Horoscopes for Dec. 24, 2012

Though one hates to get too caught up in the commercial aspects of this time of year, they are difficult to ignore, as Jupiter and Uranus draw interest to the economic sector. Mars heading for Aquarius urges us to be generous in every way that we can; money may be the least valuable thing you could share. Let the giving spirit overtake you.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You may feel a mounting pressure. A million details must be wrapped up in a small amount of time. But you’re an expert delegator. Don’t be too shy to ask for help.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). People will be running ideas by you and asking for your opinion throughout the day as the moon in your sign highlights your position as a tastemaker and expert on quality.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). One of your most cherished roles is to fill a once lonely space with companionship, warmth and laughter. You will be most successful in this regard over the next three days.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ll revisit the memories of your childhood and wonder how much of it was fantasy. But anything that makes life more magical, meaningful and memorable is worth celebrating.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Maybe you’re not technically a child, but the spirit of play is alive inside you at every age. In some ways, you see more wonder in the world now than you ever did before.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). To avoid getting stressed out by the season, make a plan. Also note: Similar to how the best defense is a good offense, the giver who takes initiative and gives first has a definite advantage.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Is everything softer and more beautiful, or is that just what the holiday spirit does to your senses? Whether real or imagined, there’s no question that the sweetness of life is yours to taste.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your social talents are going strong. You’ll enjoy being around the people you feel most at home with, and a few fresh faces will add something special to the mix, as well.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The day brings a free feeling. It emboldens you to break the ice in some way. You’ll be inspired to take liberties with your emotions, and you’ll love the way you are received.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ll speak honestly, commit to little and give more than is expected of you. As your sign mate Benjamin Franklin said, “A good conscience is a continual Christmas.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You care a great deal, but you’re not always trying to change the world. Sometimes you just want to show up, love people and treat them well. And that’s how you’ll wind up changing the world in spite of your intentions.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’re an antenna for the cosmic messages everyone needs to hear. Repeat what comes to you through the ether; it will bring comfort and joy.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY. Six months from now, you’ll be in a much improved place because of the choices and sacrifices you make in the next five weeks. You’ll manage your ego and put your personal ambitions aside for a few weeks. As a direct result, you’ll rise to a higher vantage point where you will see an ideal next move. Aries and Virgo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 12, 40, 25 and 16.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: “How can a Virgo overcome temptation? As a busy working wife and mother, day-to-day life is stressful and relentless for me. I find myself unable to moderate my vices. Also, my fantasy life is out of control. Even though I love my husband and would never do anything to hurt him, I find myself caught up in daydreams about ex-boyfriends and the like. In short, I feel like I just can’t get it together integrity-wise. Any advice?”

Recent scientific research suggests that willpower in humans exists in fixed amounts and can be used up by the mental discipline it takes to work, raise children and solve the problems of daily living. It’s why people tend to cave on their diets during stressful times. Your self-awareness bodes well for your ability to resist momentary urges. You’ll be in better control when your life is less stressful. So how can you make it less stressful? This Capricorn solar cycle will be good for you, as it will ground you in an energizing goal that makes lesser responsibilities fall to the wayside. Baser instincts may still be with you, but know that they will ebb and flow. Try to relax and ignore them as best you can. Persevere.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: His passion for announcing was ignited at an early age. When Ryan Seacrest was a child, he would pretend to be on the radio. Among his playthings were headphones and a microphone. His sun, Mercury and Venus in Capricorn shows serious drive. Mars and Neptune in Sagittarius indicates a pioneering spirit. He will be a forerunner, setting new trends in broadcasting.

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