPRICORNS

Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, David Bowie.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

"If you want to see the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."

Aquarius

(January 21-February 19)

LOVE & LUST

Attached Aquarians - in order for your union to survive in the long-term, you need to experience adventure, freedom and autonomy within the parameters of your committed relationship. One way to do this is to combine travel and togetherness, as you go on an adventurous and exotic escapade with your partner (some time between September 10 and December 31). Singles - with Venus vamping through your sign (from February 17 until March 12) you'll be at your bewitching Aquarian best as you attract admirers like moths to a flame. So this is the perfect time to join an online dating site or update your current profile.

LOOT & LUCK

Neptune and three eclipses will leave your financial situation unpredictable and confusing in 2016 (especially in March, June and September). Unexpected cash could come your way, only to be gobbled up by rising expenses. Smart Aquarians will find clever and creative ways to make more money. If you are entrepreneurial, follow your dreams and explore possibilities outside your comfort zone, then you'll start to taste tangible success.

LIFESTYLE

You'll be extra restless in 2016, as Jupiter, Uranus and the Lunar Eclipse stir up your gypsy gene, and you're keen to explore local landmarks; travel internationally or move (especially within the country). You may discover that the grass isn't always greener on the other side though! Some Aquarians will resolve a long-standing issue with an in-law, which sees the relationship progress in a positive new direction.

FAMOUS AQUARIANS

Oprah Winfrey, Bob Marley, Yoko Ono.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

"The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams."

Pisces

(February 20-March 20)

LOVE & LUST

Singles - Jupiter sends a swag of suitors to your door between now and September 8, so make the most of it, play the field and then choose wisely. You need a tender partner who understands your sensitive soul and you require a relationship that is based on romance, mutual respect and shared values. Attached Fish -- up until September 8, Jupiter gives the relationship a welcome boost and it's also a wonderful time to learn something new with your partner. From September 9 onwards, your sex drive goes into overdrive as Jupiter jump-starts your libido and you're in the mood to experiment!

LOOT & LUCK

If you want to generate more funds, you'll have to be proactive! There's extra cash to be made through joint ventures, education, writing, publishing, travel, sport, internet marketing and online sales. And, the more you network (locally, nationally and internationally) the more progress you'll make. But with Saturn squaring Neptune (in June and September), steer clear of dodgy business deals and vague financial ventures. If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.

LIFESTYLE

Expect ongoing professional challenges and increased pressure as Saturn continues transiting through your career zone. Are you planning a domestic trip or overseas holiday in 2016? If you are travelling in May or June, then prepare for Mercury and Mars retrograde to turn your travel itinerary upside down. As long as you are flexible, then you can still have a fun trip.

FAMOUS PISCEANS

Drew Barrymore, Bruce Willis, Jessica Biel.

NEW YEAR MOTTO

"I love romance. I'm a sucker for it. I love it so much."