Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

Earlier in the week, Mars, the warrior planet, formed a terse angle with the awesomely powerful Pluto. Now Venus, the love planet, is following suit. You'll notice the same disharmony in the world that has always been there. And instead of wanting to war against it, you could decide to combat it with kindness — and this plan just might work.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You are needed. Though that is a secure feeling, it may also be an annoying one. The moments when you are able to do exactly what you want to do will help, you cope with other demands on your energy.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It is not necessary to rehash old history. Everyone has a theory about why things are the way they are. Since none of these can be proven, perhaps it's best to just accept the realities and go from there.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Invite someone into your world, but put some healthy boundaries on the invitation. Otherwise, you could have someone much more involved with you than you intended or are ready for at this stage in the game.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You are offered a deal that is more complex than you would like. If you want to say yes in spite the complications, you are probably responding to a gut feeling that you are correct to honor.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There's nothing that will feel more satisfying than giving someone else an opportunity. You have a terrific sense for making matches, too. You guide others to the people and positions that they will most enjoy.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (MAY 2). You know what you want and focus in on your No.1 goal. Others have learned the hard way so you don't have to. Piggyback on the great minds of those before you. Read and follow the instruction of mentors. You'll make astounding progress over the next 10 months. June features tender love. July brings discovery. Leo and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 1, 14, 7, 18 and 47.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The exceptional work you do will be appreciated. The usual work you do may, unfortunately, go unmentioned. You know the quantity and scope of what you've done, and that gives you a private feeling of accomplishment.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The kindness you show to a partner's family, friends or colleagues will be deeply felt. This extension of respect is a gift to your partner and a testament to your character.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). This morning, you could be moving slow or getting easily distracted.

Do some menial work like laundry or paying bills to focus your energy. Stay on task with that for an hour and your productive energy will return.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Social awkwardness can be blamed for 90 percent of today's tension and stress. So whatever you can do to make it easy for yourself and those around you to converse and connect will save the day.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Avoid snobbery. Those in elite circles and exclusive clubs are in danger of losing touch. You'll learn the most and be the most powerful when you mingle with all kinds of people.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Use caution in your relationships. Small increments of responsibility are favored. Short-term commitments are best. If you're getting into a new deal, make sure you know what your out points are.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Seize any opportunity you get to be nice to people and make them feel wonderful. And if you are not presented with such opportunities, create them. Extra social efforts will be rewarded.

ASTROLOGY 101: WHAT IS SAGITTARIUS LIKE?: The Greek myth associated with the constellation of Sagittarius involves a creature who was unlike the others in his society. Chiron belonged to a species called centaurs who were half-man, half-horse. Centaurs were a generally beastly, thoughtless, aggressive and unpleasant race, but Chiron was different. He was brilliant and loving, with great powers of empathy and healing. And so he was immortalized by the gods in the Sagittarian constellation. Like the myth, Sagittarians tend to stand out of the crowd. They have a thirst for knowledge and an insatiable curiosity. Sagittarius tends to be friendly, seeing each new person they meet as a new world to explore. Often Sagittarius is compelled to travel. They tend to be open-minded and filled with wonder so others are naturally inclined to lavish them in generosity. Ruled by Jupiter, they are the luckiest sign of the zodiac. Good fortune usually comes to them as a function of their natural optimism and affinity for humanity. Sagittarians are often remarkably tolerant and appreciative of those who are different from them, which is one of their secrets for living a happy life.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Tim McGraw has sold more than 40 million albums. Taurus is the sign of country music — its energy is earthy, rootsy and upholds the values that Taurus stands for, including hard work and tenacity. Communication planet Mercury in Aries indicates an impulsive side to this country star. On the day his musical hero Keith Whitley died, McGraw reportedly quit school to move to Nashville and pursue music.

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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