Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

The sun and the moon are both in fire signs, and the excitement is palpable. People are prone to riskier behavior under the Sagittarius moon, except they don't usually see it that way. The high dives of life just don't seem as scary during the adventurous Sagittarius lunar transit, and so more people are prone to jump off without resistance.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Due to the unique circumstances of your recent years, you have information to impart. You're a teacher, and the world is your classroom, filled with students — some willing, some difficult. You'll make an impression on all.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You could talk yourself into someone's approval or affection. The trick is in knowing when you've arrived. Then stop talking. Consider this rule of thumb: Don't sell it when it's already sold.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your plan will take time to execute, and it will take even more time if you don't have the money to do it right. A fundraising effort will be necessary. And you have luck with this now.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). There will be lulls in the conversation. Don't feel that it's up to you to fill them. Breathe through them instead, and keep that lovely twinkle in your eye. The less you say the more intriguing you are.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You will be flattered. Whether this brings about a positive response from you will depend solely on the source. Hints of love will be welcome, as long they come from one whose love is welcome.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Once again, your attention to the details will serve you well. The difference in your approach and performance will be small, but the overall impression you make will be greatly enhanced by these minor adjustments.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You must be very assertive in order to get what you want. This will be especially true when you are dealing with institutions such as government departments, banks or schools.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Anyone who makes you feel funny about asking questions is up to no good. Do business with people who want you to understand how things work and to be satisfied with what you know.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Stick to the facts. Try to speak as succinctly as you can. Saying too much will make it seem like you're showing off. Refrain from elaboration when you get the feeling that it's unnecessary.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You put all the time and attention you have into a project. But when it's time for the unveiling, you may doubt yourself.

Did you do enough? Will it go over as hoped? Be confident, and you'll be well received.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It feels like you've made more than your share of mistakes. If this is really true, you should be patting yourself on the back. It means you try harder and stretch yourself further than the average person.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Someone's loud voice will interrupt your serene bubble of space. This person needs attention, but not from you. Do not get sucked in. Put your headphones on and scurry past.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (August 17). Lead the way with your talent. You'll get a major career-related deal in October and possibly be vested with stock options. A sweet love connection has an impact on your life in the new year. You present a confident front in November, and doors swing open for you. You'll make stellar choices in business. Pisces and Virgo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 1, 23, 29 and 32.

ASTROLOGICAL INSIGHTS: Aries through Pisces may be our favorite characters in the sky to keep track of, but they are not the only stars of interest. For instance, beyond Aries to the south is the smaller constellation of Cetus, the sea monster. (Sometimes a more modern interpretation of this constellation will refer to her as less of a monster and more of a whale.) Cetus rides the celestial "waves" in a section of the sky that is sometimes referred to as "the water" — Pisces, the fish, is there, too! As discussed yesterday, Greek mythology tells us that Cassiopeia, queen of Ethiopia, angered the great sea god Poseidon (Neptune) by bragging that she was more beautiful than his daughters. To get back at her, Poseidon sent Cetus to destroy Ethiopia. Cassiopeia's own daughter, Andromeda, was given to Cetus as a sacrificial offering to stop the sea monster's reign of terror. Andromeda was tied to a rock and left there to be eaten, until Perseus came along to save her. The constellation Cetus is associated with a ruling planet, just as our zodiac constellations are. The ruling planet of Cetus is the sun. When the constellation of Cetus rises, all of the qualities associated with the sun are emphasized. These include heroism, bravery, generosity and health.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: One must work very hard to dislike a Leo, as this sign has a special need for people's approval and affection and will usually go the distance to get them, pulling out all the charisma, charm and humor necessary to get the job done. That is one reason why Steve Carell is perfectly cast as the hateful (and improbably loveable) villain Gru in the animated comedy "Despicable Me."

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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