Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

There are times when the ethereal world seems more real than the so-called real world. And it may be so, especially when the moon is in dreamy Pisces. After all, most things that exist started out as mere imaginings. "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." — Albert Einstein

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Things that are on your "someday I'll get around to it" list need to be moved over to your "do today" list. Planning and organization will be the cornerstones of your success.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You've suffered a few setbacks in the past, and these are the very same events that gave you the edge you have now. Reflection brings new insight. You'll analyze what happened and learn from the experience.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Information is power. What one person calls "gossip" you call "being aware of your surroundings." So go ahead and shake a few trees to find out what's really going on. You'll be very good at this.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). It would be nice if you could make your goal in the first or second shot. It probably won't go that way today, but never stop trying. That's the way winners do it, and you definitely fall into that category.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The world is loaded with opportunities just waiting to be seized. You'll wield your optimism like a weapon, cutting down the defenses of the gatekeepers who stand between you and your desire.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Instead of riding on a vague notion that something needs to be done, figure out what it is and how to do it. If you spend a lot of time in the planning stage, you'll be very likely to quickly see things through to the end.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Participate in games — it will help you stay sharp. Compete whenever the opportunity arises. But do so in the spirit of fun. Surpassing someone else is far less important than doing your best.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Obstacles in your path will make things more interesting. You'll have to stretch, think and assert yourself in order to get past them, but you won't mind a bit. You are always happiest when you are growing.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Loved ones want to go where you go because they know that wherever that is — even if it happens to be the grocery store or the city dump — it's where the fun will be.

CAPRICORN (Dec.

22-Jan. 19). You'll be energized by the same challenges that once stopped you. You're learning to stop taking things personally and seriously — and your game just keeps on improving.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You'll be at your best when you genuinely feel you don't need to impress anyone. People you know well and see often will make comfortable companions. They will relax you and remind you of your roots.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You'll focus on your loved ones' needs, connect with them on deep levels and understand how to make them happy. No wonder others are so loyal to you. And next week, they'll become your good-will ambassadors.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (April 11). You're so endearing to others that you should mention what you want often — if people can help you get it, they will. Over the next 10 weeks, one successful person in particular will be more than pleased to help you become successful, too. Your love life sizzles in June. There's a financial bonus in September. Taurus and Virgo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 27, 43, 31 and 17.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Though it appears to be lit from within, that glowing sphere that is our lone luminary is really a lovely mirror of the sun. Well, usually. The exception is that moment when it's perfectly lined up with the sun (or at least seems that way from an Earthling's point of view) and the conjunction causes the moon to disappear completely from view. This lack of reflection is an encouragement to look inward. What would you do if you didn't have to do a thing anyone else told you? By what standard would you judge your own success if you didn't have the example put forth by your parents, your boss or that magazine you subscribe to? As we careen toward the new moon in Aries on Wednesday, you might be surprised by your own answers to these questions. It will seem easier to hear your inner voice — as though the glaring music of the outside world is being intentionally muted to allow for your quiet process. Many will come up with a new goal, purpose or strategy this week, and if so, it will be best to take action before Saturday, when that plucky mischief-maker Mercury goes retrograde.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Aries is the sign of lucky beginnings, which is illustrated in the life of British singer Joss Stone. As a child, this Aries saw clips of Aretha Franklin on a television advertisement and asked for the CD of "Aretha Franklin: Greatest Hits" for Christmas. Thus, the first CD she ever owned was more than a musical recording — it was a calling. Stone has Mercury and Venus in soulful Pisces.

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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