LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
A series of eclipses on the Capricorn/Cancer axis, which began in 2008, will complete its three-year cycle in 2011. These eclipses touched through your first house of self-love and independence, and your seventh house of committed relationships. You may have felt pulled to and fro between the two extremes, and not always in a comfortable way. Moments of dramatic independence followed the overwhelming urge to merge. You’ve wanted true love, but at what cost? The fear of losing your identity might have left you gun-shy about committing to a special someone.

On January 4, the final solar eclipse in Capricorn grounds you firmly in your individuality. You don’t have to worry about melding into an amorphous blob of coupledom anymore. The relationship that’s right for you is one of “interdependence,” where you and your S.O. come together as two whole people uniting out of choice (rather than two incomplete halves searching desperately outside yourselves for balance).

If you’ve been treating your sweetie like your Svengali, this eclipse will break the spell. No more putting him up on a pedestal. Can the relationship withstand this new level of equality? You’ll need to test the waters, and there may be some waves. It may take until the corresponding full moon in Capricorn on July 14 to get things flowing along.

If you’re single, this January 4 eclipse might even prompt you to take a dating hiatus, in the name of regaining your equilibrium. Pause from the frenetic searching or the constant questioning (“Is he The One? Or is he The One?) and reaffirm your self-worth. On January 22, Jupiter shifts into Aries, your fourth house of roots, helping you hold your own in the face of a strong attraction. You may feel a bit more guarded about who you let into your intimate space at this point. Jupiter will remain in this position in your chart until June 4, helping you make more mindful choices in your love life. Yes, that might mean relationships take longer to get off the ground, but the slower pace will also help you build a true connection ... or help you screen out the Mr. Wrongs before you’ve slipped off your thong.

Putting down roots is a big theme of the year, although it could take you a little time to get settled. Erratic Uranus enters Aries, your domestic fourth house, on March 11 — a phase that will last for seven years. You’ll have to be flexible with those nesting instincts. How can you create the cozy, couple-y vibe in a more mobile way? Your life (or your sweetie’s) may demand traveling, or living in multiple destinations. You could fall in love with someone whose family lives hundreds (or even thousands) of miles away. Who will you visit over the holidays? How will you balance your close connection to your family with the demands of a partner’s relatives? This is going to take some serious strategizing in 2011.

This Uranus phase also affects motherhood. A surprise pregnancy could be one of the gifts this year brings, but you may feel quite freaked out about it at first. Breathe, Capricorn, breathe. You can handle this, but you’ll need to stop your anxious, security-oriented mind from spiraling too far into the future. Take it one trimester at a time. If you already have children, they may demand more from you after March 11, acting out or rebelling to get attention. Creating a safe space for them is essential. Don’t assume that you know what that is. Listen to what they’re saying ... as well as what they’re not saying. They need you to be a grounding, consistent force for them to lean on.

On July 1, the final solar eclipse in Cancer and your seventh house of partnerships could bring a rewarding new opening in your love life. After three years of jolting experiences and radical shifts in your love life, you’re finally able to find some peace. Listen to your heart near this day. A bold leap can revolutionize your world, and you’re so ready for this. Dive in all the way with that special someone you’ve kept at a distance, or summon the courage to break things off if you’re clear that you and your boo have irreconcilable differences. It will be onward and upward from there.

Although this may sound counterintuitive, the more self-sufficient you are in 2011, the richer your romantic life will be. You’re a traditionalist at heart, Capricorn (although your sign does age in reverse, getting more youthful as the years pass), but the cookie-cutter gender roles don’t apply this year. With Jupiter and Uranus in Aries (your fourth house of motherhood) and Saturn in Libra (your 10th house of fatherhood), you’ll find yourself spanning the range of gender stereotypes. Sometimes you’re “the girl” in the relationship, and sometimes you feel like the dude. Consider this a gift: You’ll get to experience the fullness of your own potential instead of being limited by hunter-gatherer roles that haven’t made much sense since the end of the Industrial Age.

