Today is a constellation of small bites, one of everything we've seen this week: trine, conjunction, opposition and square. We're only at the beginning of the year, and already it's time to pause and reflect on the tensions resolved, the turns of luck, the forces bonded and dissolved. It's all palatable, maybe even tasty. Leave room for a sweet dessert.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Family dynamics are in play. This could feel complicated, political, inconvenient or even dramatic. But it also feels expected. There are no surprises here, so make your move in full awareness of the familiar pattern.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Choose stability. Work with what you know and can control. Unpredictable elements are exciting but could derail you from making real progress. You just can't risk it today. In predictable conditions, you'll build brilliant systems and quickly move ahead.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Fences can keep people apart or bring people together. When people feel like their boundaries are being respected and protected, they let down their guard and are more inclined to connect in their preferred ways.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Every decision offers a lesson, no matter how it turns out. When things go your way, you learn. When they don't, you learn something different, and often more valuable. So as long as you stay engaged and aware, you're winning.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You may finish a mountain of work only to notice an entire mountain range still ahead. That's why the cycle can't be just "work, work, work." Try: work, pause, celebrate. The pause restores you; the celebration fuels you. All steps are essential.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Each relationship is distinct. Let each connection serve its natural purpose. Some are only built for a shared laugh or a passing hug. Don't try to get deep with someone who can only meet you on the surface of life.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your environment seeps into your imagination, your imagination fuels your behavior and your behavior shapes the environment right back. It's a loop you can use to your advantage now by putting yourself somewhere beautiful, and the rest will follow.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Real allies help you succeed, whether by boosting you up or giving you honest critique. Today they'll give you what you need — a confidence boost if you're wavering, or a clear-eyed critique when something just needs a bit of tightening.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You have a gift for prioritizing the right things today. You'll figure out what's actionable, handle what's relevant and ask for what's necessary. You'll create order, and it will be so attractive to people who need that anchor in their lives and work.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You have great timing today, mainly because you're early. Giving yourself wide margins for not only error but for creativity, peace and preparation simply gets you into the groovy vibe from which the day's loveliness unfolds.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Today the "good guys" have quirks, and the "bad guys" have charm, and the same person can fall into either category as the days and deals progress. Stay tuned to nuance. Most truths will live in a gray area.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Don't demand brilliance from yourself on command. Lower the bar to "something, anything." A scribble becomes a sketch becomes a draft... you just have to start and trust that the work will develop from there.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 9). Welcome to your Year of Bright Opportunities. Invitations find you — to travel, to collaborate and to be a part of something epic and possibly romantic. You'll get access to places or people you once thought out of reach. Your optimism returns in full color. More highlights: A family milestone brings joy, wins in games, and you'll balance ambition and affection like a pro. Aquarius and Cancer adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 1, 3, 22 and 37.

For more Holiday magic, visit HolidayMathis.com. To find out more about Holiday Mathis and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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