The New Year 2019 is expected to show improved results astrologically, compared to the current year.

Economically, the fresh year offers enhanced hope and sectors like textiles, gold and real estate are likely to achieve favourable gains. Investment in land and gold is anticipated to see increased appreciation.

Countries in the southern hemisphere like Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and South Africa are likely to see better growth.

Seventh generation astrologer and Vasthu Sastra expert Yuvaraj Sowma, who is based in Chennai, India, sat with me recently to jointly analyse what the future holds for the various zodiac signs using the Indian almanac.

The Indian calendar is based on moon signs or rasi. Readers should note that Western astrology is based on sun signs. If, say, your Western astrological star sign is Aries, your sign under the Indian system might not be the same.

Consult an astrologer to determine your moon sign because it is too complicated to explain how to do that here.

And don’t be disappointed if your forecast indicates an unfavourable period ahead. You can avert the worst by performing prayers and spiritual activities, doing good deeds and performing acts of charity to mitigate negative planetary forces.

It will be a positive year for those born under the signs of Libra (Thula), Cancer (Kataka), Pisces (Meena), and Taurus (Vrishabha).

Moderate and below average results are expected for those who belong to Capricorn (Makara), Virgo (Kanya), Leo (Simha), Scorpio (Vrichika), Aquarius (Kumbha), Sagittarius (Dhanus), Aries (Mesham) and Gemini (Mithuna).

Aries (Mesham)

Mixed results are expected throughout the year and you will have to be cool and prevent anxiety from affecting you.

Career: The first three months will be more favourable than the rest of the year. Ups and downs are indicated in your career path. Do not change jobs.

Finance: Your financial stability will remain the same. Be careful when investing after March as you are likely to be deceived.

Relationship: It is not going to be smooth owing to a Jupiter retrograde which will cause problems. If you learn to adjust, you will enjoy better times after November. Spend quality time with your spouse to develop better understanding.

Health: Issues related to thighs, legs, shoulders and joint pains will surface and you should seek medical treatment. You may also gain excess weight.

Taurus (Vrishabha)

It will be an exciting year with fruitful results, favourable opportunities and travels. You will be able to accomplish delayed tasks and love will bloom.

Career: Not a favourable year to change job, and career-wise it is best to keep a low profile and be friendly with all.

Finance: Earnings will improve and you should pay attention to what you have. You will receive what you deserve for your hard work.

Relationship: Friction with your siblings is indicated and you should avoid situations that can lead you into disputes. Be more accommodating, understanding and display patience.

Health: Exercise regularly and watch what you eat or issues related to your heart is likely to surface.

Gemini (Mithuna)

It will be a crucial year, with both positive and negative changes. You will be required to make a lot of adjustments. Be prepared for a rollercoaster ride.

Career: There will be a lot of competition between you and your colleagues but you will move ahead of them all. Stay positive to reach higher goals.

Finance: You will reap good returns if you are in business and expansion to new cities will happen. Do not boast about your progress because it will create envy among your competitors.

Relationship: There will be good rapport with family and favourable relations with your spouse.

Health: Be careful in your food intake because your overall health will keep fluctuating.

Cancer (Kataka)

It will be a good year where you will see career enhancement and those in business will get a chance to develop their venture on a bigger scale and enjoy monetarily.

Career: Change in place due to work will be unavoidable and there will be overall progress. You will travel regularly and your friends will be jealous of your progress.

Finance: Be alert when investing in any unfamiliar ventures because you may be tricked and face losses. Avoid partnerships in the coming year.

Relationship: Good understanding between you and family members is indicated. However, you will have to pay attention to your spouse because suspicion and confusion will arise.

Health: Sleep disorder, period imbalance, indigestion and skin problems will occur.

Leo (Simha)

Although 2018 was not fruit-bearing, the coming year will see a drastic change and you will enjoy greater confidence and enthusiasm. Thus, your performance will have a positive influence on your status, honour and self-esteem

Career: After March, there will be a steep growth in your career and you will be given other new responsibilities to handle.

Finance: You will gain from stocks and real estate, and will be accumulating money and have a healthy bank balance.

Relationship: Improve your skills to manage things and people from time to time. Practise sweetness of speech and tolerance.

Health: Problems related to your legs, shoulders, nerves, and heart will be your main concerns. Seek treatment and exercise regularly.

Virgo (Kanya)

Positive developments in your professional career expected. You will travel frequently and your income will grow.

Career: After March, there could be a change in your job or workplace. Your seniors will be supportive and you will get accolades for your efforts.

Finance: You will keep getting inflows and enjoy gains from investments.

Relationship: Things will move slowly and will not pose a big hurdle to you despite some discomfort. Love matters are not going to give you any solace. Stay cool, positive and be careful with your choice of words.

Health: Nothing much to worry about other than minor respiratory disorders.

Libra (Thula)

There will be rises and falls, and you need to be strong, calm and composed to fight the stress.

Career: After the first quarter, you will see some goodness. Meet your deadlines at work or your performance will drop and affect your image.

Finance: Financially it is going to be a good year and things will be manageable.

Relationship: Auspicious events like marriage or childbirth will happen. Due to your commitments, you will spend less quality time with your spouse. This may affect your relationship.

Health: You may experience some aches in your back and legs.

Scorpio (Vrichika)

A huge leap in your career is expected and this will benefit you. Take care of your health, watch your diet and indulge in sports.

Career: There is a chance of promotion, offshore assignment, new job, salary hike and other goodies.

Finance: You will be financially sound and this is the best time to invest in secured bonds so that you do not drain your income.

Relationship: A harmonious relationship with your family and spouse is indicated and you will receive some good news. If you are single, a love affair will culminate in marriage.

Health: Avoid fatty and junk food, watch your weight and exercise.

Sagittarius (Dhanus)

New opportunities will arise and success is indicated in whatever you dig your hands in. You need to be careful in all aspects from April to August.

Career: Those in the electronic media, banking and performing arts will benefit financially.

Finance: Analyse and study all situations before making any decision or you can destroy your own earnings.

Relationship: Even when you try to pacify matters, the reverse will happen. Keep calm and let time do what it wants. Your compromises can contribute to a happy and peaceful year.

Health: Try to be active in sports and creative activities to prevent dullness and negative thoughts.

Capricorn (Makara)

You will witness mixed results in your personal and professional life. You should exercise care in everything you undertake in the new year.

Career: You will have to put in a lot of hard work to receive average results. From March, things will get tough and you need to be strong and hang on to your job.

Finance: You will experience more expenses and less gain. Hang on to your savings and cut down on unnecessary expenditure.

Relationship: Your home front will be unsatisfactory as quarrels and misunderstanding will occur. Try to sort out your differences peacefully.

Health: You will have to seek treatment for stomach and joint pains.

Aquarius (Kumbha)

Your faith in your goals, aims and objectives will be rekindled and reaffirmed in the coming year.

Career: You will be having all sorts of choices and you can be selective in choosing what you like. Earnings will improve.

Finance: Your savings will increase and you will earn more from your investments in stock and gold.

Relationship: Overall a happy period and your ties with your spouse will be manageable. If you are single, you will find your soulmate in 2019.

Health: Watch your food intake or you will have issues related to your stomach.

Pisces (Meena)

Keep your eyes and heart open as several unprecedented events will take place. There will be some displacement or change in place which will be beneficial.

Career: After March, things will get better and you will be having a very good progressive career.

Finance: You will make money through business related to finance and property but you need to watch your expenditure or you may burn all your savings.

Relationship: You will be going places with your spouse and there will be a lot of fun.

Health: You will have sound health.