Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

A happy arrangement of Venus, Mars and Jupiter is counteracting the effects of the Mercury retrograde to the extent that even if things don't go your way, you're likely to be glad for the surprise, if not immediately then eventually. Also, new arrangements and easy fixes abound. All you have to do is talk things over.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You may be amazed at the lack of humor in the world, but you'll do something to remedy the situation. You'll shine as you do what you have fun doing. When it's not fun, you shine because you try to make it fun anyway.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You'll learn more from what you did wrong in the past than you will from what you did right. It doesn't mean you're a pessimist; it just means you're human.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You may not be fully aware of your attention needs now. You want people to notice you because you get a lift from the energy that comes from eyeballs and intentions being focused on you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You deserve the luxury of quality help. You need people around you who have experience in the area you want to master. Seek the best, and that's what you will find.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Greatness doesn't happen overnight. Take the pressure off of yourself. Be content with minor results for now. There's much that can be accomplished if you're willing to start small and build gradually.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You're a better person because of the way you reach out. A compassionate energy radiates from you. There's also a kindness in your tone of voice that resonates with all who hear you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your problem may seem of little or no consequence to someone else. That doesn't make it any less real to you. Can you step outside of yourself and split the difference?

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You need people in your life who can fill in your blanks with the appropriate skills. Realize your deficiencies, and celebrate them. They give you an excuse to bond tightly with others.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your commitment to a friendship will shape your day. You'll act out of loyalty and a sense of justice. Tonight, you'll enjoy a boost of special appeal, and you'll attract the one you want.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You have added value to a group and will continue to add value. Share your good ideas, and present yourself in the best light.

It's not bragging if your primary intention is to help others.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You could save someone from making an embarrassing mistake. Indeed, you wish someone had done the same for you. Whether or not the other person takes your help is another story.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The tasks necessary to keep your life running smoothly may not be the ones that promote your dreams, goals and ambitions. Could you delegate some of them to another person?

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (March 15). Many people would not be where they are today if it weren't for your birth. Enjoy the impact you've already had on the world as you make new plans for the year. An April adventure involves partners with different strengths and knowledge. Together you'll reach a goal by June. Love delights and mystifies you in July. Libra and Aries people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 26, 1, 24 and 17.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I'm a 25-year-old Leo in a new city. My new boyfriend introduced me to a whole circle of fun people — yay! But there's this alpha female who seems to more or less run things, and she has it out for me. She gives me backhanded compliments and even told me that when she first met me, she thought I was socially awkward, but now she thinks I'm just shy. She's a serious one-upper. Everything I say she makes an effort to top. She's a Gemini. Any tips for dealing with her, taming her or winning her over?"

Not all Geminis are like this. The twins can be a lot of fun, and most do not make a habit of one-upmanship or snide comments. They do tend to talk off the top of their heads, and there's a good chance that your alpha twin didn't think she was being mean or competitive in the least. Your strong Leo energy can be threatening to any social order. The best way to play it is to let her win. Don't compete; be supportive and kind instead. Give her lots of attention, and let her know through your body language and behavior that you respect her position in this group. When she feels safe, she'll calm down.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Her figure doesn't show it, but Pisces actress Eva Longoria loves to cook, owns a restaurant and authors cookbooks. Longoria's sun and Jupiter are in artistic Pisces. Her moon and Venus are in feisty Aries. And Mercury and Mars are in philanthropic Aquarius. Indeed, Longoria has been awarded for her substantial gifts to numerous charitable organizations and the Latino community.

If you would like to write to Holiday Mathis, please go to www.creators.com and click on "Write the Author" on the Holiday Mathis page, or you may send her a postcard in the mail. To find out more about Holiday Mathis and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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