Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

The sun and Mars in Capricorn impose structure on the day. It's as though an experienced teacher has designated a particularly effective lesson plan and all we have to do is follow along, do the exercises and absorb what we are supposed to learn. The moon in Aquarius adds just the sociable whimsy needed to keep things moving along.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). People are not born with great self-discipline. You must train your mind to obey your highest wishes. You do this by disallowing any action, big or small, that is not in line with those wishes.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). When you falter, it doesn't mean you can't do it. It only means you have not yet learned everything you need to know, or are not yet as strong as you need to be. Get right back on track.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your No. 1 priority often gets knocked down the ranks by your other responsibilities. Let it stay strong today. Build your entire day around the one thing that will move along your dearest goal.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Cut back your schedule, and simplify your life. If there are too many things going on at once, you'll lose your focus and let what you were determined to do get buried in distractions.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). An argument will be happily resolved — that is, if you have it in the first place. It will be healthy for both sides to say what they think and feel, so invite the discussion instead of fearing it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You have as much freedom as you want to take. However, when you are left to your own devices, you implement even more structure than you would if you were under another person's supervision.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You work for the sense of accomplishment you will get when the job is done. However, you wouldn't mind someone giving you a pat on the back at the end, too. A Capricorn or Taurus will oblige.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Though you would prefer that your scene be imbued with a sense of certainty and continuity, the opposite is true today. Anything can happen. Trust yourself, and you'll be quick, adaptable and ready to seize opportunity.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). When a person's choices are few, it is easier to make them without regret or concern. It takes a very strong and purposeful individual to choose among a vast array of choices, as you will today.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your schedule will reflect the activities of a person you admire and wish to be like.

As you model the one you look up to, you will find how you are similar to this person and also how you are different.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You do not require validation from others because you so strongly believe in what you are doing. You don't realize how rare this level of conviction really is, and it is quite attractive on you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There is a younger person who is jealous of you or who is trying to prove something and going about it the wrong way. You will be of great assistance to this person, especially through your patient example.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 6). You'll be glad for past difficulties, as something wonderfully unique is born of the struggle. If you hadn't been limited, you wouldn't have found this level of greatness. You can share what you know and earn wealth and respect. In April, an unreliable entity is replaced by a true and loyal supporter. Cancer and Aries people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 11, 20, 23 and 16.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I have an extremely difficult time making decisions. I will try on 20 things before I decide what to wear, and I'll ruminate endlessly about making social plans. The phone conversation I have with a friend typically takes less time than deciding whether or not to call in the first place. What's wrong with me? I can tell I make people feel impatient, and often they make decisions for me because they can't stand watching the indecision. I am a Gemini."

It's true that your quick Gemini mind often brings to bear all relevant factors and options, giving you more options than you know what to do with. However, you must overcome this habit of indecision. Not deciding has more repercussions than just tiring out the innocent onlooker with your process. Making small things so important keeps you from living fully. Giving so much of your time and attention to trifling matters keeps your world small and contained. You cannot play a big game if you let small choices hang you up. Train yourself to choose quickly and to live with your choice. Every time you find yourself vacillating between choices, tell yourself that you're bigger than this and pick one.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: News anchor, editor and correspondent Katie Couric holds the distinction of being the first solo female anchor of a weekday evening news program from the three traditional broadcast networks in the United States. With her sun and Mercury in Capricorn, Couric is driven by ambition. A Capricorn does not stop climbing the mountain until she gets to the top.

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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