FOR RELEASE: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2012 by Holiday Mathis on Creators.com

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FOR RELEASE: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2012

Yesterday Saturn, the stern taskmaster of the zodiac, threw it into reverse and started backtracking through the judicious sign of Libra. Whatever is on your life list, a process begins to make sure it belongs there. Each item will be put to the test and thoroughly examined. It's a slow process, but we have until June 25 to complete it.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Perfection is impossible, though it makes you feel good to work toward your ideal scenario anyhow. One small step will make a world of difference. It beats focusing on everything that's wrong!

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Games are favored. Instead of competing on a subconscious level, bring it out in the open. Consider setting up a kind of contest, complete with real rules and rewards.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You'll enjoy the bit of pretention here and there that spices up today's social interactions. It adds just the element of ridiculousness that will have you remembering this time and talking about it for years to come.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You may be feeling shyer than usual, which produces an attractive glow of mystery around you. You'll love how someone draws you out of your shell and makes you feel special and valued.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). A friend will figure strongly into the day's action. There is always a bit of chaos around this person — sometimes intriguingly so and other times annoyingly so. You'll have to decide how deeply you should get involved.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Kidding is a form of love. You'll find a way to make someone you care about blush, giggle or get a little bit flustered. This sweet impression will last a lifetime.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). One significant difference between people and zoo animals is that people often get to design their own cages. You'll have choices. Choose the one that gives you the most space — and possibly an escape hatch.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You like seeing how others live, and you'll enjoy today's peek into a lifestyle that's similar to yours, with a few obvious differences. Reserve judgment, and learn all you can.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There are those who want you when they need something and until then are quite scarce. You know the type, and you're careful not to present yourself in such a manner to anyone else.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Enthusiasm and determination are traits that will carry you far in any endeavor.

In order to maintain these qualities, you must be continually inspired. It may not occur naturally, so arrange for it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You have friends and well-wishers, but even the best of them will sometimes fall down on the job. Take steps to further develop a spiritual belief and practice that supports you in good times and bad.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Stay aware. There are those who will give you gifts that are more beneficial to them than they are to you. You'll feel good around the ones who really do appreciate you.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 8). Satisfaction is close at hand. You'll feel free to express your true feelings, and you'll use your talents for a high purpose. The shoes you are asked to fill in March may not be big exactly, but they sure are fancy. In June, spontaneous travel brings good fortune. A secret admirer becomes known in August. Pisces and Taurus people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 43, 1, 22, 36 and 14.

COUNTDOWN TO V-DAY: The Valentines will be flying next Tuesday, and if you haven't already figured out how you're going to express your heart, you still have enough time to come up with something good. If you're a fire sign — Aries, Leo and Sagittarius — you'll need the extra days to nail this one, as your passionate heart deserves an equally impressive announcement.

What will be important on this day of hearts, when Venus will be sailing through the fire sign of Aries and taking on the warrior spirit radiating from the Ram's constellation, is that loved ones know you will fight for them. Not only will you ward off competitors for their attention and love, but you also will take arms against the greater enemy of love: monotony. You'll stave off the stench of familiarity and favor the flowery freshness of new experiences. You'll do what it takes to keep love alive and continually renewed.

For this reason, gifts that will continue throughout the year are favored, e.g., flower-of-the-month club, regular massages or a coupon book of Friday date nights. Your love will appreciate your effort to make Valentine's Day last.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, the planet of revolution, secret power and rebellion. That last bit is what makes the iconic Aquarian actor James Dean such a fitting poster child for the sign. Though his life and career were cut short, this "Rebel Without a Cause" was the embodiment of his generation, rejecting the mores of earlier generations and striking out to find a purpose of his own.

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.