Overview

Life expands in more than one area in 2011 as your patron planet Jupiter whips through two signs in the zodiac. You’ll enjoy the thrill of the chase from January to June, when the challenge of competition inspires you to set new goals for yourself. After June, take time to enjoy the moment as an earthy influence helps you focus on practicalities and the sensual side of life. With a dual focus, your naturally gregarious nature helps you enjoy current experiences for what they are, then, when they are done, easily move on to whatever is next.

The two areas of life Jupiter triggers this year include your creativity and children zone (discussed below) and your health, wellness and daily routines sector. From June 5, you can expect your everyday schedule to almost burst at the seams. Opportunities to do more — both at work and relating to your hobbies — keep you hopping from morning to night. Staying on top of physical and mental health is important, so as life gets busier, don’t neglect your exercise and healthy eating rituals. Jupiter rules the liver and it pays to cut back on alcohol, sugar and fats while Jupiter transits the sixth house. Your only caution? Avoid the temptation to do it all! You are only one person. As amazing as some of the opportunities that come your way are now, you’ll burn out trying to accept everything. Focus on the opportunities that best fit your “big picture” priorities.

Love Goddess Venus romances your sign twice in 2011, from January 8 to February 5 and November 3 to 27. Venus helps you take a sweeter look at yourself, accepting your beauty in its uniqueness and helping improve your sense of self worth. As you get into the groove of loving who you are, it becomes easier to improve the quality of romantic relationships. Venus in your sign highlights the way you look and how you interact with others. Shopping and beauty experiences are hard to resist now, so treat yourself to a bit of pampering.

Communication planet Mercury has an extended stay in your sign this year and, from November 3 to January 8, 2012, you’re more curious than ever. Mercury creates mental buzz and you could find quieting your mind tricky through this time. Journal writing or extra time talking to mates helps you process the many thoughts and ideas whirring through your mind under Mercury’s stretched-out influence. While in your sign, Mercury retrogrades (moves backwards) from November 24 to December 14.

While the pressure may be on to finalise decisions and plans then, especially regarding relationships and career, it pays to slow down and take your time. Extra research is needed as things aren’t quite what they seem. You may experience foot-in-mouth disease or find others misunderstand your true intentions. Be prepared to repeat important conversations. Mercury retrograde is perfect for revising plans and rethinking choices. Once the retrograde is over, from mid-December, you’ll have all the facts you need to make fully informed decisions.