CAPRICORN (December 22 or 23 to January 20 or 21). Difficult days come on Jan. 5, 6, 12-14, and 20 and 21. Smoother sailing comes on January 3, 4, 7-9, 17, 18, 22, 23, and 30 and 31. Weirdly transitional times are January 7, 14, 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 26 to 28.

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: Venus in your sign – again! How great. Happy birthday! Spend the money, have the fun, expect resistance or amusing interruptions from Taurus, Leo, and Aquarius. The middle two weeks of the month are excellent for communication, particularly January 17 to 22.