On June 4, Jupiter kicks off a yearlong tour of your romantic, passionate fifth house, making you lucky in love. This is a time for dressing up, dating, falling head over heels in love, and basically living the “honeymoon phase” to the max. With Jupiter retrograde from August 30 to December 25, this may involve a partner from the past. It’s also a giant window of opportunity for rekindling the sparks in a relationship that’s become a bit dull and conventional. Socializing and celebrating as a couple may seem odd at first, but once you loosen up, you’ll find new ways to be wild together again.

Since Jupiter rules travel, you might get your groove back while on vacation. Don’t rule out long-distance relationships, either. The miles between you and your loved one don’t have to be a detriment to your bond if you plan your time wisely. You’re going to be spending so much time working on yourself this year that you may not even notice the time you spend apart.

WORK & MONEY
As the year opens up, you may find yourself gazing at a somewhat daunting gap between where you currently are and where you’d like to be. Let it sink in. This is part of being a visionary and a leader. There’s always a higher place to climb to, but in 2011 you will have to be patient with the process.

A solar eclipse on January 4 gets you fired up about your personal ambitions, and may even bring a sudden career opportunity your way. Part of you will feel ready to dive in with both feet; another part of you may wonder, Am I really up for the task? There’s a learning curve ahead, so if you do accept this offer, you’ll want to manage people’s expectations. It could take a good six months for you to get your bearings and really start making things happen. Make sure there’s room in the timeline for you to orient yourself — otherwise, the pressure of this position could become unbearable.

As a Capricorn, career fulfillment is a top priority for you in this lifetime. You know that your rightful place is at the top of the pyramid, and you can get frustrated when you’re not at least close to the upper echelons. Grit your teeth and steel your resolve. The next phase of your ascension is going to take a bit longer than you’d like it to. Since July 22, 2010, your ruling planet, Saturn, has been planted in Libra, your 10th house of professional prestige. Saturn is like a personal trainer and career coach in one, forcing you to go outside your comfort zone so you can arrive at that corner office with full confidence and personal integrity intact.

You’re up to big things in 2011, which will require a solid plan of action. Saturn won’t let you cut corners or skip steps (not that you’d dream of such a thing), so embrace the journey instead of fixating on the end result. Working with a powerful male (even your own father or another male relative) could be part of this package. Learn all you can from him, and let him open doors for you when you’re ready. His contact database is an asset to you, but you’ll have to earn his trust before you can ask him to set you up with his peeps.

Some Capricorns may find themselves thrust into the role of the boss, especially near the solar eclipse on January 4 and the Capricorn full moon on July 14. While you’re normally right at home being in charge, Saturn may throw a few extra curveballs your way. Managing your staff will require a more personalized touch, and you’ll have to look beyond goals, mission statements, metrics and sales quotas if you want to bring out people’s best. Your all-business, results-producing attitude could alienate the team. Lighten up, Queen Bee. With Jupiter and Uranus in your nurturing fourth house, you’ll catch more drones with honey than you will with vinegar.

If you’re looking for new work opportunities, a home-based business may serve you well, especially in the first half of 2011 while both lucky Jupiter and Uranus are in your domestic sector. While network-marketing models can be tough to get off the ground, you are one sign who might have the mojo to pull it off. Find a product that you believe in, one that is actually useful to your community of friends. Enlisting a team to be part of your sales network will be easier than you think, especially if you are working primarily with women and gay men. This may involve selling household products, or items that make it easier for people to feel at home while on the go.

The child-care and teaching fields may also appeal to you, and getting certified to work with kids could be a solid way to bring in income. You’re the zodiac’s “father sign,” but that doesn’t mean you lack a nurturing touch. Many great teachers are Capricorns, as you have the ability to guide with coolheaded wisdom and inspire kids to reach their highest potential.

