For Thursday, Dec. 2, 2004. Those with birthdays today: You have the ability to pull back and not get too involved in what is happening, if you so choose. Use that detachment to gain perspective and to learn to understand others better. Walk in others’ shoes more often. Travel and education could play significant roles in your year. Learn to express your feelings more often, both the positive and negatives ones. Others do respond. Use your sixth sense more often. Develop your intuition. Share more of your dreams. Success will come naturally if you are focused on your goals. If you are single, someone quite rewarding and interesting will enter your life. If you are attached, work together to make a dream happen.

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 can either be dragged into the commotion this morning or put an end to it. Later, you decide a peace offering might be just what the doctor ordered. You are hot-tempered right now, dear Ram. Easily, you could lose your temper. Tonight: Just don’t hold back.

• You might be accepting more responsibility than you can handle. This drain becomes obvious in an argument or accident (be careful). Tonight: Accept another’s gift.

• A risk backfires big time, and you might hear about this flub-up for quite a while. Don’t get irritated; just know that there is some truth to what others say. Tonight: Think about hanging some mistletoe.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

• The Lion might roar today and expect others to respond, but clearly someone is not impressed. Let it go and continue to do your thing. Tonight: Let the good times rock and roll.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

• Easily, disruption occurs in your mind because of another’s hard or sarcastic remark. Could this person be talking about him- or herself? Tonight: Buy yourself a present on the way home.

• Look at the long-term gains or losses rather than get into a tussle with someone. Your diplomacy could save the day. Creativity urges you to indulge. Tonight: Hook up with your friends.

• Your mood swings from impatience and frustration to affectionate and docile. If you get some strange reactions, don’t be surprised. Work demands your leadership and attention. Tonight: Sorry, out late.

• You will need to detach and remain philosophical with others acting, at best, strangely. You might be irritated and angry. Be careful how you express your dismay. Tonight: Dinner with music.

• Friends could be disruptive and toss a kink into your day. You might be best off confiding in and working with a special associate or partner. Tonight: Quality time for two.

• You might be getting mixed messages, at best. Decide to go on your own path rather than get caught up in present complications. Others seek you out. Tonight: Just don’t be alone.

• * Your mind might be far away from work and what is happening. Do your best to lasso yourself in and concentrate. You will get a lot done professionally as a result. Wait until late afternoon to make a special call or plans. Tonight: Get some exercise.