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This is a memorable week! On December 18, the north node enters humanitarian Aquarius, and Jupiter enters ambitious Capricorn. Saturn turns retrograde on December 19, inspiring a review that will take you into next year. Then, information-focused Mercury enters Capricorn on December 20, followed by the Sun's entrance into the same sign on December 21, which marks the Winter Solstice. Finally, a full Moon in sensitive Cancer on December 3 rounds out the week. You'll still be digesting all of these shifts when we enter the new year!

December 18: North Node enters Aquarius

The north node/south node axis represents respectively the future and the past. The north node points to the direction that can bring fulfillment and a greater sense of purpose, while the south node represents a collective past that, while yielding helpful information, should not hold too much of your attention. Aquarius is all about group energy, while Leo inspires creativity and leadership. Simply put, teamwork moves you forward, and being to self-focused holds you back.

December 18: Jupiter enters Capricorn

With the entrance into Capricorn, social Jupiter joins serious Saturn in Virgo. This marks a major shift in orientation for countries -- and for you personally. Enough with all of the excitable air-fire orientation of the last year! Put away your passport, park your car in the garage and turn your attention to what you want to achieve. Pay attention to those areas of your life that you want to build. Hard work pays off and you may even come to someone's attention -- perhaps a benefactor who will help you. Once Pluto joins Jupiter in this sign in January 2008, your desire to achieve something worthwhile intensifies. The keywords are 'self-sufficiency' and 'maturity.' Finally -- a grownup in the house!

December 19: Saturn turns retrograde

How can you support yourself more effectively? Saturn, the builder, turns retrograde for the first time since entering Virgo last September 2, initiating a period of review. You've had a chance to put into practice Saturn in Virgo's requirements of hard work and becoming more efficient. Your responsibilities to yourself and others -- particularly as they concerned your work and your health -- have been important areas of focus. This review period will last until May 2, 2008 when Saturn turns direct. Until then, analyze and make necessary changes, as you create a solid foundation for the year ahead.

December 20: Mercury enters Capricorn

Three times a year when the communication planet Mercury transits through earth signs, we are given the opportunity to think sensibly. In Capricorn, the keyword is 'pragmatic.' Setting goals and implementing commonsense changes are the focus now. What do you want to achieve, how will you communicate your desires and with whom will you talk about them? Your career goals can get a boost as you turn your thinking to advancing yourself in this area.

December 21: Sun enters Capricorn

The Winter Solstice occurs each year as the Sun transits into achievement-oriented Capricorn. The mix of the earthy practicality of Capricorn and the drive of the cardinality of this sign presents an opening for you to take your ambitions and really do something with them! Hopefully you explored your sphere of influence while the Sun transited through Sagittarius, and you're ready to make something of yourself. Set your sights high. In the sign of the Goat, it's time to climb to the top of the mountain!

December 23: Full Moon in Cancer

Feeling a bit hypersensitive? The full Moon always marks a time of strong emotions, and in Cancer -- one of the most feeling-oriented signs of the zodiac -- you can't help but feel strongly about everything now. Retrograde Mars sits next to this Moon, heating up your emotions. Make sure you don't act prematurely. This combo is known for people acting in ways they later regret. Mainly, in this sign of the nurturer, see how you can tend to the needs of yourself and your family. What can you do to enhance your security and emotional well being?

Past Issues of The Stars This Week