Your horoscopes for 2012

What does the coming year have in store for your career, love life, health and finances? And which famous Scot shares your star sign?

STAND. Whether it’s to do with your lovelife, finances, health or career, let Anna Estaroth guide you through the astrological year for 2012

ARIES

Mars starts 2012 retrograde and remains in Virgo from January to July: putting the emphasis firmly on self-improvement. Work comes under the spotlight during this period and it is in January that you can alter how you complete tasks. Look at your working routines and aim to operate more effectively. By the spring you’re far more interested in improving the quality of your relationship. It’s worth reviewing shared expenses and there could be a dramatic change in your income. If you have negotiated well during March you would see the benefits by April, when Mars goes direct. Good communication is the key to your successes over the summer, when talking to people who truly understand you is highly beneficial. There’s cause for a celebration in the family during July. You’re more optimistic over the late summer, when your life is intensely rewarding, but it’s a case of determined effort throughout November.

Career

January is the best time to further your career – sole traders and those who are involved with healing, or the service industry, should all do exceptionally well. Some of you will consider training abroad. If you work in tourism the winter quarter offers excellent opportunities outside Scotland. There is a peak period in September, when knowing the right person is essential. The quality of your networking makes a huge difference between success and failure and you achieve a major career goal in September. Some of you feel overburdened by the autumn.

Love

You’re extremely popular during the spring – you exude desirability and passion, so a romantic holiday in March would be just perfect. Those of you who are single can meet a like-minded individual who truly complements your character. You feel particularly grateful to your loved one over the summer, when working together enables you to overcome hurdles. August brings an intense deepening of your commitment to your partner. You’re exceptionally sexy in September.

Health

It’s essential to guard against infection in January, when you’re most vulnerable, so try to boost your immune system. Because Mars spends from January to July in Virgo: the sign of hygiene and health, you really have to get to grips with any unhealthy habits or underlying susceptibilities. You’re physically low and liable to negative thinking during April. Taking up an exercise regime, maintaining healthy eating and having regular check-ups is the way forward.

Money

Try to negotiate a good financial arrangement with your bank in March and seek the advice of someone who can act as an intermediary on your behalf. You’re exceptionally sharp and insightful during May. You need to hoard your resources in August, as there are excellent opportunities for investment in September. Shared finances operate best from June onwards.

TAURUS

You can achieve a greater equilibrium in your life, especially between incoming and outgoing expenses – get support to resolve this and many problems can be put to rest. You’re under pressure in April, although you’re also super-sexy, so this is a good time for your relationship. Venus spends from April to August in Gemini, which makes balancing your budget much harder to manage, with May being the most stressful month. Venus goes retrograde on 16 May and does not go direct until 28 June and it’s during this period that you’re most stretched. You do enjoy celebrations with friends and family – a surprise event in June is particularly rewarding. This helps to bring romance back into your life and the summer is deeply satisfying for you and your family. The autumn brings success and happiness. You’re exceptionally happy in October, so plan a passionate holiday.

Career

Work is very demanding during January, but it is also highly rewarding. Your career receives a huge boost in March, (while Venus is in Taurus) and you’re particularly lucky around 14 January – those of you involved in the arts, are at peak performance and the rewards are considerable. If you’re considering branching out into something new, this is the best time to do it. There are excellent opportunities for anyone working in catering and therapy. It’s a good time to advertise. Use of technology is highly beneficial during July, when colleagues are particularly supportive.

Love

This is decidedly a summer of love, as you enhance the quality of your love life. You’re most creative and physically fecund during June – make sure that you devote time to your partner and your intuitive pursuits, whether recreational or professional. Social gatherings are highlighted all summer – you meet inspiring individuals and you’re both witty and charming. You’re emotionally contented during August and the affection you have for your partner is unsurpassed.

Health

Concentrate on your emotional well-being during February; friends will help and activities such as swimming and meditation are good for you. Homeopathy and aromatherapy can also be effective. You’re easily agitated in March, when your energy is low. Your health is strong and your heart is in all your undertakings during the last half of the year: you can focus on building muscle tone and improving the flexibility of your joints.

