HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR THURSDAY, DEC. 8. if today is your birthday:

This year you open up to a different way of life, one that is likely to be very rewarding. Opportunities seem to pop up from out of the blue. You could be quite serious when pushing others away. The unexpected runs riot in your life.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

You finally have cleared a difficult period in your life, and you finally feel good and relaxed. A conversation could go off the deep end, but know that it will return to some sort of sensible talk. A misunderstanding seems to come from out of nowhere.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

You could be more inclined to see a situation differently. Understand where you are heading, especially now that you have extra energy and the willingness to be focused on a major project. Consider your alternatives carefully.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Your playful nature attracts many different people. You are more willing to make an extra effort, especially as you can make a difference. Relax and take care of yourself. You could be confused by everything you hear, and by how quickly you hear it.

CANCER(June 21-July 22)

Be more forthright in your choices. You know you can make a difference once you grasp the full dynamics of a situation. Extremes mark your thoughts. Indulgence marks your actions. You could be overwhelmed by what is happening.

LEO(July 23-Aug. 22)

You will want to indulge a child more than usual. You might think that heading in a new direction or choosing a new activity will make that easier. Allow a friend to see a situation from a different perspective. Be willing to give more information.

VIRGO(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Prepare to make a difference in a project that involves close relating. A family member could be unusually stern. You know what you want to do and won’t hesitate, even if this person tries to interfere.

LIBRA(Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Be as responsive as you can be when others make a suggestion. You need to make sure you listen carefully. You don’t always need to act on others’ suggestions; just be open to the possibilities. You can only benefit from that type of thinking.

SCORPIO(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

You might want to see a personal matter from a different perspective. Do not take a risk. Be willing to go along with someone else’s plan for now. You could feel more connected to others as a result. The more you share, the closer you will become.

SAGITTARIUS(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You’ll try to reconnect with a friend and have a long-overdue chat. If you’re making a gift list for the holidays, know that you have a lot of ground to cover. Your imagination and ability to recognize what pleases others will result in the perfect gift.

CAPRICORN(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You could be deep into the moment, ready to make a change and reach a new level of understanding. Your ability to see past the obvious helps you through hassles. Remember this ability is a gift that many people do not have.

AQUARIUS(Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

You will want to say something in order to acknowledge what you are hearing and/or understanding. Others might not be able to be as receptive and clear as you would like them to be. You are on your own when it comes to making an important decision.

PISCES(Feb. 19-March 20)

A possessive streak comes to the forefront. You might not be able to follow through on a friend’s request. Remain sensitive to your opportunities, especially if you see a re-appearance of one. You’ll want to say “yes’’ to what is being proposed.

Jacqueline Bigar is on the Internet at www.jacquelinebigar.com.

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