Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

The Rolling Stones said it best: You can't always get what you want. But getting what you need is more important. Such is the lesson of the current opposition of Venus in Leo and Neptune in Aquarius, which happens to be exact today. If you are one of these signs, don't be surprised if you now strongly disagree with a person of the other sign.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). People who lash out do so out of fear. You are a bigger person. You'll offer your hand in friendship preemptively. It's the best defense against hostility. And this might actually turn out to be a good friend to have.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're charmed. The sun is on your face, the wind is at your back, and the pretty people do double takes as you walk by. Don't let your attractiveness go to waste by staying in.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). For some, a lie told isn't always a bad thing; for you, it is. This is an admirable principle, but you may find yourself being tested when a loved one casually asks your opinion on a sensitive subject.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Everyone has been calling on you to help out. Normally, you're glad to lend a hand, but there's only one of you and a lot of them. Try saying no this time. It'll be good for you. Boundaries are important.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You don't hear what people are saying about you when you're not around. The details aren't as important as the words they're using: tenacious, dependable, hilarious.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). From time to time, you've been known to flirt harmlessly, just to be fun and social. Usually, though, you only flirt with a person you are truly interested in, and that's the kind of flirting you'll do today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You have a special chemistry with someone, but it can't develop into anything more unless you communicate well with each other. It's not necessarily a personal relationship that's at stake; it's more likely about business.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You do love an orderly household. Unfortunately, your schedule prevents you from fully catching up. A solution is on the way in the form of someone who just wants to help you out.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Lately, life is like a Frisbee game — a constant chase. As soon as you catch it, you hurl it through the air again, and the chase is back on. You'll love this next toss.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When someone exhibits a nervous shyness around you, you take it as a serious compliment — as you should.

But don't let it go to your head, because that will ruin this perfect dynamic.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You don't need to improve yourself. However, learning a new skill just for the fun of it will open unforeseen opportunities. This doesn't have to be a long and involved process. Choose something relatively simple.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Encouraging words come at just the right time. All you have to do is let them sink in. You'll soon feel your willpower surge and your mind grow sharp. You're ready for action.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (July 8). Adventure will call this month. You strike a sweet balance between play and responsibility. Relationships delight you in August. The straightforward path won't appeal — you are far too creative and unique to do things the way everyone else does them. You will zigzag your way to an important achievement in November. Taurus and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 11, 24, 31 and 18.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "What is the sign for Libra in Tarot?"

The ancient Greeks did not recognize the stars of Libra as being a separate constellation. Instead, they viewed them as part of the scorpion's claws in the constellation Scorpio. It wasn't until Julius Caesar came along that the Romans singled out Libra, represented by the scales of justice, as its own constellation. The Justice card in Tarot therefore represents Libra, and you can see the scales depicted on it. Both Justice and Libra have to do with balance, fair play and writing. Think of the words "liberty," "library" and even "limbo," that in-between place that's neither here nor there. There is another connection between Libra and Justice, and that is Libra's ruling planet, Venus. Traditionally, in addition to being associated with love, Venus also represents money and material pleasure. The card of Justice likewise connotes balancing one's checkbook and accounts, paying bills and taxes, and partnerships of all kinds, including business deals. There is also Venus' reputation for aesthetics to be considered. Aesthetics means the study of beauty, of things that are tasteful and pleasing to the eye. And what is beauty if not a graceful balance of form and randomness?

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Following in the footsteps of his parents, Jaden Smith is already a blockbuster movie star — and he's not even a teenager yet. He and Aries warrior Jackie Chan opened at No. 1 with "The Karate Kid," and the movie offers keep coming. Smith is a Cancer, with Mars in Cancer, as well, and Jupiter in Pisces. These undercurrents in his chart show depth of emotion and spiritual reverence.

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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