Astrospeak: Your zodiac forecast as 2012 ends!

As the year draws to a close, Mandaar Naik discusses your astrological stand on the threshold of 2013, based on zodiac signs. Illustrations: Uttam Ghosh

Will you ring in the New Year on a good note? On what footing will you find yourself welcoming 2013? Here's what the stars foretell for the last 31 days of December.

Aries (March 21 to April 20)

Aries is a fire element sign ruled by Mars. Aggressive and straightforward in nature, they are action-oriented people.

Career: December is good on the career front -- without much effort, Arians can gain success. Goals you set can be achieved by less hard work. Long distance travel is possible when it comes to work or business. People who are looking for a job will find one as per their choice.

Money: Unexpected gains are possible, other than your regular source of your income. Once in a while you can try for the lottery, maybe it will prove lucky for you. Even your expenditure will increase, but it will be far less than your income, so you can manage your finances well.

Health: Due to their active lives, Arians ignore their health most of the time. This month a minor health issue may arise like a viral fever, headache or acidity. So plan your eating and sleeping schedule well, regardless of how busy you are and implement it effectively.

Love life: Straightforward Arians never shy away from expressing their feelings. Committed couples can make wedding plans, it's a good time for marriage. A little misunderstanding may arise in the last of week of December between you and your partner, but control your aggression and sort it out before your worsen things.

Taureans are artistic people who like to work with grace and beauty. They can be lazy, but once they get warmed up, they finish off their tasks without a break. They are endowed with good physiques and a graceful walk.

Career: Taureans' year-long efforts and hard work will pay off well in December. A promotion is on the cards; by the end of the month, you will receive your official promotion letter. If someone is looking for a change in job or a better opportunity, it's on its way, so keep your eyes open and grab it.

Money: Financially you can see growth this month. If you are a working professional, you may receive arrears from your employer. If you are businessman, your pending recoveries will come your way.

Health: December may brings some problems related to the digestive system, so eat well and on time. Chances of minor injuries are possib#8804 be especially careful on the new moon. Diabetics, watch your sugar levels -- maintain your diet and exercise schedule.

Love life: Taureans who are single and looking for a soul mate may come across one at a social event like a wedding, so be prepared when you attend parties. Don't delay in expressing your feelings, however, or you may miss your opportunity. Be quick.

Geminis are witty and brilliant personalities, talkative and practical. The duality in their nature, however, can sometimes makes them fickle-minded.

Career: Employed Geminis may face trouble at the workplace -- a dispute with a colleague may take an ugly turn. If you're running a business, a dispute may arise in partnership. Think twice before saying anything or taking any action -- an impulsive reaction may land you in trouble. Be patient in your professional life.

Money: The financial side of things is good this month. Your planet shows good income, especially for Geminis who are into teaching or in the art profession.

Health: Ear and throat problems may be an issue, so take care on that front. There are also chances of a urinary system infection due to low water consumption, so drink adequate amounts of water. Avoid foods with too much spice and artificial colouring.

Love life: Due to false commitments, a problem may occur in your relationship. Your love life will be on the rocks, so avoid commitments you can't live up to. If you've already made that mistake, don't stretch it further -- have patience and settle the matter.

This is the most sensitive of all zodiac signs, ruled by the sensitive moon. Cancerians have a caring, loving personality.

Career: There is too much of a work load. Throughout the year, you've been managing with it well and you have a few more days to go before it pays off handsomely. Soon you will receive an increment and promotion. Cancerians who are into business will also see their efforts bear fruit, receiving more work orders that translate into bigger profits.

Money: Financial growth is good, with increments in salaries. Those in the business of machineries, transportation and engineering may also see more profits.

Health: Due to your hectic professional life, related problems like acidity and digestive issues may prove troublesome. Consume good amounts of fibre-rich foods. Take proper rest after work and pay attention to your body clock. Don't stress more.

Love life: People who are jealous of you and your love life will create problems, so don't allow a distance between you and your soulmate -- that space can be occupied by misunderstandings created by the envious. Communicate well and frequently with your partner and keep away from those pathetic personalities who you think may cause trouble.

