2012 Libra Forecast

Karma chameleon

by Rick Levine and Jeff Jawer

• 2012 Libra General Forecast
• 2012 Libra Love Forecast
• 2012 Libra Career Forecast

Your road hasn't been easy since Saturn the Taskmaster entered your sign on Oct. 29, 2009. You may have already run into your share of setbacks -- and there could be more difficulties ahead -- but your sincerity and consistent hard work should pay off, because karmic Saturn gives you what you earn. There's no time to waste complaining or feeling sorry for yourself. Instead, push through any negativity by meeting challenges and fulfilling your responsibilities. Although Saturn can reveal where you have failed or areas of your life that need serious attention, it also demonstrates where you are on the right track and fully rewards your efforts. Since sobering Saturn remains in social Libra and your 1st House of Personality until Oct. 5, you may be less likely to fritter away your time by playing the role of the host or hostess, unless taking care of others also brings you tangible benefits. In the long run, it's better for those you love if you organize your life now in a way that will allow you to give of yourself more freely over the years to come. Saturn's entry into possessive Scorpio and your 2nd House of Personal Resources on Oct. 5 will thankfully relieve the pressure. Hold on to what is most important to you and let go of the rest. Shift gears and build on what you've already started to better establish yourself in the world.

Handling money is another key issue this year, with responsible Saturn in your 2nd House of Self-Esteem until Oct. 5. This transit also reminds you to treat yourself kindly and to maintain an emotional balance that acknowledges your strengths as much as your weaknesses. You gain the confidence and status you need to succeed when you're respected and your opinions are listened to. The importance of social graces cannot be overstated. All the hard work and expertise in the world may not compensate for an inability to express yourself well. If you're uncomfortable making small talk with strangers or speaking to large groups, investing in a class to improve your communication skills is an excellent idea. Venus, the charming ruler of your 2nd house, retrogrades in your 10th House of Career from May 15 until June 27. On the positive side, this can reconnect you with someone from your past who can benefit you professionally, or revive a talent that's been dormant. However, complex interactions with others can make your job more difficult. Repairing relationships starts when you demonstrate flexibility and a friendly attitude that's open to new and different points of view.

Meanwhile, Uranus the Awakener continues a seven-year visit to your 7th House of Companions. Unusual characters enter your life while you find freedom from controlling partners or stagnant relationships. Other people and shifting circumstances may have already begun to shake up your life, because unpredictable Uranus has been in your 7th house since March 11, 2011. However, it's likely that your attraction to the avant-garde will continue to grow as a result of your desire to break out of established patterns. When you take more risks and live closer to the edge of unconventionality, you can actually reduce the likelihood of unexpected surprises. Nevertheless, profound changes in the way you interact with others will make an indelible mark on your personal world as Uranus forms dynamic squares with evolutionary Pluto in your 4th House of Roots on June 24 and Sept. 19 in a series of aspects that recur five more times through March 2015.