CANCER (June 22 or 23 to July 22 or 23). Difficult days come on January 5, 6, 20, 21, 27, and 28. Smoother sailing comes on Jan. 3, 4, 8, 9, 17, 18, 22, 23, and 31. Weirdly transitional times are January 7, 19, and 26.

And remember: "Difficult" can also mean "challenging, abundant with opportunity, interesting, and a risk-taker’s delight!"

The moon is in your sun sign on January 12 to 14.

Yes, I do list the days the moon is in your sun sign as both Difficult and Smooth – it’s up to you, but figure those two days basically provide a "blueprint" for the next month’s activities. People and projects that emerge then get larger play in your life over the next 28 or so days.

The big picture in a nutshell: This is the halfway point to your year – a time when you may feel as though you’re treading water (and, even with all those crabby legs, there’s a lot of water to tread). You’re actually in a situation where you could make things much smoother for the fixed signs (Taurus and Scorpio particularly, also Leo and Aquarius). The general vibe is about conservation of energy rather than expenditure, and since you’re basically a conservative sign (despite a romantic streak wider than the Mississippi), you’ll be happier in your comfort zone — whether this means having the chair that’s turned away from the crowd at the restaurant, or being the host rather than the guest.