Today's birthday: Something seemingly out of reach has an excellent chance of finalization in the year ahead. Your hopes will be fulfilled because of persistence and steadfastness.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22): Know the difference between persistence and just plain stubbornness. If you keep butting your head against a brick wall, you'll only end up with a headache.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21): That mean old piper will be waiting in the wings to see how you handle common-sense matters. If you overdo activities or overindulge yourself, he will exact a heavy price.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don't expect unswerving loyalty from friends whom you've recently stabbed in the back. What goes around comes around, and it's payback time.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19): Rumbles might again develop within the household if you and your mate fail to let go of a volatile issue that has been disruptive for quite some time. Make peace, not war.

Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20): Be extremely careful not to allow yourself to be pressured into signing something that won't serve your best interests. In order to find peace, you might do what's expeditious and not what's right.

Aries (March 21-April 19): No matter how tempting, don't add to your financial troubles by taking on a new long-term commitment in order to make a payment on existing bills. Find a way to make do.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): There is a strong chance that you may commit yourself to zigging when everyone else is zagging. Being out of step usually doesn't hurt, but right now it's a mistake.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): There are times when other people can trip you up, but your biggest source of frustration will come through your own actions. You can fight back, however, if and when you recognize it.

Cancer (June 21-July 22): Attempting to impose your will on colleagues or peers will generate unpleasant repercussions. Mind your own business, and let everyone else run his or her own show.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): If you see that the route to achieving your objectives is uncertain at best, don't compound these conditions by tilting at windmills along the way. Keep your nose to the grindstone.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It's a waste of time to be drawn into a religious or philosophical debate, especially when the issue can't be resolved. It will only bring a heated argument that will cause hurt feelings.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Thread your way through financial matters carefully because there could be a number of hidden pitfalls waiting to trip you up. Don't let anyone make a killing at your expense.