Horoscopes: Wednesday, December 21, 2016

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Unlike bears, cougars, and sasquatches, humans are social animals best suited to spending time in groups. You'll find the greatest satisfaction today among a small number of kindred spirits.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). To adopt the disguise necessary for "fitting in" is to deny the real you. Don't worry about fitting in. Honor who you are, and you'll find you can get comfortable in many different situations.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Not all stress is harmful, especially if you don't think of it as such. You can make stress work for you today. When you hit that tense moment, think: "This is happening so that I can. ..."

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The direct route to making friends is often, oddly, not as effective as other ways. But as you decide what else you want in your life and act on that, you'll get human contact as a bonus.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You believe in the value of what you're doing. Hold on to that. Sometimes, your action will be popular, sometimes, it won't. Don't worry about how you're being seen or thought of or experienced by others.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Hypothetical scenarios rarely play out like real life. To get the twists, turns, and thrills, you have to throw your whole self in, not just your mind and imagination. It is only through interacting with others that you'll find out who you are.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Remember when you didn't afford someone the benefit of the doubt, and you were wrong? This memory will play into today's scenario. Now, you'd rather be wrong and kind than right and unkind.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). In general, you just want to lighten up, and this can be accomplished in lots of ways. Take the pressure off of your to-do list. Get more help. Take breaks to visit and laugh. It's the practical things.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There are no guarantees that you can control your experience so you won't suffer. Yet, it is often the case that when you don't try, you don't suffer. Let go, and enjoy the ride.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It's easy to point out how things could have been done better. But to initiate an action and follow through, this is the proof. You'll show your integrity and strong character at every turn.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The time for thinking about it is over. Decide. Are you willing to take the risks to get what you want? In order to get the fruit, you have to go out on a limb.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You work in the world of the mind, and play in the world of the heart. One person brings these two worlds together for you. That's a beautiful relationship, one to be appreciated and celebrated.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 21). You will put a great deal of yourself into your friendships, and one special relationship will offer adventure and financial gain in 2017. You'll win a contest in February. You have a chance to change your family karma for the better in March. June and August bring the financial opportunity. Sagittarius and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 17, 20, 31, and 22.