ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Do the legwork necessary to ensure you aren't caught off guard by those who try your patience during the festive season. It's up to you to protect yourself from any fallout that comes your way.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Mixed emotions will set in, leading you to question whether what you are donating or dealing with is worthwhile. Travel, visits and gatherings with loved ones you don't get to see very often will be enlightening.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Review the year gone by, weigh the pros and cons, and establish what to put to rest and what to carry forward. Look at the big picture, but once your vision is clear, take a minimalist approach to how you proceed.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- It's the thought that counts, and last-minute shopping can be time-consuming if you don't have a plan or the cash on hand. Cap your spending; it's the thought, not what you spend on a gift, that counts.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Offering help, money or time is admirable, but don't let anyone take advantage of your kindness. Charity begins at home this year. Look around, and support loved ones.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) –- Participation will be called for. Attend fundraisers, mix business with pleasure or lift the spirits of someone who is down and out. Emotions will be close to the surface.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) –- Everybody has a story. Don't judge; show compassion. Manage your consumption to avoid the consequences and regrets that follow indulgence, especially when mixing business with pleasure.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) –- Leave yourself plenty of time to get to where you want to go. Traveling at this time of year can be stressful. Stay calm and enjoy the moment. It's a time to make memories, not regrets.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) –- Proceed with patience and good intentions. A gracious attitude and a big smile will help deter anyone from taking their frustrations out on you. Be the good Samaritan, not the Grinch.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) –- Maintaining discipline and sticking to your original game plan will get you where you want to go at a price you can afford. Choose well-thought-out ideas and stay within your budget.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) –- Jump into action, do your part and make fond memories with the ones you love. Put your best foot forward, and the love you get in return will be the best gift ever.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) –- You've got everything under control. Don't let consumption be your downfall. Be the good Samaritan, the one who looks out for others and offers a helping hand wherever and whenever necessary.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Put your excitement and vitality to good use. Staying healthy and keeping busy will help you avoid a run-in with someone who tends to push your emotional buttons.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Don't share how much you earn or spend. Giving others a chance to weigh in on your plans will add to your confusion and put you in a vulnerable position. Avoid giving others reason to gossip.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Speak from the heart when dealing with partners or people you hold in high regard, and you'll gain respect and honesty in return. Moving forward with a clear conscience is liberating.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Look for an opening and work your magic. Seizing a financial opportunity or pumping up your investments to ensure you get the write-offs you need is in your best interest.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Refuse to let what others do interfere with your quality of life. Reach beyond any differences you have and make the most of the festive season.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) –- Put your energy where it will encourage you to excel and help you close the year on a high note. Personal change will not go unnoticed and will serve as a steppingstone to future accomplishments.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) –- Get your surroundings ready to celebrate the festive season with friends and family. Let past grievances go and find a way to start anew. Choose kindness over criticism.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) –- You are best off contemplating situations before you embark on something you may not be able to finish. Refuse to let your emotions take charge and point you in a direction of no return.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) –- Be careful what you wish for. Not everyone will respond to you in a jovial manner. Pull back, wait and watch for signals to guide you. Be grateful and gracious.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) –- Take ownership of what you do and say, and move forward with grace and determination. Enforce the necessary changes to clear your path and to ensure you reach your destination of choice.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) –- Pay it forward and do your part, and you'll get that good feeling that comes from looking out for those around you. A kind word or a helping hand can go further than a donation you cannot afford.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) –- Be careful at functions that mix business with pleasure. The key to maintaining your position and reputation is to be thankful, accommodating and kind. A joyful attitude will turn you into the bright light in the room.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Reach out and connect with people who have something to offer you. Don't sit back when you have so much to gain by participating. Focus on turning an opportunity into a new beginning.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Observe what's happening around you. Take advantage of an opportunity to participate in something that can broaden your awareness or point you in a worthwhile direction.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Find something you feel passionate about and sign up to help. Volunteering at this time of the year can be rewarding and connect you to a group that will have an impact on how you live.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Address issues that have not been dealt with, and take a firm position. Don't fear opposition; offer solutions and get the ball rolling. It's time to leave the past behind you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Enjoy the festivities. Take every opportunity to share your vision and to drum up support. Change is on the horizon if you are willing to step up and do your part, but don't neglect loved ones or take them for granted.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) –- Say less and do more. Closely observe how others react to a tricky situation, and take physical action to clear a passage forward for those who share your beliefs.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) –- Stop and rethink your plans. Too much of anything will work against you. Overspending, making unrealistic promises or letting your emotions lead the way should be avoided.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) –- Focus on whatever you feel passionate about. It's up to you to make your own opportunities and to go the distance to ensure your plans gain momentum and attract the right people.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) –- Keep an open mind, but don't cave under undue pressure. Listen dutifully, but be ready to defend your thoughts, perspective and choices. Honesty is the best policy.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) –- Put your energy where it brings the highest returns. Today is about acknowledging your attributes and putting them to work for you. Change is up to you; don't sell yourself short.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) –- Combine energy and creativity, and you'll come up with a plan to launch in the new year. Change is within reach if you use your skills to align with your dreams, hopes and wishes.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) –- Think twice before you jeopardize your chance to advance. Personal and professional gain begins with a positive attitude, insight and knowing how to work a crowd.