Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

This Libra moon comes with complications. In fact, the dramatic lunar progression has such a clear beginning, middle and end that Shakespeare and English teachers everywhere would be proud of the composition. First it conjoins Saturn and then angles Mars and finally favors Mercury. Whatever happens, you can talk it out at day's end.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You are the target of someone's affection, though you are too immersed in your own needs, desires and wants to notice. This person adores you despite this fact — or perhaps because of it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). If you are too enmeshed in another person's business, it becomes difficult to be yourself. You'll find ways to contain another person's influence over you so that you can peacefully and powerfully coexist.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You may feel like you've been caught in a storm. This is an opportunity to see who your true friends are. Fair-weather friends back away at the first thunderclap. True friends rush to your side with an umbrella.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Though you love to take care of others, do not do this to such an extent that they forget how to take care of themselves. They'll only resent you for it later. Respect each person's need for autonomy.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There are activities that you can't really get out of doing, and yet you would rather spend less time on them. You'll meet just the helpful person to help you remedy the situation.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You are versatile and flexible. You'll jump at the chance to do the job that is needed most, even when you're not so sure you can pull it off. You learn all you need to know en route.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Do not give away your attention too easily, or it won't be valued for the precious commodity it is. Singles: Anyone who hasn't committed to you does not warrant your exclusive attention.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You have an extraordinary connection with another person. You are bonded in intangible ways that cannot be detected by your five senses or understood from a worldly perspective. This is a sublime union of spirits.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Just because you show up at the designated hour doesn't mean you're on time. Sometimes the action starts later and sometimes much earlier. Trust your internal sense of timing.

CAPRICORN (Dec.

22-Jan. 19). You were once highly motivated to complete a job, and now it seems you need constant supervision in order to stay on course. It's a sign that you need new influences and a good excuse to go out and seek inspiration.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). A beautiful object can pass as ordinary or even ugly when it's found in certain conditions. You have the artist's eye. You will pluck out the object of beauty and return it to its rightful place.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There is little to be gained from bending over backward to please someone now, especially if what this person really wants is a challenge. Find your edge. You're going to need it to be smart and wise.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 31). Clever and industrious, you'll have fun creating opportunity. You'll conserve resources and find great success recycling old items and ideas. October features social visits and information sharing. December brings a notable purchase. Bold self-expression will be your trademark in 2012. Gemini and Sagittarius people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 10, 32, 4 and 46.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "Holiday, you advised I break it off with my Gemini boyfriend who keeps flip-flopping on the issue of children. Are you sure? This is a big decision." — Pisces

He does sound lovely in so many ways. And he has that Venus in Taurus, which is sensual and handsome and aesthetic... I just think if you're going to have children, with whom you have them is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your life. Whether or not you stay together (half of all marriages end in divorce), you will be tied to this man in some way for eternity. Every time you look into your child's eyes, you will see his face. So many of your child's qualities and habits will be reminiscent of him. Your child will be a walking, talking symbol of your union. Choose carefully. Make sure the father of your children possesses many, many qualities you wouldn't mind having around you for the rest of your life. If you are to part, do it quickly and with as little drama as possible so you can move on. This is a crucial moment. Do not dilly-dally!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: He has made nearly 100 recordings in his career, and Virgo violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman is equally devoted to his role in the legacy of classical music. With Mercury, Venus and Pluto in Leo, the sign of children and creativity, Perlman embodies his stars. He's a teacher, a mentor and a major contributor to music programs, including his own Perlman Music Program in New York.

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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