Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

The Scorpio moon is illuminating and intense. It's like a lighted magnification mirror that allows you to observe surprising details on your skin's surface that would elude you in a normal mirror. It's strangely fascinating to focus so closely on daily things. Stay objective, and note the good along with the bad. Don't let the intensity throw you.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You know who your true friends are. It's easy to take them for granted, since they love you whether or not you call them back right away. Celebrate your dear ones to remind yourself — and them — of their importance in your life.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Without incentives, things move very slowly. You'll consider offering someone the equivalent of a nice bit of candy in exchange for giving you something you want or need. Maybe it's a bribe, but it's a harmless one.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your loved ones need to know that you believe in them. Give your vote of confidence wholeheartedly. Don't say that you hope the best for them. Being hopeful won't do. Be certain.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Maturity has its place, but not today. Immaturity will be far more effective — and fun. Once you disclose your childish interest, you may just find that the world is full of wonderful, playful, impulsive people just like you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Reach out. Lean on your network of friends and acquaintances. Get together with friends and talk nonstop for hours. You'll gain support and also a healthier perspective on your own pressing issue.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Someone wants to partner with you but isn't sure how to go about it. You know who the interested party is — just think about it a minute. If anything is to happen, you'll have to be the leader.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You are, either unofficially or officially, in charge of making sure a sensitive soul doesn't engage in destructive behavior. You'll act as a kind of surrogate parent, and you'll do an excellent job.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You may feel unsure about whether or not to make a move. Your uncertainty is a signal that means don't act. Trust the power of stillness. Better to do nothing than to do what can't be undone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). A personal connection will change the entire course of your life. This is not about meeting your future spouse or boss. It's small. A smile from a stranger could have far-reaching effect.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). If you feel you've been sleepwalking lately, a bit of nonsense will wake you up.

And maybe in your awakened state you'll decide that it's all a bit of nonsense and then laugh until your cheeks hurt.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). This is not a good day for giving money away. Showing up in person has far greater value than sending a check. Action is better than money. So are words. Put your mouth where your money would be.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Every pairing produces a unique synergy. The bond between people is an entity in and of itself. It has a quality that can never be duplicated. You will gain joy and knowledge as you observe the energy between people.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 9). You figure out what people need even before they realize they need it. You'll use this skill to provide something that delights others, and they will pour on the gratitude and adoration. You'll exchange both friendly and romantic gestures this month. An injustice will be rectified in February. Finances improve in April. Virgo and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 25, 39, 14 and 20.

JANUARY MAKEOVER MADNESS — NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: Makeovers aren't just for faces. How will your life blossom this year? Scorpio has some dreams that didn't pan out last year. January brings the chance for a redo. It's likely that friends are involved in the plan. Scorpio will learn who to count on and for what. Tailoring requests to the people who can fulfill them is a skill that Scorpio could master in the upcoming year and become very happy in the process. The focus that Sagittarius chooses in January will liberate this freedom-seeking sign. Sagittarius will become masterful in the art of turning limitations into assets. Sometimes accepting the things we don't like about ourselves makes us much more powerful than we would be if we endeavored to change them. Just as a grain of sand irritates the oyster enough to produce a beautiful pearl, within every so-called "flaw" is the potential for a rare jewel. Capricorn will do some serious self-analysis this year. Becoming intimately acquainted with one's own character, tendencies and preferences is an enlightening process and one that makes Capricorn magnetically attractive. The self-assurance Capricorn gains will aid his or her endeavors at work and in personal matters. One wise man said it best: "Observe all men; thy self most." — Ben Franklin

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Challenge is what Capricorn natives thrive upon. For mathematician, physicist and academic celebrity Stephen Hawking, the universe itself provides endless challenges, and he's dedicated his life to unraveling a few. His natal Mars in Aries indicates boundless energy reserves, and it is indeed remarkable and inspiring how Hawking has developed his work in spite of physical limitations.

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.

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