my year-in horoscope ..

Overview: Oh, big playful Leo -- how the last couple of years have been dramatic (and often less than kind) for you! There's little doubt that whatever you've gone through in the last year, the uppers have fueled your inherent charm and lovability, and the downers have gotten a little ignored. That's one of the problems with being a Leo: you can be so sunny that no one notices the rainy days. Mars in your sign this spring is going to give you newfound energy and motivation to really get things done your way, and the summer will bring new opportunities to express yourself.
   
    The challenges will be slowly changing from big drama to smaller, more manageable issues. You've probably been too busy taking care of others to really take care of yourself lately, but 2010 marks a new direction in taking yourself seriously, and taking care of yourself with the due diligence and concern you usually reserve for others. Don't think of it as becoming inwardly-focused; think of it as doing the necessary maintenance on yourself so you can do a better job of letting your light shine for others.

    Life is going to be taking a turn for the philosophical in the next year. All of the noise and confusion of the last year may have made you neglect your Higher Self; that too should be a part of your personal care regimen. This year is going to provide ample opportunities for you to get caught up on your spiritual homework. And, unlike regular homework, you'll probably feel like there's a point to doing it!

Romantic: The money may not have always been in place in the last year, but one way or another your romantic life has undoubtedly seen some opportunities and some challenges -- with a likely emphasis on the 'challenges' part. Pluto has finally moved out of your Fun and Games House, and this will undoubtedly bring a greater sense of stability to your pleasurable and romantic pursuits. If what you are seeking is a new relationship, there will be plenty of opportunities from April to June, when both Venus and Mars will be working to your advantage. Don't be surprised if you receive more than your usual share of sidelong glances and unexpected invitations during this time.
   
    If you are in a more committed relationship, the long slow transit of Neptune will continue to make things a little unclear. You may very well find yourself looking at your partner through rose-colored glasses. Admittedly, a little of that sort of thing is necessary at times. But be cautious of flare-ups in November and December: the usual holiday pressures appear to be applying to your connection to your loved ones more than the usual financial strain.

Career: The last two years of your work life have seen some pretty significant pressures, and congratulations -- you survived them! In all likelihood, this has been because of conditions that are completely out of your control. Fortunately, 2010 will be the year that you can finally feel that your career path is squarely back in your hands. General economic conditions will be improving for you, and you'll be receiving greater recognition for your efforts.

   July through September will see new opportunities for you to move up the ladder in your current career path, or possibly branch out into a new position or a new field altogether. Warm up your resume and get it circulating -- even in fields of work that may be feeling the economic pinch, the unexpected is likely to turn up and will likely be a good thing.

   The most important financial news in 2010 is -- get ready to breathe a big sigh of relief -- that Saturn has finally ended its two-year transit of your Money House. It's probably felt like an uphill struggle during this time, with more time and effort being spent bailing water out of the economic boat rather than actually being able to get anywhere. Fortunately, you are done with all that now. Things that in the recent past have cost you money are likely to stop, and the same amount of effort made towards economic independence will get you twice the results you've been used to. August through October in particular will bring improved financial circumstances.