The solar eclipse in Capricorn, due January 4, will offer you a glittering array of opportunities to make your life feel fresher and more relevant to the more mature you that you've become. You had little choice but to listen to quite a bit advice from various sources over the past 18 months, but this month, birthday time, you have the Sun protecting you, so you will get to speak your mind clearly and confidently.

You will also have the comforting assurance that others will be listening and responding to your thoughts, and you won't have to compromise as much as you have had to do in the past. Rather than have to dilute your plans, you can push your ideas through in purest form.

Through all your trials, you may have underestimated the strength of your character, but you soon found out you would never topple in a storm. Your courage certainly has inspired admiration from those around you. You've been in the valley, climbed the mountain, kayaked the rapids, crossed the ravine, and survived the desert. All this happened in the past 18 months, and not only are you still standing, you feel like Jack the Giant Killer! Now, having proven you can endure the gauntlet, relief is on the way with the arrival of the solar eclipse, January 4.

This eclipse will show you that not all eclipses are tough - some bring rewards. Sometimes an eclipse will ask you to give up something in exchange for something else, but even if that should happen (I don't think it will, but if it does), know that the something better is on the way, and it will make you very happy.

As you stand poised to enter 2011, you are looking at a vastly improved picture. New moon solar eclipses, like this one due January 4, open doors and bring up surprise developments that can be intriguing and exciting. Be sure to investigate all the proposals that are offered you, for one will likely stand out as especially right for you.

As you begin the month, your first house of personality will be packed with planets, and that's great, for that house is considered the most powerful house of the horoscope. That house describes the real "you" including your personality, outlook, drive, determination, and desires, and those will take top billing.

Among the planets in the first house is Mars, now in Capricorn, and because Mars will be so close to the eclipse point tells me that you won't have to wait long before you see things happen. Mars is like the gas on the stove that you switch on to get things cooking - Mars is busy preparing things now! Fortunately Mars will be with you until January 15. This will give you an enormous advantage, for when Mars comes by, he helps you start a new and vital two-year cycle.

When you have Mars in your sign, you have another benefit in that you can direct Mars' energy in any way you please, into any area of life. Usually that is not the case, but is possible ONLY when Mars is in your own sign of Capricorn as it will be from January 1 to 15. These days, you are the leader of the parade. If you know the childhood game of Simple Simon ("When I do something, you have to mirror exactly what I do,") then you know how powerful this phase can be.

You've been anxious to set certain personal plans into place since early December, but with Mars' friend, Mercury, creating havoc, confusion, reversals, and delays last month, it was no time to set anything in stone. Mercury was retrograde, so you quickly saw you had little choice but to wait. On December 30, Mercury regulated its orbit and went direct speed, and he will stay in strong shape during the coming three months. Now, at last, all the pieces of your puzzle are falling into place.

You are in an enviable position. Along with Mars, you have the Sun and new moon solar eclipse on January 4, and Pluto, the planet of transformation and regeneration, all in Capricorn. That's a lot of energy to have supporting you, and so you'll have control and clout.

Saturn may set up an obstacle at this eclipse, January 4, so you may be trying to sort out a career question that has been gnawing at you for a while. While you may be stymied, I feel your situation will gradually improve, but the caveat is that you must take steps - even if they are baby steps - to move to a new direction. The old methods won't work well now, for the times have changed. Saturn's appearance always suggests that we have to try new strategies and tactics to get ahead.

If you were born on January 4, plus or minus four days, you will feel the affects of this eclipse the most.

There will also be another very special aspect happening separately on January 4, involving a rare and magnificent meeting of Jupiter, the giver of gifts and luck, and Uranus planet of surprise. Jupiter is getting ready to leave Pisces after having spent the better part of 2010 in that constellation. At the eclipse he will only have two weeks left in Pisces, so he is making his goodbyes to all the other planets.

Uranus has been in Pisces too, and he has been in this sign even longer, since 2003. Uranus is packing his bags too, and will make his departure in early March. These two dignitaries will not be seen together again in Pisces in your lifetime, for Uranus takes 84 years to revolve around the Sun (and return to Pisces) and Jupiter takes 12 years to make the same journey. The next time they meet, it will be in Taurus in April 2024. They will not meet in Pisces, however, until 2093.

Before these two powerhouses make their exit from Pisces, they are planning a big blowout party for you, and the happy fireworks they are planning will light up the night sky. On January 4, when Uranus (surprises) aligns perfectly with Jupiter (giver of gifts, luck, happiness, and expansion) in an exceedingly rare conjunction, while both are moving in direct speed, they can and will bring you much to celebrate. I will give you some possible examples of outcomes.

Jupiter and Uranus will meet in your third house of communication, travel, and agreement on that day of January 4, so this is the area that will be special for you. You may see several of types of opportunities come up, and you may benefit from one or more of these areas, as they are not mutually exclusive!

