FOR RELEASE: SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 by Holiday Mathis on Creators.com

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FOR RELEASE: SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011

Yesterday brought the turnaround of Mercury. The communication planet now appears, from our earthly point of view, to be flying straight and greasing the cogs of daily life in the process. There's a sense that things will soon click into place — maybe not in the expected way, but it's a safe bet that it all works out. Hold on to hope.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Take on an ambitious aim. It may seem unlikely that you'll be able to accomplish it from the place you're sitting now, but once you get into motion, you'll unleash a force within you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're physically strong today. Take off on foot. Go as fast as you can. When you run, you'll connect with the ground, the trees and the air. It will be as though the whole universe is breathing with you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Making a graceful exit isn't so easy to do. It's certainly much harder than making a classy entrance. But you'll display exemplary character with this move, and it will be quietly noted.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You will go from being blocked to being in a powerful state of mind. Brilliance will seem to flower from you. You'll experience the extreme difference between self-consciousness and consciousness.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The reason you are dealt so many responsibilities is that you can handle them. Others have asked more of you over the past six weeks, and you've grown strong in fulfilling their requests.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Feed yourself well. Sometimes that means eating what's nutritious, and sometimes it means eating what's delicious. A mixture of both will contribute to your health and good mood.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). No one can do what you do. Others do things similar to what you do, but it's never going to be exactly the same. That's what a loved one will realize this afternoon, and you'll find satisfaction in the discovery.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You'll get the amount of attention you ask for. How much do you think you need? You'll be better in touch with the answer than you have been in weeks.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You come across a promising business arrangement. Many factors must come together for this potential to be realized. Exercise impulse control. Take your time with this decision.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Ambition is your nature. Instead of wanting what everyone else wants, you're apt to double the order.

This isn't about greed, but about challenge. Embrace this aspect of your personality.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Though you are close to someone, experiencing many of the same things and sharing many similarities, you are still expressing a different reality. You will start to understand just how unique you really are.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your life improves when you focus on your own needs, wants and goals. Try not to compare yourself to others right now, because what they are doing is irrelevant to your situation.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (April 24). Dark mines produce jewels and riches. You have the courage to reach into the darkness of the unknown and find the gold there. Your shift in thinking causes a wave of productivity in May. Save money to invest in yourself in June. July brings a fantastic vacation from the usual. Family rallies behind you in October. Aquarius and Leo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 13, 2, 21 and 18.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Some weeks feel like a succession of Mondays. This week is like a succession of Fridays. Every day it seems that the week's work is being wrapped up and there is something terrifically fun to look forward to just a few hours away. This is partly due to the recently restored forward motion of Mercury. This whippersnapper of a planet is whizzing around in Aries now, emphasizing the importance of fresh energy and new ideas, as well as the power of youthful exuberance. Another contributing factor in the buzz of excitement that lifts the spirits of this week is the conjunction of Mars and Jupiter. As these important players align, the vigor of competition is palpable. The spoils will go to the bold but not without a valiant fight. This aspect can produce overly aggressive behavior — like boys who get too rambunctious in their play and wind up clobbering one another. Remind yourself and your team that greed and bullying have no place in a respectable game. It all turns out well when you practice good sportsmanship and don't take things too far. Success is only sweet if it is honorably won.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Original "American Idol" Kelly Clarkson is gearing up for the release of her fifth album, due to drop in September. Clarkson was born when the sun was in Taurus, the sign of the throat — an excellent placement for singers. Clarkson also has her moon, which rules the emotions, and Mercury, ruler of communication, in Taurus, indicating great vocal power, strength, beauty and stamina.

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.