Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

This Mercury retrograde may seem like an overly complicated one in light of the major astrological changes of the past two weeks. A slow, methodical pace will keep you from making silly mistakes. Double and triple check your work. If you feel like you need a breather, take it. Step back and clear your mind to get perspective on your situation.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your agenda may not be so easily sold on its own. But when you piggyback your plan with one that is already positioned to succeed, you'll have a smash hit on your hands.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The same guidelines that were put in place to keep order and create safety are now stifling your freedom and limiting your joy. Investigate to see whether rules can be broken or bent to suit you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You have an appropriate command of your space. You send all the right signals so that others come close when you need them to hear and see you and stay far away when you prefer to be alone.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The initial impression someone made years ago is still affecting the way you think of this person today. But something will happen to change all of that. Stay open-minded.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You are bright and capable — a natural choice to lead the group. And yet you may not feel that you want the extra responsibility that comes with the role. You'll find a way to lead without being the official leader.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You'll influence those who see you as serious and knowledgeable. To help this image along, move more slowly than everyone else. Your every gesture will seem to have greater importance.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Though you look forward to having downtime when you can recharge your energy, you still have a ways to go. Take short breaks instead of long ones. Distractions abound. Remember what you came to do.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You are sensitive to the feelings of others; therefore, people open up around you. What you learn because of this may be surprising or even shocking. You will keep a sacred trust.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Prepare for an upcoming meeting as though you are practicing for a game. Rehearse what you'll say. Play out different scenarios, and try to guess how the other person will react. Plan your countermove.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You take care to make others feel comfortable around you.

When someone new enters your realm, you'll immediately initiate a connection. Through your example, you'll teach good manners to an ill-mannered world.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You may start out less confident than you could be. A pep talk in the mirror will be in order. With a little extra attention to your image, you'll come across better than you thought you could.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your many responsibilities will require you to be outgoing. Your heart remains light, even as you deliver a substantial message. You will smile and laugh your way to a successful outcome.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (April 7). Your eye-on-the-prize mentality will serve you well. Stay on track, and you will soon accomplish what you set out to do. In June, you'll win one prize and be ready for a change. A new study, hobby or activity will strike your fancy. Shared adventure bonds you with a sweetie in July. August brings career luck. Aquarius and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 12, 41, 25 and 3.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I am having a very difficult time with growing older. I feel like I've lost my looks entirely, and I'm not even 40 yet. What can I do to raise my self-esteem? I'm considering a surgical overhaul, though I don't know how I'll pay for it. Would it be worth the money and risk if I did get an 'extreme makeover'?" — Vain Virgo

Your sign really does have a knack for staying healthy and young at every age. The sign of Virgo includes such timeless beauties as Sophia Loren, Raquel Welch and Mother Teresa, whose inner beauty knew no bounds. Virgo men, such as Regis Philbin Richard Gere and Bill Murray, seem to have even better camera appeal as they get older. Perhaps you are defining beauty for yourself in terms that are too narrow. Each age has its particular kind of beauty, though it is sometimes difficult to see this if you are too focused on the limited perspective perpetuated by Hollywood-based media. Your self-esteem depends on you valuing yourself for reasons other than the physical. Before you go into debt over this crisis of confidence, consider spending some time developing a nonphysical aspect of yourself.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: A-list actor Russell Crowe embodies the fiery warrior energy of his Aries sun. With his natal Mars and Jupiter in hotheaded Aries, too, it's an energy that has brought him tremendous good fortune and, on a few occasions, trouble. Mercury in Taurus emphasizes dedication and the tenacity it takes to consistently be the best. The Academy Awards will keep coming for this Aries.

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.

COPYRIGHT 2011 CREATORS.COM