Leo is the king of wishful things. A sign ruled by the sun, they have a straightforward and egoistic personality, but they believe in the truth.

Career: Working Leos who are looking for a change in job, or a transfer to another department will find that this is a good time to execute their plans. This also applies to businessmen who are planning to shift base.

Money: Financially, this is a good month. Some unexpected gains will occur, but don't adventure into speculative investments like the stock market. Invest your money wisely. An increase in income is possible if you cut down on unnecessary expenditure.

Health: Due to excess stress, health issues like headaches and acidity may arise. Minimise stress levels with a healthy lifestyle. Don't skip sleep and avoid unnecessary socialising. Utilise that time to rest your body and mind instead.

Love life: Your love life has not been going well since the month of June, but all problems will be sorted out in the second week of December. You can have a good time with your loved ones.

A sign ruled by Mercury, Virgos have an intellectual and practical personality.

Career: December is very fruitful for those into art and writing. People in the arts will receive recognition, those who write will be well-paid. Working professional will not get a direct raise in salary, but perks like transportation or accommodation.

Money: Unexpected income is on the cards. If you have applied for a loan, it will be sanctioned. But at the same time, unexpected expenditure will rise, so manage your money wisely.

Health: You will most likely suffer from constipation, so it's better to consume a lot of water and fibre-rich foods. Even some work stress may lead to lower back pain, so take proper rest at intervals. Don't push yourself beyond your limit.

Love life: You have to be a caring partner to your soul mate, as s/he may suffer some minor illness. So this month, fewer candlelight dinners and outings. It's not always necessary to express your love with expensive gifts -- spending time caring for your partner can express your love much more.

The most perfectly balanced of all zodiac signs, Librans are polite and diplomatic. They who like to work with grace and beauty.

Career: A good month for working professionals; there are strong chances of promotions and increments. Librans looking for a job will surely land one. Those who are into clothing and jewellery will earn good profits. Those in writing and the performing arts will get good exposure or opportunities in the latter half of the month.

Money: There is good money expected this month. The strange thing is, people close to you will also earn well from informal sources and indirectly that benefits you too. So directly and otherwise, you receive good money this month.

Health: Small eyes infections and dental problems may arise, so don't stress your eyes too much with late-night reading, low lighting or watching TV. Take proper care of your teeth, as a cavity problem may get severe and you may need to visit the dentist. So brush twice a day.

Love life: There's no need to tell Librans how to be romantic, they are romantic at heart. If you're still single, there is an opportunity in the last week of December, so keep your eyes open. You may meet your soul mate. People who are thinking about tying the knot can plan for marriage, but fix the date for the month of May or later.

Scorpio is a water sign, but ruled by the planet of fire, Mars. Thus, Scorpions have a versatile personality and concentrate on different things at a time. They are intelligent and multitasking, but unfortunately invite their own troubles.

Career: Whether you're a businessman or a working professional, it's time to upgrade. From this year's experience, you've learned a lot of things. And you realise that you have to change yourself for the better -- tomorrow you may have to learn new techniques or change your business strategies. You have to be patient while dealing with your clients or boss this month; unnecessary arguments may land you in trouble.

Money: Sorry to say, this year-end is not good moneywise. Your income is not affected, it's steady, but your expenditure is increasing. Don't put your saving or investment plans on hold for small expenses and pleasures. Watch your spending.

Health: Eating spicy and oily junk food and consuming less water are reasons for health issues. Cut down on eating out and at the same time, increase your consumption of water -- this will help you maintain your health in December. Minor infections like a sore throat may also arise around mid-December.

Love life: Nobody is perfect. And true love is seeing an imperfect person perfectly. Don't criticise your loved ones. Like in your professional life, stay away from arguments. If any issues do come up, settle them soon and patch up. Don't stretch small disputes, or there may be trouble in future. Scorpions thinking about marriage should go ahead, it's a good time to get married.

The sign that is half-human and half-horse is a good combination of intelligence and energy. Sagittarians are good speakers and like to converse on wisdom and philosophy. They also like to work for social causes.

