Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

If there is a neat freak in you at all, it will make an appearance during the Virgo moon. Clutter becomes annoying, if not unbearable. Plus, a busy rush is about to hit, and it's important to get organized and ready. Do some careful sorting and you'll catch something that would have otherwise slipped through the cracks and caused disharmony.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Making difficult decisions is hard, but you have a way of seeing into the heart of a matter, which makes you an invaluable contributor to the decision-making process. Anyone who seeks out your wisdom will be well rewarded.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). If you are dissatisfied with your current job, know that it is only a steppingstone to your future destiny. This is not the end of the story — it's not even halfway through the beginning!

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Making excuses for other people is a signal of spurious virtue, which is why you don't do it. You believe we are all accountable for our own actions. Today, this kind of integrity will take you a long way.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Plato said, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." You will live this Platonic advice, giving people the benefit of the doubt whether they be co-workers, family or strangers.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). If you were a 60-watt bulb, you'd figure out a way to burn at 65 watts without breaking glass. It's basic to your personality to push yourself to the limit, which is why you will glow brighter than the rest.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The wisest thinkers are seldom the best speakers. And a powerful orator might not always have much to say. You, however, will display talent for both thinking and speaking and make a maximum impact today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your ideas about who you are will be challenged. You will be reminded that you are more than the role you play to others. There is a beautiful versatility that emerges in you this afternoon.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There is no need for you to be envious of all the attention a friend is getting. Instead, be a student of the situation. Take notes so you know what to do when it's your turn — that's coming next.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Whatever you are supposed to be doing, just show up. You may feel that you're not equipped for the job or that you're out of your league, but go anyway. It's amazing what you can accomplish just because you're willing.

CAPRICORN (Dec.

22-Jan. 19). You've opened your mind to new possibilities on a variety of topics, from what's for dinner to with whom you'll spend the rest of your life. From this standpoint, the future is a glorious mystery.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You'll be among strangers, and intimidating ones to boot. Think about being expansive instead of contracting into yourself. Remind yourself that you're fantastic and your body language will reflect that confidence.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You have something important to impart, and yet it won't be received as such unless you make the extra effort to ensure that you are heard. Get the full attention of your audience before you begin.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 8). You go into this fresh era with a bold, energetic spirit. You'll enjoy the new respect others pay you in January. You'll put together a fantastic presentation in February and win a job or heart in the process. March is your chance to brush up on skills and gain the knowledge you need to enter a new career arena. Leo and Scorpio people adore you. Lucky numbers are: 44, 28, 31, 16 and 18.

HOW TO GET THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS WITH GRACE: PISCES is a sensitive creature who experiences great emotional highs and lows all through the year, but especially during the holiday season. The often sentimental nature of the holidays added to the intensity of family getting together and the high expectations of events that are planned months ahead of time can do a lot to upset Pisces' delicate nervous system, even when things are going very well! It helps if Pisces gets plenty of sleep through December and keeps up with regular stress-relieving activities like exercise. But what is even more important is that Pisces finds his or her spiritual center at this time of the year. The rituals that honor Pisces' spiritual beliefs, whatever they may be, will provide great strength and joy for the fish and everyone who is lucky enough to spend the season with this wonderfully soulful sign. Activities such as singing, prayer, meditation and walking in nature will be restorative and uplifting. And any Pisces who hasn't established a spiritual practice is likely to have a profound experience if he or she chooses to embark on this kind of journey during the holiday season.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Celebrity chef and restaurateur Bobby Flay was born under the sign of travel, passion and adventure. Sagittarius natives enjoy expanding their awareness of the world and other cultures. Tasting the food and drink of a region is one way to accomplish this aim that doesn't necessarily involve travel. Flay has Mercury in Capricorn and Mars in Virgo, indicating a stellar work ethic.

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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