March 21 – April 20

Your ruler Mars makes an irritating aspect to the Sun during the first half of January. Just make sure you take the ups and downs in stride. Life is beginning to go your way, so don’t fall back into your old, impulsive ways. Give the New Year a chance. Share your hopes and fears with another Aries.

April 21 – May 20

The Sun’s transit through your house of adventure should make this a rollicking time of year for you. While others are going back to work, you should give yourself a little getaway — or at least extend your holiday a tiny bit. A Scorpio wants to get you in bed and keep you in bed, preferably in an exotic locale.

May 21 – June 21

Mars is moving forward in your house of friends and inspiring you to be as direct as possible with your buddies. There’s no reason to hide your feelings. Sarcasm is so 2003. Try cutting to the chase and letting pals know what your turn-ons and turn-offs are. An Aries is a quick study.

June 22 – July 22

Be careful who you waste time on, Cancer, because time is one thing you don’t have enough of these days. At work they want more of you; in your personal life it’s time to settle down. Get serious with a Gemini or don’t get involved at all.

July 23 – Aug. 22

Money matters go well as the New Year begins, so stop worrying about every last nickel and dime. Work you did last year will start to pay off soon, so don’t panic. A Taurus gives you sound financial advice and some superb sweet talk to boot.

Aug. 23 – Sept. 22

The moon meets Jupiter in your sign on Jan. 11 and brings you close to a lover who can really make you happy. Or perhaps it is you who is finally open to having it all. Stop compartmentalizing your life and start believing that a Cancer can share every aspect of your existence. Love starts strong in the New Year.

Sept. 23 – Oct. 22

The moon opposite Neptune on Jan. 9 could stir up the contrarian in you. You may not believe anything anyone tells you. Before you sever any important relationships, count to 10. Or better yet, wait till the middle of the month before you make any serious decisions about a Scorpio.

Oct. 23 – Nov. 21

Mercury conjunct Pluto in your money house could propel you into another tax bracket. The key is to stay there, Scorpio. Stop gambling with your future; play it cool and conservative for once. A Leo is a blue-chip stock; invest.

Nov. 22 – Dec. 21

Money matters go smoothly as long as you remember to check all your facts. Get the concrete parts of your life on track and then you can return to the business of your personal life. A Pisces wants to get even more personal with you.

Dec. 22 – Jan. 19

Moods may swing during the first half of January, but don’t worry — you’ll land on your feet. You need to take care of an impending crisis in your love life so that you can concentrate on business. Apologize to a Cancer if that will make your life easier. Be gentler with all your loved ones — even if they don’t deserve it!

Jan. 20 – Feb. 18

The full moon on Jan. 7 falls in your house of health and body issues. Give yourself a day of rest, relaxation, and pleasure — or at least plan one for the near future. Stop leading your life from the head up, and get back in touch with the earthy part of your nature. A Sagittarius can help.

Feb. 19 – March 20

Don’t get hysterical about matters that are out of your control, sweetie. Let a work situation unfold slowly. Time is on your side, and soon enough you will be in a position of greater authority. A Capricorn can help you get to where you want to be.

Jill Dearman is the author of the best-selling Queer Astrology for Men and Queer Astrology for Women. For information on charts and consultations, call (212) 841-0177.