Peggy Allison is the author of The Fundamentals of Astrology: A Comprehensive Guide for the Beginner. She is a professional astrologer who lives on St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands and prepares personal astrological charts. Contact her at 340-774-2932, 340-513-3755, or through her e-mail.

ARIES (March 20-April 20)

This is the last full week to do your Christmas shopping. You have the urge to party. Your heart is full of love as you meet up with family and friends. Spend time with Sagittarians, residents of your cousin fire sign, as they finish up their birthday celebrations this weekend. The sun travels to Capricorn on Sunday. This brings the winter solstice as the sun puts a glow on your house of career. While the sun visited Sag, he gave you plenty of time for travel and sharing your knowledge. Mars is in the third fire sign, Leo, for the next several months, encouraging you to use your creativity. Lady Luck is with you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

This is your week to focus on what you really want. Yes indeed, it is time to focus on everything wonderful that you wish to create during the next year. Hanukkah ends Saturday. Sweet Venus, your ruling planet, winks at Mars. Talk with the people in the business world. Friday is the Islamic New Year. On Sunday, the red planet turns retrograde. Mars sends energy to the home front. This is the last full week for holiday shopping. Keep an eye on your spending. No need to break your budget. Surprises could flow your way this week. Your spirits are high, thanks to Jupiter and Neptune.

GEMINI (May 20-June 20)

Your finances are emphasized with the new moon yesterday. While Mercury, the messenger, visits Capricorn, the worker of the zodiac, you may find you are dealing with publishers or educators. Venus winks at Mars in your communication department. The red planet takes up residence in this area until June. This is giving you plenty of time to chat. Hanukkah ends Saturday. On Monday, the sun travels to Capricorn for the winter solstice. The moon puts a glow on your house of career Tuesday and Wednesday. This should produce a smile.

CANCER (June 20-July 22)

Now pay attention. Don’t overlook details about your daily work. The holidays are here. It’s time to party. Hanukkah ends Saturday. The winter solstice occurs when the sun moves into Capricorn on Monday. Your house of relationships takes center stage for the next month. Mars turns retrograde on Sunday. Venus and Jupiter encourage you to spend money. But keep an eye on your spending while the red planet is retrograde. Look for bargains. You can make purchases without breaking the bank. Mercury and Mars take center stage on Monday. Keep your words soft and tender.

LEO (July 22-Aug. 22)

Mars goes retrograde this week. Chill out. Things may slow down a bit. You may feel as though you cannot finish anything. The holiday season is marching along. Hanukkah ends Saturday. Take time out for a celebration. Remember, you are the party sign of the zodiac. Retrograde planets provide an opportunity to correct mistakes and polish up your act before you take center stage. On Monday, the sun travels to Capricorn for the winter solstice. The sun takes up residence in your daily work department. Go with the flow. Surprises could come your way Wednesday.

VIRGO (Aug. 22-Sept. 22)

You love to detail and analyze. This is the last full week to shop before Santa arrives. Don’t go overboard. Keep within your budget. Venus blows a kiss to Mars. Folks on the home front tell you some secrets. Be prepared for surprises. Friday is the Islamic New Year. Hanukkah ends Saturday. Mars goes retrograde Sunday. Monday brings the winter solstice as the sun moves into Capricorn. The sun will be in your house of fun, love, luck and creativity. Show people how creative you are. If you try your luck with the lottery, remember, it takes only one ticket to win.

LIBRA (Sept. 22-Oct. 22)

Venus winks at Mars today. There is no holding you back. This aspect could add flair to your style. The Islamic New Year comes up on Friday. Hanukkah ends Saturday. On Sunday, Mars becomes retrograde. Everything will slow down. The winter solstice falls on Monday as the sun’s visit to Capricorn triggers a month of birthdays. The sun will take up residence on the home front for the next month. Spend time around the home with family and friends. Talk about your ideas, hopes, wishes and goals. Your daily work may produce a surprise Wednesday. This could be a bonus of some sort.

SCORPIO (Oct. 22-Nov. 21)

Mars and Venus team up for a great aspect today, with Mars in your career department and Venus in your house of earned income. This is cool. You may be in for a surprise. The Islamic New Year falls on Friday. Hanukkah ends Saturday. Mars starts a retrograde session Monday. Things will slow down a bit, but you can still advance. Just exercise caution to avoid wasteful mistakes. The sun moves to Capricorn on Monday, the winter solstice. This will produce a need for clarity in the communication department. Remain on track.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Happy birthday. Venus winks at Mars. Share your higher knowledge. Put your talents to work. You know how to turn your work into play. People will notice how much you enjoy your work. You know how to bring lightness and joy to a situation. Plans could change suddenly Wednesday, when Uranus, the planet of the unexpected, squares off with Venus. The Islamic New Year occurs Friday. Hanukkah ends Saturday. Venus hooks up with Jupiter, the planet of growth, luck and opportunity on Sunday. The winter solstice arrives Monday, when Capricorn begins a month of birthdays.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 20)

You begin a month of birthday parties Monday, when the sun enters your sign and brings the winter solstice. Mars turns retrograde Sunday. You may find it difficult to follow through with some of your projects while Mars is retrograde. The winter solstice is a reminder that only patience will conquer your frustration. Mars is the planet of action and energy. You are the worker of the zodiac. The holiday season is here. Take a little time off. Have fun. Time to celebrate. Hanukkah winds up Saturday. The moon visits Uranus on Wednesday, providing a sudden opportunity to discuss your ideas with someone.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Mars winks at Venus. You have an opportunity to talk about your hopes, wishes and goals. Hanukkah ends Saturday. Mars goes retrograde Sunday. Everything will slow down a bit. Your relationship department plays host to Mars. Old friendships and relationships visit again. Time to reconnect. On Monday, the winter solstice launches a month of birthdays in Capricorn. The sun takes up residence in your house of secrets, allowing you to connect with your intuition. If it feels good, wear it.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

When Mars and Venus hook up today, people in authority will take notice of your daily work. This could result in a bonus. It’s a good day for you. Friday brings the Islamic New Year. Hanukkah ends Saturday. Join a party. Have fun. The winter solstice arrives Monday, and you may notice the water has become cooler. Capricorn begins a month of birthdays. Enjoy the parties. Mars goes retrograde Sunday. Things will slow down. Jupiter and Venus warm up the holiday season. Tell someone about your hopes, wishes and goals.