Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

The Virgo moon and Capricorn sun emphasize self-discipline, though not in a harsh way. These planets prefer a manner that's less like a drill sergeant and more like an encouraging life coach. The emphasis is on consistent and doable steps. Backbreaking efforts might succeed in the short run, but gentle efforts will be sustainable.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your ideas about the direction in which a relationship should go will not completely match up with the ideas of another. But there is enough common ground upon which to build something that will be mutually agreeable.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You'll have a stylistic choice to make between what is cool and what is functional. Only you can know whether it's more important for you to be cutting edge or practical in this matter.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your vigilant efforts prove that you are energetic, vital and relevant. But it's your stillness that will count for more today. Constant activity is immature. Knowing when not to act is the true test of wisdom.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Is it possible that you have an aversion to fun? Your recent decision to forgo your whims in favor of working (and working and working...) suggests that "fun" is low on the priority list. Consider whether it should be.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Though of course you know that you are responsible for your own life, it certainly seems as if someone else is having more than his or her fair share of influence over it today. Draw the line.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). When you change your direction, others must adjust — or get run over. Honor their process. Some people take a long time to process change. Try to occupy yourself while you wait for them to come around.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You'll be taking on the most challenging opponent of all — the one inside your own head. It's optimistic you versus pessimistic you. Before optimistic you can win in this situation, you must believe that winning is possible.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You will increase your involvement in a mostly thankless effort. It's not because the others you serve deserve more of you. It's because you like who you are becoming in this process regardless of the credit you receive for it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Maybe you don't currently feel like dancing, but turn up the tunes and get moving anyway — you won't want to stop. Nothing helps you forget your worries like letting a little rhythm flow through your body.

CAPRICORN (Dec.

22-Jan. 19). You can be relentless. But today there's a moment of doubt in your resolve. It's actually a sign of strength. The highest achievers know that self-analysis is a hammer that fashions the strongest confidence.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You are capable of greatness, but only when your heart's in it. Be open to inspiration. The spark that will ignite your next chapter of all-out effort is close at hand.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Generally, you like being busy, but you'll carve out the quiet time necessary to make sound decisions. Your pacing will be flexible today as you respond to your surroundings.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 5). The year will be paced beautifully. You get exactly the degree of intensity in love, personal challenge and work that you can gracefully handle. And a helping hand is always nearby. Your powers of analysis lead to success and money in February. Fitness is a priority in June, and you'll enjoy looking and feeling your best. Aries and Taurus people adore you. Lucky numbers are: 10, 3, 33, 25 and 15.

JANUARY MAKEOVER MADNESS — NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: Is there a spring in our step even though it's the dead of winter? If so, you're catching on to the buoyant energy of the new decade. It practically stands up and demands a fresh approach to living. Each astrological sign will have a different focus in this year of great improvements. For Taurus, the focus will be on the creative side of life. Taurus often associates being creative with drawing, writing or taking part in some sort of fine arts. But this year Taurus recognizes more fully the benefits of applying his or her powers of imagination to all kinds of tasks, from athletics to logic to love. Life is simply better when we bring a fanciful and playful awareness to it. Through January, Taurus will find several ways to engage a sense of play in even the most clinical or serious tasks. The result will be raised energy levels, an increase in favorable attention and quite possibly the start of a fun trend that lasts through the year and beyond. As one famous Taurus said: "…there is only one you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost." — Martha Graham

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Capricorn actress, director and film producer Diane Keaton has reportedly sworn off romance. The Academy Award-winner is currently following the nudges of her Mars and Saturn in maternal Cancer and deriving great sustenance from the noble station of motherhood. However, Mercury in Sagittarius suggests that romance could easily make another debut in this busy artist's life.

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.

COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM