The sun returns "home" to your sign this week, as it does on every summer solstice. You will find it to be energizing. Now is the time to focus on new plans for this next year of your life. Take a fresh look at where you want to direct your energy.

For All Signs: We come to the point of the summer solstice at 2:07 p.m. EDT on the 21st. This is the point of the year at which the northern hemisphere is tilted closest to the sun. Theoretically it is the longest day of the year. For centuries, pagans (country people) celebrated this day with prayers and requests for blessings from mother earth, who would soon yield the summer harvests. Take a moment to give honor and thanks to the trees, which are sacrificing themselves to the foibles of humankind.

Aries: You are favored by the Powers That Be in your life at this time, even if they are too far beyond to know who you are. Sometimes good fortune just drops in our laps. Activities related to travel, education, the Internet, the law and publishing are given a green signal. Watch the tendency to arrogance.

Taurus: The theme of the week is intensity in close relationships. Anger and old resentments may burst to the surface. You have a choice of whether to work it through or repeat old habit patterns. If you can discuss your relationship in depth, you will find renewal on the other side.

Gemini: Your heart and your intellect are in agreement on the next direction you should take in your life. Since your ruling planet Mercury is retrograde, it is best to use the next three weeks to research options and the cost of developing that plan. Starting in the fall could be your best bet.

Leo: This is a good time to take an in-depth survey of your most important relationship. (This could also include observing yourself in relation to clientele.) Study yourself first and determine whether any harbored anger is causing you to sabotage the connection. Tackle whatever problems exist in a healthy, direct way.

Virgo: This is a time that is especially favorable for enjoying friends, acquaintances and also your primary partner. Taking a "sentimental journey" together would tighten your bond of connection. A friend from the past may surface for a visit or you may choose to seek out someone to say hello.

Libra: Relationships may feel intense and complicated at this time. You may sense some negative force at work. If this is so, look deeply inside for a hidden motive. If this does not exist, then ask your partner whether he/she notices any discomfort. An open discussion will work wonders.

Scorpio: This is a fairly fortunate week, particularly in the beginning. Due to circumstances beyond your control, you happen to be in a position to make more money or build your self-esteem. Work is challenging, but rewarding. You feel strong and able to manage anything that comes your way.

Sagittarius: Energies strongly favor romance and love life. If you are not up for it, then notice how well your creative activities are flowing. Those with children will have cause to smile. This might be a good time for a mini-celebration of whatever is wonderful in your life.

Capricorn: The time of reckoning is now. You have been hoping, yearning for something to pull you out of the financial hole. For most of the goats, the opportunity is during this summer. It will demand tremendous effort and use all your wits, but this is the chance for which you have been waiting.

Aquarius: You and an important person in your life may have some serious talking ahead. Someone has hurt the other's feelings. Maybe it has been mutual. One way to resolve the issue is to assume that you do care about each other. Then each of you must be willing to genuinely listen to the other as you talk it through.

Pisces: You may be doing a fine job of swimming against yourself, as the Fish sometimes do. One part of you is clear about the reality of physical problems that your stealthy side has caused. The other, sabotaging side is still trying to hold onto denial. It's time that reality wins, so you can repair the damage.

Are you interested in a personal horoscope? Vivian Carol may be reached at 704-366-3777 for private psychotherapy or astrology appointments. Web site: www.horoscopesbyvivian.com.