Horoscopes by Holiday, Weekly

Mercury goes retrograde at the top of the week, a transit that continues until Sept. 29. This planetary activity occurs in Libra, ruler of partnerships. So if it seems that you and a loved one or colleague are simply not on the same wavelength anymore, just give it some time. In a few weeks, relationships will come full circle, and you may actually be happy for what you learned during this interruption of the status quo.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Be careful not to publicize information that might hurt you if found out by the wrong person. This includes talking about confidential information while in a crowd of people, for instance in a sports arena. You never know who's listening. E-mails and comments on social networking websites are especially dangerous.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). How well do you really know yourself? The strength of your self-image will be tested as you encounter situations that spur reactions you wouldn't have predicted. Ultimately, these situations will help you learn about your deeper nature. And the better you know yourself the more confident you will be.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It's difficult to give up your gripes, but that is exactly what you must do in order to improve your life. Holding on to these complaints is only making you create more of the same problems. A symbolic act will help you clean your slate. Write down your main "beef" on paper, and then rip it to shreds.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You fall into the role of serving others so naturally that you don't even realize when your service is unnecessary. Take a step back and let each person handle his or her own needs. Don't make a move to save the day unless you're asked to do so. You'll be happier and healthier once you switch the focus back to you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You will be generous with your time, energy and possessions, and this brings you great joy. You don't even require that others be grateful, which is good, because they may not respond as they should. Nonetheless, your actions will be rewarded. As a rule, givers are healthier and happier than takers.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Events line up to teach you how to be your own best friend. You start the week feeling like no one understands all you do, and this may very well be the case. What would you gain if they did understand? The approval you crave won't come from the outside. It's far better to acknowledge and appreciate yourself.

LIBRA (Sept.

23-Oct. 23). If you don't yet have the qualifications or experience needed to play in the big leagues, you'll get a chance to learn by helping others. The job may not be glamorous, but you have to start somewhere! And you're high energy, so anyone who's looking for the perfect teammate will find a winner in you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Wanting to be liked and accepted is natural. But it's a state that makes it far too easy to accidentally overpromise. Be very aware of the expectations you set up in the hearts and minds of others. It's better to undersell things this week and let others be surprised and delighted by how well everything turns out.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You may disagree with a loved one on topics that seem important, such as finances, child rearing and politics. Even so, you can still get along famously. As long as you disagree respectfully, things work out well. And if you can find a way to disagree sweetly, your differences can bring you closer.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your needs are important — something you tend to forget as you climb the ladder of success. And even though you could make a good argument that you are better off for the losses you've accepted thus far, life isn't strictly about sacrifice. Take advantage of all perks, vacation days and benefits offered you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It is once again time to expand your social horizons, and you will have luck with making fantastic matches for yourself. You gravitate toward people who fit your personality type and enjoy some of the same things you enjoy. Don't try to match others up, though. This special talent is best used just for you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). If someone asks too much of you, this won't be the last time. And though you like to be needed — sometimes — you're not currently looking for anything too heavy. Seek ties with the self-sufficient. Well-defined relationships will make life easy. Lighthearted people will inspire you.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS: You gracefully walk a fine line this year. If you set reasonable goals, you'll miss out on the grand, impossible adventures. And if you set lofty, difficult or even crazy aims, you'll get discouraged and overwhelmed. Decide what to do based on your energy. Push yourself when you're feeling strong, like you will be through the next seven weeks. But when you get tired, stop pushing. You'll buy and sell big-ticket items in October. Family harmony rings through the winter. May brings hot dates.

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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