FOR RELEASE: SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 by Holiday Mathis on Creators.com

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FOR RELEASE: SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011

If you keep a diary, it might interest you to look back to what you were doing on January 4 of this year, when Venus was in a similar arrangement to Uranus as she is today. In some ways, history will repeat, especially in regard to your love life. However, as in fashion, the old way will be made new again by some clever twist of approach.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Something is always kept when you give, and in today's case, it's big. Perhaps it's only a feeling, but it has weight and impact. You'll carry it with you for years to come.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Creativity isn't something you acquire; it's something you've had all along. Like Dorothy's ruby slippers, you only need to know how to access the magic in order to be transported.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You reduce your expectations and resign yourself to accept what comes. It's not because you're pessimistic. It's because you love the feeling of being pleasantly surprised by life.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You are likely to misjudge your own capabilities, underestimating your strength and stamina. When you feel depleted, push through. You'll get a second wind and accomplish something remarkable.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Loved ones have a way of getting under your skin. Only those who know you best can say the things that bother you most. Luckily for them, you will be in a merciful mood.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It is very rare to succeed on the first try, and it may also be unlucky. It's far better to experience the entire learning curve. Then you'll be able to re-create your success at will.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Instead of dismissing a new process as "not for you," think of it as an exercise and dive right in. The only way to make sure you're not submitting to complacency is to learn something new.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You'll take a chance and be very proud of yourself at the end of it, whether or not it turns out the way you hoped it would. Your ability to be in the moment is impressive.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The one you love may grapple with people you don't admire. However, you'll adhere to excellent boundaries. You'll live and let live. This policy will prove to be truly brilliant.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your ability to pace yourself will prove most useful. You'll be a rock for someone you love.

You can't tell now how far this gesture will reach. This is one for the decades.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The look you give people matters. It may be a tiny micro-expression, but it reads loud and clear. You make your innermost feelings known, especially to those who have been, up until now, quite unobservant.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You'll be around those who have little self-control, and you'll realize just how important it is to maintain a certain amount of structure around your daily activities.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (July 31). You are warm and inviting. You can be this way because you don't have a fear of getting close to people. August sees you in the mood to learn and love. September and December are high points for your personal and professional development. A leap of faith leads to thrilling adventure in November. Libra and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 1, 14, 39 and 28.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Do you get the funny sensation that the world is putting on a show for you? With the sun, the moon and Venus all in playful Leo at the top of the week, it may feel as though Ryan Seacrest is sitting on your shoulder, guiding your attention, punctuating moments with humor and building the suspense to last through the commercial break. As the sign of entertainment, Leo makes sure there is never a dull moment. Even the parts of life that were lacking color will get a shot of excitement and glamour. The new picture will come at you in colorful, high-def 3-D with digital surround-sound to maximum effect. To add to the fun, Venus angles Uranus in Aries for the first part of the week, bringing a few surprises to the realm of romance and personal expression. Things will heat up. Whether it's because of a hot temper or a passionate new interest, the intensity fuels fast action. On Tuesday, Mercury goes retrograde in Virgo, putting a stop to some of the shenanigans. Logistical errors, bad timing and other obstacles may seem to slow the pace a bit, but this will turn out to be all for the best.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: "Harry Potter" creator J.K. Rowling has held for years that the seventh "Harry Potter" book would be the last, though she recently made the provocative statement, "Never say never." Rowling was born under an entertaining Leo sun, though the predominant energy in her natal chart is of hardworking and often reserved Virgo. Five luminaries in Virgo promise that Rowling is endlessly productive.

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.