Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

Mercury is off on a fresh exploration. His excursion through Pisces opens a strong current of creativity. This energy may be expressed in artistic ways, such as song, poetry and visual arts, but it will not be limited to those outlets. Creativity is a force that can elevate any endeavor at all, however logic-based it may be, to the level of an art form.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You haven't done anything wrong, and yet you still would benefit from a purification process. The residue of normal life can be messy on emotional and spiritual levels. Take deep cleansing breaths.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You will have an enlightening conversation with a person you negotiate and interact with on a daily basis. You will learn that this person is deeper — and funnier — than expected.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You help others see the bigger picture in their lives, but sometimes it's hard to do this for yourself. That's why it's so important to step back and do a new activity today. It will help you get perspective.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You'll be dealing with the mistakes of others. It's easy for you to do this without passing blame, because you have made similar mistakes in the past. You'll focus on fixing the problem, learning from it and moving on.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your optimism comes naturally today, and you'll gravitate toward the upside in every situation. Your example will be followed. You will give hope to someone who isn't feeling so hopeful.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You'll be bargaining for what you want. It is only when you are really willing to lose the deal that you are in a good place to negotiate. Remind yourself how strong you are on your own.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It could take you much longer than usual to get into the groove of working. You'll have your head in the clouds, but at least they are white, puffy clouds. The storms know to avoid you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There's no benefit to busying yourself without first making a clear plan. Being productive is about doing one thing at a time and completing each task before you go on to the next one.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You'll think about all the things you could do instead of what you're supposed to be doing. Perhaps it's time to configure your schedule differently to stave off that old ennui.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The right kind of failure can be as impressive as success.

Anyone who is moving forward is going to falter — that's part of the growth process. You will be in a forgiving mood.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). As a rule, you like to be as straightforward as possible. That's why you will be prone to sharing your unfiltered thoughts and stating your intentions outright, even if you don't think the other person would approve.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You may try to take yourself out of a game, not because you think you'll lose but because you'll win. You either don't want the prize, or you don't want to hurt the feelings of the other players.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 22). You find balance this year and are able to create satisfaction in several areas of your life at once. Before the week is over, you'll receive a special gift to commemorate your progress. The next six weeks show you in romantic settings, sharing your heart. You'll make deals and impress your family in May. Capricorn and Gemini people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 1, 24, 11, 40 and 30.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I've had a string of bad luck, and I hope it's over now. In the past year, I've lost three family members, a cat I had for 16 years, half of my income and a 10-year relationship. I don't think I can take any more. Tell me that it's going to be over soon. I need some good luck! My birthday is January 14."

My deepest condolences go out to you. Capricorns sometimes feel like it's necessary to always be doing something, even in times of great trial. Your work ethic is strong, and so is your need to keep up a powerful public persona. It will be challenging for you to take time for yourself to grieve and regain your sense of normalcy. Remind yourself to take life slow. Healing is a process. Be gentle with yourself, allowing for the full range of feelings that you might experience. Instead of trying to control your emotions, flow with them — even if that means breaking down and crying. Trying to hold it all in will be draining and will diminish your power. Let yourself go through the sad feelings as they come, and know that they are a bridge in your healing — you will feel better when you get to the other side.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Actress, producer and model Drew Barrymore has been working in Hollywood since the age of 5. Though she comes from a long line of esteemed actors, she still had to create her own success and then re-create it in adulthood. With her sun, Venus and Jupiter in the sign of old souls, Barrymore follows her keen intuition to box-office gold. Mercury in Aquarius emphasizes philanthropy.

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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