January 9 to January 15

Bill Meridian looks at what the stars have in store for you this week. There is a solar eclipse on January 15. Events that occur in the days around eclipses are always memorable and take on more importance the nearer they are to the event. Anything started in the seven to 10 days before a solar eclipse will have a different outcome from events that take place after it. Anything that happens on the day of an eclipse is especially fated. For example, Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles were married two days before an eclipse in 1981; the first shot of the French Indo-China War was fired on the day of an eclipse, and the French lost. The US president, Barack Obama's last birthday fell on the day before a lunar eclipse, and he has been struggling since. If your birthday occurs in the week prior to the 15th, you will have a year to remember. Expect the unexpected. This week we will look at how this eclipse will affect the Sun signs in the first half of the year.

ARIES (March 20-April 18) There will be greater emphasis on your career in the first half of this year. You may be more ambitious, or changes within your business will lead you to alter your plans. TAURUS (April 19-May 19) There is an emphasis on foreign countries for your sign. You may travel more or your business may be affected by trade with a country that is undergoing internal changes.

GEMINI (May 20-June 19) The spotlight for you is on shared assets. If you have jointly held assets, you will have to resolve disputes with the other party. CANCER (June 20-July 21) The solar eclipse sets up an opposing force to your ambitions. You have more energy and desire, but you will also meet more opposition. Try to be diplomatic under these circumstances. LEO (July 22-Aug 21) You may have to change the way you work, learn new skills or adjust your work methods.

VIRGO (Aug 22-Sept 21) You are no longer content to work in a routine manner but want to express your individuality through art, handicrafts or writing. LIBRA (Sept 22-Oct 22) The eclipse points to your home life. There may be some changes here: someone may leave or someone may arrive. Alternatively, you may move house or redecorate. SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 20) Communication will be more important for you at the start of this year. This may mean pursuing a new course of study or a training programme. You will have more e-mails, telephone calls and short-distance travels.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 21-Dec 22) The eclipse emphasises your income. You may feel you deserve higher wages. If your employer cannot see this, you could consider seeking additional income sources or starting your own business. CAPRICORN (Dec 23-Jan 19) The solar eclipse is in your sign, so you will be infused with extra energy. You may press hard to gain a promotion or to attain a goal. But if you were born between the 8th and 15th, your efforts are likely to veer from your chosen path.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18) The eclipse emphasises things in the background. Matters that you are currently unaware of come to the fore. Things that have been pushed into the subconscious must be dealt with now. PISCES (Feb 19-March 19) What are your hopes and ambitions for 2010? How will your unique desires and creativity be expressed? Friends may be in need, and you will feel moved to help them. Other friends may help you realise your goals.