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Find your future and your fortune...in books! This year our selection comes by celestial mandate. Each of the horoscopes have been written to reflect the spirit and sometimes events of the books individually selected for each of the signs, with clues regarding what sorts of elements to anticipate.

You can vote just based on that! However, if your profile is public, you may request a personalized horoscope! Have fun, ask questions! The books will be revealed on the poll before the close of the voting period. If you guess a book earlier, we'll reveal it to you!

FANTASY BOOKS

Scorpio

Strengths: Resourceful, powerful, brave, passionate, a true friend
Weaknesses: Distrusting, jealous, manipulative, violent
Scorpio likes: Truth, facts, being right, talents, passion, following your heart

Take a chance. Old stereotypes may not serve you well in this brave new future. At work, someone will want to steal your labor. However, the relationships you've built will come to your aid if you ask. When a problem arises, follow your maternal instincts towards understanding the people involved. Ride the waters to new prosperity.

Pisces

Strengths: Compassionate, artistic, intuitive, gentle, wise, musical
Weaknesses: Fearful, overly trusting, sad, desire to escape reality
Pisces likes: Being alone, love, swimming, fitting reality to their worldview

Let the surreal carry you out past the breakers and into open territory. Allow time for beauty to wash over you until you think you might drown in it. Find joy in the fact that in the end, death finds us. At work, follow the siren song that speaks to you most. Befriend the local creatures, they will become more real than any truth.

Cancer

Strengths: Loyal, protective, intuitive, caring, supportive, creative, seamanship
Weaknesses: Overly sensitive, moody, vindictive, secretive
Likes: Home, family, daydreaming, the ocean

When adventure knocks on your door say yes! Take the money, save the day. Try not to be offended by the brash people in your life--especially if that person is your immortal ex. The work you take may become personal, so ensure that you're entering into it for the right reasons. Keep your loved ones in your mind whenever you feel lost or confused. Beware of uncharted islands.

Leo

Strengths: Generous, big-hearted, self-confident, determined, natural leader, brave
Weaknesses: Naive, arrogant, stubborn, defensive, domineering, possessive, shrill
Likes: admiration, very comfortable lifestyles, being surrounded by their people

Your hunch will pay off, though not as you expect. Don't let others sideline you--people are often loud when they have nothing meaningful to add. At work, stay by your guns and be ready to give others a chance. Remember reason and emotion are not opposites--make room for both. Some will try to silence you for their comfort. Stay bold. Beware bad faith actors bearing torches.

Sagittarius

Strengths: Generous, idealistic, great sense of humor
Weaknesses: Promises more than can deliver, very impatient, will say anything no matter how undiplomatic
Likes: Freedom, philosophy, being outdoors, escape routes

The death looking for you isn't yours. Be gracious--everyone makes mistakes. You will, too, by saying something you shouldn't. At work, watch out for princes and doppelgangers. You'll make connections beyond your current friend group. Beware of liars and foxes, and most critically, lying foxes.

Taurus

Strengths: Patient, practical, devoted, dependable, protector
Weaknesses: Stubborn, possessive, uncompromising, sculpting, savior complex
Likes: High art, being the socialite, craftsmanship, drawing, travel, experiencing human emotion

The world does not have to be as it is. Yours is the power to change it. Apply yourself diligently to your art and use your skills to shape the future you wish to see. Family is important--seek it, but make room for the family you choose along the way. Beware looking too far into the future--it may rob you of the present.

SCIFI BOOKS

Aries
Strengths: Courageous, determined, confident, enthusiastic, optimistic, honest, passionate
Weaknesses: Impatient, moody, short-tempered, impulsive, aggressive
Likes: Comfortable clothes, leading others, physical challenges, individual sports

For you, the sky is not the limit. Think bigger! However, it is also important to realize that as the landscape grows, your significance in it shrinks. At work, strive not to hog glory, or to lose sight of others on your own trajectory. Remember to put the ball in good hands--all six of them. Pay attention to the blind side and try to keep your bones intact.

