Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

Mercury, the planet of communication, follows Venus into the ethereal realm of Pisces. Spiritual connections are so viscerally felt that it's not hard to imagine the threads of energy connecting people to one another, as well as to animals, mountains and air. Speaking of such things doesn't seem as much like flowery hippie-talk, either!

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The stars highlight the many ways you feed your mind — through stimulating conversation, enlightened reading and riveting experiences. But the most powerful fuel of all is the thoughts you select.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Highly stylized situations are in your near future. Planning is required, and this is the best day to decide how you're going to show up. Avoid allowing formality to keep you from expressing your true personality.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You may think that a sense of community should happen naturally, the old-fashioned way, but it actually requires conscious effort. Any action to build community bolsters your good fortune.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You're caring for others in a manner that's far above and beyond what's expected of you. The effort is well-rewarded. After all, it's the people in your life who make the good times sweeter and the difficult times easier.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Wow, are you productive now! And you're so intuitive with loved ones that important communication can take place with minimal dialogue. This is eerily impressive to outsiders.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 2). It's a romantic year — not only in the way you relate to others, but also to your environment. It's as though the world is dancing to the song in your heart. You obtain a hot property in March. June brings whimsical travel. You set an example for family, and they follow it in July. October brings a windfall. Taurus and Cancer people spark your creativity. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 1, 9, 33 and 5.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You don't have a need for dramatic pyrotechnics. But chances are, someone close to you does. So when the passion play starts, view it with a sense of detached humor. Refuse to get sucked in!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Someone who's supposed to be on your team seems to be competing with you instead. The best way to deal with this is to try to ignore the behavior. And remember, this kind of attention is really a compliment.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The karma cleaners come into your life now, bringing opportunities to undo the smudges on your spirit that have been holding you back.

The quickest way to move forward is to ask for forgiveness.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Afternoon brings the means to complete plans with minimal stress. In spite of your mile-long list of details to attend to, you'll actually get some time to yourself. Relaxation — what a concept.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You're surprisingly calm, considering the hectic energy around you. Finally, people are asking for your opinion, as they should have done all along. Your connections with Leo people are powerful.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your adaptability is highlighted. You need a different approach for each person you're trying to win. Be ready to adjust at the slightest indication that what you're doing isn't working.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). It helps to think of love as a living entity, a being all its own. What's alive requires breath and food. Find new ways to feed and oxygenate the love in your life.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: Use one of your well-timed entrances and exits to make an impression. TAURUS: Spoil yourself so you'll have more to offer when others need it. GEMINI: Nothing good comes from second-guessing. Trust your loved ones. CANCER: You make agreements you can keep, and also agreements you're not sure you can keep — just to stretch! LEO: You're allowed to change the romantic rules. After all, it's your game. VIRGO: You'll get the thrill of meeting someone you've heard about. LIBRA: Maintain excellent communication with anyone who might be jealous of you. SCORPIO: If you believe in magic, it happens to your love life. SAGITTARIUS: Nurture your romantic life by getting out in the world — alone. You become increasingly creative and therefore increasingly attractive. CAPRICORN: There's an opportunity for past love to return. However, this time, you call all the shots. AQUARIUS: Your hunger for connection can be fed in all kinds of ways — a loving look, fun conversation or a hand clenched tightly in your own. PISCES: Venus in your sign wants to bring love to a more spiritual level, but real-life logistical problems must be solved in order to make this happen.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Leo and Aquarius are both generous sorts. Leo likes to give on a personal level, and Aquarius gives to humanity at large. As a team, they make a remarkable difference in the lives of others. But what can they do for one another? At times, they forget to tend to their relationship, taking one another for granted. This weekend they can remedy any wounds this has created and renew their passion.

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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