Test the waters, Taurus

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Updated: February 14, 2012 8:01AM

Friday, Jan. 13, 2012: You are very energetic this year. Foreigners, higher education and a willingness to grow mark the next 12 months. A foreigner also could play a significant role, and/or you could travel, making a long-desired trip. Communication flourishes. If you are single, you will put yourself out there more, increasing your chances of meeting Mr. or Ms. Right. If you are attached, this year presents many different opportunities to become even closer. Don’t worry about an occasional quarrel. VIRGO points to greater intellectualism.

The stars show the kind of day you’ll have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

★ ★ ★ ★: Being detail-oriented is excellent, but don’t get so involved that you lose sight of your major interest and direction. Discussions within your circle of friends help solidify ideas and encourage opening up to yet another view.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

★ ★ ★ ★: Consider testing the waters before you leap in. You might feel or hope a situation or person is one way, only to discover just the opposite or find some tragic flaw weaving into the scenario. The Bull is known for its patience. Use that quality with good timing.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

★ ★ ★: Consider what is going on behind the scenes or with an important friend or loved one. A thread of what is hidden is about to rear its ugly head. Though you might not want this information, do use it and discover the power of reality. Drop the rose-colored glasses.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

★ ★ ★ ★: Start moving in a new direction. You could be baffled by what is going on. Test the waters to separate fact from misinformation. Base plans on reality, and success becomes more likely. Weaving through an illusion could result in failure.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

★ ★: Be aware of your need to possess or be in control. Your imagination takes you in many different directions to achieve the end goal. Let go of that need -- at least this once -- and see what people do without your push.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★: You seem to have more steam and energy than usual. Others sense this energy. Don’t be surprised by another person’s efforts to touch base with you. Confusion could affect a work or personal matter. Slow down and get feedback.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

★ ★ ★: In order to understand the dynamics around you, slow down and observe more. Also understand that your mind could be filtering the information that comes forward. Curb a knee-jerk reaction. Given time, you will see the situation differently.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★: Don’t hesitate to take the lead; others will follow. Unfortunately, you could be witness to some deluded thinking within your immediate circle. One person, probably male, could push the envelope.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

★ ★ ★ ★: You might send mixed messages without intending to. Pressure comes from a public commitment or professional matter. At the same time, don’t delude yourself about a personal issue. You might not be content in the long run.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★: Keep reaching out for more information and/or a key person at a distance. You are able to make an imprint by taking a conversation to another level. Make sure your audience follows as well -- if you want to be effective.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★: You have the ability to make a difference when dealing with individuals. If you surround yourself with too many people, your uniqueness melts into the group. A partner or associate takes a strong stand. Follow through on a strong instinctive reaction.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★: Defer to others, knowing full well you can reverse courses if you want to. If someone feels that strongly about a key issue, this person needs to see what happens when he or she takes the position behind the steering wheel.