December 2020 Horoscopes and Book Recommendations

Watch your ego this month, Leo. You tend to trust your gut, but it may lead you astray in December. If facing a tough decision, consider all options and ask for input from people you trust. Don’t abuse positions of power, especially at work. The good news? Time with family and romantic partners will be blissful, and the holidays will help you create long-lasting memories with loved ones. Read Mediocre (December 1, Seal Press) by Ijeoma Oluo. This historical look at white male America explores the socioeconomic and political ways racism and sexism have shaped our country to protect white male power. Even further, it considers how that grip on power has stood in the way of happiness and liberty for all Americans.

Virgo needs a level head in December. Life is throwing a lot at you and it will take all of your focus to keep up. You prefer to handle challenges alone, but collaboration is necessary to get through the end of the year. Old friends may come through for you in unexpected ways. Some things will necessarily fall through the cracks this month; prioritize to make sure you catch the things that matter. Check out How to Fail at Flirting (December 1, Berkley) by Denise Williams. When Professor Naya Turner learns her university department may get cut, her friends challenge her to rebound by getting out on the town and living a little. Jake, a charming stranger visiting town, seems like the perfect person for a fling. But as the fling turns into something more, Naya finds that her new relationship might destroy her career.

Take it easy this month, Libra. Holidays and end-of-year celebrations with family will be full of joy, and you may find other achievements to celebrate as well. You’re unlikely to make progress on career goals, so save yourself the stress and focus on fun. Trouble looms ahead in romantic relationships; make sure you and your partner are on the same page, especially when it comes to finances. I recommend Cheeky (December 8, Bloomsbury) by Ariella Elovic. It’s hard to embrace your body in a world that constantly points you to perceived imperfections. In this joy-filled graphic memoir, Ariella Elovic reclaims her body with radical self-love, including the stray hairs, bumps, and weird smells society tells us to hide.

Scorpio is hot and cold in December. Your mood this month can turn on a dime, and that volatility may cause some social trouble. Some people may grow frustrated with your volatility and need some space. Give them that space, and look to your loved ones who can handle the heat for support. Your quick reactions in December may lead to big wins at work and in money matters, though. Try Take It Back (December 8, St. Martin’s Press) by Kia Abdullah. This courtroom drama follows the case of teenager Jodie, who accuses four classmates from immigrant families of rape. One of London’s brightest lawyers, Zara Kaleel, is determined to fight for Jodie at any cost—and she quickly learns that the cost will be higher than she expected.

Loved ones are your lifeline this month, Sagittarius. Trouble abounds at work, in finances, and in travel difficulties. Even worse, all of that stress may take a toll on your health. While things may not be perfectly smooth at home, trust your family to take care of you and know what you need. With guidance from trusted advisors, you may be a better person by the time you emerge from December’s chaos. Read When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain (December 8, Tor.com) by Nghi Vo. This mesmerizing novella finds nonbinary cleric Chih and their companions waiting anxiously to be saved by mammoths as they come face to face with a hungry band of tigers. To buy time, the cleric tells an intricate and transporting story of a tiger and her scholar lover—a story the tigers can’t cut short.

Capricorn will experience foundational changes in December. You’ve got an eye on the future and want to prepare yourself for big moves in 2021. This may be a tough month, as you’re trying to rebuild yourself from the ground up. Family and friends may struggle to understand your efforts. To avoid holiday frustrations, update them on your big plans and ask for their support. You might enjoy How to Catch a Queen (December 1, Avon) by Alyssa Cole. Shanti has dreamed and trained to marry into royalty and become a queen. But her new husband King Sanyu didn’t ask for his destiny to rule the country Njaza, recently freed from colonialism. Shanti has what it takes to make their marriage and their kingdom succeed, but when turmoil causes her to run away, can Sanyu convince her to come back?

You thrive during changing times, Aquarius. This month’s eclipse will be not only productive for you, but also enjoyable. Expect major shifts in your social circle and happy new developments with family. Change at work may lead to fantastic new ideas, which will in turn lead to financial wins. In romantic relationships, you’ll find great joy by putting others before yourself. Ride the wave! Check out Black Futures (December 1, One World) edited by Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham. This collection includes a variety of forms and perspectives on what it means to be Black in America, and what the future holds for Black people and culture. It includes a variety of forms to create a unique and engaging narrative, including essays, poems, images, recipes, memes, social media posts, and more.

Prepare to butt heads this month, Pisces. You tend to go with the flow, but when opinions clash in December, you’re ready to stand your ground. Clashes in your career may end in your favor, leading to a promotion. Some conflict may come from social interactions with people new to your circle. Welcome the opportunity to engage in challenging conversations and learn from differing perspectives. Try The Cousins (December 1, Delacorte Press) by Karen M. McManus. Three cousins are surprised when the reclusive grandmother they’ve never met invites them to her island resort for the summer. The cousins aren’t close, but their parents insist they must participate in this opportunity to get the family back in good graces with their grandmother. But once they arrive on the island, it’s quickly made apparent that this won’t be the heartwarming family reunion they hoped.