DogberryÍs unlinked diatribe about untruths is an amusing way of reminding ourselves that the holiday season is coming up. Mercury starts a little Retrograde action on December 23, just to let you know. Sort of sets a tone for the holiday season. Get that shopping done early.

In the Pagan calendar, itÍs both the Winter Solstice and Yule time, so get ready for some action-packed holiday cheer to close the year.

Aries [3/21-4/19]: IÍd bet that youÍre just not a ñwinterî type of person. Nope, if youÍre like most Aries, you like the warmer climates, or, a climate where the seasons change only a little. Changes in seasons is what is going on this month, too, because pesky old Saturn is doing an about face (finally), and your world begins to feel a little better. Actually, you feel better. "Holidays 1996" is going to be a special time for you. Look for some new fishing lures which can double as tree ornaments this year.

Taurus [4/20-5/20]: If it wasnÍt the turkey which did you in last month, then it probably will be the turkeys who do you in this month. Look for some drastic changes in your financial condition, and this doesnÍt have to mean all bad stuff, either. It could foretell of a coming event where you receive lots of money. In fact, you are virtually assured of a pay increase provided you donÍt blow it. The Holiday Season brings lots of cheer like a nice new electric blanket for the trailer.

Gemini [5/21-6/20]: Dogberrry is just your kind of a guy as the stories about Xmas and various versions all proliferate. Nothing surprising here: look for a few good surprises under the old Yule log this month. And remember you Sagittarius brethren.

Cancer [6/21-7/22]: The good news is that itÍs the Bubba half birthday. So all you Cancers can celebrate your half birthday this month. The bad news is there is a major pile up of planets in the opposite sign, and that pile up will make you squirm. Sort of like being stuck on I-35 during rush hour. And while you're at it, donÍt forget the Xmas packages on the way to the airport this year.

Leo [7/23-8/22]: Look for a few good surprises under the old Yule log. Every time you turn around, whether itÍs at the office or at a party, you will find that there are a few good surprises for you. In fact, this is the month to feel like Midas, and IÍm not talking about mufflers, either. You will have the golden touch these days. As always, Mighty Leo, Party On!

Virgo [8/23-9/22]: Work with me on this association: energy is to holidays like Mr. Mars (the planet) is to cars.... do you see a new set of car keys as a stocking stuffer? No? Then the astrological fish finder might be a little out of focus. But you should be experiencing some good transportation "karma" this month. While I can't promise a new truck, or the keys to a new truck, in your stocking this year, I expect to hear from a few Virgo's who do get a new vehicular gift this season.

Libra [9/23-10/22]: You will hear some good news later this month, even though Mercury is headed for a tailspin. I would look forward to a certain amount of time in a vacation paradise, wherever that might be for you lucky Libra types. Your on private vacation paradise, of course, may vary from Libra to Libra, but it will be a good time for you to "get away from it all" and enjoy the holiday spirit elsewhere.

Scorpio [10/23-11/21]: Remember your Sagittarius offspring this month (hi Mom) as you find sweet Venus making her rounds of the night sky, bringing the Scorpio a nice little shot of cool, delicate harmony. Like an Xmas carol. Venus will help spread calm and tranquility on what has been troubled Scorpio waters. Relax and make an effort to get into the holiday spirit.

Sagittarius [11/22-12/21]: If it didnÍt get you last month, whatever ñitî is, it will get you this month. There is an unfortunate event which occurs right after the Sun leaves Sagittarius. A little planet called Mercury is going to upset all of your holiday cheer, if you let the planet get in the way. Watch what you say as the holiday season unfolds. And look for a few good surprises under the old Xmas tree thing. Things should be heating up nicely for the lucky sign of the Archer this month.

Capricorn [12/22-1/19]: Look for a few upsetting surprises as the Winter Solstice draws near. This marks the beginning of Capricorn, and it also marks a time when the days finally start to get a little longer. But for the last remaining weeks of 1996, you do have that pesky planet Mercury to deal with. And with Mercury Retrograde, get prepared for some unsettling changes. or some unsettling lack of change, as the case may be.

Aquarius [1/20-2/18]: Speaking of surprises under the old Yule tree, there seem to be a few events this month which leave you a little more unstable than usual. YouÍve got to confront some demons from Christmas Past in order to get on with the Christmas Present. Lest this sound too much like a Christmas Story, let me just remind you, this is from the planets, not a 17th Century hack.

Pisces [2/19-3/20]: I hope that this holiday season finds you in good cheer. You are supposed to be the center of attention at the parties this season. I hate to sound like a coach, but remember that I told you this news first, now get out there and play!