Horoscopes: Monday, December 18, 2017

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You've sought inspiration before, but this time inspiration seeks you. Do you believe in the muse? If so, she'll whisper in your ear. If not, she'll talk louder.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're good with the strong personalities in your midst, and you've a way of neutralizing problems before they occur. You set a tone with your grace.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It's hard to be a gracious winner when the win is hard-earned and well-deserved. It's coming, though, so get ready to drum up some gracious humility.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The only way to know your talents is to try. Don't worry about the end. No matter how much or little money you make in the name of creativity, you won't be sorry you expressed yourself.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The sun shines on all. Will you bask in it or seek shelter from it? Metaphorically, there's some extreme brightness in your world now. To enjoy it and not get hurt, you'll need symbolic sunscreen.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). All things you own come with responsibility, even if it's only the responsibility of keeping them in your space. Before you acquire, you'll take a long pause to consider the total cost, which is not just the dollar amount of the thing.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Today you'll be particularly adept at the jobs that tap into your people skills. You'll exercise your verbal, social and athletic muscles and make some money.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The experience of creating beauty (or even just intending to create it) really calms you down these days. This isn't about art so much as it is about moments.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Those who absolutely must have the best are invariably unsatisfied. If only the best will do, the best usually won't do, as there's always something better coming through the revolving door to take its place.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Today's frustration is something to explain instead of express. As you unpack the issues, you'll examine them, pinpoint the problem and start to assemble a plan of action.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The bees needn't compete with the butterflies, and the sun has no need for competition with the moon. Nature's features are quite naturally in balance today, and you'll feel this in your own realm, as well.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Acting in a manner that's brief and to the point will be an act of love on this day, when there is so much to accomplish. There's great satisfaction in working efficiently with your peers.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 18). It goes like this: You say you'll do it, and then you do. Your follow-through won't require willpower or self-control. It will only require desire and deep commitment. It's a year when you'll use your words sparingly and with seriousness when it counts, yet much of the time, you'll be lighthearted, juggling many fun experiences at once. Aquarius and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 2, 22, 18 and 38.