Money

Financial negotiations are most successful in February and this is when you’re also luckiest, so invest wisely in something secure. It’s easy to sustain losses in April and even up to early summer you need to keep your belt tightened. You can splash out in October when the opportunity arises, because you have the wherewithal to do this comfortably.

GEMINI

You benefit from communicating across the globe in 2012, so invest in good equipment, but act cautiously while travelling in January. Your determined effort pays off during February, but you struggle when Mercury retrogrades in March: potentially exciting new projects are unsuccessful and you need to revise your plans, or attempt less innovative methods. April brings incredible support and you’re physically more robust, plus there’s considerable forward momentum. Focus on family matters in May. You deserve a well-earned holiday by June. Family gatherings are thoroughly enjoyable and you’re feeling romantic, so treat your partner. The July retrograde lowers your immune barrier and nervous tension is highest, but this should be resolved by August, when you can sort out your finances. Work takes precedence in the autumn, with extra effort required in September. The final retrogradation disrupts travel during November, so don’t take risks. You feel much better when December arrives.

Career

It’s important to be responsible during the spring – some work may have to be scrapped, while other projects go on the back burner. Your colleagues are encouraging in April when great strides are made. Your ideas are accepted during May, so explore all the options. You concentrate and learn a great deal during June. It’s tempting, but unwise, to try to change job in July. You receive considerable backing in September and you’re unbelievably lucky in October, when forward planning really pays off: it’s the right time to take the plunge.

Love

It’s well worth inaugurating novel ideas at the start of the year; be creative with your partner and remember that romance deserves to be rekindled. You’re exceptionally sexy in April and a romantic break in May is most rewarding. You’re popular in June, when joint decision-making goes well and you deserve a well-earned holiday. August is a good problem-solving period, so talk things over with your loved one. You feel as though you’ve lost your touch in November, but this is temporary.

Health

You’re keen to try something different to boost energy during the winter quarter, ideally something you can continue to practice within your own home, such as dance, yoga, tai chi or Wii fit. It’s important not to over extend yourself and warm up before exercise. Team sports keep you fit over the summer, except in July and you’re inclined to needless worry during September.

Money

Look for ways to reduce your outgoings during February, when you could also be lucky. March is a difficult month: shared resources are particularly vulnerable. There are unusual expenses during May and August, but all for a good cause, so try to budget for them. Spending on home and family is highest in November, but you handle this well.

CANCER

Complementary therapies help you to overcome inertia at the start of the year, but it is dogged hard work, which leads to success in February. 2012 gives you the chance to put negative experiences behind you: de-clutter your house in the spring. Practical decision-making during April gives you extra leverage at work and your career feels more secure. The eclipses in May and June are remarkably benign – use this phase to bring your ambitions to fruition and there is a long-awaited breakthrough. It’s especially good for those of you wishing to move house and a romantic holiday in June, puts the icing on the cake. Slow down in July and savour every second. If your spring-cleaning wasn’t sufficiently thorough, old problems reappear during August and you have to repeat the process. Foreign travel features in the autumn and the November eclipses bring exceptionally good news: you take on fulfilling responsibilities.

Career

It’s a wonderful year for those of you who work in education, transport, entertainment, the computer industry and the banking sector. You should be ready to inaugurate a long-term plan during April. The May/June eclipses bring success following a lengthy period of effort. Put forward your ideas, or methods, when they are most likely to be listened to. It may come as a surprise at the time, but it’s still due to your excellent communication abilities and sensible planning. The summer is the best time to test out new ideas and exhibit your considerable creative flair.

Love

You’re particularly passionate in February, so a winter holiday would be perfect. Home and family are your main priority in April, some of you will redecorate, others will move house. There is a strong sense of genuine pleasure from the eclipses in November - your fertility or virility is high, so for some there is an addition to the family. In many ways this is a special time for you and your partner and your enjoyment of one another is strengthened by the bond.

Health

You’re determined to do something for your health in January and team activities are best, although tensions can be high. February gives you the chance to truly relax. A thorough cleansing out of your system is what works best in April – this applies to body, mind, soul and your environment. You deserve a rest and a pampering holiday in October offers the best opportunity.

