Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

Today's encouraging Virgo moon gently suggests moving forward on all the little things we've been putting off today for tomorrow. Like starting that diet, organizing paperwork or going to the gym. If we've been procrastinating, we'll recognize it, which is of course the first step in doing anything about it.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your spirituality has a certain pitch and you now resonate and harmonize with those who play the same spiritual tone. Other than your similar energy level, you may have very little in common with one another.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It's one of those rare times when your relationships are almost completely void of complication. There's a deep simpatico with those you hold dear. You're even starting to look like the one you love.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You've got the goods, and now you've got to get them out there. Don't be a one-person team. Get others on your side, doing the work with you. It's been said that a wise man knows everything; a shrewd one, everybody.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). It's important to say the right thing and fit in… to a point. Getting in agreement with those around you is a crucial step, but don't stop there. Once you're in, let your true personality shine.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Take every opportunity to unleash your free spirit. Take your turn as a paint slinger, a fire dancer, and a loudmouthed rabble-rouser. Better to get it all out now in more or less artistic ways than to become a worker gone wild next week.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (AUG. 3). You come into your own this year. It feels fabulous not to have to depend on anyone. This month, a project, idea or love affair shifts your focus toward making yourself the happiest you've ever been. Extension classes and volunteer work sharpens your instinct for making money now and in November. Sagittarius and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 50, 31, 16 and 33.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You want to know that you can trust the people around you and also that they understand and support your quirky needs. Instead of seeking validation from the outside, provide it for yourself on the inside.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Diving into a new relationship can feel as risky as jumping from a plane. You're already falling, so you may as well do as any sensible parachuter would — enjoy the ride and anticipate your landing.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You have a way of putting things that makes people's ears perk up.

It's seductive, this attention you get from being knowledgeable, funny or just plain wise. Don't let it go to your head. Know when to be quiet.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You have the highest ambition and the confidence that you will make it. But do you have the tenacity to keep going even when things are not looking so good? Tonight brings a test.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You sometimes get torn between what you want to do and what you ought to do, so today's astral gift is particularly pleasing; you actually want to do what you're supposed to do!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). There's a lot going on with the characters in your private soap opera, so it's easy to think too long and too anxiously about things that ultimately do not have to affect you. It's calming to focus on yourself instead.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). It's the right time to deliver the communication you need to make. You are eloquent and persuasive. You're coming from a pure intent and so you are received that way.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Midway between two eclipses, it seems progress waits for no one. This week, two forces fold into the mix: a contentious pair, Mars and Uranus, with a secondary desire to keep things pleasant — as amiable Venus newly enters Virgo. Uranus is an independent, contrarian spirit who absolutely dislikes being told what to do; Mars is a rogue in rogue's clothing. Both are boldly obvious, so the challenge is harnessing our own independent streak. We may be possessed by the urge to punctuate our desires when old patterns of self-restraint fly out the window. Uranus acts like a match to any restrictions, igniting tempers and willfulness among some, and inspiring others to break through inhibitions to finally take action on matters of importance. Align with change. Uranus is a backward genius after all, so what looks and acts like a problem poses radical new solutions, too. People may appear to shoot from the hip this week, but with Venus' realistic, earthy appraisal, may we all distinguish the rabble-rousers of distraction from the change makers of progress. The kindness and grace we demonstrate to each other may just separate the wheat from the chaff.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Leo men are suckers for romance. Tom Brady is no exception. For Brady, falling in love is as natural as brushing his teeth. Yet, sometimes sustaining that in-love feeling long term isn't easy. With Venus in Cancer, the cat's meow is a partner that gives him the reassurance and praise he craves. Fortunately his current girlfriend, Gisele Bundchen, can do this. She's a loveable and caring Cancer!

Holiday Mathis is the author of "Rock Your Stars." If you would like to write to her, 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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