Horoscope: Jan. 4

Aries (March 21-April 19): When you look toward the new year, your habitual way of seeing it is like last year – only slightly better. As long as you’re thinking improvement, you may as well think outrageous, extreme makeover.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): You derive pleasure from serving others. The more you help, the more connected you become. These connections will produce happy feelings and open new income streams and social outlets.

Gemini (May 21-June 21): If you’re well informed, you’ll make very fortuitous arrangements now. Keep others to their word with gentle reminders. Tonight, accept the happiness you find; don’t over-analyze it.

Cancer (June 22-July 22): You believe you know what other people’s expectations of you are – you’re almost sure you can read minds. But unless and until you ask directly, you won’t know.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): Just when you start to think that you’ve “been there, done that,” something very exciting happens. One new person in the mix will turn your world upside down – possibly a Sagittarius.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You choose your company extremely carefully. How a person behaves when the circumstances are not ideal is telling – you want people around you who are adaptable and honorable.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): You are valued and appreciated. But certain friends seem to expect things that they ought not expect. Don’t shortchange yourself for the sake of being polite. Generosity begins at home.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): Your intense bond with one person could trigger a jealous rivalry with another person. Be diplomatic, discrete and sensitive. Make each person you contact feel special.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Everything has been done before, but not your way. There has never been, and there never will be, another just like you. Use originality to break down the barriers between you and the prosperity you desire.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): There’s so much creative energy at your disposal. But to keep producing, you must keep exposing yourself to new influences. Educate yourself.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Declarations of love and other promises are featured. You’re skeptical of this but can be swayed if offered a little proof. As the comedian Steven Wright said, “All those who believe in psychokinesis, raise my hand.”

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Your choice of friends speaks to your recent emotional growth. You can’t bear superficiality and will be drawn to substance, authentic affection and sincerity.

Today’s birthday (Jan. 4): You’re moving in an entirely fresh and unforeseen direction this year, particularly with regard to your personal life. Loved ones embrace the new you. There’s sweet resolution to an old problem in February. A financial arrangement involving someone else’s money helps you kick into high production mode this spring. Scorpio and Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are 40, 13, 39, 5 and 17.

Holiday Mathis writes her column for Creators Syndicate Inc. The forecast should be read for entertainment.