Horoscopes for Jan. 9, 2013

What is love? Is it fireworks and rockets or the flickering warmth of a slow-burning flame on a cold night? Venus has recently decided to explore the less dramatic option, claiming she wants to settle down into a sensible, secure groove. Enjoy some stability in the weeks to come. Fewer romantic distractions mean progress in other areas of life.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You have bright and intense energy now. Be careful to read people accurately so as not to overshadow them. Success depends on your ability to harness your passions and use them judiciously.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The need to be right stops people from relating and learning. But the remedy is simple: Agree to be wrong, mistaken and flawed. In other words, agree to be human. So what? No one can know everything.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ve gone through rough spots in a relationship, and that’s why you can now appreciate the sweetness of smooth sailing. The strange part is that it’s so easy to get along that you wonder why you ever didn’t.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Does your work take discipline? Maybe you don’t think of it in those terms, but to show up and do any job well, you need a certain amount of willpower. Your brain will work hard today. Tonight, relax and recharge.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). All of the expectations and options available to you bring pressure that is not conducive to getting things done. You’ll have to shut out some of the background noise if you’re going to move your main goal along.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Meeting new people is work. Sometimes you just don’t feel like doing it. The energy you’ve been pouring into family life makes new relationships seem less appealing.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your catchy personal habits make you intriguing company. Some of the things you say will inspire another person to be more like you. Expect imitations, but know that none comes close to the original.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You don’t always want what everyone else wants, and you’re proud of that. Also, you know the truth: Many people don’t have any idea what they want, so they just try to blend in.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). As you create a change, you wonder whether it’s positive, negative or neutral. No one can know for sure. That’s why all change is risk. But you’re a risk taker, so change you must.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You may take the option you didn’t want to take, but it’s not settling, not exactly. It’s just that now you know more about what’s possible. Some amount of compromise must be made for the greater good.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Just because there’s a certain way that certain people do a task doesn’t make it right for all. The conventional way may or may not work for you, and if it doesn’t, you’ll find a better way.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Plain and simple: Some endeavors are harder than others. At least you’re taking this on with a friend. Just when you think you’ve each made every possible mistake, one of you will invent a new one — but it’s all in good fun.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY. You’re a brave hero! You’ll defend what’s yours and earn what’s not yet yours. Strategy and diplomacy will be your strong suit through February. March features the happy conclusion of a term of service, and you’ll embrace new responsibilities and adventures as a result. Self-control is strong through June. Virgo and Aquarius people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 39, 11, 20 and 16.

GEMINI YEAR AT A GLANCE: JANUARY: Relationships will bring a curious mix of emotional struggle, surrender and security. FEBRUARY: You’ll go far to amuse yourself and avoid boredom without creating any lasting consequences. MARCH: You’ll approach work with enthusiasm, cheer and charm and be chosen for the premium jobs. APRIL: The 8th through the14th will be the luckiest time, with the moon, Venus and Mars rooting for you to solve a problem in the unique way that only you can. MAY: You’ll move to the top of people’s minds and hearts and invite lists as Venus visits your part of the sky. JUNE: The new moon in your sign on the 8th is the perfect time to launch your humanitarian project. JULY: Meet short-term needs. Your efforts to reorganize and take excellent care of yourself will ultimately help you prevail. AUGUST: You’ll love more realistically. Focus on those you respect, and you’ll become like them. SEPTEMBER: Streamline your efforts. Firm boundaries will be necessary to make it to key goalposts. OCTOBER: You’ll push yourself to the limit because that’s what your mission demands of you. NOVEMBER: Your talent will be recognized in the last week. DECEMBER: Handling what’s in front of you is the best way to create a future of your liking.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, is in for a wild ride as her new year presents royal developments and expansions. Middleton’s sun in ambitious Capricorn is well balanced by Mercury and Venus in Aquarius, the sign of humanitarianism. Her Cancer moon indicates a strong maternal instinct, and she is likely to love motherhood so much that she’ll opt for multiple children.

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