Horoscope: Thursday, Jan 8

What you need to remember today is that there is “good” and “bad” in everyone. You may have strong feelings about what’s been going on in your world but if you criticize others too strongly today you may push them even further to the “bad” side.

Why so downbeat? Why so distrustful? Whatever the reason you need to get over it because there are all sorts of openings and opportunities available to you now. Also, if you need assistance with a family problem, just ask. You’ll get it.

You have no alternative now but to get tough with someone who has been giving you a hard time of late. Employers and work colleagues are watching the situation closely and will respect you more if you show you are prepared to stand up for yourself.

You're the secret jewel, Gemini. You're apt to be extremely loving and devoted to those who recognize this in you. There is no reason to shrink back and hide. Put on your royal air and flaunt your stuff. Your peaceful, charming nature shines through, and you radiate the god-like qualities you have within. Whoever shares your company tonight is extremely lucky. Make sure this person is worthy of you.

Things in the love and beauty department should be going rather well for you now, Cancer, so it's a good time to make a move toward the object of your desire. Make sure that you're being completely realistic in your actions. Realize that you may need some discipline in this area. Maintain a healthy structure within which you can work.

You may be in a positive frame of mind at the moment but good thoughts alone are not enough. Start planning what you intend to do with your time and energy between now and the end of the year. Make it something big – in fact, make it huge.

Let your imagination roam today but don’t lose touch with reality. The Sun’s move into the career area of your chart tomorrow means this is the ideal time to let important people know what you can do. Don’t just tell them, show them too.

You must take extra care today and tomorrow not to let minor disputes escalate into major disagreements. That applies to all areas of your life but particularly to close friendships. Even the best of pals have differences of opinion. It’s no big deal.

The planets are urging you to do something out of the ordinary today, something that stirs things up in your immediate environment. Do you rock the boat? Yes you do, as hard as you can. You only fail if no one falls out.

Are you any closer to reaching the targets you set yourself six months ago? If the answer is No then you must stand back a bit and try to see where you have been going wrong. Today’s eclipse will bring the perspective that has been lacking.

There can be no more excuses: you know what needs to be done to make your life complete and you know you must get on with it this very minute. Identify your number one goal and focus on it to the exclusion of everything else.

A small crisis is still a crisis, isn't it, Sagittarius? Expect one in your personal life today. Since you aren't one to let issues go unresolved, you won't be able to put off dealing with your problems any longer. Questions abound. Are work and responsibilities shared equally with your partner? Are you both making an equal effort to maintain relationship harmony? Asking the questions is the first step to answering them.

Take a break if you need it, even if it means leaving a pile of unfinished work behind you. Social activities are under excellent stars this weekend, so seek out people who think and act like you and have a good time together. Like attracts like.

For a while now, a certain number of planetary configurations have been continually pushing you to become aware that you live on a whole planet and not just in a city or neighborhood. You're becoming more aware of society at large, Capricorn. This means that you may be increasingly attracted to large-scale movements. Now is the time to get involved!

You will do things that shock those you live and work with over the next few days and it’s good that you are in the mood to shake things up. But don’t shake them up so much that people start avoiding you for the sake of their peace of mind!

Don't be surprised if you leap out of bed with a spark of inspiration that wasn't there last night, Aquarius. Let your dreams linger a bit before you face the world. This flash of genius is likely to strike quickly and unexpectedly, so keep an eye out for it, but don't consider it something that you can plan on or force into happening.

You may have a hard time relating to people in social situations, Pisces. Perhaps you're frustrated at hearing the same shallow conversations over and over. While you mingle with dozens of different people, all you can think about is how nice it would be if you could be home in front of the TV. Your best plan is to avoid situations that you know you won't enjoy. There's no sense in torturing yourself.