Canine astrologer Sylvia reads the stars

Aloha. My name is Madam Sylvia, and I’ll be your astrologer this week. I am a shelter mutt, wise beyond my years, with a heart of pure gold. Disclaimer: I have no desire to impose my will on you, or to serve as a foil or substitute for your faith. I am a dog. Act accordingly.
 
Capricorn, Dec. 23-Jan. 20
You are well-known for being the workhorse of the wolf pack. But your other qualities — loyalty, tenacity, and good humor — get the chance to be on full display this week. Will you shovel your sidewalk beyond that imaginary line that divides your property from your neighbor’s? Throw a $5 bill into the barista's tip jar? Buy a new toy for your favorite shelter mutt? Now you're talkin'!
 
Aquarius, Jan. 20-Feb. 18
The brainiac. The intellectual. The friend of so many birds of all different feathers. You are well-positioned to bring myriad minds together this week, which in turn will offer the most elegant solutions to challenges at work, school, and home. We're so lucky to have you.
 
Pisces, Feb. 18-March 20
I keep hearing and reading the word nefarious lately. I had to look up the definition to know exactly what it means. Now when I come across it, I know it describes something sinister. I tell you this because you sometimes avoid things you don’t understand. Don’t swim away so quickly this week. Investigate. Contemplate. Your quiet strength is legendary. And Merriam Webster is your friend. 
 
Aries, March 20-April 20
You've been described as the child of the zodiac. What we can glean from this is how valuable it is to remain curious — about yourself and your surroundings. When the mercury hits a more reasonable double-digit temperature, get outside and snap some shots of winter along the Lakeshore. I mean, it's beautiful here. And the ice shelf is forming on Lake Michigan this very minute. It will never be the same again.
 
Taurus, April 20-May 21
Taurus, your stability is astronomical. Your steadfastness? Superb. Where are these qualities best put to use this week? May I humbly recommend listening to Abba while dancing around the room? Not sure what that has to do with stability and steadfastness. But it sure is fun!
 
Gemini, May 21-June 21
You're such a gem, Gemini. Who else can be so eloquent in the face of stress? Someone will need you to say the right thing this week. Please know your precious words will prove invaluable. 
 
Cancer, June 21-July 23
Oh no, little crab. All this snow and cold has your hiding more than usual. How can you connect with others without freezing your claws off? Social media can be one way. But so can picking up the phone to make an actual call.
 
Leo, July 23-Aug. 23
Leo, you shine like the sun. Now it’s time to lift up someone or something else. May I suggest your local animal shelter? High paw!
 
Virgo, Aug. 23-Sept. 23
Leo Tolstoy was a Virgo, and he was able to admit in his essays the superficiality of praise for one’s work. If you feel slighted this week, remember the best validation comes from within.
 
Libra, Sept. 23-Oct. 23
Libra, balance is your jam. If you can do a tree pose with your eyes closed, my little puppy hat is off to you. Oh, and yoga is a fine choice for you this week … even just one pose a day. Your back, knees, head, and heart will thank you.
 
Scorpio, Oct. 23-Nov. 22
Scorpio, you're so misunderstood. Remember that time I chewed a hole in the rug when my family went out for Ethiopian food? We needed a new rug! And you need a new image. Not a full makeover, mind you. Better a trumpet sounding for your higher qualities that are ever-present but seldom sung, not the least of which is an uncanny ability to conjure deep compassion for others. 
 
Sagittarius, Nov. 22-Dec. 23
Your very own Madam Sylvia is a Sagittarius. Born in the shelter and adopted by addicts on their way to get clean, then left at a neighbor’s when turned away at rehab. They never returned when they got out, but this pup has had her life enriched tenfold by being dumped. She loves all beings and is loved beyond belief by her family and everyone she meets. Apply this wisdom to anyone or anything that leaves you behind. There’s no way of knowing now just how much better off you will be.