Between January 22 and June 4, lucky Jupiter will be touring your fourth house of real estate, indicating that a sale or purchase of property could turn out to be quite lucrative (yes, even in “today’s economy”). This is also a powerful time for building your nest egg. See what happens if you cut back on expenses and start putting away a bit extra each week. By the summer, you could have amassed a nice lump sum to invest in something that will bring you even more money down the line.

Renting out a piece of property (while you live in a downsized space) could also pad your income, but screen those renters with the utmost care. Neptune could cause some shady people to cross your path between April 4 and August 4. Although they appear to be upright citizens, don’t judge on image alone. You’ll also have to watch out for slick salespeople during this Neptune phase. If you’re not in the market for a time-share, don’t go to the free presentation. You’re going to find it hard to say no. Of course, if the time-share is in a place you visit frequently (and know friends who do too), it might turn out to be that rental property that you can make some extra bucks from on the side.

If you’re unemployed, lucky days to get your resume out there are June 1, June 15 and December 10. Gemini eclipses light up your sixth house of work on those days, bringing lightning-fast opportunities. Don’t be shy about making a follow-up call to a prospective client or employer. Timing is everything, and the stars will be aligned in your favor on these days.

On November 11, motivator Mars enters Virgo, the ruler of your entrepreneurial ninth house. Generally, Mars stays in one sign for eight weeks, but in this case, it will tour Virgo for a rare seven-month spell. This is the perfect time to work on a new business idea or branch out to an international division of the company you work for. Long-distance clients may bring you the prosperity you’re looking for. Cast a wider net with your job search, as the right opportunity for you might be miles away from home. Welcome to the Information Age, Capricorn. With a web cam, you can hold meetings with your outsourcing partners in India, and perhaps prove that author Timothy Ferriss is not the only person who can actually pull off a four-hour workweek.

HEALTH & WELLNESS
On January 22, Jupiter moves into your fourth house, turning the focus to your eating habits. Jupiter expands your appetite, making you susceptible to adding some extra padding around the waistline this winter. Even if you have the metabolism of a lynx, you still need to pay attention to what you’re shoveling into your mouth. Food affects mood. You don’t need to be on a sugar-induced roller-coaster ride, crashing and burning every few hours.

You’re the zodiac’s workaholic, so your morning ritual may begin with turning on the computer and the coffee machine, getting sucked into e-mail, and then dashing out the door without breakfast. Time to change that routine. Skipping meals slows metabolism, not to mention your brainpower. Keep on hand a steady supply of instant oatmeal or other healthy, quick-fix morning meals.

You’re no stranger to the organic grocery store, and many Capricorns are the first on their block to become vegetarians or macrobiotic foodies. Make sure you’re getting the right balance of nutrients for your body type. One size does not fit all when it comes to healthy eating.

On June 1, June 15 and December 10, eclipses in your health sector could exacerbate aches and pains. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep near these days. You want to keep your immune system strong and your mind alert to avoid accidents and mishaps.

With your ruling planet, Saturn, in your 10th house, this is a great year to train for a marathon, one day at a time. You could make massive strides in your athletic ability by putting in a consistent effort over time. Check out “Couch To 5K” if you’re a beginner, for ideas on easy daily steps that will get you into running shape.

Emotional eating tends to take hold if you don’t deal with stress. You could add some pounds in the first half of the year if you try to hold it all in, push yourself too hard at work, or attempt to keep up with a public image instead of admitting that you are struggling. Assembling a good support network of female friends is a must.

HOW TO MAKE THIS THE YEAR OF YOU
Your 2011 Mantra: Home Is Where the Heart Is
This year, feeling “at home” takes on a broader meaning as you grow more and more comfortable in your own skin. Although location does count for something, you’re learning how to carry that inviting, nurturing space with you wherever you go. You’re also growing as a leader, and you’ll have the unique opportunity to provide a sense of shelter and peace for others. You’re also learning how to let go of your traditional security blankets and expand into feeling safe whether you’re on the road or tucked into your own bed.