The final hours of 2008 are exceptionally lucky as Mercury the messenger joins with auspicious Jupiter to chime in with what promises to be a robust and raucous count down. Then to further spice things up, Saturn, the disciplinarian of the zodiac, goes retrograde, leaving us with the feeling that anything goes to bring in the new year.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Here's something to count on: Some things are and will always be out of your control. You can now use this to your advantage as an aspect of your life unfolds in an unexpected way.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Beware of a bug-eyed busybody snooping ‘round your back stair. If you do not want a molehill turned into a mountain keep your porch spick-and-span and your window shades all pulled completely down for now. 

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Romance, though it may have been long in coming, was worth the wait. Nothing worthwhile is easy. It just may be time to pick the china pattern as a wedding song plays in the wind. Dance.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Being an expert at finding balance in all areas of your life, you won't mind being stretched a bit more. You have become so good at juggling you will be asked to either join the circus or dance in the spotlight.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your willingness to meet head on and overcome your problems inspires your subordinates to overcome their own tribulations. Without your brave example they would have had markedly less success.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (DECEMBER 31). You're contemplative and make strategic moves to increase your realm of influence. The financial flow strengthens as you open new channels of income in January. Follow a creative spark to new lands and cultures in March. A seemingly lateral career move in April winds up being your boost to the top position. Libra and Aquarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 12, 5, 25, 41 and 14.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Use careful evaluation of the insights you make into your career. Whichever insight becomes your focus will also become the new incarnation of your situation. You will paint, write, sing or dance the new creation into existence.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). No one has the right to ask you to be someone you are not. People around you have needs and expectations, and that's their problem, not yours. Refuse to morph yourself. You serve best just as you are.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The limelight you usually manage to avoid shines on you even more brightly tonight. Your act of great humility draws much unwanted attention. You are changing the world little by little. Let them gossip.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You must create your own self-esteem. It's just one of those things that no one can give to you. Glamour and fun both fall into that category, too. Get back in touch with what delights you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You are a force to be reckoned with. You don't always turn up your power to high voltage because it's usually unnecessary and sometimes in bad taste to do so. However, you can afford to amp up some now.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). There's someone you want to know. But how well? You'll dance between creating intimacy and distance. You could probably read this person's mind if you wanted to, though you're a little afraid of what you would find there.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You will be moved in a profound way. Tears are not something to hide or fear, especially not the tears of joy that might come this afternoon. Accept your catharsis as a gift.

YOUR MOST AUSPICIOUS WAY TO USHER IN THE NEW YEAR: SAGITTARIUS: You love to be with your next of kin, but you also need a fair amount of new acquaintances around you as the ball drops. The more diverse your crowd, the better your spirits. Creating a common experience with very uncommon people helps you feel connected with all of humanity. CAPRICORN: You are in your glory these days and there is a long list of people who would like to be around you when the old calendar goes in the trash. Frankly, some of them fear that you'll grow distant in the new year. Your fortunes increase when you provide the reassurance they need. AQUARIUS: The prospect of starting a new project or relationship has you feeling positively effervescent. Follow your spirit's call and boogie your way into the new year. You don't even need a club! Life is a party even if you happen to be home alone. PISCES: The spiritual energy you feel going into the new year is so strong that it would be a shame not to share it. Gather with those with similar beliefs and offer up a prayer for the new year. Don't be afraid to make a few personal requests of the divine while you're at it.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Disco diva Donna Summer is a New Year's Eve baby who was born to get people dancing. This five-time Grammy Award winner also has five natal planets in Capricorn, which shows a driven character with serious business savvy. And though this is the chart of someone who loves to work, with Venus in life-of-the-party Sagittarius Summer also knows when and how to have rockin' fun.

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.