Fortuitous times could be in the offing for you socially in the year ahead. There is a good chance that you will form and build a strong new alliance that will be the envy of all your present friends and associates.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You might profit for the moment if you think solely of yourself, but sooner rather than later you'll have to pay the price. Making it worse, your selfishness would be exposed in the process.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- It would be best if you handle a problematical development rather than let your counterpart do so. His or her solutions could turn out to be a bit too reckless for you.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- If you're smart, you'll refrain from taking measures to even a score with a rival. Instead of being vindictive toward an offender, let the forgiving side of your nature guide your course of action.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Even if it's not convenient at the moment for you to do a favor for a pal, find a way to do so anyway. To go out of your way for someone is the true test of friendship.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- First and foremost, be realistic about your financial situation. If you can definitely make a profit on something that is a bit of a gamble, fire your best shot.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Instead of simply ordering someone about, set a good example first so that this person can see you're not asking anything of him or her that you wouldn't do yourself.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- There is an old World War II saying: "Loose lips sink ships." Let two friends who have confided in you know that they don't have to worry about any leakage.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Be careful if the ante gets raised in an important undertaking. All concerned parties might suddenly start looking out for their own interests when they find out there is something of real value at stake.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Weigh your gains carefully against what you could stand to lose. Have some second thoughts if the balance is unequal.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- If you are prepared to be self-sufficient, the failure of a counted-on party to take care of an entrusted task won't set you back. Grin and bear it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- There's a good chance that you might be called upon to clear up a dispute between two close friends. The only way you won't get into trouble is to let each party see that you are truly impartial.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- That road that leads to success in an important objective is likely to be littered with all kinds of impediments. Be prepared to have an alternative route mapped out.

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