Horoscopes for Dec. 31, 2012

The Leo moon is the perfect lighting scheme for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve. She highlights creativity and fun. She brings focus to the most entertaining aspects of the night and unites the crowd in cheer and song. This is, after all, the year that many believed would never come. Be safe, well and happy as you wave goodbye and hello.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). If you feel restricted and can pin it on a certain reason or person, consider yourself lucky. Most people don’t realize how they are being limited. There is no way to break out of a prison you don’t even know you’re in.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Beware of the armchair advisers. The truth is, they don’t know the truth. If they did, they’d be in the field, not telling you what to do from a comfortable sitting position.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ll be a master negotiator, mediator and general peacekeeper. You’ll make a commitment to working things through and working them out. It’s not over until everyone is happy.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). If you were an outlet, and the people around you were lamps, you’d only let the ones that work plug into your energy. Otherwise, what’s the point? Save your energy for the people who are sure to light up your life.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Like George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” you sometimes undervalue your contribution to others. You have a baseline of generosity, kindness and good character that doesn’t go unnoticed.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You could win a game in spite of your carefree and noncompetitive attitude. There’s something to be said about not being overly invested in the outcome.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’re the only one who can steer the ship today, because staying on course has everything to do with what feels right and what feels wrong. As long as you go with your feelings, you’ll stay on course.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). If you got what you wanted, would it rob someone else of what they wanted? Probably not. In fact, it would free up the thing you’re holding onto but don’t want.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There’s nothing like the cusp of a new year to remind you that there’s hope. There’s always hope. In the midst of the celebration, friends remind you what you’re all about.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Mercury’s recent arrival in your part of the sky will inspire you to strike up a conversation with people you normally wouldn’t think you’d have much in common with. You’ll be delighted by the results.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ll play a game that has nothing to do with money or material reward. You’ll find yourself invested on some basic level to do all that’s in your power to win.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your life force is strong, and people can feel the vitality, excitement and joy radiating from you. They don’t even have to be in the same room to know that you’re a powerhouse today.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY. You need a clear headspace to pursue your dreams. This year, you’ll rearrange your life, responsibilities and schedule to make that happen. January brings a fortuitous meeting and the start of a beautiful relationship. February is your chance to shine in a competitive environment. Your finances improve in June. Pisces and Taurus people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 10, 29, 44 and 14.

SHOULD AULD ACQUAINTANCE BE FORGOT? Yes, some should. Also, there are habits, sayings, tendencies and more that would best be heaped on the rubbish pile of 2012. What would you do well to leave behind? ARIES and TAURUS: Arguing politics with family. The election year is past, and there’s no sense in ruining relationships by sharing too many opinions. GEMINI and AQUARIUS: The word “should” does have its place, but often it’s used to negate reality and judge yourself and others by random standards that may not really apply. Life is just better without a lot of “shoulds.” CANCER SCORPIO and PISCES: Water signs thrive when they favor their gut feelings. Inner guidance can be illogical, but for these highly intuitive signs, it would be foolish to ignore it. Use your psychic ability to help yourself. LEO, VIRGO and CAPRICORN: You’re not doing anyone a favor by neglecting your true talents while you tend to business that a highly responsible monkey could do. Make 2013 your year to delegate! LIBRA and SAGITTARIUS: Your taste is amazing, but sometimes you choose the generic route to satisfy the expectations of others. In the new year, instead of meeting expectations, challenge them. You’ll have more fun, and others will love it!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Controversial Korean pop artist PSY created the international hit “Gangnam Style” and the accompanying dance sensation. Mercury (communication) in worldly Sagittarius bodes well for border-crossing appeal. How deeply does it disturb Psy that his rap lyrics have come back to haunt him? His natal Mars, the warrior planet, in Leo suggests that he’ll fight for his right to entertain.

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.