It's a choose your own adventure kind of week as the sun spends its final seven days in fiery, free-spirited Sagittarius. What boxes are still unchecked on the "Must Do in 2015" list? Calculated risks bring rewards this week. Casting a wider net does, too, as Sagittarius is the zodiac's global nomad. Lock down those supersaver tickets to ring in 2016 in another city — or on another continent, even.
The weekend will be both seductive and stormy at once as messenger Mercury makes contact with two high-maintenance planets. On Saturday, a direct connection to Pluto in Capricorn can bring a bout of spicy power games. Don the black latex catsuit — or spend some time getting to what the brooding bad boy type is really pondering in his thought bubble. While it might not be more than "let's hook up," unraveling the mystery is the fun part. On Sunday, Mercury squares off with inventive Uranus, bringing creative ideas about how to wrap up those 2015 goals. Thomas Edison said it best: "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration."
Sagittarius
Have your cake, Sagittarius — and eat it, too! This is the last week of 2015 that the sun will be in your sign. Let's be honest: You have some birthday-season festivities to squeeze in. Because dour Saturn is also in Sagittarius (from September 17, 2015 to December 19, 2017) life has been feeling a little heavy and filled with responsibility. All the more reason to give yourself a break this week, if only for a fun-filled night of karaoke, a celebratory lunch with coworkers, or even a pre-holiday weekend rager. No guilt!
Count your pennies this weekend, though. The urge to splurge will be strong, but you want to invest wisely. Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself. Opt for quality over quantity when selecting holiday gifts or going on a "treat yo'self" spree. Something small (but stylish), practical and meaningful, will be more appreciated than a pricier generic piece. On Sunday, money could get funny with a close friend or romantic interest. Don't be so quick to reach for the cheque, even if you want to be your generous self. There are other ways to show people you adore them; ones that don't leave you in a pinch.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Capricorn
Clean house, Capricorn! Just one more week until your birthday time begins and it's time to take inventory. What loose ends do you need to tie up before your next spin around the sun? What baggage do you need to drop off for good? Let it go, let it go. But don't race to replace. Adopting a minimalist mindset can bring serenity. Leave some whitespace on your walls and some blank spaces in your calendar. Forgiveness is another grand theme of the week. 'Tis the season for making amends, so extend that olive branch — especially if you've been feuding with a family member you'll see over the holidays.
Your chirpsing superpowers are off the charts this weekend as flirty Mercury and seductive Pluto combine forces in Capricorn. Everyone will want a piece of your time. You, on the other hand, will prefer to be free from obligations, so you can party hop at will. Don't saddle yourself with any socially awkward hangout buddies or friends who require too much hand-holding (or babysitting) when you're out and about. You may have to assert a boundary with a relative on Sunday, one who has gotten a little too comfortable with you taking care of everything. Hold 'em accountable and make clear requests. You deserve support, too, Capricorn.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Aquarius
So many people, so little time. You're in demand this week, Aquarius, as the sun spends its final days of 2015 in your 11th house of popularity. Instead of burning yourself out trying to accommodate one-on-ones, opt for group hangouts. Pick a location — from the swanky whisky bar to the local pub — and just tell your mates to meet you there. People are looking for you in real time and online now. Give your social media profiles a thorough, end-of-year review. Take down anything too twee, blurry, or (cough) borderline offensive that you kinda wished you never posted in the first place.
This weekend, don't let your mouth write a check that your a$$ can't cash. In your desire to prove that you're a caring friend or all-around decent human being, you could make a promise that's too big for you to keep. Should that faux pas occur, don't just force yourself to go through with it. You can also negotiate a counteroffer that works for BOTH parties involved. You could have a moment of truth with a sibling or close friend on Sunday. Although this will fall into the "difficult conversations" category, honesty will be the best tact to take.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Pisces
Glass ceilings, begone! This week, you're blowing right past boundaries and into the boys' club. With the sun spending one final week in your 10th house — the masculine zone of the chart — you'll find the fellas fascinating and vice versa. Team up with a guy you respect on an end-of-year project. It could bring about some unexpected career success before the week is through. And dedicate some down time to a dude who holds a special place in your heart. Although they might see the world through a different lens, this week, you'll find that perspective refreshing.
