HOROSCOPE

Aries (March 21-April 19): You can think of a challenge as an obstacle in your path or as a test to reveal how far you’ve come, how capable you are and where to focus your efforts toward mastery.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Creative people can get easily bored by circumstances that don’t inspire them. But remarkably creative ideas are born by pushing through that boredom.

Gemini (May 21-June 21): There’s no substitute for showing up in real life.

Cancer (June 22-July 22): Symptoms are the SOS message in a bottle sent from Go find the island. That’s where help is needed.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): We’re always changing, just maybe not in the direction we want to. That’s why everyone needs a witness, for an outside perspective.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Some shrink from danger. Others seek it. You do neither. You meet life as it comes, assess your risk and act. This is the cool-headed approach of confident living.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): It will be easy to get your way today. 1. Establish a line of communication. 2. Ask. The heavens are arranged to favor your diplomatic skill.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): Write about your daily life, including the small details. You’ll gain objectivity, insight and appreciation that extend inward and outward.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22Dec. 21): You respect a careful decision-making process when you see it and will take into consideration other people’s experiences before you make your own choice.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You will give people what they want, only if you’re sure you can do so for all the right reasons.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Minute gestures convey deep and complicated emotions. Attention flows to certain things and not to others; the trail of that attention is a journey and a story.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): The difference between small gifts and great ones has nothing to do with size or cost and everything to do with the intention, affection and care in the package.

Today’s birthday (Dec. 28): This solar return inclines you toward the deeper recesses of the soul. Where you were clueless, you will gain clues that lead to treasures both personal and professional. A victory in March will be a highlight, as will the work you do with someone younger and the learning you obtain in a formal environment. Taurus and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 38, 7, 20, 22 and 16

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