Discover what surprises the cosmos truly holds for you, from the secrets of your love life to your career destiny. Tanya Obreza brings you the ultimate forecast to the year ahead.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Love and Sex This year grants you permission to play, and most Arians should find this freedom of spirit welcome after last year's dramas. If you feel it's time to move on, do so. Accept that you can't change the past and take comfort in knowing that every day leads to new beginnings. Start sending out those seductive Aries vibes.

Money and Career News is you're popular, Aries, and there's no harm in admitting it. It can only add to your confidence. What’s more, your professional charm can disarm just about anyone these days. If you're keen to take a chance, do it. Luck usually comes from recognising the possibilities that suit your unique strengths.

Taurus

April 21 to May 20

Love and Sex If you've been hoping for some breathing space, it's a cosmic no-go. Summer love starts at lightning speed, with an unexpected proposal heralding new beginnings. But not all Taureans will be quite so willing to rush into anything serious. If you're inclined, continue to play the field. After all, there's safety in numbers.

Money and Career Last year wrought a ridiculous number of working hours from you, often taking you one step forward and two steps back. Thankfully, this will end in 2008. Increasing confidence frees pent-up creativity, and you’ll be inspired by all that’s exciting and unusual. There's unlimited earning potential, too.

Gemini

May 21 to June 21

Love and Sex This year issues erotic invitations, with torrid intensity spilling into a romantic summer. Mars prompts intriguing invitations, and singles will draw more than one ticket in the love lottery. Better still, you're as attractive to others as they are to you. At the same time, Venus soothes any hint of stress in long-term relationships.

Money and Career You're hell bent on success – and it will take more than the occasional planetary warning to slow you down. Despite complications for many other zodiac neighbours, you appear genuinely unperturbed. This kind of confidence is exactly what's required. Finances strengthen and communications increase. You're in your element.

Cancer

June 22 to July 22

Love and Sex This year finds you aching to break free of convention and explore forbidden territory. Dangerous passion is your goal – the more risqué, the better! By autumn, you'll return to the stability of routine. Many Cancerians will settle down, but won't settle for less. Now that you've tasted freedom, you're in no mood for compromise.

Money and Career If you haven't already made changes, 2008 twists your arm to do so. The Sun and Mars invite you to step into the limelight. It becomes relatively easy for you to sell your ideas, and impress others with your skills and expertise. The larger the audience, the greater the financial rewards.

Leo

July 23 to August 22

Love and Sex Summer signals sexual satisfaction. Relationships gather pace and passions reach boiling point. There may even be a hint of intrigue or secrecy in the air. But as temperatures cool, so does ardour. After autumn, you're in search of a soul mate. Stay discriminating, as your next commitment could last a lifetime.

Money and Career As the planets flagrantly disrupt the cosmic flow, an unusual chain of events is set into motion. The good news? It's all likely to work in your favour. Call it a happy accident or a coincidence. Whatever the reason, this year, there's every chance of Leos being granted fame and fortune.

Virgo

August 23 to September 22

Love and Sex Too often, your best fantasies remain dormant within the confines of your imagination. Not so in 2008. You're ready for anything – including experimentation. Grab hold of a willing playmate and prepare for the ride of your life! Drawn to an irresistible out-of-towner, an intense love affair moves at lightning speed.

Money and Career The cosmos announces major changes, with a growing income thrown in for good measure. Still, not everyone will be keen to go along with your ideas. Stay true to yourself, Virgo – despite what anyone else might say. Know your goals and don’t be seduced into other people’s dreams.

Libra

September 23 to October 22

Love and Sex Release bittersweet baggage and, with any break-ups, you experience the freedom of independence. Some people may be shocked by your sassier spirit and lack of inhibition. Too bad! They'll just have to adapt. New dalliances may involve an age difference that everyone else but you will find uncomfortable.

Money and Career This is definitely a year to shine and be noticed, although your star performance could stir colleagues' envy. Professionally, you have a fixed idea of what you want, and you're so close to having it. So act with confidence, secure in the knowledge that most of the world will treat you well. Even small setbacks won't last.

Scorpio

October 23 to November 21

Love and Sex Creatively and sexually, 2008 is a vibrant year that promises enough romantic sparkle to light up even the darkest moments, so try to set aside plenty of time for play. Whether it's love, sport, music or an artistic pursuit, indulge in the things that promise happy days – and nights – ahead.

Money and Career You're hot on everyone's wish list, as well as being a professional whiz. Even so, expect the odd altercation. There's no room for pillion passengers on this particular ride to success. With extra cash also on the year's list of perks, you can afford to treat yourself to the occasional well-deserved luxury.

Sagittarius

November 22 to December 21

Love and Sex Hot summer love happens suddenly, and happens big. Your wild spirit holds no fear for this equally adventurous soul. You may have met before, but this time you both take more notice. Changing conditions in existing relationships stir up new needs, new longings and a renewed passion to pursue them.

Money and Career Sagittarians aren't meant to sit still. The more the stimulus, the greater the inspiration. That's why you’ll love this mix-and-match year. New opportunities open up almost everywhere, with little resistance in your way. Good fortune's also likely in joint ventures, legal matters, contracts and creative projects.

Capricorn

December 22 to January 19

Love and Sex Love takes priority for even the most career-minded Capricorn. Gone will be the dilemma of choosing between personal and professional obligations. Past hurts and regrets fade into oblivion, as you embrace the concept of fun. New romance brings passion, excitement and companionship into your life.

Money and Career Pull your self-esteem out of its tailspin, Capricorn. With cosmic allies happily merging business with pleasure, you can expect special rewards. You may not have asked for help, but sometimes assistance is genuine, with no strings attached. Health and wealth also get the planetary thumbs up, as do social moments.

Aquarius

January 20 to February 18

Love and Sex A closer look at the foundations of a previously intimate affair could reveal stress lines in the bedroom. Don't panic. There's no need to haul in the wrecking ball. Perhaps all that's needed is a touch of renovation, rather than reconstruction. For singles, it's stop go, stop go – until June...

Money and Career This year brings great connections and lucrative deals, and it's the summer months that promise the most success. Even afterwards, the cosmos brings unique ways to increase income. Just bear in mind that despite your honesty, others may have hidden agendas. Stay alert to who's genuine and who’s not.

Pisces

February 19 to March 20

Love and Sex When did you stop being true to yourself, Pisces? For some time now others have seen your emotions as easy pickings, which you have probably accommodated. No more. There's little point in hanging on to regrets or anger. Both can prevent magic from happening – such as special love. It's ready when you are.

Money and Career While skipping from one project to another is a compulsive conduct usually reserved for Geminis, it's your turn to try something new. This year finds you more enthusiastic and inspired – and whatever the consequences, you're ready to grab life with a raw enthusiasm. Such daring has been a long time coming.

To read your 2008 horoscope in month-by-month detail, get the January issue of marie claire magazine.

Illustratrations: Jamie Gordon