Horoscopes by Holiday, Weekly

Venus enters Gemini, and there will be a gradual shift in the way we approach love. Beware of the tendency to go against intuition and rely on the intellect to guide us. Be cautious not to over-think relationships or make choices that are too cerebral. Love and logic don't always fit nicely together. What looks good on paper may not wear well in real life, and someone with all the wrong qualifications might be a perfect fit.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Success is scary. Why else would it be such a consistent entry on the list of human fears? Somewhere between dying and spiders lies the spooky sense that if you do well, you'll be in unknown territory. Grapple with that realization by remembering how often you've faced the unknown and ruled it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your most challenging task is to open your mind and accept the way your life is. Much about it is pretty darned good, though perhaps it's not what you thought it would look like. There are things you disapprove of; however, you can't change them and resist them at the same time. Embrace what's going on now.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Just because you love someone doesn't mean he or she won't drive you bonkers. It's the little things, of course — the thoughtless habits and annoying behaviors — that test your nerves. Early in the week you could read more into these irritants than is necessary. Assume it's not personal or deliberate. Get back to love.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You are attracted to a person or situation to such a degree that your judgment is wonky. Your perspective is affected by the hazy glow that emanates from your subject. Wait until you feel more grounded to make important decisions. Friday and Saturday bring great clarity, as does a discussion with a Pisces.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You have something that other people want, although you may not consciously know what it is. You belong to a certain group that others would like to be a part of. You don't even realize that you are dangling a promise before someone. Become aware of what you have so you can use it strategically instead of accidentally.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: You will be emboldened to fully be yourself. You won't feel that you have to hide your magnificence in order to fit in with a person or group. You will speak what you know without fear of the consequences. August brings a special gift. You'll grapple with a new issue in September, and the victory could inspire a career change.

Your personal life is rich with interesting characters, and one relationship brings many enchanting scenarios. New additions to your family come in January.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You have a task to accomplish. You'll be tempted to quit at what will seem like the halfway point, but there is no way to know what the halfway point is unless you plan well. Before you begin, write down each step involved and check them off as you go. Your motivation will grow with each item you check.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Though it's always nice to have focus, your life is in danger of becoming too narrow for your tastes. There are dimensions of you that are not being expressed. You think you don't have the time to develop some of your interests, but you do, and it's a valuable component to your self-esteem to do so this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The word "problem" can have a negative context, but in a math book, a "problem" is simply an equation to be solved. Look at your life problems the same way. Having an issue doesn't make you a bad person. The problem is just an opportunity for you to figure out something and grow mentally stronger for the exercise.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). A lofty aim is worth your time. Your first try will be noble, and yet something brings you back to the brainstorming stage. Open it up to a group discussion. Inexperienced souls will be more helpful than experts. Someone who doesn't know the first thing about your situation is likely to bring about a brilliant fix.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Exaggerated self-expression isn't your style. You prefer to draw attention to yourself with your quiet intelligence, powerful inner presence and caring attitude toward others. Yet, when there's an occasion to speak up, like the one you encounter Thursday, you do it with the dramatic emphasis of a seasoned pro.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Someone is keeping score — likely in a close friendship or a romance. You're not keeping score, so it's a bit confusing to you how this game is played. What matters and has value? Though the game seems silly, learning about how the other person's mind works will help you in this and other relationships.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Something must be jettisoned to make room for the new. You might still be mad at someone because your relationship with this person didn't work out quite how you had hoped. You'll let go of your anger in the perfect moment. Soon after this remarkable release, a new opportunity sweeps into your life.

Holiday Mathis is the author of "Rock Your Stars." If you would like to write to her, 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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