Money

You’re able to clear many outstanding debts in March, but it’s important to act swiftly. Any shared responsibilities need to be discussed, or you could end up bickering over money. August brings a period of spending, largely on your home. Spending on improving your health is high during the autumn.

LEO

You want to initiate positive changes into your life – it’s best to begin immediately: that way the cosmos doesn’t have to do it for you. The focus is primarily on finances and work during the first quarter, but by the spring you’re far more interested in socialising and your love life benefits enormously. It’s possible to fulfil a long-held dream with the solar eclipse in May, so be on the look-out for opportunities and listen to the advice of friends, as that can prove to be invaluable. You get into a more relaxed rhythm over the summer. There is time for romance and you intensify the quality of your relationship. Life is never boring when you’ve got young people around and the autumn brings a family gathering into the spotlight. You’re ecstatic about an unexpected bonus during the November eclipse.

Career

Shifts and changes within the workplace dominate January – just as you adjust to one, another comes along. Try to be as flexible as possible and don’t assume that the changes have negative outcomes, although some of this is inevitable. You gain in February, but you also stir up enmity. Learning is enormously beneficial during June, as your horizons are broadened, but sheer dogged determination is what works best in August. Team-work enables you to achieve your objectives in October, but watch out for underhand behaviour by colleagues, in November.

Love

Set aside time for your partner in February, because shared activities are thoroughly enjoyable. You’re romantic and loving and a holiday in March would be a good idea. April brings a period of concerted effort, centred on your home, but this sets the scene for the “windfall” that arrives in May. Joint decisions made in August help to consolidate your relationship, but there also needs to be some compromise, especially over money matters. The greatest joys come in November: it’s a time to treasure your family.

Health

January is stressful – although there is help available: it’s best to balance traditional medicine with some complementary techniques, so that your body can loosen up. It’s easier to relax by March and a wee break by the sea makes a huge difference. You feel as though you have turned a metaphysical corner over the summer, something from the past cannot influence you any more.

Money

You can expect financial fluctuations in January, with the greatest outlays being on your home. Seek financial guidance in March when new investments are favoured. Family commitments can drain your resources in the autumn and be prepared for increased travel costs – you can partially offset this by having any vehicle serviced well in advance, and by researching any holidays.

VIRGO

With Mars remaining in Virgo until 3 July you’re given the golden opportunity to be more active. At his best Mars makes you courageous, energetic and prepared to take risks, but at his worst Mars can be agitated and belligerent - just make sure you develop the more positive attributes. It’s a good year for sports, and starting new projects. Mercury retrogrades in March, requiring you to re-examine shared financial commitments, so try to take effective action in April. The summer retrogradation takes place in July, which fills you with self-doubt, although you do receive a boost of confidence around 8 August. As is often the case you’re at your best in September, when you put money worries behind you. The final retrogradation occurs in November, thus reducing your capacity to travel, so it’s wisest to have your vehicle checked over beforehand and undertake long journeys after 26 November.

Career

You’re remarkably lucky work-wise in January: present ideas to those who can turn them into reality. Optimism and common sense brings you into prominence during February. If you work in farming, food production or the law you’re quite exceptional. The spring is fairly rewarding, but by June you cannot afford to have friends distract you from your major goals. You’re highly respected during September, when you’re proven correct in your assessment. Those of you working in the health service, sports and administration do best during this period. There are excellent career opportunities available for you all in October.

Love

A wee jaunt at the start of the year enables you to revitalise your relationship. You’re extremely popular throughout May, which is a good time to treat your loved one to something unexpected. If you’re single this is the best time to meet someone new. A passionate holiday in late June or early July would suit all of you. You feel lucky in love throughout the autumn, but do devote more time to your partner during September, because you’re super-sexy.

Health

The chance to stimulate your self-healing is strong in January – pursue any sensible healthy regime, but don’t overstretch muscles. Spiritual healing and a burst of self-confidence can do wonders for your morale. Your energy is lowest in April, when you’re vulnerable to infections. Tensions rise over July, so you must guard against self-depredation and giving in to irrational fears.

Money

Sharp financial decision-making in February can enable you to stimulate savings. The toughest time is in March, when your friends tempt you to impulse buy – spending on health and electrical equipment is particularly high. You’re able to make the most of your money in August/September – you receive a lucky break, or simply take advantage of a good investment opportunity.