Virgo

Strengths: Loyal, analytical, kind, hardworking, practical
Weaknesses: Shyness, worry, overly critical of self and others, all work and no play
Virgo likes: Animals, healthy food, books, nature, cleanliness

Make time for yourself. Grab some tea, garden, and chat up that cute battle cruiser captain. Life is most worth living with friends, so let them get close to you--even if it means hugging. At work, stay keen for new opportunities in different skies. Beware of orphans and alien AI, they often lead to quests.

Capricorn

Strengths: confident, driven, practical, loyal, disciplined, capable
Weaknesses: Bossy, emotionally distant, arrogant, manipulative, blunt, controlling, unforgiving
Like: Checking things off the list, making a difference, the good things in life, quiet spaces

Don't stray from your goals--ambition has never been cheap. Others will want to temper your response; challenge them instead to match your intensity. You'll go further with support, so keep an open mind about the company you keep. At work, fly high, but keep an eye towards landing safely. Personally, remember to take time for your own recuperation and choose your own best interests--happiness and anger are tools. Keep them sharp.

Gemini

Strengths: Gentle, affectionate, curious, adaptable, ability to learn quickly and exchange ideas
Weaknesses: Nervous, inconsistent, indecisive
Likes: Chats with nearly anyone, short trips around the town, art, literature

You may feel sometimes like you are not fully yourself. Do not let that limit you--embrace the duality of existence. Work is not everything--instead, focus your attention on your relationships and living a life without regrets. Be careful with your choices but remember that not choosing is worse. Make the decision and live with its consequences for better or worse.

Libra

Strengths: Cooperative, diplomatic, gracious, fair-minded, social
Weaknesses: Indecisive, avoids confrontations, will carry a grudge, self-pity
Likes: Harmony, gentleness, sharing with others, intellectual endeavors, machine learning

Your loss is also an avenue of growth. Our shared humanity comes from learning and conversation. Channel yourself into your work, and adapt your interests as you yourself adapt. A pivotal point will come when you have to decide whether your creation deserves its own life, even if exposing it to the world might cause harm. Your moral compass will lead you true. Find and build up friendships as you find them--and don't let the algorithm get you down.

Aquarius

Strengths: Intellectual, independent, innovative, unique, open-minded, social
Weaknesses: Socially awkward, chaotic, rebellious, impulsive, uncompromising
Likes: Deep connections, implausible futures, travel, activism

If something smells fishy, it probably is. Don't rest until you find its source and use it to your own ends. Someone wants something--lean on their personal interests to further your own. At work, keep calm and carry a replica otter suit. In your personal life, follow your pleasure and those who help you find it.

...We're going to vote for books based on the image of a constellation. Book title to be revealed when we correctly match the title to its constellation...

Makes sense^^

It's their kind of shenanigan. That being said, they are also delightfully unpredictable.

👀��

One person's astrology is another person's astronomy . . .

Books all the public profiles have in common?!

Can you imagine that Venn diagram, Sarah?!

My profile doesn't help much, though, because there are too many books for me to go back and make genre-specific shelving at this late date. But!! I do have a favorites shelf. Whoopie!

I was coming here to request shenanigans in addition to the promised malarky, but Melanie already invoked it. :)

Maybe it will be something to do with books rated 5 stars by the group members.

Then a Favorites shelf would be helpful!

OHO

You can be sure there are shenanigans!

But not now, I am only authorized to send a teaser about the malarkey. You have to understand, there are international treaties at play.

I’m intrigued and excited!

I had to laugh when I saw the "Coming Soon" I 'm like haven't we been dealing with this madness for years? 😃

harumph!

defamation!

tomfoolery!

and nonsense, sir!

;D

We love it all!

I think mine is wide open

Can’t wait for the madness!

Oh, I'm so excited! I loved the book tournament last year.
I think it's going to be a guessing game this year.

excitement has been generated!

I'm excited to join in, this will be my first time, so I have no idea what to expect, but it sounds like a it'll be fun. 😁

yay! glad you're excited, we've been working hard and have some really cool things to share!

every year the mods mix up the process on how the January books are selected. we've done brackets, games, matchmaking... all sorts of silliness. this year is no exception!

