Horoscopes for Jan. 28, 2013

Is someone close to you advancing rapidly while you stand by hopefully? More exciting advancements will accompany the upcoming change in Jupiter, escalating this dynamic. Just remember that when a friend does well, it’s no time to cut the strings. Success is contagious. Keep the ego in check to avoid the common pitfalls of human nature.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). If you run around doing what you must, you’ll be too busy to do what you want to do. Step back, and you’ll see that what you think is your duty may really just be your habit.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You may find yourself near a person who is so relentlessly positive that he or she makes you feel, by comparison, like an absolute whiner. Well, you both have your reasons, and neither way is entirely right.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ll give your best effort to everything that matters. That’s why knowing what matters is so crucial, and many are getting it wrong these days. The efforts that are in your control are the only ones that count today.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). There’s something so attractive about those sharp-tongued individuals who say exactly what’s on their minds and don’t let anything get by them. You’ll pick up on this energy and run with it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The moon drifting through the last degrees of your sign is a reminder of how far you’ve come emotionally. What used to bother you is no longer an issue. And you have refined your tastes, too, so it’s a bit harder to impress you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It’s not enough to have a plan. You must also have the energy and resources to execute it. That’s why the best plans are simple. Today’s aim might be so simple, in fact, that you could write it on the back of your hand.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You will likely get imperfect service that fills a need in some quirky, unexpected way. Though the service is flawed, the experience might be about as fitting as any.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The negotiating and handling of material goods will be part of the day’s agenda. Listen carefully and talk sparingly, and you’ll trade up in some measurable way.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your guiding planet will change direction in a matter of days. You probably feel this in some way and will find yourself contemplating the momentous happening that is about to occur, depending on your next move.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Misunderstood? If one more person suggests that “it’s all for the best” or some similar sentiment, you’re likely to lose it. That’s why you need to surround yourself with emotionally intelligent and empathetic types today.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The state of “flow” you so often find yourself in this week is not just about doing good work. It’s about happiness unimpeded by self-consciousness. It’s about fully engaging in life.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). With only so many hours in the day, you can’t possibly interact with everyone. But you make time for the ones who propel you forward and also for the ones who deserve you.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY. The year is spiced with “blessons” (blessings that are also lessons), and you’re a grade-A learner this year. You’ll plunge into a different culture or environment – possibly a school. By the end of February, a change to your personal life will be set in stone. The journey you take in May leads to better pay. Capricorn and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 19, 50, 3 and 28.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: “I’m a Capricorn songwriter. I’ve had a few major hits and then a dry spell that lasted a decade. I’m starting to wonder whether I’ll ever have another hit. Please encourage me. I’m feeling very old and past my prime now.”

In ancient Greece, wreaths of the aromatic trees known as laurel represented honored achievement and were placed upon the heads of victorious competitors. You have a similar symbolic prize, but you’re not about to measure your worth based on that historic proof of your skill. Neither are you likely to wear your version of the green crown around so that everyone is made aware of your glory days. You are loath to, as the phrase goes, “rest on your laurels.”

Believe in the Capricorn Youth Secret, and it will be true for you: The young never rely on their past achievements, because either they have none, or said achievements are far less than they expect they’ll do in their lifetime. Stay young and relevant by holding fast to the longevity of your dreams. No matter how much time has passed, time still stretches before you full of wonder. Past victories are either forgotten or diminished by the promise ahead. You focus on the stretch before you and let it draw you magnetically forward.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: As Frodo Baggins, the world’s most famous hobbit, Elijah Wood embarks on epic quests and battles the very essence of evil. Perhaps his successful painting of this vivid fantasy world is due in part to his imaginative Aquarius sun teamed with Mercury (communication) and Mars (ambition) in the same part of the sky. His Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in Libra suggests an artistic and amiable nature.

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.