Horoscope: Thursday, Jan 23

Money problems could be on your mind, Aries, perhaps more so than necessary. You might have a tendency to blow them out of proportion and think they're worse than they are. Try to make a special effort to be objective. You might need to cut a few corners and devise a few temporary economy measures, but your situation should be back to normal within a week or two. Relax!

No matter how hard others try to annoy you over the next few days you must keep your eye on the ball and keep your mind on your long-term goals. There is no way you can fail so long as you stay calm and ignore the critics.

You may be full of energy at the moment but what are you going to do with it? For best results, try working on something of a creative nature, something that could have a long-term beneficial effect on your reputation, and your bank balance.

If you find that you are working so hard that you don’t have time for fun and games then obviously you are doing something wrong. Maybe it’s time to take a look at your schedule and make a few changes – the kind that benefit you.

Your current situation may be frustrating but you have been through this scene a hundred times before and come through unscathed, so why worry? The planets indicate if you leave well alone and let fate take its course you’ll do okay.

If self-belief is half the battle then you are clearly on the winning side. However, while the planets indicate that you don’t lack for confidence you may need a bit more common sense if you are to make the most of your opportunities.

As you get older, you're drawn more and more to spiritual matters, Leo. It isn't so much that you're embracing any particular religion, more that you're quite curious about the supernatural and some of the ancient arts. Take some time today to visit the library or bookstore and do some reading on the subject. You might want to form a study group with other like-minded individuals.

If a family member is in a bad mood but not confessing why, it's up to you to step in and help. He or she is carrying that big black cloud around, casting shadows everywhere they go. Do what you can to snap your relative out of it, although take care not to force the issue too harshly. Counseling might be in order, and this may not be your area of expertise!

The answer to a question that has been troubling you will pop into your head as if from nowhere today and you will be relieved to know at last what has been going on. You will also realize that it was never much to worry about anyway.

You will be feeling much more like your old self today, and for several weeks to come while the Sun moves through one of the better areas of your chart. If you feel like taking a vacation this would be the perfect time to treat yourself.

For quite some time you have been working behind the scenes, happy to get on with things without calling attention to yourself. Now, however, you must go to the other extreme and make as much noise as you can. Let the world know you still exist.

The time has come to open up and let others know what issues have been on your mind these past few weeks. The planets indicate that you no longer have to keep your thoughts to yourself or your ideas under wraps. Let it all come flooding out.

Some important plans, perhaps involving a vacation or education, could be temporarily blocked by circumstances beyond your control, Sagittarius. This can make you upset and might even set your temper on edge. You may be tempted to take out your frustrations on others. It would be more productive - and challenging - to find ways to make your plans work, even if they're delayed.

You just can't do everything at once, Capricorn. How do you expect to reduce your stress and recuperate while at the same time continue to be a superstar performer in every area of your life? Don't pressure yourself to perform today. If you do, you're likely to deplete your reserves even further. Take it easy, rest, and relax! You've earned this little break.

Venus moves into the most dynamic area of your chart today, an excellent influence for both creative matters and affairs of the heart. Remember, you don’t have to be aggressive to get what you want – with charm like yours all you have to do is ask.

You will find yourself pulled in two directions this week as both domestic and professional obligations make claims on your time and attention. Somehow a balance will have to be reached, ideally one that upsets the fewest number of people.

You now have the strength you need to tackle difficult tasks and the stamina to see them through to the end. Some people say you lack commitment and staying power but you will prove them well and truly wrong over the next few days.