Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

Lucky Jupiter has been conjunct with Neptune, the planet of inspiration and dreams. Many advances have occurred as these planets lined up in Aquarius, the sign of technology and humanity. And though the aspect ends today, some of the invention and development is just starting to register as having a practical application.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Often, the closer you get to finishing a project the more difficult it seems. You will be tempted to put off for tomorrow what you can do today. Either way, you will get it done, but today you have rhythm on your side.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Despite the moments of self-doubt that every human experiences from time to time, you are more than competent to cope with the basic challenges of life. Keep reminding yourself that you are powerful.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). There are a hundred ways to relate to your kin, and all of them are good as long as you come from a loving space. You'll accept someone's unusual brand of love, and you'll contribute in unexpected ways yourself.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Relationships take work. It feels like you're doing all the heavy lifting, but it's just that way sometimes. It's not even worth bringing up, since tomorrow things shift and you'll feel differently about the situation.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Everyone has opinions, but today you'll hear too many. Know when to pull back, find a quiet place and look into yourself. Silence recharges your wisdom and renews your energy.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You like the story in which the caterpillar goes to sleep and wakes up a monarch butterfly. Go with that sleepy feeling for now. Soon, in some way, you are about to wake up.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Free your inner athlete. Regardless of how long you stick with it, playing a new sport will help you break old routines. You like to mix things up — activities, friends, rhythms — so this is just you being you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A bold spirit often exerts itself to the detriment of true generosity, but you are one of those rare people who combines an extraordinary ambition with a big heart. You'll make money and use it to help people.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The fair expression on your face finds its match in your heart and mind: You find it impossible to think anything but the best about everyone you meet. Goodness hovers around you like a perfume.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.

19). No one knows that special loved one like you do. Lately, you've felt a certain distance, but you were wise not to read too much into it. You'll soon be closer than ever.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). There's a fine line between being discerning and being finicky, and you have a friend who crosses it regularly. Normally, you can look the other way, but this time, his or her pickiness directly affects you. Hold your ground.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Today is a taking-a-bath-in-the-afternoon kind of day. After all, you can't always pick when your quiet time is going to be. Sometimes you just have to sneak it in there.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 7). You become even more like those you admire. Your growing skills put you in the running for different kinds of jobs. Jump into career changes wholeheartedly — you have every reason to be optimistic. The early success of a venture in June will be followed by hard work and then another big win in September. Gemini and Leo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 25, 40, 1 and 18.

JANUARY MAKEOVER MADNESS — NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: What are your self-improvement goals this year? Leo will be transforming from the inside out. The focus is on belief. Leo will be examining the belief system that has brought the lion to this point in life and deciding what to keep and lose going forward. The bigger issues hang in the balance — not what is going to happen next, but who Leo wants to be along the way. Reading and spiritual practice will be helpful tools on this journey. Virgo will be changing through experience. Travel will be the key to unlocking Virgo's potential in the new decade. Seeing new places will allow Virgo to observe the old scenes from a fresh perspective. In many cases, it will seem to Virgo that he or she is seeing the world for the first time. Virgo will get excellent deals on travel and find new reasons to take off. For Libra, professional developments lead to personal developments. Anything that Libra does to boost his or her career status will have a direct and favorable effect on Libra's self-esteem and social standing. In January, Libra gets out the maps, charts and check lists and creates a serious success strategy.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Academy Award-winner Nicolas Cage has confessed that when he was a student in school he was bored with teacher's presentations, preferring to learn things through experience. To stay engaged in studies, Capricorns typically require great intellectual and emotional challenges. Cage has lucky Jupiter in fiery Aries, indicating that he's most fortunate when he gives in to his passion.

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