Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

The effects of the Gemini full moon are felt in the form of intellectual games, conversations and the kind of casual, fun exchanges that usually happen in the halls of work — only the whole world is your water cooler. The lunar transit through Gemini is an excellent opportunity for sharing tips, hopping onto trends, joking, mixing and mingling.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You are beginning to break out of an established routine. This is an uphill battle, but once you get to the top, the view makes it all worthwhile. In hindsight, you will wonder why you ever hesitated.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You feel like the universe is pinching you right now, but it's just a growing pain. You may or may not be aware of it, but you are in the process of revamping the way you see the world. Just a little bit, but it's a significant little bit.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Spontaneously breaking into song isn't something you typically do, but today you just might. Your life is so upbeat that it really could use a soundtrack, and you know just how to score it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Just like a small child on his or her birthday, sometimes you get so excited you can barely keep it together. Not many people can be this free. Your friends love you for your ability to be completely, unabashedly thrilled.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You have been watching a conflict between two people in your circle develop over time. You feel like you might be able to sort out the situation, given the opportunity. You are about to get that opportunity.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The friendly chatter around you is a cozy reminder of your good fortune. With so many people in the world in various states of hardship, the universe has selected you for good luck and comfort.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). While some will feel like they have to whirlwind themselves around to get things done, you'll move steady and sure. Others will describe your modus operandi, and they will use the word "graceful."

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You may be accused of being hard to please. It's true. Your standards are high. And you can be sure that when the work is good enough to impress you, it will impress the others, too.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your kindness will magnify itself many times over, both through the goodwill it brings and through its power to make people believe in the essential goodness of the universe.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19).

You were once delighted by people who defied expectation at every turn, but now you see this pattern as a waste of energy. You'll be drawn to stable, secure people who also happen to be a lot of fun.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You are already doing great. If others have the nerve to call your effort merely "good," you might get annoyed. But don't dwell on it. Use this as the fuel you need to continue pushing yourself to be even more.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The challenge isn't finding a dream. The challenge is finding the time to pursue your dream. You know what you want to do. Start small and work at your vision just a little bit. You'll be shown where to go next.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 2). You'll make strong connections this month. The shared adventures will bring memories for a lifetime. In the spring, you'll be a star at work. You are different from the others and will be recognized for the unique talents you offer. Windfalls come in April and August. Commitments happen in June and September. Aquarius and Taurus people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 50, 42, 15, 28 and 19.

HOW TO GET THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS WITH GRACE: SCORPIO usually tops the holiday party guest lists. This exciting, sassy sign knows how to have fun and turn every gathering into an opportunity for laughter and closeness. Here's the rub. Scorpios are also known for being honest. This sign is a sign of healing, and healing often has to do with expelling the negative stuff. Through all of the tinsel and togetherness going on during the holidays, Scorpio's judgment may get frost bite, and it becomes challenging to know the difference between the truth that will set everyone free and the truth that will start World War Three. To promote family harmony, some issues are best left untouched. Maybe it's because they are trivial: Bringing attention to a poorly executed deviled egg or hastily knitted scarf would just be hurtful. Or maybe it's because they are important: The family dinner event is probably not the best time to talk about Tommy's new religion or Grandma's will. Scorpio stays in everyone's good graces by focusing in a positive way. And when in doubt, saying nothing at all is often the most peaceful choice.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: If you don't know who Jake T. Austin is, you probably know a preteen girl who does. This young heartthrob plays Max on the hit Disney series "Wizards of Waverly Place," and he's also the voice of Diego, the cartoon cousin to "Dora the Explorer." Sagittarians have a love of different worlds, and in his work, Austin gets to explore the magic world of wizardry, as well as the Amazon jungle.

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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