Weekend, 1 & 2 January 2004

ARIES:  (March 21 to April 20)
The planets put you in a party mood and add zest to what was once a stale situation or relationship.  New faces and places keep you happily occupied, with many of you accepting spontaneous or strange invitations.

TAURUS:  (April 21 to May 21)
Someone with a negative attitude may stop you from enjoying yourself or will make you feel guilty.  Rather than pandering to the pessimists, gravitate towards people who understand you and know how to have a good time.

GEMINI:  (May 22 to June 21)
The accent is on pleasure, creativity and social events.  Most of you will see in the New Year with a smile on your face, while others make plans for what looks like being a more settled phase.

CANCER:  (June 22 to July 23)
Someone may attempt to pour cold water on one of your ideas, but the secret is to ignore the detractors and carry out personal plans. Your creativity is heightened this weekend and your instincts are finely honed.

LEO:  (July 24 to August 23)
Doors may open or invitations will be issued, prompting you to rethink plans or move in different social circles.  The time has come to step outside your comfort zone and embrace new people, places, or philosophies.

VIRGO:  (August 24 to September 23)
An easy-going approach will ensure you enjoy the variety on offer this weekend.  As you usher in the New Year, think about how you would like to revive aspects of your life that have grown stale.

LIBRA:  (September 24 to October 23)
Events may appear to happen in haphazard fashion, but fate is pushing you in a certain direction and you should go with the flow.  Happy memories or a sense of achievement will sustain you in the months ahead.

SCORPIO:  (October 24 to November 22)
While others ridicule one of your ideas, it appears you will have the last laugh.  The year kicks off on a positive note for your sign, but you must stick to your beliefs and heed your inner voice.

SAGITTARIUS:  (November 23 to December 22) 
The planets put you in an inquisitive mood, but meddling in the lives of others will get you nowhere this weekend.  Take a backward step, offer advice only when asked, and reassess your New Year resolutions.

CAPRICORN:  (December 23 to January 20)
With a tendency for you to obsess over minor issues, you may fall short of goals or expectations.  Channel compulsive energy into pastimes that require concentration, physical activities, or spend time with someone who loves you.

AQUARIUS:  (January 21 to February 19)
You may have to draw on past experience to resolve an awkward situation.  Fortunately, the planets put you in a positive frame of mind and provide the confidence that has been missing these past few months.

PISCES:  (February 20 to March 20)
There may be a few anxious moments over the weekend, but generally speaking you will feel at ease with people from all walks of life. Your year kicks off on a positive note and the planets encourage self-promotion.

SATURDAY
YOUR DAY
Intensity in the stars suggests the year will start on a passionate note.  There may be a sense of urgency that prompts people to drastically change an aspect of their life.  However, Pluto warns against burning all your bridges as this could lead to regret and may mar chances for future success or happiness.  Pay attention to detail and protocol, but try to avoid obsessive behaviour.

YOUR BIRTHDAY
Your birthday falls at the ideal time for a fresh start.  Map out changes that need to be made, but think carefully about how extensively you want your life transformed.  There is potential for travel or promotion and someone you meet soon could become a firm friend or surprise mentor.

SUNDAY
YOUR DAY
Relationships may be strained as individuals insist on having the last word or debating the point.  However, the stars are social and there will be plenty of opportunity for creative self-expression. The secret to success is following your own heart and making independent decisions.  It may be wise to keep needs and desires to yourself, and that way you will avoid giving others the power.

YOUR BIRTHDAY
If you have been contemplating a move, change of image, or course of study, now is the time to put plans in place.  You are entering a cycle of action, ambition, and autonomy, and while some mistakes may be made in 2005, you will learn and accomplish a great deal.