For Friday, Jan. 3, 2003. Those with birthdays today: Recognize what makes a friend or loved one tick this year. You might be taken aback by this person’s mercenary status or need to have things his or her way. Take your time this year making decisions, as the results happen far more quickly than you anticipate. If you are single, you will meet people easily, though you will often find the relationship short-term. If you are attached, financial unpredictability will be your highest liability in your relationship. Learn to work as a team. Aquarius is full of surprises.

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)

• You could be delightfully surprised by what comes down your path if you relax and work with the moment. Others’ expressions of affection could be quite touching. Tonight: Speak your mind.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

• Unexpected developments take you in a new direction. Be more forthright with someone you respect and look up to. Tonight: A must show.

• You might have a difficult time expressing what’s on your mind. Make a point of spending quality one-on-one time with a loved one or friend. Tonight: Talk possibilities.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

• You might not be sure of the protocol in making what you need happen. Surprising news comes via a partner. Perhaps you haven’t seen a situation develop like this before. Tonight: Reach out for a special friend.

• Do as much as you can to make someone comfortable. Don’t push so hard to achieve certain goals. Rather, relax and enjoy yourself. Tonight: Frolic along.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

• Unexpected news heads your way. Leave space open to allow others to come forward. You get greater feedback if you simply flow and demand less. Tonight: Pace yourself.

• Don’t push someone away. In fact, be more sensitive to loved ones and friends. Sometimes you can be too self-involved. Open up to suggestions more often. Tonight: Play along. Enjoy.

• Try your best to get past a problem that might be upsetting you more than you realize. Once you clear the air and have a long-overdue conversation, you’ll feel much better. Tonight: Put your feet up.

• Express your good sense and moneymaking abilities. Unexpected developments allow you to feel more appreciated than you have in a long while. Tonight: Out.

• Use the daylight hours to proceed in the direction you have already decided. Right now you have nothing to celebrate but life itself. Go for it! Tonight: Your treat.

• Step back and take your time making an important decision. You’ll find out unusual information if you simply flow. As a result, your mood changes considerably. Tonight: The world is your oyster.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

• * Make that extra effort and reach out for those in your immediate circle. Your instincts drive you in a certain direction. Tonight: Don’t rush.