You'll play the role of "crew glue" over the weekend, as awful as that phrase might be. Social Mercury and loyalist Pluto combine forces in your community zone. Bring together friends from different walks of life; play connector for pals who ought to meet each other. But be super selective when it comes to adding plus-ones to the list. One dramatic person can spoil the gang hang. With your busy schedule, you don't have time to let anyone ruin your weekend.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Aries
Hello, Restless Ram. You're craving variety and a change of scenery this week. Holiday travel can be stressful — especially if aggravating members of the family are making an appearance. So how about squeezing in a prequel to that getaway? Can you slip off for an overnight or a weekend of pure indulgence? No, there's nothing practical about that plan, but there are plenty of benefits. If you can't skip town, make a point of casting a wider net. Opportunity is sitting a few more miles away from home than usual. Set up the FaceTime chats and send off the proposal to the New York office. While you might not make anything official until 2016, you can plant the seeds for future business travel and perhaps, a relocation.
Keep your nose to the grindstone this weekend. A mashup of Mercury and powerhouse Pluto in your career house can help you hit a high note with your career — but you've gotta put in that extra magic and elbow grease. Don't forget: It's all about who you know. Strategic socialising could bring a killer connection this weekend, someone who can help launch you further up the ladder. If you've been struggling to check all those horrendous Q4 tasks off your list, stop trying to do them all by yourself. Delegate!
Your relationships with men will be both intense and difficult this weekend. Be careful not to get into a power struggle, especially on Sunday.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Taurus
With the Sagittarius sun lingering in your erotic eighth house for one final week, Vixen is definitely your reindeer bestie. Let your seductive powers out to play — but not with just anyone. Paddle on over to the deeper end of the pool and don't judge a book by its cover. The quiet ones will surprise you this week, even if you have to initiate dialogue. If you're in a relationship, let your other half know that you desire undivided attention. Just because you're a mind-reader this week doesn't mean your partner is. Make sure you have plenty of private time, too, because you'll do your best work when tucked away in your cave.
This weekend could bring some eye-opening insights — and a powerful teacher or mentor figure. Spend time around people who are well-traveled and well-read; also, older folks who have "been there, done that." Their tales from the road can save you future struggles and teach you a few life-changing shortcuts. Attending a lecture, meditation, or discussion group can awaken your natural curiosity about life's mysteries — even your spiritual side. Don't be surprised if you wrap the weekend in an amazing philosophical conversation. Bonus if it doubles as scintillating pillow talk.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Gemini
Oh come, all ye faithful. With planets pinging through your committed relationship houses all week, the people closest to you could serve you loyalty tests. This may seem utterly ridiculous to you. Why can't everyone just hang out and get along?! But certain people in your life need to know that they are special; diamonds amid the sea of CZ. Devote the lion's share of your free time to relationships that mean the most to you. This investment will bring big returns the next time YOU need someone to really, really be there for you.
Retreat to the Red Room this weekend for some fun between the sheets. Seductive Pluto and experimental Mercury team up in your erotic eighth house, making you down to experiment. But lust and trust have gotta go hand-in-hand here. Even if this is not a happily ever after, make sure there's a clear understanding of expectations and a safe word if you're planning to go THERE. Has a certain relationship run its course? If you're feeling smothered or held back, it may be obvious that you need to split. But take a breather before you break up, because your moods will be intense and erratic all weekend. You're gonna miss them when they're gone, so you'll want to think this through.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Cancer
You might be alone on this one, Cancer, but this week could find you wondering how you might make your holiday celebrations a bit, well... healthier. Add some emerald to your seasonal colour scheme — and your menu options. Roast the Brussels sprouts, whip up the kale pesto. And how about greening your gifting choices, too? With the sun spending another week in your eco-conscious sixth house, run the background checks on those retailers to find companies whose practices you can stand behind. Or head to pop-ups and artist markets, where you can double your dose of do-gooding by supporting local creative while picking out truly original trinkets for the ones you adore.
