Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

Lucky Jupiter enters Aries, the sign of the ram. This is a springy, strong-minded, youthful place for the planet of luck and abundance. The world is your oyster as long as you choose to see it that way. You still may have to fight for what you want, but at least you can readily see the opportunity so you can assess what is worth fighting for.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You notice that people expect something of you other than that which you are drawn to do. Can you help it that the choices you are attracted to happen to be unusual? You'll strike a pleasing balance.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You will get clear about what you want from a certain person, and you will find a relationship groove that works for you. What you thought you wanted is different from what you actually need.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You're attracted to people who are wildly driven to develop big plans and push their lives in an exciting direction. Just don't let your own ambitions get lost in the whirlwind.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You will reach a point where there is nothing more you can do to influence an outcome. It's time to let fate take over. As your sign mate Julius Caesar said while crossing the river Rubicon, "The die is cast."

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your spirit is restless. The wind whispers a promise in your ear: You will see the faraway lands you dream about. Furthermore, you will see them sooner if you start your travel research now.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your project lacks the momentum it once had. It's normal to hit a plateau, and you should not take this as a sign that it's time to stop. Muscle through. An encouraging Leo will help you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Someone aches when you leave and thrills to your every return. Knowing that you have such a hold on this person's emotions, it would be wrong to stay away too long.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your obligations may not line up as well with the dictates of your heart as they once did. Try to remember why you first committed yourself, and you will recapture your original gusto.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You will finish what you start, but it takes a great deal of effort to stay focused. If you can discipline your mind now, you will have even greater powers of discipline in the future and at the crucial time when you most need it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). One minute you can't wait to open the next door, and the next minute you feel dread about what might be on the other side.

This mix of anticipation and apprehension makes for a strange day, indeed.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Luck is with you as you try something new. There's not much to lose with this one, as there is a minimal investment of time and energy and a great potential for growth.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You'll put your money behind the person you really believe in, even if you don't quite understand what this person is doing and why. Your heart knows what your mind doesn't.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 22). Your health is robust this year, and your confidence will be high. You'll either move or make considerable upgrades to your home in February. An infatuation becomes a commitment in March. Your creative ideas lead to professional success in April. July brings new friends, as well as a better understanding of your history. Aries and Pisces people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 30, 41, 22 and 15.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "What is a mandala? I have been drawing symmetrical geometric pictures obsessively lately, and my sister told me that what I'm really doing is drawing mandalas, which are very closely associated with magic. Is this true, and why would I be drawing these things? Have I slipped off the deep end? I find it very relaxing. I am a Pisces."

Mandala is the word for "circle" in the language of Sanskrit, a language that has origins in both Hinduism and Buddhism, two religious traditions that consider mandalas to be sacred. Various versions of mandalas are found in the symbols of other religions, as well, such as the Celtic cross of Christianity or the stone Bora rings used in the ceremonies of some native Australians. The beautiful symmetry in a mandala leads the eye and focuses the mind in such a way that this art is commonly used in meditative practice. Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology, believed that mandalas are a representation of our unconscious landscape. Whether or not the shapes you are drawing have magical powers largely depends on you and the significance you give your art. Intent is nine-tenths of the law in such matters.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Aquarius actress Diane Lane has known show business success since she was a child. At 14 years of age, she was already on the cover of Time magazine as the most successful child star of the year. With her natal Mercury and Venus in the ever-youthful station of Capricorn, Lane has the work ethic that encouraged all to treat her as an adult before she was one.

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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