By all accounts, Janus is a beautiful goddess, if you can get past the double face. The first month of the year is named for the two-faced goddess who adorned the entrances of buildings and years alike, one face looking to the future, the other to what's left behind. Venus echoes Janus as she prepares to leave Capricorn for the sign of tomorrow.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Sometimes transformation appears to be magical and instantaneous, though this is an illusion created by focus. If you are watching the pot boil, you'll see development happen in increments, each stage building on the last.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Make room for new people and unexpected contributions. Invite collaboration, especially from the quiet ones. Those who normally keep their heads down will step forward with something interesting and relevant to say.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Clarity comes from having but a few things to organize, prioritize and manage. You have an extensive list of things you need to complete your project. Cut the list in half and it all works out even better.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). In the current scenario, inaction is a positive and powerful thing to do — or, more aptly, not do. Caution is warranted. Only make a move if undeniably compelled. Confident people will respect your decision not to decide.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Overcoming obstacles in your environment will be easier than overcoming obstacles in your head. Knowing the difference is the hard part. Keep asking questions along the lines of: Is this really true? How can I know for certain?

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your curiosity and open-mindedness are admirable. One question leads to another, and soon a whole new topic opens up to you. You could really go deep into this study, and there will be big benefits to doing so.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You're knowledgeable on many topics because you love the way your brain feels when it's lit up and learning. It's never a chore to keep up with your favorite subjects. Today, you'll delight new developments.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The spirit of competition is alive and best applied in a contest between you and you. Improvement is what counts. To win, you don't have to be the best in the world, just the best version of yourself.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). A relationship comes into sharp focus. The behaviors that once baffled you now make perfect sense. Understanding other people's motives gives you options you didn't have when you were in the dark.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Orderly domestic life is inextricably linked to emotional well-being. There's satisfaction to be derived from the mundane, and it feels good to get a fresh start with laundry, a clean refrigerator and the like.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Amazing clarity is your cosmic gift today. You wake up with a vision. Take advantage of the creativity and insight coming to you now by writing down every thought and idea. This is your road map to happiness.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Sometimes it's nice to be needed, but today you might feel anxious about someone's reliance on you. People who are self-sufficient are extremely attractive to you now, and there is nothing wrong with that!

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 1). You pride yourself in being down to earth, warm and approachable. Still, people will work to impress and please you this year. It's because, in spite of your modesty, you radiate a charismatic and commanding presence. You'll share your vision and attract opportunity and devoted support. You'll operate in new territory. Virgo and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 4, 49, 1 and 15.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: We celebrate three notable Americans today: George Washington Carver , who was a botanist and inventor who revolutionized American agriculture; Paul Revere, who famously organized the intelligence and alarm system for the American Revolutionary War; and American flag designer Betsy Ross. Revere was born under the warrior moon of Aries. Ross was born when the moon was in Cancer, the sign of the United States of America and patriotism in general. Born into slavery and kidnapped as an infant, Carver's birthday is uncertain.

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