The first possibility is that you may travel spontaneously, perhaps for business. I say that because whenever Jupiter is involved, money seems to follow. If you travel to see a client near January 4, you will likely come back with the purchase order. If you are traveling for fun or to have a romantic getaway with your beloved, it looks as though you will be in a luxury-minded mood. Good! That's as it should be! Choose an old, beautiful estate or historic hotel (Capricorn) that is near mountains (Capricorn) and overlooking water (Pisces).

You may be asked to sign a contract in January, and if so, generally, you would like the terms of the deal. If you do need to sign, look things over, consult an attorney, and be ready to sign on January 13 when Mars in Capricorn will be in perfect angle to Jupiter. You would hear about the contract, however, earlier, near January 4. I would not sign directly on an eclipse date, however, as that day is usually filled with static, and the eclipse will bring further news in the days to follow. Wait if you can, until January 13.

One very bad time to sign a contract would be January 10, plus or minus one day, when Mercury will be arguing with Uranus. I can think of no worse day to sign!

Any industry that deals with communication will glow brightly. You may be given the green light on a big publishing, Internet, or broadcasting venture, and if so, that would be exciting to get involved in. All of the communication arts are being called into play by this outstanding aspect involving Jupiter and Uranus. Included, for example, are positions or assignments involving writing, speaking, editing, proofing, researching, selling, marketing, public relations, or advertising. If any of these fit your plans, dive in!

This means if you've always wanted to write a book or sell a screenplay, have your own TV show, or launch a big publicity campaign, see if you can arrange meetings or send proposals soon. If you are already approved to lift off, be confident, for you've got the support of a whole solar system behind you.

The third house rules siblings, so keep up with your sister and brother during this month - they may have news to share. If you are hoping to create a business with your sibling, buy property, or do anything else with your brother or sister, such as to plan a surprise party for your parents, it will be under wildly wonderful vibrations.

Keep in mind that whenever you see Uranus involved, there is a surprise twist. Whatever you THINK will happen won't - something else will! The outcome is always something you're not looking at and would least expect, but in this case is far better than anything you thought would happen.

Your partner will be highlighted later, at the full moon, January 19. While you may have had problems with a partner in the past (in your personal life or in business, such as a manager, agent, or full business partner) you won't have any problems now - only luck! This full moon will be filled with sunshine! The reason I say that is the Sun and Jupiter will be at perfect angles, suggesting you may get a sum of money at this time, within four days of the full moon.

The closer your birthday falls to January 19 (within four days), the more likely you will feel the effects of this lovely full moon.

It would be lovely if you did get a sum of cash in one lump, as Mars will enter your income and spending sector (solar second house) from January 15 to February 22. When Mars arrives, it appears your expenses will almost instantly rise. Perhaps you WILL get the money I see coming to you earlier in the month, near the eclipse of January 4, the reason you may be spending a significant amount later.

Topping your list of things to buy soon seems to be something electronic, and I say that because of planets beginning to stack up in Aquarius, a sign that rules electrical, futuristic inventions. If you can wait until Mercury reaches the mathematical degree it held on the date it went retrograde on December 10, things will go better - that date to start shopping for high-ticket items would be January 13.

Or, even better, later you may consider going to make your purchase on January 17 or 19. I love January 17 for shopping for electronics because the Sun and Uranus will collaborate brilliantly. Uranus rules high tech, electronics, or anything electrical or with moving parts, so this would be a perfect day. The full moon of January 19 is just wonderful too, so you can use that date as well.

On the other hand, if you are a Mac addict like I am, you will need to wait for the announcements of Steve Jobs at MacWorld, January 26-29. In that case, waiting for the glorious new moon in Aquarius, February 2, would be best of all.

A rather unusual circumstance is going on in January in that every planet in our solar system is going direct from January 1 to 25. I have not seen such a long and productive period at play in years. Actually, some years you don't get even one day when ALL the planets are going direct. The big outer planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto go retrograde for more than four months at a time straight, so right there you see how hard it is to find any dates as special as what is happening in January.

Once you get to January 26, Saturn, your ruler, will go retrograde until June 12. Once this happens, you won't find that you have the same kind of favor, and things will be harder to get your way. Having your ruler in top form is very important for success. It's essential that you seal deals early in January - I would say you should aim for a finish by the full moon, January 19, plus or minus three days, which will be such a sweet moment for you this month.

When any planet retrogrades, it becomes weak. It sleeps, and it withholds its most potent powers. That's why when choosing a day to initiate a big project, it's necessary to get a day that has as much strength to offer as possible.

There is more big news, and it involves the move of Jupiter into Aries on January 22, to stay until June 4. This may be a short window of opportunity, but wow, is it powerful. Jupiter will not go retrograde at all during this phase, and with Jupiter moving as fast as a speeding bullet, you will have to be very decisive when the perfect space comes up, or it will be gone as fast as you find it. On the other hand, do not settle for anything less than what you truly want, for you need not settle. This is your best part of your chart! If you are hoping to sell a space or house, then do so after January 22. You will likely get your price.

