Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

Venus slips into the realm of Aries, a strong position for the planet of love and beauty. While she explores this fire-sign warrior whose motto is "I am," we get in touch with who we really are. What's attractive about you? Give yourself a challenge and you'll find out. Push yourself for the sake of learning your boundaries, as well as your strengths.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Today brings a bouquet of pleasurable moments, though they will all come disguised as everyday events. As you slow down to watch pretty clouds in the sky or children playing, you'll get back in touch with your joy.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You don't need a beauty overhaul. And yet, spending more time and money on your physical self will bring you the wonderful sense of luxury that you've been missing lately. Tip: Fellow Taurus will make an ideal companion.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Focus on your own achievements (instead of wasting time analyzing the so-called "competition") and you'll begin to see yourself differently. As your idea about who you are expands, so will your reality.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). There is no such thing as an attention thief in your realm, since you give your love freely to anyone who needs it and otherwise mind your own business. Your remarkable powers of focus will serve you well.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). A sense of meaning is not something you strive for to get bonus points in life. It's actually a necessity, as important to your survival as food and water. You'll search your heart to become clearer about your purpose.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). When was the last time you went to the library? As you peruse reading material you wouldn't normally look into, you'll find gems of knowledge that are both personally significant and enjoyable.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Take initiative. Be the one to decide and make something happen. The sense of control that comes with this act will empower you. It could even produce a profound turnaround in one area of your life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Look on your past with compassion and optimism. Even if you weren't thinking very positively back then, you can retroactively change your experience by looking at the best parts now.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Spending money on others usually makes you much happier than does spending money on yourself. However, today is an exception. There are a few choice items you need, and you'll enjoy picking them out.

CAPRICORN (Dec.

22-Jan. 19). Listening to someone is a gift you can give that doesn't cost you any money. But it does take a good chunk of your time. You'll have an hour to spare, and a loved one could really use your ear.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Charity doesn't feel like an effort for you. Altruism and giving are a part of your everyday life — it's just who you are. This is why you'll be among the happiest people in your crowd.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Why is it that you're able to find the gems in a situation that has others griping endlessly? It's because happy people like you see opportunities that disgruntled people miss.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (March 7). Helping others is the key to helping yourself. You make the world a better place this year, dedicating yourself to improving the experience of your loved ones, as well as your community members. You'll win office or be promoted in May. You'll gain a mentor in April and be one to someone else in November. Virgo and Capricorn people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 31, 20, 44 and 18.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: What's life without risk? Even the lowliest one-celled amoeba at one point in time risked everything to crawl to land. And with all the changes being thrown our way this week, we all benefit from an attitude of flexibility. The swirl of astrological developments starts now. The moon careens through adventurous Sagittarius, increasing our need for excitement. Then Venus enters a fire sign, as well — Aries. Doing the minimum to get by will seem like the dumb idea it is. Venus in Aries is all about proving yourself, even when others don't care. It's about finding out who you are by posing challenges, pushing past limits and exceeding your own expectations. Mars is in a fire sign, too— proud Leo. Men and women will do their best while trying to impress one another. Mercury and Jupiter come together in Pisces to add a spiritual dimension to this spirit of competition. The games we play have a meaning that goes beyond the moment in which we are playing them. And at some point, they cease being games at all. Our endeavors, even the playful ones, become our lives.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Academy Award-winner Rachel Weisz is another example of a Pisces who had a strong idea about her career path early in life. She was a model at 14 years old and was winning acting awards for her work on stage in her early 20s. Pisces is the sign of old souls and also of great intuitive powers. Many Pisces rely heavily on intuitive guidance to navigate their careers, and it works brilliantly.

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.

COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM