Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

The Cancer moon focuses our attention on home. Those interested in domestic matters are likely to have bright ideas about how to make a home more comfortable, pleasant and functional. And those who aren't quite as domestically oriented will be drawn to the aforementioned type. Team up and create something lovely in your domain.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Dropping hints, however clever, huge or seemingly obvious, will not get you what you want. The best way is the direct way. If you have to, draw a picture, write down the specs — whatever it takes to get your point across.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Relationships are a bit of a gamble now, but one thing is certain: You can't expect to get anything if you didn't pay in. So take the risk. Love has a better chance of thriving if you put in the time.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Something you used to care so much about is now just not very important to you. This change could be a bit of a disappointment to someone else, so be gentle in your handling of the situation.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You have superior powers of communication and will be able to articulate exactly what will make you happy. And you'll even have access to the perfect person to produce what you desire. This is a lucky day, indeed.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You'll encounter a delightful and disruptive person who seems bent on challenging your knack for making plans. Changes and interruptions will happen time and again, leaving you scratching your head with a smile.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You might have a lengthy shopping list of wants, but you also realize that you don't really need any of it. Knowing that you are whole without all the extras makes it all the more fun when you get them.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). A relationship has had its strange moments lately. Now what you want is reassurance and this person's respect. You'll get them by employing your usual means — praise and encouragement.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You plate is full. Between career and social obligations, you have little time for your formerly cherished activities. Lest you lose something uniquely you, make a point today to revisit one or two.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your interests aren't what they were. Neither are your opinions. And a once-beloved hangout is visited no longer — not by you, anyway. There is solace in knowing that you are no exception to the universal constant: change.

CAPRICORN (Dec.

22-Jan. 19). Jokes and anecdotes aren't really your thing. Still, a lagging conversation might inspire you to search those few old chestnuts kicking around in your head. Whatever you pull out will be fun and will probably get laughs, too.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You thought you could predict how a loved one would respond to different circumstances, but a recent episode teaches you otherwise. Part of what you enjoy about this person is that he or she never ceases to surprise you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). That guy you've met too many times not to remember his name keeps showing up. Nothing left to do but really try hard to commit it to memory. You can do this. Plus, it will be important someday soon.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Oct. 11). Though you will follow many interests and achieve meaningful landmarks this year, your most fulfilling endeavors will be simple and personal in nature. You make it your mission to encourage others, and you are uplifted in return. Someone tries to win your heart this fall. February brings a windfall. Leo and Sagittarius people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 40, 19, 28 and 3.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: The largest planet of our solar system was aptly named Jupiter, after the supreme god in the Roman pantheon. He was the protector of the Roman state and the ruler of all the other gods, as well as of all the elements that serve as a backdrop to their godly domain, such as light and heaven. In astrology, Jupiter represents abundance. It's the planetary ruler of things like inheritance, wealth, windfalls, expansion, power and, perhaps most importantly, fun. Jupiter's favorite game is to take whatever it is that you pay attention to and multiply it, just to see how you'll handle the excess. Since mid-June of this year, Jupiter has been transiting retrograde through Aquarius. Some have felt that their resources were being held back or restricted. Some projects have been slowed down and subject to a process of review. While Jupiter was retrograde, the "one step forward, two steps back" adage seemed to apply to many situations. This week, Jupiter goes direct. Assimilate the lessons you've learned in months past and get ready to apply them and receive the benefits that await for you.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Lovely Libran Joan Cusack rose to fame alongside her brother, John, in such movies as "Sixteen Candles" and "High Fidelity." Libra is the sign of relationships, and with her sun and Mercury in the communicative sign, Joan takes pride in strong family bonds. Joan will be the voice of Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl in the upcoming 3D Pixar film "Toy Story 3."

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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