This week, an air of "can do, will do, and must do" saturates schedules and rehabilitates routines. The planets are dialing up a pattern of activity befitting the start of a New Year and that means we can expect to feel motivated and enthusiastic. Just don't let relief or zeal morph into mania. This new astro attitude isn't going to evaporate overnight and there's plenty of time to harness the power of this vital pattern and ride it at a sustainable pace toward realistic goals.

Here's the skinny: Mercury is direct and still in a sextile to Uranus. This intellectually invigorating relationship lasts until January 19th, so put on your thinking caps, attach the multidimensional antennae and get ready to receive inspiration. Because Uranus is in Pisces many of those messages are likely to be mystical rather than rational. And because missives from the invisible tend to be a tad confusing, you'll need plenty of common sense to decipher the code. Mercury also sextiles Venus for the entire month. When the goddess of true value unites with the master of mind,attention turns toward beauty and art. Artists thrive, but you don't have to be "creative" to experience the benefits. Use this influence to enhance all your interactions, and you'll turn life itself into artistic endeavor.

Mars is staunchly in Aries and that placement is the main power source of the week. Mars loves Aries, its home sign, because Aries fuels the Martian need for hot-blooded adventure. Mars still squares the Sun, but this week, Saturn is out of range. Saturn's absence translates into a slightly lighter touch, making it possible to turn the restlessness of a Mars Sun square into the strength and courage to tackle big tasks. Our pal Jupiter trines the Sun, and that positive alignment supplies the vision of what those tasks might be. Jupiter also provides a humorous bent, so expect laughter-and lots of it. One more bit: Neptune sextiles Mars, softening the need for might, as it turns ambition toward artistic and spiritual goals.

For those of you longing for a good, solid, astrological weather pattern—here it is, at last. Of course, we're still navigating the consequences of what's been set in motion. But in order to do that skillfully, we have to feel empowered to meet the challenges, and we need to feel supported in our efforts to make energetic progress in the good. 2004 strikes that positive chord, so rejoice in the new atmosphere and allow it to revitalize your hope and renew your faith.