Horoscopes for Dec. 12, 2012

No one knows for sure, but I suspect that labeling things “better” or “worse” is a uniquely human impulse. Something tells me raccoons and alligators don’t spend much thought ranking their experiences. So if the upcoming New Moon inspires you review past decisions and determine whether you are better or worse off, celebrate your humanity.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Pick your battles. You have a right to express your grievance, but it may only lessen people’s opinion of you to do so. Save your fighting energy for when it’s really necessary.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Self-discipline has more to do with educating yourself than punishing yourself. Learning more and doing better are linked. Ask an excellent question, and you’ll learn the key to improving in that area.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You respect each person’s right to be their own person, even if it means that your wishes aren’t fulfilled. The one you love may not behave in the manner you would prefer, but it won’t diminish your feelings.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). There’s an art to pleasure. You’ll not only enjoy your leisure, you’ll celebrate it. Because you revel in the sweet moments, later you’ll be more motivated to work.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You value diplomacy, and yet, there are times when a swift confrontation is better. It clears the air and each person knows where he or she stands. Nip a problem in the bud.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Of course everyone is entitled to an opinion, but you aren’t obligated to hear them all. For starters, you don’t have the time. Also, you feel deep in your bones that you’re doing the right thing. Honor that feeling.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). A degree of sacrifice will prove your commitment and love, but be careful not to give too much. Over-giving will be misinterpreted as a sign that you care more about what the other person thinks of you than you care for yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The voice of your muse will ring through different aspects of your day. You’ll hear her singing in the shower, whistling in a teapot or crashing in the ocean waves.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You are drawn to an endeavor that right now seems far from your grasp, but you’ll be surprised how quickly you can fly from a state of unknowing in this regard to a state of integral knowledge. So go for it!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The Internet helps you consider several views on one topic. They can’t all be right, and they can’t all be wrong. The information you gather paints a multi-dimensional view.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The good that comes out of a collective depends somewhat, but not entirely, on the goodness of the people in that group. Each member doesn’t have to be wonderful for a group to produce wonderful results.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). For tip-top mental health, you need both intellectual and creative stimulus. You’re so curious about the world that it’s almost impossible for you not to learn something new.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY. As well behaved and under control as you seem, there’s some wildness to release next month in the form of creative revolt. January brings family unity and celebration. January and August represent financial highs. You’ll be hired or promoted for your discretion and faithfulness in February. March brings a noble purpose. Libra and Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 4, 39, 20 and 1.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: “What are the prospects for a Cancer woman, 35 and a 42 year old Scorpio man? We’ve been dating a year. He was married once for three years, and I was married once for seven years. Neither of us have children, but I want to. Will he settle down with me?”

Compatible water signs, you relate to one another on a deep level. This can, but doesn’t always, translate to the practicalities of day-to-day living. It’s time for you to be honest about your expectations and up front about your desire to have a child. Scorpio responds to directness and appreciates when another person’s expectations of the relationship are laid bare.

Though your Scorpio man most likely fell in love with your soft femininity, it’s time to combine that tone with decisive action. Your strength will be important here, as the window of your childbearing years is closing. Present your case and be willing to lovingly but definitely move on if he isn’t on the same page. The important part is not to waste time going back and forth. One year is plenty of time for your intuitive Scorpio to feel out the bond. It’s time to get a definitive answer.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Child star Mayim Bialik (12/12/1975) blossomed in impressive directions, earning a Ph.D. in neuroscience and becoming an author and expert on attached parenting. This Sagittarius actress doesn’t have to stretch I.Q. points to become the Big Bang Theory brainiac Amy Farah Fowler. The Sagittarian Emmy nominee was born when Mars was in intellectual Gemini.

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.