Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

Is there a bright side to darkness? Venus and Pluto say yes. So does breast cancer survivor and news correspondent Betty Rollin: "People more than survive bum raps: they often thrive on them; they wind up stronger, livelier, happier; they wake up to new insights. ... In short, they often wind up ahead."

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Education is liberation. Keep reading and discussing what you learn — the more you do, the more you'll own the knowledge. Your thoughts have wings to take them higher and higher. Sagittarius is your ideal teacher.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). There is such a thing as too much reality. You find the ideal balance between the harsh light of honesty and a fuzzy, fanciful point of view. Libra understands you best.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Pay little mind to the fickle favoritism that goes on with friends, family and colleagues now. You could fall in with one group and out with another, and then, by the end of the day, see the whole dynamic reversed again.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You may see a better way for your loved one, but unless this person sees it too, your influence does little good. Sometimes the best way to convince someone is to let him or her do it wrong.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). On this ethereal day, anything you can do to keep grounded and on track will be helpful. Lists, calendars and accounting tools help. It's comforting to check the reference of things written.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Oct. 3). You can play it low-key this year, but you'll be noticed, complimented and honored anyhow. November is a fabulous time to move, as a smooth transition is insured and fresh experience stimulates your financial sector, too. Plan a first-rate seduction in January, when you're most effective! Gemini and Aquarius favor you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 11, 37, 49 and 32.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Dare to utter the secret truth. Doing so will break the code that keeps certain doors closed to you. Truth is like a magic word that when called out will swing opportunity wide open.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The weird bits of life that are supposed to warn you merely hold fascination and intrigue. Go with it. The best reason to accept a strange invitation is its strangeness.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Obligation is the bane of an otherwise perfectly lovely relationship.

Let someone off the hook, and that person will do the same for you. Together you lighten up the atmosphere.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There's a balance to strike somewhere between loving and smothering. Hint: Catering to a dear one's every need to the detriment of your own is definitely smothering.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Let it all unfold without your control. Adventure winks at you. What happens after that is juicy enough to retell in the future. You could even write a book. Hey, why don't you?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). A battle of wills brings up an excellent question: What is worth fighting for? The struggle may continue, but today marks a crucial turning point in the conflict. You're ready; don't be afraid.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). As you analyze your life, you wonder if you can't make it better by prioritizing differently. Of course you can. After a day of mulling this over, enjoy a night of relaxing and feeling loved.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: Dating and Astrology. Flowers and candlelight create an ambiance, but knowing the person you're wooing is far more impressive. Let astrology help you get to know your main squeeze. LEO: Your Leo loves life. The lion's joie de vivre is contagious, his appetite for pleasure enormous. If you're as creative and exciting as he is, then you, too, can be a delectable morsel in the mouth of the bighearted beast. The lion loves an audience (applaud now)! Watch the show, and through the sheer force of appreciation, you'll win big love. Disarming dating strategy: Give your undivided attention. Turn on: Compliment and stroke that mane. Turn off: insincerity. VIRGO: Your Virgo loves care and consideration. Ask how her day went. Express concern. Above all, get her to show you how savvy she is. She's modest and dislikes more overbearing personalities. Ask her for advice. Especially about your new fitness routine, which communicates your competence at self-care (score 20 for you). Disarming dating strategy: Read her feedback. Then, say it back to her aloud. Turn on: cleanliness. Turn off: unkindness. Come back for Libra and Scorpio!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Are Librans born trendsetters? Music and fashion team up for singer Gwen Stefani, who smartly markets her unique personal-style statement on runways. Uranus and Jupiter in Libra surround Gwen's sun, stealing fame and glory in unlikely, unexpected fashion combinations. You put what with what? Uranus and sun in Libra people put the shock of the new in everything they do.

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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