Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

Mars is not exactly opposed to Neptune, only nearly so. And that's just how you may feel about your dreams right now — that they haven't escaped you entirely but are putting up a good fight. Back off of your wanting and longing and yearning. Focus on what you have, and remember what it took for you to get where you are now.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Little birds flit and dart; big birds fly slow and long. The point is not how you move, but that you do. Use what you were given to fly in whatever style suits you best.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You've never had a problem with craving more attention than people were willing to give you. On the contrary: Finding time for yourself is your biggest challenge. Thankfully, you have a place you can always go to escape.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Someone who doesn't know you well will be bemused by your response to things. You don't easily fall into categories like a lot of people. Your complicated nature is what makes you so interesting.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You don't know it, but you are making quite an impression right now. Something about you is causing your peers to lean into each other in hushed marvel.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). If possible, leave your television and computer off today. The information superhighway is excellent for staying in touch, but the insight that comes from your heart will be even more valuable.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). In the handful of mini-crises you face today, don't forget that underneath the parade of e-mails and phone calls and obligations, things are in capable, steady hands. Yours.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You won't really understand what you aspire to until you try it on. You'll get the chance to test drive the object of your desire. Pretend like this is the real thing. Act as if you own the place and perhaps someday you will.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You know true freedom, and this is it: You give your love, and you enjoy when it comes back to you. However, that it does come back to you isn't mandatory for your enjoyment.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It won't be enough for you to stand on the sidelines of life and watch the action. You have to feel it for yourself: the mud, the blood, the sweat. Full-spectrum living is reserved for only the boldest, like you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your self-esteem could use a boost. Write down your recent accomplishments. The daily triumphs count — like getting your kids off to school on time every day.

This list will be like a super-vitamin pack for your attitude.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). A lull in the action is not a cosmic punishment. It's a gift. Accept the peace and quiet, and let them heal you. Don't worry about what's next. What's next will happen on its own. For as long as you can, stay present in empty space.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You'll get a hot financial tip. The get-rich-quick scheme may be more like a get-some-money-slowly plan, which is better than getting none at all. Still, old-fashioned hard work in exchange for cash is your best bet.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 3). Your positive and conscientious approach to life will be celebrated. You'll be promoted to a leadership role. The next three months feature a quest. Your interests lead you to places you've never been. You'll fall in love in January — or more deeply in love than you already are. Push yourself to personal victory in May. Gemini and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 34, 15, 49, 22 and 17.

HOW TO GET THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS WITH GRACE: Most Sagittarians wouldn't mind skipping off to a faraway locale where the locals don't even celebrate the same holidays! This fiery sign isn't interested in a replay of last year's program regardless of how well things went over. Going into a new year, Sagittarius wants a fresh take on things. And yet, the wise Sagittarian will realize the value in holding on to traditions. They serve as touchstones to ground and connect us. The answer is to serve up and participate in tradition, but with a twist. The successful SAGITTARIUS person sees the benefit of introducing zesty ideas couched in the comfortable context of existing habits. For instance, if it's customary that each family member receive a holiday gift, Sagittarius might suggest that this year the gifts be handmade by the giver. Or that everyone draws the name of another family member to give a gift to in order to simplify things. Sagittarius might suggest oysters in the turkey dressing, or that everyone wear funny hats at the feasting table, or that you all play a game together. This time of year, the sun and other planets are giving lots of attention to Sagittarius, and this sign is filled with bright ideas.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Amanda Seyfried got her career start as a child model and was soon working in soap operas. Next came prime-time television roles and movie parts such as Meryl Streep's onscreen daughter, "Sophie," in the star-studded movie musical "Mamma Mia!" Seyfried has five luminaries in the fiery station of Sagittarius, and an entertainment-oriented Leo moon fuels that burning passion to succeed.

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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