MINERVA LOOKS AHEAD

As 2010 slips gracefully into retirement, 2011 zips forward on a positive note as planets gather in responsible Capricorn. The vibes couldn't be better for New Year's Resolutions. Jupiter-Mr. Lucky-divides himself this year, spending the first six months with pioneering Aries before moving on to determined (but also pleasure-loving) Taurus. Meanwhile Saturn, the heavy duty disciplinarian, remains firmly planted in Libra. All of us will feel these planetary influences in our lives.

ARIES (March 20-April 19)
Jupiter, Director of Expansion, poises to take up residence in your sign. Jupe supplies laughter, enthusiasm and generosity. He's a kind of cosmic Santa Claus who prompts you learn new things, meet new people, get involved and go boldly where you've never gone before. The new moon in your sign April 3 offers one of the greatest decision making opportunities of your life. Expect to reap the benefits Oct. 11.

TAURUS(April 20-May 20)
You just know something wonderful is about to happen. Suddenly you're antsy, an eager understudy waiting in the wings. Fortunately, patience is a Taurus virtue. The networking you do-spiritually and professionally-pays off this summer. Don't go getting your undies all in a bunch, your time begins around June and lasts six fabulous months. Expect clarification May 3, then a decision about you. You'll reap the benefits come Nov. 10 when the lunar eclipse lights up your sign.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
The past year was a great for you, professionally at least. Recent connections loom large in months to come. The old "it's not what you know but who" stuff. The warming trend continues through May. Expect Gemini wordsmithing techniques to play a part. Hopefully, you've found the niche for which you've been striving. As your birthday approaches, be alert for new opportunities. Make important decisions June 1-prep time for a grand gala Dec. 10.

CANCER (June 21-July 21)
2011 begins with that lucky old Sun beaming on your partnership house. At least one resolution should be about making a good thing better. Circle Jan. 19 on the calendar: the day you finally decide what you're going to be when you grow up. The good news is that Jupiter is poised to make waves in your fame house for six months. After that, friends and colleagues rally on your behalf. A dream or two comes true. Make a big deal decision July 1 and expect to be in a better place this time next year.

LEO (July 22-August 22)
Perspective, as well as knowledge, comes to you through travel or at least advanced study in the next six months, though personal communications are iffy. You'll need to evaluate an intimate alliance and its impact on your future. What may evolve is a new lifestyle possibly in another country. Your image becomes increasingly important as 2011 progresses and you step into the limelight. The decision you make on July 30 can dramatically shape your life for the better. The full moon blasts your sign Feb. 18 bringing clarification.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
A significant alliance (personal or professional) has entered your life in recent months. Or, if it hasn't-it soon will. In other words, if you're not already involved, here comes capital L life to shake you up. What begins now only grows more so. Perhaps you'll borrow money to make a dream come true. If anyone can handle that, it's you. Expect 2011 to be a year of adventure and new experience. Circle March 19, the night you learn why you've become a different person. On Aug. 28, follow through on a project that fell by the wayside. It can fly now.

LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct. 22)
Where has the fun gone? You may well ask. Saturn, Dean of Students, head of the Department of Walls, Boundaries and Rules, has been sitting in your sign for sooooooo long. What to say, except that you're learning lessons. Relationships decisions made during the full moon in your sign (April 17) and again on Sept. 27 can effect your entire life. Nurture yourself, Lib, take yourself seriously but don't beat yourself up. This is a time for enlightened self interest.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov.21)
Lucky Jupiter mentors you for the next six months, demanding that you get health and fitness issues squared away and address life's nitty-gritty issues. Give it your best shot, because from then on you're ready to run away to romance. You may think this unlikely but wait and see what 2011 has in store for you. Make a long term goal decision May 17 and watch it pay off big time by Oct. 26.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 20)
The first six months of 2011 underscores your playfulness. Come June 15, the lunar eclipse drives your Saj optimism. You'll respond by scheduling a trip or other exotic adventure. Then its back to business but with a creative flair. Unexpected changes work to your advantage. You'll love it! Come Nov. 25, when the new moon embraces the sun in your sign, you'll have reason to be thankful. Make a decision about you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 19)
Home is where your heart is as you go merrily about refurbishing houses, mending fences and parents, canning peaches, joining the PTA, etc. Sound hohum? You won't think so when June brings a sudden urge to PARTY! Come fall, you'll not only have new young energy in your life-very possibly a lover-but a hobby or creative interest that takes off big time. Make a decision about you on Jan. 4. and expect to reap the results July 15.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.17)
Opportunities to make a name for yourself abound through the first six months of 2011. The backup arrives Jan. 15 when Mars marches into your sign adding authority to personal communications. (Know it's there, but don't overdo it!) Make a highly important decision when the fateful new moon touches down Feb. 2 and expect to see its culmination Aug. 13 when the eclipsed full moon explodes in your sign.

PISCES (Feb. 18-March 19)
2011 thrust you into the limelight in some unexpected manner. As the world turns, your private drama expands farther. Look for a dream to literally come true this month. Come March 4, make a decision about money and expect to see the pay off around Sept. 10. In the meantime, beginning in June, expect to enjoy luck and expansion where personal communications are concerned. Phone, fax, blog.