The last day of 2012 seems to begin with flair as the creative, loving presence of the Moon in Leo provides an undercurrent of sustenance. Venus forges an inspirational, 72-degree rapport with its higher-guardian planet Neptune (2:28AM PST) — giving the fine and graphic arts plenty of energy. Mercury leaves fiery Sagittarius for earthy Capricorn (6:04AM PST). This significant shift by the Messenger of the Gods lasts until January 18 and places an emphasis on cogent professional plans. Challenging alignments begin a cat-and-mouse game with favorable alignments — starting with a frictional, 45-degree link from Venus to Mars (11:47AM PST). Any discordant Venus-Mars contact can equate with rising stress between lovers and dear ones. Fortunately, the Moon in Leo forms a harmonious trine to Venus in Sagittarius (1:53PM PST). The hour or so before this link-up is exact offers the best boost for creative artistic expression and solidifying social affairs. However, this Moon-Venus connection also starts a long void uncertainty cycle that lasts until 9:36AM PST when the Moon shifts from Leo to Virgo. Meanwhile, highly-stimulating Uranus decides to take center stage for several hours when it forms a supportive and vitalizing, 60-degree alliance with Mars (6:33PM PST). Nevertheless, Uranus leaves that happy arrangement to formulate an ill-advised square with Juno (8:12PM PST). Yikes! Just when it seemed the universe was rallying to give human souls an extra measure of solace and contentment, boom — a lightning-like strike from the ancient titan Uranus to the empowering, peace-loving Juno may wind up creating a very tense, destabilizing psychic atmosphere. Yet the last word — belonging to the old year — goes to a nifty, 60-degree alliance from Mercury in Capricorn to Neptune in Pisces (10:51PM PST). Thus, it is wise and sensible to send out your healing thoughts and prayers for a year ahead filled with emotional serenity, peace of mind, and an enhancement of humanity’s capacity for empathy and psychic sensitivity for the deep needs of loved ones.