LIBRA

With Saturn in Libra until 5 October, you’re still working hard. It’s crucial to utilise the benefits Saturn has to offer, such as enhanced concentration and the ability to see challenges as opportunities. If you have not already had a promotion it should come before the autumn. Saturn strengthens your relationship by enabling the two of you to overcome obstacles together. Venus stays in Gemini from April to August which gives you extra leeway during the summer and she encourages your artistic talents to emerge. Venus retrogrades from 16 May to 28 June, so expect a few hiccups. Try to use this period to contact friends you have not spoken to for ages. It’s worth focusing on financial management during winter and spring. Training is highlighted over the summer and the last part of the year is excellent for treating your partner: plan a romantic holiday in the autumn.

Career

It’s difficult to juggle work demands with the needs of your family in January – financial pressure also lowers your enjoyment factor, but it’s essential that you create manageable expectations that can be adhered to. If you need to delegate then do so. And act decisively in March when you’re highly successful. You’re at peak performance during April. Your problem-solving skills prove to be invaluable in June, thus earning you considerable respect, but it is team-work that produces the best results in July. This is when it is worth pursuing extra training.

Love

You’re exceptionally popular, passionate and desirable in March – if you’re single, it’s time to mingle. Taking a wee break helps to focus on enriching your love life. Your friends comment on how sexy you look and sensual activities are intensely satisfying. You’re in a romantic frame of mind during May, which is also a time of heightened fertility/virility. You tend to undermine your own efforts in June, but friends are helpful during July: this is a suitable time for celebrating. A romantic holiday in September, or October, works wonders.

Health

It’s good to get your body flowing smoothly and by starting a socially rewarding activity in February, you’re able to make a huge difference: group exercise classes would be most suitable. The May retrogradation lowers your body’s ability to fight off infection, so act carefully, although you’re fit as a fiddle by August. You’re rather nervous in September.

Money

Careful negotiation in February helps you to reduce your outgoing commitments. You manage very well until May, when unexpected expenses run away with your money: travel, home, education and socialising are the major areas where costs rise. Try to budget for this in advance. The pressure eases by August and you’re likely to receive a windfall in October.

SCORPIO

This is a very significant year. Pluto and Uranus begin a mutual dance pattern which will operate for years. The effects are phenomenal – you can expect to be under pressure to make major life changes; primarily during June and September. Whatever you do don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. In addition Saturn arrives in Scorpio on 5 October inaugurating a period of hard work, which is both complicating and deeply satisfying. Saturn will stay for more than two years in Scorpio, eventually giving you the promotional opportunities of a lifetime, but of course, you have to initially earn them. Pluto retrogrades in mid-April, going direct mid-September – during this period friends will let you down, cheer you up, interfere and support you – it’s important to know which ones are most trustworthy. The Solar Eclipse in November falls in Scorpio which brings added responsibilities and a deepening of your commitment.

Career

You need to be pragmatic about career chances during the first quarter and try to be imaginative in the way you handle any alterations taking place. March brings the greatest opportunity, but you have to be alert to spot it. Colleagues help you enormously in April, although they can also undermine your influence during June. Those of you working in agriculture, IT and the oil industry will do exceptionally well over the summer, whereas it is the autumn which primarily benefits those in manufacturing, housing and the military.

Love

Your social contacts push you into prominence during March – this is also a time to celebrate with your partner and joint decision-making is straightforward. Shared plans come under pressure during April but you’re sensational in May. This is a good month for single Scorpios to marry. It’s important to be able to depend on your friends for emotional support over the summer, especially in July. Your actions can alienate you from those dearest to you in September, which is essentially rather foolish. The potential for family happiness is enormous in November.

Health

Nervous tension causes a lot of problems – the peak periods being in the winter, due to changes at work and money worries, then again in the summer, when your resistance to change is liable to lead to a health crisis. This can be alleviated by sharing your concerns with someone you trust and having more positive expectations.

Money

Financial considerations dominate the winter quarter – there are unexpected expenses and hidden costs in February, but March brings extra income, gained largely through good negotiations and you’re in a strong position to invest wisely during April. Holidays and learning account for the greatest outlay in September, but it’s a well-earned pay-rise that boosts your spending power by November.