Relationships could take a turn for the serious this weekend, as expressive Mercury merges with possessive Pluto in your partnership house. Is it time to add an exclusivity clause to a casual dating situation — or even discuss putting a ring on it? Don't be shy about letting 'em know that you want more. Just try not to get so heavy when bringing up those "how about we" conversations — whether talking to your bae, business partner, or best mate. Instead of coming at it from a place of worry and panic, paint an inspiring picture of what the two of you could do when you team up.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Leo
Santa Claus is coming to town! Oh snap — that's just you, Leo, being your jolly, benevolent self. Well, keep on spreading that good cheer, because the sun is beaming through your festive fifth house for one final week. Cupid continues to sling arrows your way, too, so keep your heart open to love... the enduring kind, that is. No, you might not be romanced in the style of Kimye this week (the Lorraine Schwartz diamonds will have to wait), but the right person for you could show love in other ways, like being your emotional support and helping out when you're in a jam. Ultimately, someone solidly having your back is a lot more valuable than someone giving you a snog at the Christmas party. But hey, with all the positive vibes you're sending out now, you might just meet someone who provides both.
Devote the weekend to practical matters. With an obsessively detailed combo of Mercury and Pluto in your organisational sixth house you could plough through your to-do list in record time. Make a list and check it twice. Then, head out before the crowds to snag those last-minute gifts. You'll be feeling extra crafty this weekend, too, so set aside time to wrap all those trinkets, giving them that creative flourish that is signature Leo.
Warning: don't be tempted to invite anyone along on your errands on Sunday. You'll wind up seriously agitated if you have to accommodate other people's agendas. Set aside time for a break — and instead of brunch, hit a yoga class together. Working out will keep you centred this weekend and you'll really need it.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Virgo
You've never been a fan of nosy neighbours or close talkers, Virgo — but are your boundaries, maybe, a little too high? The sun lingers in Sagittarius and your cozy fourth house for its final week, urging you to open your heart. You could be "blocking your blessings" as they say by making too fast an assumption about people and their motives. We're not telling you to ignore your instincts. But get the facts before you reactively place people in categories — especially women. Someone who is a little gushier or "overly familiar" than you'd prefer could turn out to be an incredible soul sister.
Cupid makes a cameo this weekend as flirty Mercury and minxy Pluto seduce each other in your romance house. We wouldn't blame you for not leaving the bedroom this weekend — but for the fact that you'll also feel like toasting the town with a total babe on your arm. Single? You'll have them at hello.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Libra
That long winter's nap can wait, Libra. The workweek is all about mingling and jingling with the seasonal soiree set. It's not too late to squeeze in that performance of The Nutcracker or check out that shop with the killer deals. With the sun fluttering through your garrulous third house until next Monday, you'll have the best time bonding with friends and getting some culture in your life. A sibling (or a friend who feels like blood) could play the starring role in your week. Find ways to cooperate, collaborate and make each other's lives easier.
The weekend comes with a moodiness alert. No, it's not PMS — it's stormy Pluto, mixing it up with messenger Mercury in your emo fourth house. Deep, deep breaths. You'll take most everything personally, even if it wasn't meant as an attack or affront. Don't force yourself to go to brunch if you'd rather lie in bed listening to Adele. A romantic interest or BFF could flake on you Sunday or simply not have the emotional resources to support you as you need. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Use this is an opportunity to nurture a connection with a cool, compassionate person in your social network.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.
Scorpio
Just. Stay. Focused. All week long, the sun beams through Sagittarius and your second house of work and financial stability. If you knuckle down, you could wrap 2015 with one more feather in your cap. Although the rewards may not come until early January, make sure the powers-that-be (clients, corporate, key decision makers) are aware of your dedication and diligence. Launch a well-timed humblebrag — in email so as to leave a paper trail.
You're a killer flirt this weekend, thanks to a scintillating union of Mercury and seductive Pluto in your communication house. Beam those charms selectively, Scorpio, so you don't lead anyone on. Speaking of which: Would you care to add a benefits package to a friendship? Someone could make a surprising move from the platonic category to the romantic one. This might just be a temporary position, however, so don't read too far into it. Already involved? Forget setting up the damn tree. Fill the weekend with cultural activities and even a road trip, because some overdue fun will be the relationship rescue remedy you really need now.
Illustrated by Lynnie Zulu.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?