Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

The Leo moon is a diva who only feels complete when all eyes are on her. She strikes a chord with the part of us that needs attention. There will be plenty of name-dropping, boasting and showing off. It's not in the best of taste, but cut yourself and others some slack. We all like to be acknowledged at times — it's a basic human need.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Do some detective work so that you can better understand those you love. Figure out what the other person is going through. Only then will you be struck with insight into how you can help.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). In your midst, there's that person intent on discussing the worst-case scenario. He or she is a valuable ally of yours today. You'll find humor in the exaggeration of circumstances, and your laughter is healing.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Drink from a silly straw. Wear ridiculous glasses. Go out of your way to add elements of absurdity to your day. Your quality of life will be increased to an immeasurable degree.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). A strength, exaggerated, becomes a weakness. But does a weakness, exaggerated, become a strength? Highlight one of your limitations and you'll find that you're better off for having such a so-called flaw.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You know how to make an entrance. People pay attention when you walk into the room today. Make your exit with equal grace. Leave before they want you to and they'll want more.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Whenever possible, show up in person. You have more than your fair share of charisma today. Noting your winning presence, others will want to help you succeed.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You have a talent for making relationships work. You're full of solutions, but it's important to know which problem is the most pressing. Pump the other person for information. What are the wants and needs involved?

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There is a fine line between sharing and over-sharing. Give others the sense of who you are — where you're coming from and where you're going. But do it briefly. Refrain from going on too long.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Relating to others has very little to do with what or who you know. Most people are thinking about themselves and what you can do for them. If you make them feel good about themselves, they'll like you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You're in danger of becoming too thrifty. Show some disregard for the rules of frugal finance.

Buy something that makes you happy. As you spend, you'll widen the channel for greater earning.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It would benefit you to get involved in a group effort. There is much you could contribute, and you have much to gain. You'll ask excellent questions and learn all you need to know to fit in nicely.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You will be certain of your course. But that alone will not be enough to make it go the way you want it to go. Whatever happens, don't complain or explain. Apply your energy to building on the moment.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 3). You lighten up this month. Your levity is partly due to the addition of a few new faces to your group of friends. You'll find those who satisfy your curiosity, stimulate your intellect and relate to you easily and naturally. March and June are excellent for your financial picture. You'll make responsible decisions. Cancer and Pisces people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 1, 44, 33 and 15.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: It turns out that common sense is not common, after all. What to one person is the obvious next step appears to another to be a leap into the dark. The seemingly weird choice may very well be the best one. It's not about who is more intelligent; it's that there are so many different kinds of intelligence that the range of options is broader than ever. If things seem up in the air, that's because they are. Uncertainty prevails, leaving room for things like imagination and invention to drop in and have their way. And that's what makes this an exciting and fascinating time to be alive. Jupiter and Neptune have been thick as thieves lately, in a conjunction that peaked several times in 2009. The spell breaks this week. During the conjunction of these two planets in Aquarius, technological and philanthropic developments were made. Now it's time to apply the ideas, take the plans and build them into something tangible — to produce physical results. Granted, many high-minded plans take years to unfold. But the important thing is that we get started. The sun and Mercury are conjunct in Capricorn, adding some much-needed pragmatism to the atmosphere.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: "Mad Men's" Betty Draper is played by the lovely January Jones. And though this lovely Capricorn actress was born in the month of January, she is actually named for a character in a novel. With her natal Mars and Saturn in Leo, Jones finds her greatest challenges and lessons in the world of entertainment. She also has a natural instinct for what will interest and delight an audience.

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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