Your horoscope for the week ahead: The third quarter moon in Virgo will fuel your drive to succeed

There's power in vulnerability. You'll be wise to remember that when sensual Venus enters mystifying Scorpio on Monday, bringing a new sense of intensity to our relationships. Over the next three and a half weeks of this transit, we're called to reject superficial and mundane interactions in favour of embracing intimacy. This is a beautiful moment to investigate your feelings and engage in all things transformative.

Later on Monday (or early Tuesday for those in Central and Atlantic Canada), the instinct-ruling moon will wane into her third quarter in perfectionist Virgo, and you could start to feel more driven to succeed. But with the moon squaring fiery Mars on the same day, the key will be finding a healthy way to express your feelings. This emotionally charged aspect can cause tempers to flare; instead of lashing out, try to channel your energy into gathering the information you need to make informed decisions. 

While the moon could leave us feeling a bit irritable, a happy trine between romantic Venus and refined Saturn will give us the chance to smooth things over later on Tuesday. When these planets work together, they help us put our best foot forward in any social situation. If you've been wanting to take on more responsibility at work, this is the time to show everyone what you're made of. If you're single, this could also be a prime opportunity to take a chance on love.

Then, on Wednesday, we could find ourselves in the mood for a little escapism as dreamy Neptune stations direct in imaginative Pisces. While this surge of optimistic energy may feel intoxicating at first, it's essential that we avoid losing ourselves in a fantasy world. Mistaking your illusions for reality could have very real consequences, so do your best to stay grounded. You may find it helpful to refocus your attention on uplifting the people around you. 

Finally, when money-ruling Venus opposes abundant Jupiter on Saturday, we must be extra mindful of our impulses. It may feel difficult to resist the temptation to splurge during this time, but becoming more aware of your urges can help you save your hard-earned cash and avoid making any regrettable decisions. Remind yourself of your true priorities as these planets face off.

Here is your horoscope for the week of Monday, December 4, 2023.

Aries

Consider how you approach your relationships, Aries. By being more open and vulnerable with people, you can encourage your bonds to grow and even create new ones. Seize your chance to do just that as Venus moves into Scorpio at the start of this week. Forging deeper connections with the people you care for most could prove to be particularly rewarding during this period. Meanwhile, if you've been looking to elevate your daily routines, this could be a good time to start integrating some practices that'll add new skills to your repertoire. Take 10 minutes each day to immerse yourself in an activity that stimulates your brain. 

Taurus

Get ready to collaborate, Taurus. Starting now, and continuing over the next few weeks, you could find yourself in the mood to work more directly with others. Perhaps this will motivate you to dive into some new passion projects with people you trust. Or, if you're single, this energy might inspire you to reconsider someone you've previously overlooked. Meanwhile, your social calendar could present you with an abundance of opportunities to make colourful new connections. From now through the coming months, challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and get to know people who have the potential to enrich your worldview. 

Gemini

Does it feel like you've been traversing tumultuous waters lately when it comes to your career, Gemini? You'll be happy to hear that there are hidden opportunities lying within the chaos that are just waiting to be claimed. This week, be ready to write your own story, and avoid letting others dictate your next professional move. Meanwhile, you may find yourself becoming extra attuned to the needs of others and feeling eager to put on your problem-solving hat to help sort things out for your loved ones. Just try not to overextend yourself, particularly on the weekend, as neglecting your own needs could leave you feeling emotionally drained.

Cancer

Embrace your innate softness, Cancer. As Venus moves into Scorpio for the next few weeks, you may start to feel a swell of compassion, love and creativity coming over you. Consider how you can channel this into your relationships with others to strengthen those bonds. If you're single, this beautiful period might even help draw exciting new love interests into your sphere. No matter your relationship status, if you've got holiday parties to attend this weekend, remember that practising a little restraint can add to your mystique. Try leaving something to the imagination. 

Leo

This is an ideal week to stay in when you can, Leo. Prioritizing your loved ones and time spent at home will leave you feeling centred and reinvigorated — and could even shine a new light on your professional aspirations. As you kick back with your nearest and dearest, be sure to contemplate how you may be able to refocus your career goals in a way that enriches your personal life. This week could also be an excellent moment to embrace some healthier habits when it comes to your spending and saving. Making a few key adjustments to your budget now could have major benefits in the long run. 

Virgo

You're all about the bottom line, Virgo. So when it comes to your finances, try to practise a little thriftiness over the next three weeks. This doesn't mean you have to shy away from talking about your assets; casual conversations could even reveal fresh money-saving ideas or deals that'll help you grow your wealth. Meanwhile, you may start to notice a few shifts in your relationships as the people in your life start to carve out more room to be themselves. Remember that offering your loved ones the freedom to express their desires and ambitions has the potential to bring inspiring new ideas to the table.

Libra

The grass is always greener, Libra. Keep this in mind if, over the next three weeks, you feel driven to upgrade your possessions or make a professional move to increase your earning potential. After all, do you really have room in your budget for these extra expenses or the bandwidth for a more demanding career? Consider the contentment that comes with appreciating what you already have. On the domestic front, you may need to remind yourself that habits can evolve. While you've had the opportunity to build some powerful routines lately, it's important to be open to making alterations that make sense for your lifestyle.

Scorpio

Go ahead and pamper yourself, Scorpio. With beauty-ruling Venus travelling through your sign, it's an ideal time to invest in your appearance and cultivate your public persona. If you're single, these confidence-boosting practices could even lead you to a new romance, or, at the very least, arm you with the courage to speak your mind in a crowded room. Meanwhile, partnered Scorpios could find they're in the mood to shower their partner with gifts and little luxuries, particularly over the weekend. Instead of spending all your hard-earned cash, think about how you can show your love through open communication and active listening. 

Sagittarius

Simply daydreaming about your ideal life won't get you any closer to achieving it, Sagittarius. So this week, take some time to contemplate — and write down — how you might tackle some of your short-term goals. It's essential that you really think things through. Meanwhile, you'll want to keep a close eye on domestic matters, as important details could get lost in the shuffle if you're not careful. If you're currently planning a big move or mulling alterations to a shared space, make sure that you're on the same page with your loved ones or family members before you break any ground. Keeping an active to-do list will help you rest easy.   

Capricorn

So often, it's not what you know but who you know, Capricorn. And from now through the next three weeks, your professional and personal networks have the potential to not only enrich your career but possibly even reframe your attitude toward work in general. So don't hesitate to fill up your social calendar, and connect with people who share your interests and celebrate your talents. Meanwhile, you could feel compelled to express your softer side a bit more, particularly toward the middle of the week. Enjoy discussing the beauty, mysteries and illusions of life with the people you trust.

Aquarius

Are you willing to share some of your trade secrets, Aquarius? Think about all the tips and tricks that have become second nature to you over the span of your career; they could be especially helpful to others in your professional world from now through the coming weeks. On the financial front, if you've been especially strict with your budget over the past few months, you could find you're ready to release some of the pressure you've been putting on yourself. Allow yourself to explore alternative options, but continue to be mindful of where you invest your hard-earned cash. 

Pisces

You're a sensitive soul with a lot of passion for your work, Pisces. So if a loved one offers constructive criticism regarding one of your creative projects at the start of the week, you could be tempted to lash out. Instead, do your best to practise restraint. Taking some extra time to process your emotions before responding will help you avoid saying something you'll regret. Meanwhile, if your spirit has felt a bit heavy over the past few months, don't hesitate to indulge in a little escapism. This is a beautiful moment to connect with your imagination and explore new worlds.