ARIES HOROSCOPE

You don't like it when people get whiny. Complaining about their hurt feelings or life being unfair is more likely to harden your heart than open it. Nevertheless, you might want to ask yourself why you're so quick to write them off as being “oversensitive” when Mercury opposes Jupiter on January 14th. Is it possible that they're expressing things you've felt forbidden to express yourself? Powering through problems isn't always the answer, and taking a moment to be there for someone in their hurt may be both revealing and comforting. Perhaps it's time to give them the hug and support that a parent never gave you.

Mars is exalted when it's in Capricorn and since December 15th, you may have found yourself testing a limit or pushing the envelope. Up until now you could say you were just flexing your muscles, but things will get quite serious on January 9th when the Sun conjoins Mars. An exalted cazimi Mars is extremely rare and it will do whatever it takes to get what it wants. If motives are heroic, then you will succeed beyond imagining. If not? Then you could see things take a nasty turn. You don't want to do anything underhanded when Mars is this powerful because it will only backfire.

You're bound to feel a rush of enthusiasm and excitement thanks to the First Quarter Moon in Aries on December 27th. This coincides with finally being invited to present an idea you've been developing or given the authority to spearhead a project. But no sooner are you granted this then you discover that interest has already moved on to something else and you're coming in right when things are winding down. So is your big break over before it began? That's one way of looking at it. Another is that it's up to you to resuscitate something that everyone else had given up for dead.

Ruling Planet Mars enters Capricorn on December 15th for a 5 ½ week stay. Mars is exalted here which means you will be at your most driven and forceful. Men will play an important role in your success because Capricorn is a patrician sign. This is the perfect time to hit up previous bosses and clients for favors because they'll happily lend a hand. Mars is also at its most unapologetic in Capricorn so be careful not to laugh too much or crow too loudly when you defeat a rival or send an enemy running. You don't want to look like you're having too much fun.

The Mars/Saturn square on December 8th may hit a raw nerve by asking penetrating questions like: are you really in this for the long haul and are you doing something for the right reason? It's a sore point you'll return to again and again in the days to come and every time you do there will be a different answer. Believe it or not, this is a good thing because it means you're examining a heated issue from different perspectives. There's nothing wrong with mixing a little doubt with your faith. The world is an ambivalent place and this keeps you both conscious and conscientious.

Many of us say we're open to improving the way we do things, but wind up becoming resistant and even defensive when we're made to feel slow or like we just don't get it. The wonderful thing about the Venus/Pluto sextile taking place on December 2d is that you'll be so impressed by a new coach or instructor that you can't wait to begin. It's not every day when you meet someone who has an enlivening way of making their subject come to life. It's so inspiring that you'll want to listen to everything they have to say and subsequently you'll improve by leaps and bounds.

It's ironic that you should be cast in the role of peacekeeper, but you're the only one who feuding parties will listen to. You have firsthand experience with people under pressure and know how to talk them down off the ledges they've climbed on to. This is a side of Aries that doesn't get enough recognition. You have a unique ability to keep both your cool and wit under pressure while showing those who are ready to give up that they really do have what it takes to surmount one more obstacle. Showcase these wonderful attributes this week and be the calm in everyone's storm.

How can not getting what you want be a boon and not a bust? You’ll find out on November 22d when retrograde Mercury in Scorpio forms a trine to Saturn and then Jupiter. Maybe your desire was based on something you felt you deserved but didn't really earn or you were trying to fulfill somebody else’s idea of what would be good for you instead of your own? In any case news that you’ve been turned down will come more as a relief than a disappointment. You may even make peace with the fact that you never truly wanted it in the first place.

You’ll have to put plans on hold when it comes to realizing your dream of the perfect home when Jupiter turns retrograde on November 11th. This is when you discover that you seriously underestimated the cost of a renovation or a buyer who was about to close suddenly backs out or your boomerang kid’s temporary stay will be turning into something more long term. In any case it’s best to take it on the chin and carry on. Remember that this is only a temporary setback – not a deal breaker – and you'll be back on track to following your domestic bliss come March.

Your Ruling Planet Mars enters Sagittarius on November 4th. You'll feel the uptick in energy right away. Mars is at its most vivacious and pioneering when it is traveling through the zodiac sign of the galloping centaur. If there was ever a time to hit the road and visit all the places you've longed to see then it's now. And if you can't get away physically? Well, you might want to try a metaphysical journey courtesy of a guided meditation, inspirational reading (like the poetry of Rumi), or a spiritual retreat. Mars in Sagittarius is all about expanding your horizons and exploring your world.