Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

The Taurus moon is a brilliant teammate to the Virgo sun. Both bode well for maximum efficiency with an emphasis on elegance. Focus your energy on getting where you want to go in high style, and these two cosmic influences will help you pull together your resources, regardless of whatever surprise Mercury retrograde throws into the mix.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). As the first sign of the zodiac, you've always had beginner's luck. You'll find a new game and learn quickly how to win at it. Work toward becoming the expert whom others can rely on.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You have a terrific amount of drive. Stay on your own track, though, or you might overwhelm or intimidate those around you who are moving at a much slower pace. After all, you're not out to make anyone feel inferior.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You're not afraid that your dreams are too grandiose. With your monster-sized talent, you should be dreaming big. Just be careful who you tell. Better yet, keep it to yourself. The proof will be in the doing.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). A careful analysis of your time will benefit you. What are you doing to reach your goals and objectives? How many hours are you devoting to your development? Consider dropping an activity that's not paying off.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You will be involved with the creation of a truly innovative work. Use your life experiences to create your art, but don't be too literal. In the end, it will be your showmanship that really enthralls the audience.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Just because something looks hard doesn't mean you shouldn't go forward with it. Looks will be deceiving. What appears to be a hassle will be surprisingly simple.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). People are trying to figure you out. Perhaps you're being sized up for a job or special role. You'll be asked tricky questions and will make a strong impression when you answer simply, directly and truthfully.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You'll find that the old way of accomplishing a task isn't working. You need some new ideas. Your brainstorms might not make sense at first, but keep going with them. The creative process is often unbridled.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You'll be put in charge of a privileged set. Don't spoil them as others do, but treat them fairly and help them develop an awareness of their many endowments and how lucky they are to have them.

CAPRICORN (Dec.

22-Jan. 19). Others think you're being hard on yourself, but what they don't understand is that this is an effective way of getting results. You know yourself better than anyone. Keep those standards high.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You set a tone and an example for others to follow. So don't be surprised when they do! Their mimicry is a form of flattery. Tonight, a Virgo adds lovely order to your world.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). A missed opportunity is nothing to lament. See it instead as a turning point. Now you know more about what you want and how to prepare yourself for the next chance to come along — and come it will.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 9). You see something beautiful in the people you meet this year, and will be pleased with the surprises that new relationships bring to your life. Your social skills will help you to gain prominence in an exciting arena. November brings a windfall — save it. There will be happy news for your family in January. Aries and Cancer people adore you. Lucky numbers are: 26, 44, 3, 10 and 50.

How To Work This Mercury Retrograde (Instead Of Letting It Work You.) This Mercury retrograde in Libra focuses our attention on relationships, how we communicate with others and what we wish to achieve through the connection. As the planet of communication appears to be going backward, we will have the chance to review recent history and see it in a new light. How will you make the most of this introspective and retrospective planetary influence? ARIES: Pare down your needs of others. You are fiercely independent by nature, but lately you may have sensed that you have grown to rely on certain individuals to a greater degree. Between now and Sept. 29, take steps to return to your usual state of self-sufficiency. TAURUS: Give 10 percent more. Though you already feel like you're at your limit of what you can give to others, try to give more anyway. More understanding, tolerance, affection, attention and maybe more material or financial assistance, too. Small efforts will change you forever. You'll be amazed at how relationships blossom and at the breadth of your own soul by the end of this month.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Could it be that multimedia mogul Adam Sandler is actually shy? With five luminaries in Virgo, his natal chart indicates that he's a thoughtful, careful, introverted perfectionist who loves hard work. His characterizations allow him to connect with others even when he's feeling shy. This natural comedian grossed box office millions and then decided to become a filmmaker himself.

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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