Netanella wrote: "One person's astrology is another person's astronomy . . ."

😲 wash your mouth out with soap 😁
Cosmetology and cosmology might have as much in common with each other 😜

I think this challenge will be about who has the most books on their shelves about methods of measuring stellar distances by angular parallax. I’ll have to rush out and see if I can find any.

Lots of love, Richard, Virgo/year of the monkey.

and feel free to pick anything from my Want to Read shelf as that is my TBR thread

My favorite time of the SFFBC year. Hooray!

I just looked. the moon is approximately 2.5 billion mass market cover books away.

I will ABSOLUTELY share if anyone has anything like that number on their shelves

OR maybe it's referring to celebrity-type stars. Maybe we only read Reese's bookclub books next year. A star's line-up. :P

Shenanigans afoot!

Allison wrote: "I just looked. the moon is approximately 2.5 billion mass market cover books away.

I will ABSOLUTELY share if anyone has anything like that number on their shelves"

That's only 69,000 books per member! :P

well when you say it that way, is TOTALLY NORMAL XD

I’m pretty close: 1069 on my (owned books) Read Your Books shelf. Even closer if you consider all the books I Want to Read!

I was completely off with my predictions last year, so I'll hold my tongue! :D

I keep looking for my 'lucky star--maybe this is it!

What a masterful and sublime way to build suspense and excitement! Can’t wait for the big reveal)))

Richard wrote: "Netanella wrote: "One person's astrology is another person's astronomy . . ."

😲 wash your mouth out with soap 😁
Cosmetology and cosmology might have as much in common with each other 😜

..."

Cosmetology and cosmology sound alike. Astronomy and astrology have a common beginning.

Modern astronomy developed from early humans' need to understand the universe and put order to it. Babylonian astrology.
Mayan. Greek. Nowadays we distinguish between science and pseudo-science. In the past the lines were blurred.

Alchemy - chemisty. 😜

Netanella wrote: ". Modern astronomy developed from early humans' need to understand the universe and put order to it. Babylonian astrology.
Mayan. Greek. Nowadays we distinguish between science and pseudo-science. In the past the lines were blurred..."

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I’m just being a good Chinese Zodiac Monkey🐵 and trying to be mischievous.😈

My degree in Physics/Astrophysics/Astronomy might as well have been in Astrology for all the use it’s been to me.

I’m looking forward to the shenanigans and malarkey when ‘the stars align�� and find out what’s happening in the New Year.

Allison wrote: "Follow this thread to join in the malarkey! This year, your mods have worked to make the stars align for a selection of books that should interest everyone!

You'll hear more soon. In the meantime..."

ooh what is this.....prompt about our avatars? highest rated books?

what about the ppl who've been open since the start? should i make it private - never done that before LOL

Allison wrote: "harumph!

defamation!

tomfoolery!

and nonsense, sir!

;D"

just you and Anna and Ryan, right? so basically any normal day? *runs*

I work so hard for this family and this is the respect I get?? XD

LOL Why do I get this image in my mind of you three singing Schuyler Sisters and shout 'Werk!' in unison...

well now I'm casting us.

And we're live! Please review the first post and then share your questions, comments and requests for individualized horoscopes (if your profile is public or we're friends!)

LET THE MADNESS COMMENCE!!!!!

Please help clear up my confusion, O Mods! So...let's just say that I randomly pick Pisces. Does the description under that header describe a particular book? I'm not certain if that's the way this works!

Yes! Pisces, and indeed all the signs, have each been assigned a book that relates to the characteristics/likes and the horoscope written for them.

Gotcha

clarified in the original text!

Ok, another question! (Sorry!) With a personalized horoscope, is the book tailored for the person requesting one?

If you request a personalized horoscope, the group mystics will divine your future for you! Yours, based on you alone and what the stars suggest!

(read: We're going to look at your shelf and the books on this poll and say something of questionable use in determining what you may or may not enjoy)

(Don't be sorry!)

Thank you for explaining :)

Since apparently I am barely a Leo based on the above description, I need a personalised horoscope, O Mystical Mods!