Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

With the Libra sun and Mercury so close together, communication flows in an effortless, artful manner. Under the current astrological influences, one of the most immediate and telling forms of expression is the language of clothing. Success depends on paying attention to the messages sent out by your "threads."

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Though you do have reserves of strength inside you that you have yet to tap, you also have more resources outside you than you could ever use in your lifetime. Ask for help, and you'll get a taste of this.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Childhood friendships and sibling relationships will influence your current projects and how you think about them. Family is well meaning but may not have the experience necessary to give you the best advice.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You can inspire people without dominating them — it's a forte of yours now. You'll be put in charge of something important precisely because you do this so well.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your needs have changed, and you are still learning how to accommodate your new situation. Think of your schedule as a work in progress. Try not to be too rigid, and leave plenty of time for goofing off.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There's much to gain, but you have to engage 100 percent in order to acquire it. Potential partners want to feel that you are fully committed. It will be worthwhile to sacrifice some of your freedom in order to accomplish this.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your friends will help you when you need them the most. In the meantime, you have a policy not to bother anyone with trifling matters. Because of this, you'll be well respected.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It's one of those times when the best way to deal with problems is to ignore them. By tomorrow, some of the problem will have fixed itself. And whatever is left over can then be easily dealt with head on.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You have a right to share your feelings and to ask questions, even in new arenas. One who makes you feel otherwise is trying to control you. Stand up for yourself.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You may be putting way too much effort and importance on an unnecessary detail. Asking for the opinions and insights of those around you, especially mentor types, will be very helpful.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When the world seems confusing, you sort things out logically.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Someone wants to give you a responsibility but isn't used to asking for help. You'll have to offer your assistance several times before this person understands that you are really sincere.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You are still getting to know an acquaintance, finding out tidbits along the way. It's so much more fun to let the mystery slowly unfold. Also, someone will hear about your talents and see you in a whole new light.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Oct. 17). You sincerely wish and work for other people's happiness, and that's how you find your own. Sportsmanship and teamwork bring success. An investment pays in November. There's a welcome surprise in your personal life in January. March is your chance to explore your talent in a new arena. Love signs are Capricorn and Sagittarius. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 20, 3, 11 and 17.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Scorpio energy is often misunderstood. As the sign of death and regeneration, the handling of serious matters can be a mundane task for this highly capable sign. The phrase associated with Scorpio is "I desire." And while this is a fitting statement for a sign that's about knowing very clearly what to want, I also think Scorpio energy says, "Whatever it is, I can handle it," in the way a seasoned doctor is no longer fazed by the internal workings of the human body. The fearlessness comes from experience and also from an unequivocal acceptance of reality. Scorpio energy is often described as being intense and passionate, and yet there is nothing too big and outrageous about the way this energy operates. When we embrace honesty and seek the truth, the ensuing action resonates with a high level of intensity. When we are not impeded by falsehood or defrayed by having to please anyone, the magnetism gets turned up. That's what Scorpio transits are all about — helping us face and accept the bare-bones truth. This week, first Mercury slips into Scorpio on Oct. 20, and then the sun follows on Oct. 22.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Grammy- and Oscar-winning rapper, producer and actor Eminem is a Libra born under an Aquarius moon. This harmonious arrangement is both artistic and innovative, as Aquarius lunar energy inspires boundary pushing and the opening of new creative channels. Both Venus and Mars in Scorpio indicate depth, intensity and a talent for walking the line between passion and rage.

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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