Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

In the charm school run by the sun in Libra, a chatty Gemini moon offers up a good point: Small talk is big. Idle gossip can have productive results. It takes time, presence and talent to establish rapport with your fellows. And it's best done on days like today, when neither party has anything to gain or lose from making a connection.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It's not terribly easy to let go of the past, especially if you feel that you have a score to settle. If you wave goodbye to negative history, the score will settle itself.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The way to get someone to keep your secret is not to call it a secret. Information is only as important as the importance you give it. Tonight, a new character enters your story.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You're in the mood to take on one of your vices. Instead of trying to be absent of the flaw, try mastering it. Every difficult quality has a positive aspect to it — you just have to look for it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Happiness goes hand in hand with new experiences. A dish you've never tried before or a scene you've not observed will jumpstart your energy. Scorpio is an ideal guide.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It's only Monday, and you already feel like you've worked too hard. Isn't life supposed to come with some easy days, too? A guilty pleasure will help. Feel free to enjoy it so much you forget to feel the guilt.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Oct. 1). Whatever you decide, the universe backs you up this year. Using your talent brings financial good fortune, but the personal rewards are even greater. You'll never guess who is enamored with you in November, but you could return the sentiment by the month's end. You share a special connection with Sagittarius and Aquarius. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 30, 25, 44 and 17.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your options are wide, deep and high. But which one is worthy of you? You'll know it's a noble pursuit when some people laugh at the idea and you couldn't care less.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). If you can't bring yourself to do what you know you should do, you're just not ready yet. It's good to be immature in some regard. You're keeping things interesting and youthful.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Simplifying your life gives you energy. The best part is that you don't have to agonize about what to do and where to skimp and how to run things. It's like the whole universe is your personal organizer.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.

22-Dec. 21). Communication is too easily confused now. Less is more. Give short directions. Stick with the brief answer. Too much information could have your audience befuddled instead of believing.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Still saving for that dream purchase? There's a good reason you want this so much. It represents who you want to be — and who you will be when you've gone through the discipline it will take to attain it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Take a good look at yourself, and note your many beautiful qualities. In a confident moment, someone comes into your world who has the potential to play an important role in your life.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). It's not with your standards but your tolerance and patience that you show your class. Ben Franklin said, "He is not well-bred that cannot bear ill-breeding in others."

ASTROLOGICAL TOPICS: Dating and Astrology. "What's your sign, baby?" Not exactly a winning pick-up line. Yet, there's reason to ask. While the sun's in Libra, we value understanding others, and astrology helps. With a tactful lead, you'll win over the affections your objet d'amour. ARIES: Your Aries loves a challenge. The thrill of the chase keeps you in the game. Aries is the hunter, you the hunted. Go with it — but don't appear weak. Be a worthy competitor without usurping your Aries' game. Be intelligent, brave and endlessly interesting — that's how Aries suns see themselves. Disarming dating strategy: You are charming and slightly out of reach. Turn on: anticipatory excitement. Turn off: too much interest. Be a tad aloof. TAURUS: Your Taurus loves creature comforts. A born sensualist, inquire after the bull's favorite meal and you're in. As an earthy sign, the bull needs security, and you'll be given a security screening at date No. 1. Talk about your money, family and investments. And mention you better have a job. Oh, and pick up the bill. Disarming dating strategy: Talk about your great family. Turn on: massage and comfort food, simultaneously. Turn Off: separating the bull from his or her stuff. Come back for Gemini and Taurus!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: As an energetic cardinal sign of the Zodiac, Librans constantly initiate professional and personal relationships. Over-involvement is always a risk. Lorraine Bracco played Tony Soprano's therapist, but in a twist, she's also spent some time on the couch herself, battling depression. With her moon in ambitious Aries, emotional conflict clears when she marshals the courage to conquer new territory.

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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