Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

Happy Cinco de Mayo! The Gemini moon peppers the social mix with exciting topics of conversation — and some not so exciting, but our enthusiasm for connecting with one another will make up for this. The Taurus sun continues to focus us in a financial direction, and many personal relationships will cross naturally into business.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You want to feel a reflection of the joy you bring to what you're doing. You're not working for the praise, laughter and applause, but when it comes, it lets you know you're on the right track.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The extremes of work and play, socializing and self-interest, money and art — balancing these things is not something that always comes naturally. That's why they call it a balancing "act." You'll be adept at this kind of acting.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You'll act as the wise shaman of your group. You won't boss people around, and yet you'll cause them to behave differently. You are influential because you speak your mind.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You have several tasks to tackle, and you will spend about two hours on each one. You will be incredibly productive in these relatively short stints of work, concentrating intensely and doing what needs to be done.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You will benefit from exploring your interest in the natural world. You have a special connection with rocks, plants, animals and weather. Studying and experiencing nature brings you back to your soul.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You'll add new people to your team. The type of help you want will come from someone who is confident enough to give you a firm handshake while looking you in the eye.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You'll gain the respect of a boss or colleague. It's not because everything you do is golden. It's because you have the heart to keep going forward even when there's no sign that you'll find success.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your perspective is unique. You'll mostly keep your opinions and observations to yourself. However, there is one thing you notice, which you should share. Otherwise, everyone will miss out.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You like who you are, and you like your life. This is reflected in your activities of the day. You say "yes" to only the propositions that look, sound and feel like they are going to be a blast.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.

19). You don't ask anyone to be perfect. You just ask them to show up and try. You'll see the proof in action that someone respects you, and that makes you feel proud.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). There's more for you to do, so some of your usual self-care activities might slip through the cracks. The sacrifices you make will be worth it in the end. You can catch up tomorrow.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You can make a mistake and come back from it. But you much prefer to avoid the pitfalls in the first place. The research you do today will allow for exactly that.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (May 5). You'll discover something new that you can do or a different and more effective way of operating with people. You'll use this skill to bring prosperity to you and yours. July features a pilgrimage. August brings love, laughter and many beautiful nights with good friends. Your special bond with animals drives the action in September. Libra and Leo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 10, 24, 33 and 17.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I recently moved to a city that has more churches per capita than any place I've ever lived. I'm trying to get to know people and find a niche in the community. Often, I'm asked where I go to church, and I've been invited many times to the worship place of the person I am talking to. I'm a free thinker and prefer to do my own thing when it comes to religion. I respect all religions and wouldn't mind going to a single service, but I don't want to give anyone false hopes that I will join their church. I'm afraid I'll be excluded from the community." — Free-Spirited Aquarius"

Considering the large number of different churches in the area, chances are that people are not expecting you to join their church. They are just being friendly and reaching out to you — something a social Aquarius such as yourself can understand well. You will not be ostracized if you don't join a church. This is a simple matter of semantics. Figure out a response you can say when the subject arises — for instance, "Thank you. That's so kind! I have my own religious practice, but thank you so much!" — and move quickly to another topic.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Grammy Award-winner Adele was born when the sun and lucky Jupiter were both in Taurus, the sign of the voice. However, the predominant energy in this soul singer's natal chart is Capricorn — where her moon, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune reside. This bodes well for career longevity, as it boasts a stellar work ethic and a knack for making sound business decisions.

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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