As the year winds down, we spend a good six weeks emphasizing get-togethers and reunions, gifts and good cheer, well-wishes and remembrances, prayer and parties. The time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day is often a blur of preparation and encounters, with ordinary work and life often getting sidelined. And just as life goes on, so do the planets in the heavens above. And as they move, their position among the stars foretells what we can expect from any coming time period. In knowing where and how the planets are interacting, we can plan ahead, and at least in general, know what to expect. You wouldn't want a unique love opportunity to pass you by simply because it was the holidays. And if an old lover reappears, wouldn't it be good to know ahead of time if he is just looking to spread some good cheer and then split before the New Year this time around?
The 2010 holiday season is marked by the planet Mercury turning retrograde in Capricorn and inching its way back into Sagittarius before moving forward again among the planets. While Mercury is moving around the other side of the Sun it appears to move backward in the zodiac and causes much chaos down here on earth. Purchases that are made while Mercury is retrograde don't always go well. The people we meet while Mercury is retrograde are not ones with whom we establish strong ties. If you are buying presents for Christmas, Hanukkah, late December birthdays or any other celebration, you are best advised to finalize your purchase prior to Mercury turning retrograde on Friday, December 10. If your shopping is done, and gifts have been wrapped and shipped by this date, this will be a holiday season that is made memorable by the things you gave others that showed your love of them and reflected the spirit of the season.
Mercury is retrograde from December 10 through December 30. When you are at a holiday party during these dates and you meet a special someone who seems ideal for a relationship, let Mister Right know that if he is serious, there will be plenty of time to get together after the holidays. If he holds out for you, 2011 could be a year to remember! Mercury's apparent backward motion is great, though, for a reunion. If you happen to encounter someone from your past during this time, it might be a signal from the zodiac that what might have happened previously will happen now in a better and more complete version. A relationship begun after a chance re-acquaintance while Mercury is in retrograde motion is one that has soulmate potential provided both parties are mutually attracted. If you are enamored but he is not (or vice versa) be careful to avoid mixed signals that can lead to an unrequited love obsession.
Read below to see how your zodiac sign will fare in love and cheer under the 2010 Holiday season.
If you are taking charge of some volunteer efforts in the community, realize that you have a high profile and should get your organizational tasks completed before the beginning of December.
When Shopping for an Aries: Buy a Ram a gift on December 1 to emphasize love.
It might be better to meet a lover's family and friends for Thanksgiving and spend the holidays working on establishing a few love rituals. Don't get too distracted from keeping him entertained.
When Shopping for a Taurus: Buy a Bull a computer notepad in November for best results.
With Mercury in such a frenzied state, don't get too upset at a partner's conflicts that interfere with you two going to every holiday event together. Perhaps a lonely soul from the past needs some company.
When Shopping for a Gemini: Surprise your Twin sign lover with a short trip for the New Year's holiday.
Avoid the scandals of gossip and innuendo by being as quiet and conservative as possible. The flame of passion that is burning in your heart will melt the holiday snow when you are alone with your soulmate.
When Shopping for a Cancer: Buy a Crab something small and sentimental this year and it will be treasured for life.
Travel plans might be thrown into such chaos that you are forced to cancel seeing some loved ones. If you can get the longest jaunts done over Thanksgiving and the first week of December, you will have a more peaceful holiday.
When Shopping for a Leo: The Lion has a favorite restaurant and that dining establishment has gift certificates.
A renewal of wedding vows is in the air. Of any zodiac sign, you are most likely to hook up with an old flame if the two of you are single and there is nothing else in the room to unwrap but each other.
When Shopping for a Virgo: Virgos love gadgets. Buy one for your Virgo during the day-after-Thanksgiving sales.
Your suddenly healthy finances might tempt you to splurge on presents for casual friends who fall way out of your closest circle. You may want to throw a party for everyone; it could be cheaper, fun and more appreciated.
When Shopping for a Libra: Any small token of affection makes a Libra's day. Any big token makes his night!
This may be the year that you host a family get-together for which you may not be too prepared. You are allowed to ask, even beg, for help.
When Shopping for a Scorpio: Make sure you know your Scorpio's size, as this is the year the perfect look is out there on the racks.
Moving and other relocation issues are still echoing with chaos and reminders of how things used to be. The holidays will be more pleasant if you don't fixate on the past.
When Shopping for a Sagittarius: As difficult as it is to shop for your Sagittarius, make the effort to get something beyond a gag gift.
With Mercury retrograde in your sign, don't make any firm plans for get-togethers after December 10. By then a passionate new soulmate may be taking you on an encounter with things you once only imagined.
When Shopping for a Capricorn: Make a date for an exciting adventure in early 2011. Firm up the plans with your Goat just after Thanksgiving.
As the financial situation becomes clear, your ability to plan for a great holiday for everyone will be challenged by the appearance of some other chaotic element. Remain flexible.
When Shopping for an Aquarius: Your Aquarian would prefer a practical gift and this year it might be better to just ask ahead of time.
The best days in the coming holiday period are centered around New Year's festivities. Save your energy to let a new era dawn in your life and in the lives of the ones you love.
When Shopping for a Pisces: A bottle of champagne for that January 1 midnight will be appropriate!