VIRGO (August 24-September 22/23). Difficult days come on Jan. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24-26, and 30 and 31. Smoother sailing comes on January 7-9, 12, 13, 17, 18, 22, 23, and 27. Weirdly transitional times are January 9, 19, and 24.

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 17 to 19.

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: If you want it, romance is all your choice this month, as Venus and Mars in Capricorn and Taurus are getting cozier and cozier as the month continues, with particularly potent chemistry January 18 to 25. If you’re not doing something fantastically pleasurable, then you should be chagrined – the stars are all about getting you into a Midsummer-Night’s-Dream zone of enchantment. Overall, though, steer clear of Taurus, Leo, Aquarius, and Scorpio (in that order), as they’re getting major pressure from other planets and will not look kindly at people pointing out trivia.