Horoscopes for Jan. 29, 2013

Gray clouds and fog obstructing the sun can make us forget what life looks like when bathed in golden rays. That’s why sunshine can feel like a magic surprise no matter how many times we’ve seen it before. To prepare for Jupiter’s change of direction tomorrow, stay flexible. History can be a poor predictor. Keep hope and wonder alive.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). A band that’s a one-hit wonder in one country sometimes has a string of hits in another country. Similarly, be careful not to prejudge the talent you see today based on too limited a sample.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The person who owns little can move on a moment’s notice. Sometimes you fantasize about being that person, but right now you have to admit that it’s nice to be surrounded by beautiful stuff you call your own.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The ones who say it’s always better to see the bright side are underestimating both the risk of blind optimism and the daunting permanence of the word “always.” Ten percent skepticism might serve you well.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Don’t toil unnecessarily in the harsh elements. That’s like skiing uphill. It’s possible, and some skiers do it, but usually only when they have no other choice. Look around for the equivalent of a ski lift.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’re even better now than usual at reading people, so you can tell which ones like you, need you and want you. Even so, you’ll act as if you don’t know for the sake of social grace.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Avoid spending too much time with those who don’t value you, because in doing so, you are depriving your real fans and loved ones of your sweet attention.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Developing more passion and positivity doesn’t mean you have to be exclusively upbeat. There’s something to be said for authenticity now. You’ll find your comfort zone and stretch from there toward joy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). It may feel to you like someone is deliberately trying to hold you back from living your ideal life. This is not the case. Rather, it is a sign that you should find more birds of your feather so you can get your flock on.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Keep investigating, especially by asking friends what they think. Thanks to the research you do in the next three days, you’ll suddenly have brilliant ideas regarding the next steps of your project.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The old computer science adage suggests “garbage in, garbage out” – a phrase that applies perfectly to your current creative situation. Your productivity depends heavily on your choice of media consumption.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You may realize that it’s on you to deliver a massive amount of work today, most of it prescribed by you. You drive yourself harder than anyone, and you’ll be pleased with your own performance.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ve lived your life by a simple success principle: What you focus on grows, what you ignore shrinks. Sometimes you are not even aware that you’re using this spiritual law, but today you will be fully cognizant of it.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY. Your expectations of yourself change as you realize that you’re capable of more. February marks a breakthrough involving your health and self-care. With new vibrancy, you attract friends and partners in March. April is your chance at a role you’ve long had your eye on. There’s a surprise check in September. Leo and Libra people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 2, 22, 34 and 15.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: “In my recurring dream, I am asked to act a part in a show in which I haven’t memorized the lines. I spend most of the dream backstage, anxiously wondering in the moments before the opening curtain how I’m supposed to get ahold of the script and memorize it in seconds. There are usually distracting people around to make the task even more impossible. What does this mean? I’m a Leo who wants to win in my dream and in my life, but both cases seem to have me up against the odds.”

Performance is an integral part of a Leo’s life, and it makes sense that you would dream in this context. It would seem that in your waking life you feel regularly unprepared and put on the spot. Perhaps you are uncomfortable with the role you’ve fallen into. Do you have a new job, relationship or family status? It sounds like you’re in transition and feeling anxious about whether or not you have the tools to do what this role demands. How can you help yourself to feel more confident and able? Do you need training? Is there a support system you could tap into? You deserve to set yourself up for success.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Oprah Winfrey built an empire around her own intimate and honest style of communicating. The mogul and philanthropist was born when the sun, Mercury and Venus were all in the sign of Aquarius. Symbolized as the water bearer, Aquarius is the great humanitarian of the zodiac, finding a deep sense of purpose in bringing people what they need.

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