Dec. 21 is the winter solstice in Baltimore (summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere) and we experience the shortest day and longest night of the year. The annual Ursids meteor shower will happen on Dec. 21-22 and the sky should be dark enough to see the show. Dec. 23 is the new moon.

If you know your ascendant/rising sign, read the horoscope for that sign. Don’t know your rising sign? Use this free calculator. Once you do know your ascendant/rising sign, be sure to read that horoscope below!

Aries — On Monday, you are strategizing something big for later in the week. You are especially sensitive now, so check yourself to make sure that you aren’t overreacting. By Wednesday, you can barely contain yourself. You might be feeling rambunctious but do be mindful that all eyes are on you on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday you can show your appreciation for your friends and group associations in a meaningful way.

Taurus — You’ll be starting the week with partnerships and shared resources on your mind. Midweek, your intuition is in high gear and you deepen the bonds with the people closest to you. The weekend brings you beyond your cultural limits in every way. You see the universality of all belief systems and want to celebrate life with everyone. Sunday, you are brimming over with feelings and express yourself in a dramatic way.

Gemini — You start the week with work on your mind. Be mindful of your health while making sure that all of your obligations are being met. Midweek, you are focused on partnerships and shared resources. Friday and Saturday, you may be uncharacteristically quiet as you contemplate making changes in the way you present yourself. Sunday, be adventurous! You could get a chance to take part in celebrations that are unfamiliar to you.

Cancer — You are in a creative mood on Monday and could brighten the lives of children. Whatever you are doing, see the fun side of it. Midweek, you get your obligatory tasks out of the way so that you can spend some one-on-one time with the person closest to you on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, you become introspective. Recognize your own primal power and know that your ability to nurture can change everything.

Leo — You’d love to be warm and cozy at home on Monday, but even if you can arrange that, expect some disruptions. Midweek, you can have fun no matter what you are doing if you lighten up your attitude. On Friday and Saturday, give the gift of service to others. Take care of the details so that on Sunday you can enjoy some quality time with the person closest to you.

Virgo — Monday is the day for lots of messages, errands, pickups and deliveries. Your daily routine may be a little more hectic than usual. Midweek, take care of business at home. This is a good time to get in touch with your family. Friday and Saturday, do something festive and fun. Spread cheer to the children in your life. Sunday could be demanding, with many detailed tasks and self-assignments getting your attention.

Libra — Monday has you thinking about what makes you feel secure and safe. Beware of becoming too emotionally attached to your possessions. Midweek, you’ll be running lots of errands and might feel a little overwhelmed. Friday and Saturday are great days for having a warm gathering and welcoming people to your home. On Sunday, venture out into the world and have fun. Keep things light and act on any romantic impulses.

Scorpio — You start the week with an awareness of the need for freedom to be your whole self in your partnerships. Midweek, you take stock of your resources. Don’t fall prey to emotional spending, when it’s really love that you’re looking for. Focus on your own neighborhood and enjoy local happenings on Friday and Saturday. Sunday is a wonderful time to be close to your family and to be entertained at home.

Sagittarius — Monday, take some time for yourself to meditate and ruminate. The solstice on Wednesday brings a metamorphosis for you. You will be working on making yourself into exactly what you want to be. Friday and Saturday, you find that you are busy gathering the things around you that make you feel emotionally secure. Sunday, you’ll be busy with lots of communication and attention to the people closest to you.

Capricorn — Start the week by telling your friends that you love them. Midweek, you should spend some time alone, processing your dreams. On Friday and Saturday, the moon joins four planets in your sign, putting the focus on your self-image and how you want to be seen in the world. Healthy self-involvement is appropriate now, as long as you are considerate of others. On Sunday, you desire security above all.

Aquarius — You start the week thinking about your reputation and cannot help but openly express your feelings. Midweek, give yourself a pep talk and surround yourself with supportive friends. On Friday and Saturday, you will be very effective helping people who cannot help themselves. Physical effort or material generosity is required. On Sunday, you should send your requests out to the universe and know that you can manifest your heart’s desire.

Pisces — Monday puts you in the mood for adventure. Break your familiar routine and soak in some culture. Midweek, follow your own path and graciously accept whatever attention comes your way. Friday and Saturday, you will feel a deep bond with kindred spirits. Spending time with friends is very emotionally satisfying now. Sunday is a good day for you to listen to inspiring music and meditate on your connection with the universe.

We are introducing “Ask an Astrologer,” a weekly advice column where Baltimore residents send in their life questions and The Banner’s in-house, Astrologer Cheryl Fair, gives guidance based on their star chart. Interested? Send your question, birthdate, birth time, and birth city to Cheryl at askcherylfair@gmail.com