Do you see a glimmering shortcut to making someone feel good? Maybe your choice is an easy piece of flattery or a sweeter than usual tone in your voice, and whatever manner you find your aim will hit. The Aquarian moon spreads kindness and the Capricorn Sun makes compliments count toward raising our social status.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Spend some time thinking about how much energy you expend by either maintaining the status quo or avoiding confrontation. Standing up for your principles will be both satisfying and invigorating.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Culture or business connected to Asia will soon play an important role in your career. Do a little research, stay ahead of the curve. Learn all you can about any Asian country that has ties to your business.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Let your disdain for mediocrity and your love of nostalgia spur you into creativity. You might find inspiration in the words or clothing styles of a bygone era. Put yourself in a different context. The change in perspective will be fun.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You will learn that there is a method to all the madness that has enveloped you lately. You are in the throes of a major breakthrough. Allow yourself some time to celebrate your ingenuity.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your mind finds the extremes. One moment you'll believe you are a piece of work and the next you'll decide that you are a work of art. In order to stay positive it's best not to draw any conclusions about yourself either way.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (DECEMBER 30). This year is a bright collection of strange victories. You'll likely have the sense that you don't know where things or going or how they'll add up, but the journey is so interesting you are compelled forward regardless. A fantastic friend lends healing support and many laughs. Your living arrangement shifts in May. Virgo and Cancer adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 4, 33, 28 and 17.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You'll hear many different opinions, some of them said louder than others, but the voice in your head is the one that carries to the far reaches of the universe. Stay honest and supportive when talking to yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Travel outside of the region of your residence brings luck. Consider playing the lottery or entering contests. See as many clients as possible. A financial windfall is coming your way. But you still have to play by the rules.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Setting a good example is key. The eyes around you repeat what they see. Have you ever allowed anyone to witness you rebuilding yourself through meditation? You'll be around someone who can understand such things.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Every progression has its beginning. Create as many new beginnings as possible without worrying how they will play out or where they will end. You can later decide which are worthy of your follow through.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Relax; you already know which sweetheart is for you. You do not have to reject anybody. The person not chosen by you will intuit your intentions and bow out. This frees you up to meet with your destiny.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You may become involved with governmental agencies. Perhaps it is your turn to serve jury duty. Check to see that your automobile's license is up to date. Renew all licenses before you face a fine.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Self-expression is part of your DNA and you'll be doing it right out loud now. A quieter person will be very attractive to you. You will notice and appreciate the different ways people celebrate themselves.

YOUR MOST AUSPICIOUS WAY TO USHER IN THE NEW YEAR: LEO: Give your family, friend and neighbors as much time as possible. Even short visits will put you in a lucky mood. You are regenerated by their smiles, rejuvenated by their hugs, reanimated by their laugher. You go into the new year as a real people person. VIRGO: Chances are you can't give up being a perfectionist or being hard on yourself — and you really wouldn't want to. The result of your high standards and impossible drive is so fabulous! But there is one habit you could lose. Write it on a piece of paper and burn it over a candle. LIBRA: If you can manage to get some exclusive time with your No. 1 supporter, that will be magical. As long as you are together, what you do really doesn't matter. You could even just watch television. You are so receptive now to the kind of healing that occurs with a close connection to your most significant other. SCORPIO: Express your kookier side. You'll be around the people who can really appreciate your humor and you almost can't go too far with things. And when you're not being funny, there is poetry in your heart that needs to be unleashed.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: "Today Show" co-host Meredith Vieira has natal sun, Mercury and Venus in the get-it-done sign of Capricorn. She's the poster woman for having it all, as she toggles multiple jobs, charities and appearances with a robust family life. Vieira turned down major jobs when her children were small. With Mars in Scorpio, she intuitively knew she'd get other opportunities when the time was right.

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