Mercury ends the retrograde just in time to start the new year off on an empowering note. Make peace with the past, not because people deserve forgiveness but because it clips the tether to historic pain. Resolution allows you to live in the present. While you’re at it, you’ll decide not to worry about the future, so nothing can tug you anxiously forward either.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Even if you’ve put in the time and energy to a fruitless pursuit, you still gained something in working up the fervor. That something will never leave you. You’ll get the chance to apply it elsewhere to great effect.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your attention and affection are a tonic to people, an energizer that gives a zippy energy to the day’s action. A song in your heart will carry you brightly through the day’s work.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The ones who are playing for fun will count on their good cards to win. The pros will count on their ability to turn any hand into a winner. This kind of finesse is learned over time.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Some situations are more conducive to building positive, life-enhancing relationships than others. When it all shakes out, it’s about your ability to make and be good friends, however imperfectly it happens.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Whatever your goal, count your progress by only the moves within your power. Set aims based strictly on your own efforts. For instance, calorie intake can be regulated, while weight loss is up to your body to manage.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Beauty always comes with quirks. The unexpected strangeness is an integral part of the excitement. Because you’ll show up ready to receive — all your senses, your mind and your heart open — you’ll be moved.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Ask any pilot — no plane leaves the runway without the opposing force of the wind. No opposition, no lift. Today, you’ll treat everything that opposes you like the gift it is. Your year is lifting off.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Planning, prevention and proactive moves will serve you well, and you can apply your talent for forward-thinking to help others, too. The more you help people, the more you want to.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Don’t wish for fast money. Hitting the jackpot will address immediate issues, only to give rise to more costly challenges. The true jackpot lies within, as internal victories offer continuous payouts, contributing to an ever-growing reservoir of joy.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You and your friend are on different paths, but they will merge for a time and you will walk together, then run and sometimes chase each other through the winding way. It is good to have excellent company.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ve been cast in a role, tried it on, played around, and now you’re inside it. It won’t be long before this will no longer be something you put on, but a piece of who you are.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll be around the people and things that calm you. You’ll settle into the powerful mindset that allows your best work, and leave no openings for distraction.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 1). Nothing exists, and then suddenly, something does — brilliant! What you start this month will be a story for the ages. You lead with your interest in how others are feeling; you want to provide the best experiences. More highlights: An engaging outlet with you at the center of attention, confidence gained by teaching others, and a financial shift that looks beautiful on you. Gemini and Cancer adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 11, 47, 25, 9, and 6.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Two American heroes were Capricorns born on the first day of the year — war hero Paul Revere and American flag maker Betsy Ross. Revere was born under the warrior moon of Aries and had Mercury, Jupiter and Uranus is adventurous Sagittarius. Ross was born when the moon was in Cancer, the sign of America and of patriotism.

Holiday Mathis’ debut novel, “How To Fail Epically in Hollywood,” is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com. COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM