Dec. 12: Your lookahead horoscope

IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY:

Set your sights high, then go even higher. It's not enough to have a goal, you need a mission, something to motivate you each and every day. Look at the world around you. How could your unique skills make it a better place? There's your mission.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20):

It might be wise to keep your aims and ambitions to yourself this week because if you let slip what you are up to it could damage your chances of success. Surprise and secrecy are powerful weapons - make them work for you.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21):

Details may bore you but they are important, and with the sun squaring up to Jupiter this coming week if you miss something out it could be costly. Check contracts and other legal documents with extra care. Don't take anything for granted.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21):

It is, of course, better to be optimistic than pessimistic but Jupiter, planet of excess, warns that too much self-confidence could have harmful consequences, so don't get carried away. Be positive but be on your guard too.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23):

Stick with what you have started and see it through to the end. It may be consuming more time and energy than you expected it to but the planets warn that if you give up now you will regret it later. Where's your staying power?

LEO (July 24 - Aug. 23):

Try not to leave what you say open to interpretation over the next few days. Make sure everyone knows exactly what you mean - and make sure that you know what you mean too! Confusion could quickly lead to chaos.

VIRGO (Aug. 24 - Sept. 23):

If you gamble on the outcome of an event that you do not have total control over the results are unlikely to be positive. That applies both to your personal life and to your career. Your reputation is precious, so don't risk it.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23):

You may be desperate to break free of restrictions but don't go to extremes. If there is a particular situation you wish to be free of you must take it a step at a time and give others the chance to adapt. It's not just about you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22):

You enjoy being challenged but sometimes you have to accept that a particular challenge is simply too much for you. The moment you reach the point where you know you are not going to succeed you must call a halt. Don't be stubborn.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21):

Don't try too hard to impress other people this coming week because they will most likely think you are after something. You will gain more in the long-term by being a bit standoffish. It adds to your air of mystery.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20):

No matter how much work you have lined up for the next few days you will find it hard to get started. Could it be the planets are trying to tell you something? Yes it could. What you need most now is a rest, and plenty of it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19):

If an offer seems too good to be true this week it most likely is. With the sun squaring up to luck planet Jupiter you cannot afford to take risks with either your resources or your reputation, so play it safe - and save your money.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20):

Jupiter in your sign gives you all sorts of big ideas about what you can do with your life but, as usual, someone seems determined to rain on your parade. On this occasion though you are advised to listen to what they have to say.