Horoscope: Dec. 12

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You don't always feel like doing what you know is best for you, but today you have the internal strength to do what's best anyway—as long as you are not with the friends who are a chronic bad-influence.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Doing something right once will be a small thrill, but don't revel in it. After patting yourself on the back once or twice, get right to work on your second victory. Repetition is the way to success.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It's uncharacteristically difficult for you to make a choice—not your fault. Someone is talking too much, too loudly, and trying too hard to sell you. Step away from the noise, and soon after clarity will return to you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You've stuck to your goals, but maybe not completely. Anyway, there are so many reasons not to punish yourself when you slip up. For starters, self-directed kindness attracts more situations of love and kindness.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your zest for life usually attracts supporters and friends. Occasionally it also attracts jealous enemies. It might save you trouble later if you're overly nice to the one who seems to have trouble with your popularity.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Just because other people are already doing it doesn't mean you shouldn't. Maybe it's never been done the way you would do it. Trust that you have something unique to offer.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You are confident in your ability to transform uninspired, sterile environments into places where people want to be. Your gentle suggestions will go over well. This is the start of something beautiful.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Privacy is undervalued in the 21st century, but not by you. Don't yield to the pressure of answering questions you don't want to answer. Other people don't have an inherent right to know things about you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Isn't linear time supposed to keep all things from happening at once? Apparently it didn't get the message, because there's a swirl of chaos around you now—and you have to admit you kind of like it!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). So what if you're a study in contradictions today? Smart people will find you fascinating because they can't readily predict what you're going to do next.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Since you can't accomplish it until you can declare it, use this day to understand precisely what it is you most need to declare. It probably has something to do with an underused talent.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You should be aware that people who are less qualified than you will talk themselves up and sell others on their abilities. Therefore, don't underplay your talents at any point in the day.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 12). Because of all of your hard work, what used to be a very unreasonable goal is an imminent reality now. January sees you writing an acceptance speech. A loan or special bonus keeps things interesting in March. In may, you'll play a new role in someone's life. Virgo and Cancer people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 3, 22, 38 and 16.