Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

The wise Pisces moon guides these final few days of this year's Taurus sun. You've likely got a project to wrap up, or at least a phase of a project. The work that's been so hard up until now seems suddenly effortless. You can execute activities automatically and may find yourself daydreaming as your body labors on without you.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). When it's time to show you care, you love to be dramatic and colorful. However, you aren't always happy to have that kind of attention lavished on you. You may be feeling rather shy and will prefer subdued appreciation.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You savor excitement and recognize when an experience is one of a kind. Many would thrill to do what you're doing, and yet they don't have the chance. You're grateful for your privileged position.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The project that was on your back burner is now moved to the front and you suddenly realize there are not enough "burners"! Well, do what you can and soon other people will offer help and resources.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You play the gracious comedian, going for the laugh, but not willing to do it at anyone else's expense. You'll be lauded for your social genius — maybe not formally, but you can tell that people really like you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There are those who seem to want to help you, and yet they are so harsh in their approach that you feel hurt by them. Luckily, you can protect yourself. Stay away from these types and still keep the appearance of good manners.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (MAY 17). Your social savvy is off the charts this year and as a result, you get involved in life on a grand scale. You feel confident in a wide variety of situations and will often be invited places, chosen for friendship and love and appointed to committees. The adoration of a special young person lights up your world this summer. Cancer and Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 3, 33, 25 and 18.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You can stay on your path without detour, distraction or pause. You'll have to put your mind to it and take precaution against interruption, though. This degree of discipline makes you a winner.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your innate sense of social balance makes it difficult for you to receive gracious hospitality without quickly returning it. However, it's better not to keep a mental tally now. Simply accept the gifts offered to you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Keep all of your agreements, even the minor ones.

This is the single most important thing you can do now to raise your self-esteem, earn the respect of your peers and exert control over your world.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Financial issues may arise. Your loved ones need to know that you value them over any amount of money. Once you demonstrate your true values, you earn loyalty and trust.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The key to happiness is simple: Smile and you'll bring other smiling people into you world. And the mental garbage that's been holding you back will magically drop in the process.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You're mad at yourself for not getting something right the first time. But most so-called correct "first times" come after a good deal of practice. So there's no reason to get mad; just try again.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Most amateur photographers shoot when they are too far away from their subject, resulting in a picture that lacks intimacy. Today, be like a pro. Get in closer than you think you should. Create a dynamic memory.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: We're only just starting to feel some of the effects of last week's astrological activity. For instance, Saturn changed course, taking a direct route through Virgo, and this change has started a release. It no longer feels as though we must endure the same lesson over and over again. What you learned, you really learned — it's in your body, your mind and your spirit. When faced with a similar situation in the future, it won't even be a test or a challenge. Like a child who has mastered walking, the task quickly becomes a non-issue — on to bigger and better things. For some it will be hard to name exactly what they've learned, and that's because emotional and spiritual growth can be hard to define unless one happens to be a poet or musician. If you find yourself reveling in a sense of accomplishment or even entitlement and yet you're not sure why you deserve to feel this way, well, don't bother making a case for yourself. Just enjoy the confident feeling while it lasts. You can assume that somewhere along the line you've done something good and learned what you needed to know to get a job done right.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: From the snide older brother Chet in the '80s film "Weird Science" to playing the world's most popular polygamist in HBO's "Big Love," Bill Paxton has enjoyed an extensive and varied career. This down-to-earth Taurus's natal Jupiter in Leo bodes well for longevity in the entertainment industry. Paxton's moon in Virgo indicates he has what it takes to be a major film director — watch out, Ron Howard!

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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