Weekly Horoscope: Jan. 16 - Jan. 22

Astrology 101: Did you know you have three signs (sun, moon and rising), not just one? Most people only know their sun sign, which is determined by their birth day and month, but the most accurate horoscope is actually chosen by your rising (or sometimes called ascendant) sign. Don’t know your rising sign? Use this free calculator. Once you know your ascendant/rising sign, be sure to read that horoscope below!

Aries — Avoid the urge to do anything rash concerning money or shared resources on Monday. Just try to maintain the status quo until a better time. Your intellectual curiosity brings you information that bolsters your philosophy of life this week. Your exuberance could push you to make public statements that are a little bit overblown or surprising at the end of the week. Spend time with friends over the weekend.

Taurus — Use your own resources, rather than money you share with anyone else, when you feel extravagant this week. As long as you can afford it from your own pocket, you’ll be fine and could even make a good investment, but don’t take risks that will make you have to answer to someone else. This weekend, follow your own truth and focus on your role in the community, however you define it.

Gemini — Keeping on task can be a challenge early this week. It might be time to take a break, or ask for some help. Add a plus-one to your activities now. You will benefit and get more emotional satisfaction from sharing both responsibilities and resources. Change your routine this weekend. Get away from all the familiar places, and feel the exhilaration of getting lost and then finding your way back.

Cancer — Have fun with a quirky creative project early in the week. You never know where inspiration might come from. You should be feeling enthusiastic about work midweek. Your close relationships are dominated by communication now, with lots of exchanges that lead to some exciting discoveries about yourself. Dig into a mystery of some kind over the weekend. Some serious soul searching can uncover deep truths that have been elusive.

Leo — Your heart may be at home while you have to be somewhere else early this week. By Tuesday afternoon, things should lighten up and you can focus on creative self-expression. Resist the urge to overindulge in food and drink this week. It’s fun while you are doing it, but regret is a bitter aftertaste. Apply your specialized skills and sharp intuition to your work this week and get spectacular results.

Virgo — Overthinking is one of your favorite hobbies, but sometimes you need a break from it. Get your house in order midweek so you can look for pleasant distractions at the end of the week. Breathe some fresh air! Indulge in creative self-expression, see a film or read something that stimulates your sense of adventure. Self-care should be on your schedule over the weekend. Do something to enhance your mind-body connection.

Libra — Try not to say yes when you mean no, especially when your values come into play. Quick wit and charming conversation come naturally to you and these traits are in demand midweek. Communication with family is important now. Take time to do those little things around your home that need doing. There is such a thing as serious fun and you should allow yourself to have some of it this weekend.

Scorpio — You seem mysterious and a bit broody to many people, and you start your week by confirming that image. By midweek, shift your focus to what makes you feel secure. The end of the week is extra busy, with many heartfelt messages and necessary errands. Take a break from the demands of the world this weekend by staying cozy at home. Invite someone to join you, if you don’t want to be alone.

Sagittarius — On Monday, your subconscious and the reality of daily life may be at odds. By Tuesday afternoon, you should be feeling more like yourself. Toward the end of the week, you are tempted to overspend. If something expensive calls to you, make sure it’s returnable. This weekend, your mind is racing and your focus is sharp. Take part in some intellectually based activities, and touch base with your extended family.

Capricorn — Early in the week, you could have a breakthrough in the area of friendship or group associations. By midweek, you could turn your energy toward helping people who cannot help themselves. A small effort on your part can make a transformative difference for someone else. A flurry of messages at the end of the week keeps thing lively. Over the weekend, your appreciation for fine objects can be very emotionally satisfying.

Aquarius — Your need for novelty and change could affect your public reputation early in the week, and a profound experience with kindred spirits is possible midweek. Your fierceness might be more than some friends want to deal with. Let go of materialistic thinking on Thursday and Friday. Indulge in the world of myth and fantasy to discover new things about yourself. And during the weekend, you can expresses your full personality with confidence.

Pisces — Innovative ideas that come up early in the week are likely to have serious flaws, so wait before acting on passing fancies. By midweek, you find yourself feeling ambitious and could have help from an unseen source. Your intuition and insight are fine-tuned and could lead you to an unexpected surprise. The weekend could bring you a chance for emotional healing by supporting someone through a life transition.

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.