December 2022 Horoscopes and Book Recommendations

It’s time to make some changes, Virgo. Who says you have to wait for the new year to shift things in the right direction? After all, you love running ahead of schedule. The planetary positions are putting you in the driver’s seat this month. Although you prefer incremental change, sometimes you’ve simply got to accept a fresh start. Spend cautiously as money may be tight. Read In It to Win It by Sharon C. Cooper. An eccentric real estate developer is looking to sell a promising piece of property, and he decides to host a competition for interested parties. Morgan sees the property as the perfect place to expand her nonprofit supporting teens aging out of the foster care system. But to win, she’ll have to compete against the developer’s mentee Drake — who just so happens to be Morgan’s ex-boyfriend from college.

What can you learn from difficult experiences, Libra? As you reflect on the year behind you, you might be tempted to forget the hard parts and focus solely on the good. But the universe wants you to learn from everything you’ve been through. December will show you how past problems have helped you grow. But be sure to forgive those involved in tough memories, including yourself. I recommend The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton. In a near future Florida, devastating weather events have eroded the state’s coast and infrastructure. The Lowe family is determined to stay, regardless of what comes their way. A daughter is born to the Lowes during a hurricane and given that storm’s name: Wanda. As Wanda grows up, she finds herself with unique abilities to survive disastrous weather events and adapt to civilization crumbling around her.

Have a backup plan handy, Scorpio. Your best laid plans may be upended this month, especially close to the new year. Hyperfocus on your goal has served you well in the past, but now it’s important to spread your attention and stay aware of your circumstances. If you find yourself overwhelmed, consider taking a short trip away from home. Changing your surroundings may clear your mind. Read A Dash of Salt and Pepper by Kosoko Jackson. Xavier is less than thrilled to return to his small hometown in Maine after a breakup and a career setback. Logan doesn’t want to give up any control over the kitchen of his hip new restaurant, but he and his tween daughter can’t keep up with demand. So when Logan hires Xavier as a prep chef, they’re both pretty pessimistic. But soon the energy between them is hotter than the restaurant kitchen.

Don’t let fear rule your life, Sagittarius. You like to be perceived as bold and brave, but secret doubts can be your downfall. The planets want you to open yourself to new experiences and relationships this month. Connections with others are crucial to your happiness; you are not an island. If trying something new sounds scary, travel is the best way to get out of your comfort zone. Check out The Vibrant Years by Sonali Dev. Sixty-five year old widow Bindu Desai’s life changed drastically when she received a surprise inheritance from a secret past lover, and now she’s finally finding a life on her own terms. Bindu’s daughter-in-law Aly, separated from her husband, is trying to break through racism and sexism as a news anchor. And Aly’s daughter Cullie, a coding prodigy, wants to prove she’s got more in store than the first app she created. But as all three generations of the Desai family look for fulfillment and love, long-hidden secrets come to the surface.

Strive for authenticity, Capricorn. Is your public persona in line with your true self? You’re always looking to gain respect from others, but the universe will remind you this month that respect means nothing if it’s cultivated through misrepresenting yourself. December is a time to be vulnerable with family and loved ones, but maybe also with colleagues, mentors, and acquaintances. Read The Spice Master at Bistro Exotique by Samantha Vérant. Kate has spent what feels like a lifetime working toward her goal of opening a restaurant in Paris. But when a series of setbacks leads to her entire staff quitting, Kate worries it all might fall apart. The self-proclaimed Spice Master of Paris, Garrance, offers to help Kate turn things around — if she hires his son Charles, a talented chef, total prick, and certified hottie.

Self-awareness is key, Aquarius. December will push you to open your eyes to your behaviors and habits in a new way. Being mindful of yourself doesn’t necessarily mean aligning yourself with societal standards. You can break the mold; just be cognizant of how that impacts the people around you. In love, the quiet moments hold the greatest power for your relationship this month. I recommend The Book of Everlasting Things by Aanchal Malhotra. In 1930s Lahore, a perfumer’s apprentice named Samir and a calligrapher’s apprentice named Firdaus fall in love with their own ancient professions and each other. But their beautiful love story is interrupted by political unrest and the fight for Indian independence. Can their relationship survive when suddenly Samir is Indian and Firdaus is Pakistani, making their love forbidden?

You set the tone, Pisces. Whether you’re with family, friends, or colleagues, you’ve got great social awareness. December will call on you to use that for the good of the group. You can shift conversations in a healthier and more positive direction. That might also require you to be more direct or confrontational than you prefer. A transformative learning opportunity may arise this month. Check out A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar. Aboard the Titanic on its maiden voyage is a valuable secret: a book dripping with gems called the Rubaiyat. Four women who know the Rubaiyat could change their lives — an actress, an acrobat, an artist, and a thief — plan a dangerous heist to steal it. But complicated histories and budding romances between them threaten to ruin their carefully laid plans.