By Denise Guzzardo

This Week: Yes, here we go again. Good, old Mercury retrograde is back in action for the last time this year, Dec. 10-30. This does not have to be a disastrous time frame. Use it to your own best good. Remember, Mercury in retrograde is the reversal of all things. For example, if you have had a project that has been on the back burner forever with no results, utilize this time frame to make it happen. Sylvester Stalone tried and tried to get the screenplay Rocky looked at by the powers-that-be for five years, with no results. His mother was an astrologer. Finally, during a Mercury retrograde, he got a call from an agent who told him “someone” was interested in his script. The contract was signed during a Mercury retrograde. My point being, how many Rocky movies were filmed? We can always make lemonade out of anything if we set our minds to it. On a cautionary note, please do not make this Christmas your focus for an engagement proposal…if you want it to work out, that is. Wait until New Year’s instead.

Aries (March 21 to April 19)—Romantic elements are a “hot topic” for you this week. Take action and reap the benefits of this unique activity. You can’t get anything accomplished unless you jump in with both feet. Midweek brings good news about a financial matter. Don’t spend it all in one place.

Taurus (April 20 to May 20)­—An unexpected visit from a long-lost friend brings a lot of joy to your inner circle this week. You wonder why you don’t take the time to connect more often. You begin to rework your schedule, allowing time to do the things you want to do. This is great for your morale, and you’re noticing you’re getting more accomplished as a result. Good news arrives this week regarding a property matter or finance, reducing stress on the homefront. Enjoy!

Gemini (May 21 to June 20)—It will be best for you and all involved if you set some time aside to connect with an annoying neighbor or relative. Just get it over with and move on. If you keep avoiding this situation, it will only make matters worse in the long run. Be cautious not to let this individual’s behavior rub off on you. Negative energy can be quite contagious sometimes. When you’re done with this aspect, leave it at the door.

Cancer (June 21 to July 22)—Whenever you can take the heat for someone else, you seem to do it with grace and ease. This time, it may be best to let them suffer the consequences of their actions on their own time. You have far better things to do with your time and energy this week. A hectic schedule with positive activity puts you on top of your game. You don’t need a stick in the mud bringing you down.

Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22)—A touching scenario arrives this week with a family member or true friend. You are able to tap into the core of this being with crystal clarity. As a result, you learn more about yourself. The things that make you tick inside become more delightful to you now. You need to follow up on a job lead or a business opportunity at this time. In the long run, this will be the best fit.

Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)—You are finally beginning to crawl out of a financial hole. Just breath deep, and know you can finally develop your path and long-term goals. At week’s end, you may receive some shocking news about a friend or relative. Wait until you hear both sides of the story before you make a judgment call.

Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)—Another day, another dollar. This is becoming a bit of a monotonous course for you. You need to take a day (or two) off and regroup your mind, body and spirit. Once this is accomplished, you can go back to your daily routine with a fresh perspective. Romance may need a little TLC this weekend. Little things mean a lot.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)—The only way around it is through it. To evade and avoid a pressing issue will only exaggerate the outcome. In the long run, this will be easier than you think to resolve. Midweek, it’s back to business. Catch up with phone calls and appointments to develop a stronger client base. This winter brings an expansion with career.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)—You finally have the opportunity to speak your peace. Knowing this, choose your words with love and care. Your ability to move mountains will arrive midweek. Everything happens for a reason; the answers for which you are looking will arrive at week’s end. Your finances will improve immensely.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19)—An opportunity to change home or career will arrive this late winter or early spring, and you’re beginning to make the contacts for this to happen. Listen carefully to what’s not being said, and read between the lines. The clues to a long-standing mystery are arriving shortly. Enjoy putting the puzzle pieces together.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)—Romance may have taken a little sabbatical, but now it is back in full force. Enjoy this time bringing new emotional elements into the mix. Your significant other or a new love interest is in the mood to play. Make sure you allow plenty of time for this to develop. Next week, it’s back to the grindstone.

Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20)—It may feel as though the more you try to make something right, the more complicated it becomes. Maybe this time you need to just worry about your own heart and mind and let everyone else fend for themselves. Your feelings are just as valid as the next person. If another cannot recognize this, find someone who can.

For an extended astrological forecast or psychic consultation, contact Denise at (815) 398-3983.

From the Dec. 8-14, 2010 issue