Minerva’s horoscope for week of Dec. 24

Starcast

With Jupiter and Mars on duty in determined Scorpio and a pushy trio commanding Capricorn (Venus, the sun and Pluto), post-Christmas exchanges should be easier than usual. The devil’s in the details. Don’t allow holiday delirium to tempt you to cut corners.

Aries (March 20-April 18) Despite the Christmas craziness, much of the random wildness that’s plagued many of us in recent weeks is dissipating. Mars and Jupiter are well placed in Scorpio — we’re talking determination!

Taurus (April 19-May 19) Jupiter and Mars do a spirited Christmas polka — a positive spin effecting your partners and/or contracts. A colleague gets up close and personal.

Gemini (May 20-June 20) All that “joy to the world” jazz makes it tough for Geminis to hold on to resolves. Nevertheless, one last mega-push can cap 2017 with the long-remembered triumph you deserve.

Cancer (June 21-July 21) It’s fireplace season and Jupiter and Venus have a crackling blaze going in your fun house. Look forward to high times and adult situations.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 22) Glorious goodies rain down on Lions everywhere. Make an important decision and get cracking on it. You’ll be extra creative where real estate, home decorating and family members are concerned.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Much of 2017 was about intimacy — either aggressive efforts to achieve it or more subtle efforts to deal creatively with the lack thereof. Expect Santa’s largesse to include a sweet and sensual breakthrough.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Jupiter’s residence in your money sector is a positive omen. You’ve fought the good fight in 2017 and have much to be proud about. Enjoy! The sweet smell of success is sexy as all get out.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 20) As 2018 beckons, lucky Jupiter’s pirouette in your sign opens windows of opportunity. Expansion of all kinds gets the cosmic green light. Of course, that means romance!

Sagittarius (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) You’ve worked hard in 2017, paid your dues, accepted the karma thing that’s hung over you for the past two years. Establishing a solid baseline emotionally is what this year and next are all about.

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19) It’s not “just” Christmas, it’s “happy birthday” time. What a year it’s been! A time to plan, a time to push and now a little down time. Take a leisurely stroll down Christmas Tree Lane. Meditate on how far you’ve come in 2017 and where you want to go next.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 17) As Jupiter blasts a trail through your fame house, strike while the stars are hot to stake your claim. Like it or not, what you do is a mission statement for who you are.

Pisces (Feb. 18-March 19) Very interesting ... your prediction looks much like Virgo’s. Do you two know one another? Maybe you should. For each of you the theme centers around intimacy.

Minerva’s mailbag

Q: I was born on June 22, 1968. I have always been unlucky in love. I make friends easily. I’m fit, funny, attractive and have my own business. I’m the life of a party. I’ve done the Internet thing, yet I come up empty. Are the stars lining up in the new year for me to at least have a date?

A: Jupiter will be in your sector of luck through much of 2018. This should work well for you. Pursue activities that bring you in contact with all kinds of people. Go out, see and be seen. But don’t give up on the Internet. Creativity goes a long way there. Make your postings stand out. Give parties and encourage your female friends to invite men they like and respect but aren’t in love with.

To ask Minerva a question, go to www.askminerva.com or write to Minerva, Sunday Datebook, San Francisco Chronicle, 901 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103.