The year ahead appears to be a promising one in two unrelated areas. The first, which isn't as important as the second but is still vital, has to do with your social life. The second pertains to your career, and it could be your greatest blessing.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Victory might not go to the swift but to the persevering. Thus, you'd be better off stolidly plugging away instead of trying to do everything as quickly as you can.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- If you allow another to run the show, you're not likely to have an easy row to hoe. Everything will be done to the benefit of that person instead of to the benefit of the majority.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Being both patient and persevering allows you to make progress on a difficult endeavor in yards instead of inches. If you allow yourself to become hasty, nothing will get done.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Make sure there is parity regarding what each has to offer and what each will receive when involved in a joint venture. If equality is absent, what you're trying to do won't fly.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Step up, be firm and defend your basic rights, or persons with whom you're involved are likely to take advantage of your good nature. Don't be left holding the bag.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Owing to your negative attitude, your possibilities for success aren't apt to be as strong as they might be otherwise. If you can't see yourself as a winner, no one else will either.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- A friend who is a very nice person but continually forgets to repay what he or she has borrowed might put the touch on you once again. If you give in and help, you'll be sorry.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- It might be difficult but important to guard against your inclinations to do everything the hard way. Making things tougher on yourself can be needlessly self-defeating.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- If there is a specific individual who would have the answer you're seeking but whom you haven't been able to reach, you might be better off looking elsewhere.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- The old saying "We can never have too many friends" might be impressed upon you when someone whom you always depended upon isn't available anymore.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Provided you handle it properly, a major unsolicited change in a project could turn out to be advantageous for you. If treated improperly, however, its impact could be negative.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- There's a chance that you might have to operate under conditions that are less than optimal. Although what you want to do can still be effected, its payoff might be meager.

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