Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

If you're a night owl, that tendency will be activated on this day of opposites. The dreamy Pisces moon rules the day, and the energetic young Aries moon rules the night. In the evening hours, children everywhere will proclaim, "But I'm not tired!" as their parents eagerly try to get the kiddos to sleep so that the adults can burn the midnight oil.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Things are shaping up. This is turning out to be a fascinating chapter in your story. Sophisticated characters will contribute to the plot. Your curiosity about worldly wonders will finally be satisfied.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The work you are asked to do might not thrill you, but when you give your word, you keep it. You handle your responsibilities with great gusto. The moment you fully commit, everything becomes easier.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). In some ways, it's your job to be extremely attractive inside and out. So you work on being kind, generous, friendly and compassionate. And you tend to your physical self, too.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You have something to accomplish, and part of you feels that you must do it alone. But for now, accept the help you are offered because those around you have a deep need to give to you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There are many facets to your feline personality, dear Leo. Sometimes you're a cool cat, strutting about the alleys. Sometimes you're a kitten, requiring gentle care. Today you're a lion, and someone will try to tame you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Because of your high level of responsibility, if your group faces a problem, you face it, too, in a very personal way. This is what inspires you to take on societal issues — and you'll be quite successful in this regard.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Somewhere along the line your plan got derailed. You will now have an opportunity to go back and fix the problematic track. After your concentrated work in this area, you will resume moving toward your original destination.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You will be introduced to a situation that others find complex, and you will understand it immediately and without mental effort. This is how you will come to recognize the talent you were born with.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You are one of a kind. Make a style choice to set yourself apart — a phrase you say, a mannerism or something you wear. When you stand out in subtle ways, others sense there's something special about you.

CAPRICORN (Dec.

22-Jan. 19). A certain someone will be constantly on your mind. Feelings of elation and wonder will be followed by uncertainty — does this person feel the same way? Romance is both the remedy and the sickness.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You'll be challenged to answer the questions that others before you have answered many times correctly. Your answer will be different, but every bit as correct — as long as you don't censor yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You'll burst onto a new scene and invigorate it with your fresh energy. Your approach will be unexpected. You'll even look different from the others — and yet you won't seem at all out of place.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (August 26). This will be a big year for you, so get serious about your goals. You will still help those who are down on their luck or in love with drama. Yet you'll need to distance yourself to make ample time for your own grand adventures. The next 10 weeks are romantic. November and March are financially lucky. Sagittarius and Capricorn people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 50, 2, 31, 24 and 18.

ASTROLOGICAL TOPIC: The 12 constellations in our zodiac are not the only fascinating myths of the heavens. Take for instance the constellation Auriga, the charioteer, which can be found above the head of Orion, the hunter, and above the horns of Taurus, the bull. Unlike the story of Phaeton, who met his fate in the river Eridanus, the story of Auriga has a happy ending. Auriga was the son of Hephaestus (known to the Romans as Vulcan), who was the son of Zeus and Hera. Hephaestus was the only god born with a physical disability — he had misshapen feet and walked with a limp. To get around easier, Hephaestus invented the chariot, in which Auriga would drive him. Hephaestus was the god of artisans, sculptors and blacksmiths. He forged all of the beautiful, magical armor and weapons worn by the other gods. Auriga is considered by some to be the third decan of Taurus. In the constellation of Auriga, we find all of those endearing qualities for which Taurus is known: steadfastness, perseverance, trustworthiness, self-reliance, practicality and persistence. Hephaestus was the only god to be thrown out of Mount Olympus and then asked to come back!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: It's hard to believe that the little boy who so charmingly screamed because he had been left "Home Alone" is turning 30 today. Macaulay Culkin, who started working professionally at the age of 4 and became one of the most famous child stars of his time, earned good reviews in the NBC television drama "Kings." Virgos are known to be hardworking and are known for career longevity.

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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