Horoscopes for Jan. 30, 2013

As Jupiter stations to go direct, we adopt a more empowering perspective on our numerous responsibilities. Do they really have to weigh so heavily on us? Maybe there’s a way to set them down, compartmentalize – stick them in a locker and carry the key instead. We can always return later to pick up only as much as is reasonable to carry.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Questions of loyalty arise, and you sort them out as such. You are loyal to those who have proved loyal to you. As for the others, you don’t promise much, but you’re sure to deliver on whatever those promises may be.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). As much as you try to stay out of it, power struggles that are going on in the higher ranks will affect you. This is a time to focus on the elements that are within your control.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Matters of timing will become matters of identity. For instance, those who are always late will be stuck with that stigma, and those who are usually ahead of the trend will be lauded for their progressive tendencies.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You can’t take a leap of faith and simultaneously stay in the same place. Put some energy behind your choice. If you just let go, you’ll fall. Your best chance at success comes when you run and jump.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). A loved one’s schedule affects yours, and his or her opinions have a way of rubbing off on you, too. This is a fine day to create some space to listen to your own uninfluenced thoughts.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You may be reasonably certain that you’re right, but you’ll be sorry if you make statements to that end. It only gives others the impulse to prove you wrong. Better to tone it down and slip under the radar.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ll gather evidence of your social habits. Aware that your time is a gift, when people crave your company, it’s a sign that you are being selfless in your hours with them.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Maybe you won’t exactly say “my way or the highway,” but you’ll think it. Then you’ll walk away, calm down and consider whether other ways really would work after all.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Sometimes conflicts arise to show us that everyone is wrong. When no one has the right answer, go back to the drawing board for a brainstorming session that will break the problem wide open.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). What will you do for family? The answer is: a lot more than you would do for anyone who doesn’t fall into the category. You take care of your own whether or not they deserve it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Someone wants your contribution. Consider this carefully. The challenge issued to you will rock your world for the next few weeks if you choose to take it on.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). When you’re struck with inspiration, it often feels like a magical, mystical experience. Where do these ideas come from? In today’s case, it certainly feels as though you are channeling them from on high.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY. You know what you’re good at, and you’ll prove it this year. With the sun, Mercury and Mars invigorating your sense of purpose, you feel empowered to lay claim to a shining goal and tell everyone you know about it until you get the support you need to proceed. February brings romance. March brings money. Pisces and Cancer people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 18, 3, 27, 41 and 49.

ASTROLOGICAL ADVICE FOR JUPITER DIRECT 2013: Remember when Superman turned back time for the selfish reason of saving Lois Lane? Well, maybe it wasn’t so selfish, but he broke the rules of his power, thereby unleashing enough evil into the galaxy to fuel a couple of sequels. In a similar vein, James Bond has a weakness for evil beauty, Harry Potter is too quick to anger, and Edward Cullen is a manipulative bloodsucker. (But, hey, what vampire isn’t?) My point is that a flawed hero makes for a good story. As the Mack Daddy of the zodiac, Jupiter definitely falls into the category.

The good-fortune planet represents abundance, freedom and dumb luck. A well-aspected Jupiter is definitely something to look forward to, akin to winning money or having a wish granted. And yet it can’t be denied that many lottery winners fail disastrously at being rich, and that so many answered wishes have led to unforeseen negative circumstances that “be careful what you wish for” is now a well-worn cliche.

So during this Jupiter transit in the communication realm of Gemini, enjoy the wealth of information, trendy fun and amped-up payoffs that come from being vocal about what you want and need in your life. By the same token, go slow; be thoughtful and wise. It is definitely possible to have too much of a good thing.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Christian Bale’s ability to transform his body and disappear into a character has made for an impressively eclectic mix of film roles. True to his astrological nature (Bale’s natal sun, Mercury and Jupiter are all in philanthropic Aquarius), the Academy Award-winning actor devotes his time and money to Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund.

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