News from "Astrology.com"
Your Starcast for November 22 - December 20

Follow The Stars This Week for invaluable insight into how the cosmos affect your weekly life!

November 22: The Sun enters Sagittarius

Are you ready for a fresh perspective? Sagittarius is a sign with a big vision and loads of optimism. Two days from now, a solar eclipse in this Fire sign will highlight your plans for the future, but you should already feel the excitement today! This is no time to play it safe; instead, open yourself up to new experiences and ideas. It's time to ask the bigger questions about yourself: what you hope to accomplish and where you want to go.

November 23: Mercury turns retrograde

Back up your computer data to hard drives and clouds, and think twice before hitting the send button on e-mails and texts if you're feeling overly emotional! Why? Because misunderstandings, retractions and other problematic communications are unusually rampant during this Mercury retrograde period, during which the planet of communication changes direction within a day of the upcoming solar eclipse; the fact that Mercury is retrograde in well-intentioned -- but outspoken -- Sagittarius only adds to all the tension. If possible, avoid buying communication-related products such as computers and phones during this period, which lasts until December 13; if you absolutely must buy, hang onto your receipts. If you're traveling, double-check your reservations and be prepared for delays. Aside from all the usual travel and communication glitches associated with a Mercury retrograde period, this a wonderful time to review your plans, dreams and goals. Although information you'll need to make future decisions will be hard to come by, don't let that cause any anxiety. Instead, turn your attention to fixing past mistakes; that way, when Mercury turns direct in mid December, you'll have a clean slate!

November 24: Solar eclipse in Sagittarius

Eclipses are visually spectacular, and in astrology, they herald dramatic events. Knowing where this eclipse falls in your birth chart will help you make good decisions. Since the north node is transiting through Sagittarius, a solar eclipse in this sign can serve as a beacon to help you envision your goals and move toward them. Make sure your activities are in line with your life philosophy -- in other words, walk your talk! When you feel that there's meaning in what you do, and once you establish an ethical code for your decisions and actions, nothing can stop you!

November 26: Venus enters Capricorn and squares Uranus

Are you ready for a commitment? The love planet, Venus, in earthy Capricorn prefers knowing the bottom line. Free-wheeling nomadic types need not apply, nor should those who fail to make their intentions clear. The animal symbol for Capricorn is a practical, ambitious mountain goat that has places to go and pinnacles to reach! So if you're single and want a partner, make a plan; if you're in a relationship, do something to strengthen its bond. After entering Capricorn, Venus immediately squares independent Uranus, at which point you'll need plenty of room for both you and your partner to move and breathe. These transits can create an exciting time for your love life ... if you seek out new experiences!

December 1: Venus conjuncts Pluto

There's certainly nothing lukewarm about this combo! Expect to feel deeply and passionately today, whether the object of your affection is a person or simply an idea. Since Pluto's message is always about either going deeper or letting go, use this time to make a fresh start. Walk away from anyone who's uncommitted, and instead open your heart to those who have lots of love to give.

December 2: The Sun squares Mars

The Sun in Sagittarius is enthusiastic, optimistic and has a gift for seeing the big picture. Mars in Virgo, meanwhile, goes about its business carefully and makes sure no details are left unattended. Given these two very different approaches, you can see how this aspect represents people who tend to work against their own best interests! Since Mars heats up any planet with which it comes into contact, you can easily be led off-track by approaching people in a way that doesn't help you. Refrain from trying to nail down specifics if you're not getting a good sense of the other person's overall vision. And finally, don't be so vision-focused that you fail to take care of the details!

December 5: Venus trines Mars

If you need to reprioritize your love life, this harmonious aspect will certainly help you. Venus, the planet of love, is in commitment-focused Capricorn; at the same time, Mars, the planet of desire, is in practical Virgo. This combination is all about ensuring the basics are in place. Words don't count as much as actions; rather, it's what you do now that counts most! This is a terrific time to schedule a date night. If you're single, make use of Mercury's current retrograde by getting back in touch with someone from your past.

December 9: Uranus turns direct

Most astrologers will tell you to prepare for the unexpected when Uranus changes direction. Ever since this unpredictable planet turned retrograde last July, one of your main priorities has been to be open to change and reconsider some of your plans. Hopefully you've left old ruts, patterns and habits in the past -- where they belong! -- and you should now be ready to make headway as you move forward. Still, you must also be prepared to continue to adapt to changing circumstances -- after all, you've probably noticed a lack of stability in our world these days! If you're flexible now, you'll encounter wonderful opportunities and experiences along the way.

December 10: Lunar eclipse in Gemini

Thoughts and words are powerful. During this lunar eclipse, you'll be reminded that your mind has the ability to either heal the past ... or keep you stuck there. To stop yourself from looping around like a hamster on an exercise wheel, direct your attention toward the things that most inspire you; then, point yourself in the direction of that north star and move toward it! Don't get derailed or distracted by too much information or superficial conversation. As we get ready to close out this year and begin the next, get clear about what you want to achieve and what kind of person you wish to become. And with Uranus turning direct yesterday, be ready to make changes quickly. There is tremendous power within this eclipse, so use it to create something amazing!

December 12: Mars squares the North and South Nodes

Mars in Virgo is conscientious and diligent. Since November 10, you've been working with its practical energy and have hopefully made progress on whatever you've wanted to achieve in that time. The north node in Sagittarius and the south node in Gemini are both asking you to keep the big picture in mind and focus on where you're headed. Don't get lost among information that doesn't help you move forward! This dynamic aspect reminds you to make sure your actions support your goals.

December 13: Mercury turns direct

At last! The final Mercury retrograde period of 2011 is over, and now it's time to make a decision. Problematic communication and misunderstandings are on their way out; clarity makes a welcome return. For the last three weeks since Mercury turned retrograde on November 24, you've been going over the same options and conversations, as this period has asked you to conduct a thorough review of everything before you proceed. Over these next few weeks, you'll be able to act upon the information you've gathered and be able to make fully informed decisions. As the end of 2011 approaches, you should be in excellent shape to plan for the year ahead!

December 18: Venus squares Saturn

Venus in Capricorn is quite practical, values achievement and is interested in building a relationship that lasts. Saturn in Libra, meanwhile, asks you to not only invest in your social life, but also exercise concern for everyone to act fairly toward one another. Still, sometimes the most practical thing to do isn't necessarily the most fair. When Venus and Saturn meet in a square aspect, you're likely to gain clarity about what you want -- and don't want -- out of your relationship.

December 20: Venus enters Aquarius

Shared values and friendship creates romance as Venus travels through the social, egalitarian sign of Aquarius. If you're single, look for people with whom you can enjoy compelling conversation, and try visiting places you'd go even if you weren't looking for a relationship. If you're in a committed partnership, this is a wonderful time to make a list of the activities you both enjoy; then, make a point of doing some of them together!

Enjoy the Sun's transit through Sagittarius!