SAGITTARIUS

Jupiter starts the year still in Taurus, giving added impetus to your love life, your creative flair and your desire to spend on quality goods. Jupiter enters Gemini on 11 June generating a different kind of atmosphere – the emphasis is on better communications, team effort and producing extra paper-work. It’s crucial to utilise the benefits of Taurus before they disappear: put money aside as much as you can, it will be essential before the year is out. Exercise wisely and relax in good company: Taurus loves a shared meal. Jupiter is not quite as happy in Gemini, there’s too much nervous tension and distractions for you to achieve your objectives. Be imaginative in June and act with almost scientific precision in July. Jupiter goes retrograde on 4 October, casting a pall over the last part of the year: this is when arguments get out of hand and misunderstandings are rife.

Career

You can gain a manageable balance between work and play in January. You’re highly successful in February and there’s a chance of a real breakthrough by March, which is when teamwork is superb. Those of you in agricultural work, catering and fire-fighting should be thrilled with your successes. It’s easy to have disagreements with authority figures during April. A colleague provides exciting new opportunities for you in July, so act immediately. From here on those of you in education, scientific research and tourism will do better, although October’s events force you all to revise your plans.

Love

Being happy has a positive spin-off for your relationship. Shared decisions go well and a passionate holiday in March is perfect. You’re keen to improve your home in May/June and this is an extremely rewarding sociable phase. It’s essential that you express your genuine love for your partner once Jupiter is in Gemini, anything less leads to disappointment. Do something unutterably romantic this summer: you want to be friends as well as lovers. You’re clumsy in October, causing a strain in your commitment – try to be more considerate in what you say.

Health

You’re not brilliant in January, but you can recoup energy by exercising. Your health takes a dive in June, when you’re vulnerable to infection. This is also a confusing period, so avoid people who would lead you astray. Trying a new complementary technique in July can give you a boost, although August is simply tiring.

Money

Your earning capacity is highest from January to June, so set aside some funds during February. You make several sensible financial decisions in the spring, which are good for all investment purposes. By the summer you’re more interested in spending on career opportunities and training – it’s good to extend your language skills.

CAPRICORN

Your organisational skills are brilliant in January, so take full advantage of the opportunities available, because by 7 February Saturn goes retrograde and there are fewer options until he goes direct on 25 June. Use that period to recuperate both physically and financially – plan to put your best foot forward in August, when you’re at your strongest. The major themes continue to be partnership and fairness; both at work and in your private life. Saturn enters Scorpio on 5 October and this is when you truly make your mark. Pluto remains in Capricorn and the huge changes, that have affected big business, have major repercussions for you, once Saturn changes sign. Make sure that you’re well prepared for this – the extra energy you generate is powerfully attractive. Your love life prospers and you’re more effective than ever. Any latent interest in psychology, archaeology or forensics is stimulated.

Career

Colleagues are immensely useful in January, when you make considerable headway. Regrettably miscommunication in February can cost you the respect of others, so be very careful what you commit to paper or text. Your creative input is valued during the spring, when you can bring a dispute to an amicable conclusion. It’s a good time for those of you working in the law, financial services and counselling. You receive a career boost in August and you’re thrilled with your achievements. October provides advancement for those of you in the military and civil service.

Love

You can afford to be generous to your partner in January, when devoting extra time to home and family is worth every second. You’re exceptionally passionate and loving in March, so consider a weekend break with your loved one. You receive a huge boost of confidence in June and it does wonders for your love life, but it is July that is most satisfactory – you feel lucky in love and your home life is enriched. Shared decisions about your home occur in September. You’re secure and super-sexy in November.

Health

You’re strong in February, but anxiety levels are high and friends interfere. Make sure you don’t go back on a promise you’ve made. You’re tense in April, so try to be more flexible. Talking to someone you trust increases your insight during June. You benefit considerably from homeopathy, hydrotherapy and counselling in the autumn.

Money

You balance the books in January, but this requires revision during February, when you need to repay loans. Spending on your health is high in April and may not be absolutely necessary. It’s far easier to manage your finances after August, when a promotion or windfall makes a big difference. The autumn is a good time to move house.

