FOR RELEASE: MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012 by Holiday Mathis on Creators.com

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FOR RELEASE: MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012

Last week the sun joined Neptune in altruistic Aquarius, and the good will can be felt in the eyes and smiles of humanitarians everywhere. The new moon in Aquarius urges you to declare yourself a humanitarian, if you haven't already, and be on the lookout to how you might do some good in the lives of others.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You believe in what your parents and peers believe in to some extent. You also have private beliefs that you don't share often, so it's nice when a like-minded person comes along and voices a similar opinion.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You'll persuade a skeptical audience. It's not so much what you say, but how you say it. You talk as though you know that your words are true and that they matter. Others can feel your integrity.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Getting yourself to focus may be a challenge. You know that there is fun to be had, and your original plan for the day and additional responsibilities don't seem quite as exciting as the big, wide world outside.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You know what you're going to do. How you're going to do it is the big question. You need a guide. A book or an article will help you get closer to the person who can help the most.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You'll take on projects that you have no idea how you're going to complete. But the first step is just to move. Don't worry about the end game right now. Just get in motion.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Each day your experiences teach you and help you gain greater control over your state of mind. You'll align yourself emotionally with what you want to experience and bring it near.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You are loved, and you feel it, though you don't always know where that love is coming from. You'll receive love from afar today as someone dreams of you and sends warm wishes.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You know how to take action, but it's not always as inspired as the whimsical and brilliant move you make today. Your passion for life is strong and growing ever stronger.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It's nice to get an overview of where you're headed, as long as you don't let the big picture overwhelm you. It's not necessary to know every step; you just have to know the next one.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Friendship is something you can only learn by doing. Each exchange will teach you something new. Today a friend will reach out, and you'll answer the call.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You'll be waiting in a line of sorts. Instead of getting antsy, try to read the faces of the people around you. Take a guess at what the story is for each person. You'll be inspired by using your imagination in this way.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Fresh starts and new endeavors will capture your fancy. You have the energy to take action. You don't have to be the leader this time, but you'll definitely be watching that position and taking notes.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 23). This year brings a wonderful epiphany about your vital purpose and place in the world. Deals in February favor you. March brings a romantic proposal. Through June and July you'll seize the chance to mix things up, with unplanned travel, spontaneous dates and unexpected deviations from your usual style. Sagittarius and Virgo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 14, 33, 1 and 20.

LEO YEAR AT A GLANCE 2012:

JANUARY: You want to grow. Once you're sure everyone is taken care of, you'll invest in yourself. FEBRUARY: The full moon in your sign on the 7th will bring a bonus that's as fun as it is beneficial to your bottom line. MARCH: Saturn reminds you what you don't want in your life again, and you'll take measures to avoid a repeat. APRIL: You'll be learning new skills and cashing in on old favors. MAY: Your connection with nature brings you peace. JUNE: You may vary the way you show love to others, catering each gesture to the person on the receiving end. JULY: Mercury will be retrograde, so you'll save yourself a lot of hassle by keeping track of your time, receipts, invoices, keys, phone plan and the like. AUGUST: With the sun in your sign, you'll receive favors, trading on nothing but the magnetism of your smile. SEPTEMBER: Venus pays you a visit. You don't want a romance to sweep you off your feet; you just want a love that will follow through as promised. OCTOBER: Showing your love and actively caring aren't crimes, but do be aware of other people's territory. NOVEMBER: Use your intuitive powers, but don't forget to check credentials, as well. DECEMBER: You'll take on responsibilities and challenges to help you grow.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: "Law and Order" star Mariska Hargitay was born to the famous couple Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay when the sun was in Aquarius and the moon was in stable, strong-minded Taurus — an aspect that may have helped Hargitay deal emotionally with the tragic loss of her mother. Venus in soulful Pisces shows a strong connection to the other realms of being.

If you would like to write to Holiday Mathis, please go to www.creators.com and click on "Write the Author" on the Holiday Mathis page, or you may send her a postcard in the mail. To find out more about Holiday Mathis and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.