Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

When Venus and Mars square off, as they will today, gender wars break out. The age-old battle of the sexes may be an exercise in futility — the strengths of men and women are so different they are incomparable — but that doesn't make it any less tempting to fight. Take the high road, and you'll find a complementary arrangement.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You are in a creative and upbeat headspace. Even if the clouds cover your sunshine, they will do so in a playful way, evoking images that tickle your intellect and probe your psyche.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your mood will be light. Your relationships have a certain youthful affection. Even your working ties resonate with warmth, and your collaborations will soar on the wings of your ideals.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The uncertainty you feel about the future is perfectly natural. Since no one can control life absolutely, the best plan is to let go. The universe has your back, and you'll get proof of that this afternoon.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your triumvirate of natural abilities includes brains, heart and a knack for dressing sharp. You'll also add a touch of the novelty to your interactions, which causes others to giggle and makes you all the more desirable.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You are about to be assigned a special task. It's not exactly consistent with your line of experience, but that's precisely why you should feel honored to accept. It's a testament to your versatility and ability to improvise.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You spring to the aid of the one you love. It's a response as automatic as an involuntary reflex — a hammer to the knee, and the leg swings up. Scarcely a thought and it's done.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You're simply brilliant at work. The way you handle yourself in a snarl is exemplary and it won't go unnoticed, although it may take the others a while to tell you so. In the meantime, pat yourself on the back.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A change of scenery would do you well. There is a weekend getaway that's definitely within your reach. It's not what you would usually do, and that's precisely what you need right now. Make a plan and go.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You'll be like the Conan O'Brien or Tina Fey of your office. You have a few jokes up your sleeve that can lighten any mood, anytime. Bust one out on a co-worker. Everyone can use a little levity.

CAPRICORN (Dec.

22-Jan. 19). Boredom at the workplace is a terrible thing. Thankfully, you can be counted on to stir things up with some well-timed wit (and a sharpie?). Stay kind and wait for the right moment — like when the boss is out.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You have a smooth, calm way of talking that sets everyone at ease. That's only because you truly care about people, and that genuine feeling can't help but show up in your voice.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You are connected to your dreams — they are a part of you. Therefore, you don't have to reach for them, in the same way that you needn't strain to breathe the air. It's all around you. All you have to do is be who you are.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 19). Your already good taste improves, and so, it follows, will your choice of location, environment, people and things. This heightening of awareness will affect every area of your life. Confessions of love and affection happen in December. There's a move in May. The best months to invest are March and July. Leo and Gemini people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 24, 9, 1 and 40.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I'm a 42-year-old single mother of a 5-year-old, and I'm a Cancer. My little girl is a Sagittarius. She's very smart and always has an agenda. She wakes up wanting to know what we're going to do, and she usually has a few places she wants to go and people she wants to see. I accommodate her as much as possible. My mother says I'm spoiling her, but I can't see the harm in it."

Cancer is the sign of motherhood, and Cancer women who become mothers are often so immersed in the role that all previous definitions of who they were become dim shadows. For some Cancer women, the adjustment is difficult because the transformation seems so complete. Other Cancer women go with the changes and begin to live their lives for their child or children. If you are comfortable letting your child weigh in heavily on the daily agenda, then where's the harm? However, if you find yourself resenting your role as personal assistant to a kindergartener, it's time to tighten the reins. Remember that you are the adult and she has come into this life to join yours (not rule it) and learn from you.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Elizabeth Perkins has been nominated for several awards for her acting as co-star in the Showtime series "Weeds." Perkins' mother was a drug treatment counselor, which perhaps gave her a window into her character. Scorpio actors are often drawn to exploring the gritty side of life and do so with great skill and brave realism.

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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