AQUARIUS

2012 promises to be an intriguing year – Uranus remains in Aries, so innovation, expansion and ingenuity continue to make you successful. However Uranus and Pluto begin a planetary dance together in June and September, continuing until 2014, so the repercussions of this year’s actions will be significant, even if they are a long time coming. This will transform your life – nobody is meant to stay the same, we all evolve and by hanging onto previous blocked, negative, emotional issues you’re likely to make matters worse. On the plus side you’re remarkably lucky in July, so don’t hesitate to take your chances: as the window of opportunity is small. Family life dominates the winter quarter and you feel you’re more in control of your destiny during the spring. Uranus goes retrograde on 13 July and the second half of the year is slightly less rewarding, until 13 December when Uranus goes direct.

Career

Teamwork is best in January, as you benefit from a greater willingness by senior individuals to inaugurate your plans. March brings exceptional opportunities for branching out into rewarding, if challenging, work. Your unique skills are recognised and you’re excited by the prospects. The self-employed do particularly well. It’s also good for those in manufacturing, retail, communications and research. Expect big changes in your working environment in June and delegate as much as possible in July. August brings lots of journeys and you’re successful. Your efforts are rewarded in October.

Love

You’re extremely popular in January and your partnership develops into a responsive, co-mingling of support. Single Aquarians meet someone interesting through your work. Joint negotiations go well in February. Friends can be very needy in April, so make sure you give them enough time. You appreciate your partner’s support during June and family disagreements are most likely, so plan an enjoyable holiday together in July, when you’re more buoyant. You feel a bit despondent during September, but better communication helps you to bounce back in October.

Health

You struggle to banish negative thinking during the winter months, but it becomes easier with increasing daylight. Your tension level starts to rise during May, so you need to guard against over-reacting. Acupuncture, herbal remedies and massage may alleviate some of the stress, particularly when it’s at its height in June. You clash with other people in September and feel despondent – explore the underlying causes.

Money

The high cost of heating your home in January can be disheartening, but there is a greater flow of money in February, so take full advantage of any financial opportunity. It’s also a good time for shared resources. International banking can benefit you, so consider making investments before May, but avoid taking financial risks in September.

PISCES

Neptune slides back into Pisces on 3 February, which comes as something of a relief. It’s as though all the hard work you have had to put into this last year can finally pay off. You certainly have the chance to shine. There’s a strong emphasis on home and family – your hopes come to fruition and you’re much happier in yourself. It is not all plain sailing: you have to resist the urge to overdo things, especially in April, when you make a significant decision and again in June, when it’s easy to overspend on family. Neptune goes retrograde on 4 June and this causes havoc with communications. The best opportunities come when Neptune goes direct on 11 November and you can substantially improve your financial position. There is an extra incentive at work during the autumn: how you handle it determines your overall effectiveness by the year’s end.

Career

You have the ear of people in authority at the start of the year, so don’t miss this opportunity to negotiate well. You feel as though you’re between a rock and a hard place in April, so avoid situations that aggravate any underlying tension. Work is most rewarding in May for those of you in publishing, health, sales and the oil industry. Technical advances help enormously over the summer and you want to aim high during August, when your expertise is stupendous. Career developments occur in October, especially for those in fishing, construction and outdoors activities.

Love

You’re incredibly sexy and desirable in February, so treat your partner. This is also a great time for improving your home. It’s essential to allow yourself to imagine what you really want in life and any joint decisions are highly effective. You’re emotionally vulnerable in March, when misunderstandings can occur. You weather your way through June, but any overindulgence will have consequences. A dream holiday in September does wonders for your relationship. November is a good month to be married.

Health

Group activities enable you to burn off any excess weight and this boosts your procreative capacity. Your energy’s low in March and this is when you need to institute a regime of regular swimming or dance and pamper yourself. You’re easily angered in April, so try to direct this energy into something positive. You’re at peak performance over the summer.

Money

It’s important to discuss finances with someone who can help in January. You need to be ultra-logical about this, but it puts you on the right footing. The biggest expenses arrive in June, some of which are inevitable, but others are unexpected, so try to budget in advance. You’re on an even keel by July. October’s efforts produce a bonanza.