Career: This year-ending is not good for your career. The only mantra to tackle it is 'have patience'. Conditions are not favourable at the professional front. You are good at keeping calm and facing situations patiently, but this time you have to have a little extra patience. By the end of the month, the situation will be under control. Even you will get the hint about what's happening, so for December keep calm and work on your strategy for the coming year.

Money: Moneywise this month is average. Not extra gain, nor expenditure. Maybe you'll have to spend a little on a doctor. You may be tempted to invest in something speculative like the stock market, but it's not yet a good time. You can invest with a long term view, but if you're thinking about short term gains, better drop the idea.

Health: In the first half of the month you may suffer complaints related to the eyes, throat and legs, so be careful. The climate is changing, so avoid consuming cold food or chilled liquid items since you tend to catch throat infections easily. More than medicine, adequate rest is good for you, so take proper rest. Don't push yourself beyond your limits.

Love life: Love is in the air. Many Sagittarians may be struck by Cupid, it's going to happen sooner or later. At the very least, you'll have a hint of who that special someone is in December. Those who are already in a committed relationship can plan for marriage, it is on the cards.

A hardworking and dedicated sign, Capricorns stick to their tasks well-focused and gradually achieve them. At the same time, they are self-centred and work for their own personal intentions.

Career: Professionals related to the government, semi-government, medical and insurance fields have a good time in December -- they will be promoted in this month, and if not, will surely receive a salary hike.

Money: Moneywise, December is good for Capricorns, but they have to manage well as many are tempted to invest for shortcut money. It's not a good time to invest in speculative mediums, so it's advisable to stay away from gambling and intra-day trading in the stock market

Health: The second half of December is not so good for Capricorns on the health front, especially if they are travelling. Problems related to the respiratory system, back and digestive system may arise. If you are travelling, plan your journey well. Eat healthy food, drink lots of water and avoid dehydration.

Love life: The year 2012 ends on a romantic note. You may travel with loved ones to tourist places like beaches, and the last week of December will be spent with loved ones. Singles who are looking for a partner will definitely be introduced to someone interesting, particularly while travelling. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags!

Aquarians have a calm and silent personality, with a visionary attitude. At the same time, they can be egoistic and stubborn.

Career: The saying goes that the boss is always right, and this month, you manage to make yours happy with your hard work. If you are into business, you'll manage to win clients over with your service. When everybody around you is happy, everything goes smoothly. It's not necessary that you'll get promoted or earn good profits, but sometimes appreciation for hard work is also an achievement. Sooner or later, it will prove fruitful in your professional life.

Money: This month is as usual financially. But one thing is for sure -- the process toward your financial benefit is being initiated somewhere. The last week of December will bring good news regarding money, so get ready for it.

Health: Healthwise this month is good for Aquarians. Nothing to worry about, at the most maybe a little joint pain. An oil massage will work wonders on the problem. Make sure you wear proper footwear .

Love life: Aquarians are not at all hopeless romantics. Their way of expressing love is a little different, they don't like to show it off. It takes the perfect partner to understand them. This month, you will succeed in expressing your love to your partner.

Pisces is a spiritual and religious water sign, ruled by the planet Jupiter. Pisceans have a tender, caring nature and are always ready to help people.

Career: Those who are into education and banking will be promoted. Work-related travel is on the cards -- you may have to take a business trip. Professionals working with government firms will be vested with authority or get transferred into better departments. People from the art field, especially singers, will find a lot of work and their talent will be recognised.

Money: December is a good month of gains, not from your profession but by inheritance, perhaps a share of property or partnership, gifts from elders like your in-laws. That's not direct income, but it definitely counts as gains.

Health: You may suffer illness if you ignore your own needs in order to fulfill commitments you have made. You will push yourself beyond your limitations. Whether in your personal or professional life, do not commit to what is beyond your capacity, else you will take ill due to overexertion.

Love life: Everything is good between you and your soul mate, but you may not spend much time together due to your work load. This month is so busy that you will have to mindfully set aside some time for your loved one. What's the use of earning so much when you can't be with them?