You will feel the full force of this aspect in coming weeks and months, particularly in April and May, but you can take full advantage of it whenever you like! Jupiter in Aries will help you find a wonderful home residence solution, whether you want to move, buy new property, or renovate or decorate your present space. (I will add that Mercury will be retrograde from March 30 to April 23, not the time to make any big initiatives!) This is the area where wishes will come true, so realize this is the very best part of your chart! If you move, you will find a sunny, spacious place to live, but you can find lovely ways to use this on a small scale, too. You and I will talk more about this in weeks ahead, but you can start thinking now of how you'd like to use this.

In terms of your career, with Jupiter in the fourth house of home, opposite your career and honors sector on the horoscope wheel, beaming energy to your career house, you will get some good energy from Jupiter to help you in your career.

Ever since Saturn entered your professional tenth house October 29, 2009, to stay until April 7, 2010, and then returned for a longer stay, July 21, 2010, and is not scheduled to leave until October 4, 2011, you were forced to think about the changes you want to make to improve to your professional status. Jupiter will help you by pinging energy straight up to your career house, as this is what often happens when you have planets positioned as you do. Energy pings back and forth between the two houses. You won't notice much change until Jupiter moves into your house of home on January 22. You should see some important improvement as soon as late April, after the full moon, and after Mercury goes direct, April 23. You have had a hard time, but help is on the way.

Romantically, your most enchanting part of the month for love will be when Venus tours Scorpio, a water sign that blends beautifully with your Capricorn Sun. Venus will only be in that sign for six full days, January 1 to 6, as it had glided through this sign in December, too.

Your best romantic experiences will be those you have when on a short trip. You need not go far, nor do you need to stay long. If you are on a budget, stay only one night, but you should choose a really charming bed and breakfast or very old and historic hotel, as I had described earlier. You will want a touch of luxury and pampering, and considering the past 18 months, I feel you deserve it!

The magical and enchanting meeting of Jupiter and Uranus will take place January 4, getting my vote for the most romantic day in the month. If you can travel, so much the better, but if not, send a romantic text to your beloved, at the very least.

Summary

A new day is dawning, dear Capricorn. It's time to decide what you want to happen next in your life, for the solar eclipse of January 4 in Capricorn will help you put the pieces of your puzzle in place. You've been through quite a number of eclipses last year and the year before that, and since July 2009 you've seen your life change, possibly radically.

With this eclipse, you will see your talents and abilities in daylight and can plan your new life with greater certainty. Your career may be on your mind now too, and you may have to plot a new course in the light of changes that occurred as far back as mid-2009. It's never too late to start anew, so forge ahead with a spirit of adventure.

Keep in mind that your ruler, Saturn, is about to retrograde from January 26 onward. Complete the plans that are dearest to you now while your aspects sparkle brightly. After January 26, you will need to concentrate on projects you have already put on your plate, and not new ventures. This will be true until Saturn goes direct on June 13. If there is someone new you need to present an idea to, hurry! See that person VERY soon!

A surprise trip may come up on January 4, 12, 13, or 17. Alternatively, you may receive an important communication to read or contract to study. You may also be sending out key documents. Anything that comes up near an eclipse (January 4) has greater import than at other times of the year, so take all the offers you get seriously and investigate the details. Those Capricorns born in the first week of January and near January 19 will be the most affected by events this month.

Financially, you appear to be going into a high spending period from January 15 to February 23. If you are going through a lifestyle change, such as to get married, buy a new house, move, start a business, or have a child, you already expect to spend more than usual. If you have no idea what expenses may come up, you may want to scale back until this phase is over. You will have one sensational financial day, January 17, when you may hit a breakthrough when you least expect it to happen.

Romantically, your best time of the month will come in the first week of January, when Venus, ruler of your fifth house of love, will be in compatible Scorpio. If single, your friends will be willing matchmakers but you must enlist them to your cause. If you are attached, you will get the closure about an issue you've discussed with your partner within days of January 19. Although your relationship seems not to have always gone smoothly in the past, this full moon will be friendly, so you will probably be happy about the way things turn out.

Capricorn Dates to Note:

The solar eclipse will allow a new road to open before you, and you will now begin to see yourself in a new light. Pay special attention to all that happens in the days clustered after January 4.

If your birthday falls near that date, you will find your whole year is filled with fresh starts.

Spend time thinking about the next steps you want to take in your career. This is the area of greatest change, as well as greatest potential growth. Adjustments may be hard at times, but well worth the effort if you are earnest in your intent.

Spontaneous travel is one of the happy features of January. When opportunity strikes on January 4, 12, 13, or 17 - go!

You will enter a high spending period while Mars enters Aquarius, January 15 to February 23.

Good financial news should come January 17, out of thin air!

Your ruler, Saturn, will go retrograde on January 26. Get all-important business done prior to this date.

A relationship will culminate or bring closure on January 19, plus or minus four days.

Your most romantic dates will occur in the first week, January 1-7. Other good days will occur on January 8-9, 12, 13, 14, 17, 21, 22, and 25.


By Susan Miller