Special Guest Writers: Ophira Edut and Tali Edut are the identical twin astrology team The AstroTwins. Their columns and predictions reach millions each month on Elle.com, myLifetime.com and their website Astrostyle.com. Ophira and Tali are co-authors of Love Zodiac, an astrological guide to the men of every sign, and the editor of Body Outlaws, a body image anthology (www.loveyourbody.org).


Part of being a Savvy Auntie is knowing how to help support your nieces' and nephews' mom. There are 'fAuntastic' ways to help your sister, sister in law, best friend, or any mama in 2012 - just look for her sign, Auntie!

Aries Mom:
Decadence a deux? Simple pleasures and a streamlined schedule are the key to Aries mom’s happiness this year. Join her for facials, massages and mani-pedis. Catch up over a glass of wine, or brew a pot of loose tea—little indulgences go far. There’s money in the stars for this mommy, too. Is she overworked and underpaid? Encourage her to seek new opportunities, or to take a class to pump up her skills in the second half of the year.

Taurus Mom:
The Taurus mom is a creature of habit, but this year, she needs a push out of her comfort zone. Lucky Jupiter is in Taurus, sparking a new 12-year cycle for her. Translation: it’s time for a change! Help her put herself and her goals on the front burner. Offer to babysit so she can take that painting class, work on her business startup or just have some unstructured “me” time.  Taurus mom needs to get back in touch with herself and her dreams. Cheer her on!

Gemini Mom:
Hard to believe it, but this Energizer bunny’s battery has finally conked out. What the Gemini mom needs in the first half of 2012 is…a nap! She’s preparing for June, when lucky Jupiter enters Gemini, setting off a new 12-year chapter for her. Until then, her multitasking ways will lead her to burnout. She needs support, even if you hang out and dry the dishes, feed the kids, or pick them up from piano lessons. Ask not what this mommy can do for you, but what you can do for her family.

Cancer Mom:
This mama bird needs to leave the nest—literally. Get her out of the house on onto the town for some silly fun. Karaoke, bingo, bowling, billiards, dancing at (or on) the bar; go do the fun stuff that makes you feel like teenagers again. It’s all about lightening up. Her usual clique might be limiting her options, so hit those networking events or go volunteer for a cause together. It’s time to meet some positive new peeps—ones that she doesn’t have to take care of all the time.

Leo Mom:
She’s a rock star mama taking the world by storm, but does this Leo mommy have too many irons in the fire? Help her reach her dreams but pushing her to prioritize. Remind her that she doesn’t have to achieve her whole bucket list in a single year (or even decade). Help her set her top three goals for 2012, and listen or take notes while she brainstorms. Make like a business advisor or life coach and help direct her scattered thoughts into a concrete plan. Gently remind her of the need for work-life balance, too.

Virgo Mom:
Grab her a copy of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. 2012 is all about adventure and expansion for the Virgo mom. If she’s too busy couponing or obsessing over school admissions, she could miss out on some life-enhancing fun. Buy her a gorgeous suitcase and email her an online travel deal—somewhere so exotic and enticing she simply can’t say no. If she can’t leave city limits, sign up for a course together, like salsa dancing, trapeze lessons or even Portuguese class (to be followed by an eventual trip to Rio, of course).

Libra Mom:
Overload alert! The Libra mom is forever putting other people ahead of herself, only to run late, miss appointments or lose that elusive balance that she needs. The best gift you can give her is a little tough love. Remind her what’s at stake when she double books or lets other people take advantage of her kindness. Some perfect gifts: sessions with a life coach, an organizational consultant, a trainer—anyone who can help her stick to her goals. Offer to pay half so she’s accountable. It will make it that much harder for her to quit if she plunks down a little cash, too.

Scorpio Mom:
The Scorpio mama can be a little standoffish, but this year, she needs to come out of that private shell. Encourage her to interact with other people by signing up for new social activities as a tag team. Join a book club, enroll in S-Factor classes, try a volunteer group together—or start one together. Scorpios are always more comfortable with a position of power, so choose activities where she can shine and make a strong impression. As she feels safe, she’ll open up and try things where she’s a little more vulnerable. If she’s single, encourage her to get back on the dating scene, as this could be one of her luckiest relationship years yet. And if her marriage is going through growing pains, urge her to get counseling so she can make the best possible decision for her family.

Sagittarius Mom:
Can a mama get some help around here? This year, the independent Sagittarius mom needs to master the art of delegating. She tends to do it all herself, but that will only leave her overwhelmed and frazzled. She needs help with the basics: cooking, cleaning, laundry, babysitting, shopping, and above all, getting to the gym. Treat her to a fitness night once a week (or month), where you watch the kids while she’s at yoga, and she comes home to a neat house and a hot, healthy dinner on the stove. Or, grab a group discount on a yoga class and go together.
 
Capricorn Mom:
This hardworking madre needs to let her hair down in 2012—and to toss it around like a wild woman while she’s at it. Get her on the dance floor, or at least, to Zumba or kickboxing class, where she can blow off some steam. She may be feeling frustrated about her job at times, or just a little unclear about her long-term goals. Encourage her to shift her focus onto creative and passionate pursuits. Remind her that happiness is an attractor of more happiness. Take an art class, an acting workshop, or read Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way together to ignite a creative spark for the both of you.

Aquarius Mom:
This mama is in serious nesting mode, and might even be adding to her brood (even if it’s just a pet). The more she gives, the more she’ll need, so help her fill her TLC tank by doing fun, feminine things together. Come over for a little pampering and domestic activity: do yoga, facials, baking, even crafting. (She’s a regular Martha Stewart this year.) And drag her out on the town if she gets too housebound. Even if you take a cooking class or go to a Stitch ‘n Bitch knitting circle, at least she’s out of her pajamas and meeting people.

Pisces Mom:
The Pisces mom is feeling extra social this year, and she needs lots of activities to keep her active mind occupied. The stars favor partner activities like mixed doubles tennis, ballroom dancing or acrobatic yoga—so join her for the fun, or babysit while she’s off at class. Try a writing group, a book club, or anything interactive where she can make new friends. In the second half of the year, she could be pregnant or even dealing with empty nest syndrome when a kid leaves for college. Either way, her parenting duties could shift, so she’ll need your support more than ever.

Published: January 3, 2012