December 25 (Thursday)

The Libra moon accompanies a delightful day of quality conversation, impressive ambiance and easy hookups for friendships and other partnerships. Mercury is retrograde, so occupy yourself with thinking ahead. Whatever might go wrong needs a backup plan. Call ahead to see if your plane is on time, and keep extra supplies at home.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your creative powers are focused in such a way that you feel there’s no problem you can’t solve by thinking outside the box. A career change brings in more money, so start planning it now while you’re inclined to think big.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Losing one battle does not mean you have lost the war. Keep trying, and you will be victorious. Regarding your personal life, well, it’s not so personal now that your so-called friend has blabbed it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your industrious attitude is noticed, and you are rewarded. Your good mood makes it easier for you to forgive a relative for recent pigheaded action. He or she really needs your support.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). On hectic days like today, keep repeating a simple affirmation like "It’s all going to be OK." The psychological anticipation of problems will create more trouble than any glitch will. Tonight, ask for opinions.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Stay buoyant at work, even when it feels like you and your crew are on a sinking ship. As they say, "No good deed goes unpunished," and today, you may get told off for interfering in order to save the day.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (December 25). Assert your independence! Your way of drawing the good out of others will rocket you into financial and emotional wealth. Next month is for head-over-heels love. Travel experiences can be shared, adding to the excitement. Lucky signs for all kinds of partnerships are Cancer and Sagittarius. Take care of family business in June. Your lucky numbers are: 6, 51, 30, 44 and 11.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Nothing is wrong really, but your mood isn’t as light as it could be. An objective listener is a real help. You’ll wind up focusing energy outward, which is a good way to feel better. Encourage creativity in loved ones.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Temptations are plenty at work. Refuse to compromise your principles in favor of financial gain. Interesting examples of what not to do this afternoon are set in front of you. Your significant someone is not ready to give up.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Usually, your gut tells you everything you need to know. But on that rare occasion like today when you’re not sure what to do, seeking assistance means success rather than failure. Consult a Taurus or Cancer.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). So what if it feels like you are showing off? Fulfillment comes from boldly stepping onto the stage of the outer world and showing what you’re capable of. Financial circumstances that feel dire can be a valuable gift.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your fierce determination and cool manner sustain you. A challenging situation pops up at work. Emotionally charged issues could trigger tempers. Communication will be strained, but the new insight is worth it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Cut loose old baggage. This will free you up to make the progress you had envisioned for yourself when you were coming off the high of last week’s inspirational encounter. You’ll feel recharged and ready to break from routine.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your vision demands a full commitment to see it through. Information overload is a danger. Stay focused, and make sure all business agreements are in writing. Don’t let an unforeseen snag keep you from your goals.

SINGLE PERSON’S HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE (PART FOUR OF SIX): Most of us face the excitement and joy of the holidays with anticipation but also a little groan about the work that needs to be done to make it all happen. Juggling the shopping, cooking, travel and stress of interacting with family members we see only rarely can be difficult even for those of us in relationships. Singles may find themselves a bit wistful during this family-oriented time, but here’s how to deal with the holidays and be happy about your single status: LIBRA: Born under the sign of partnership, it’s difficult to not to dwell on the fact that couples are everywhere. The key for you is finding a friend you can buddy up with to face the season’s challenges together. Someone in a similar situation can point out the zillion fabulous things about enjoying the holidays on a single person’s terms. SCORPIO: Enjoy the sexy side of you this season! There’s no reason you have to have a partner to be sexy! In fact, some could argue that singles are sexier because they’ve got more options! Shopping can be an exhilarating experience when its just an excuse to get out and look at all the thoughtful hotties cruising the stores.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Katie Holmes is an imaginative Sagittarius with Neptune and Mercury also housed in the sign of the archer. But with show-stopping Leo aspects and Mars in business-minded Capricorn, this actress will soon be a force to be reckoned with. She could choose an industry role model this year such as Drew Barrymore (and hire a top corporate mind to help her draw up a business plan).

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Copyright 2003 Joyce Jillson