Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

The best way to explore new territory is to carpool, caravan or otherwise convene. There is a courageous and curious spirit on the rise as the moon follows Mercury into the daring realm of Sagittarius. Enthusiastic communication helps us join forces for the purpose of venturing forward. Bonds are built during a shared adventure.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). A seemingly irreconcilable problem at work begs for a new approach. This is a case where changing the way you see a situation will be the same as solving it. Try on different perspectives.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You are one of those people for whom good work is its own reward. But isn't it nice to have it recognized once in a while? Someone will pay you a well-deserved compliment this afternoon.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Determination is key. These momentary setbacks will be over soon enough. It's a testament to your fortitude that you have persevered in the face of adversity, and soon there will be nothing trying to stop you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You're so likeable that you will have strangers making up excuses just to talk to you. Is it your disarming smile? Your quick wit? Your easy way with words? The answer is: all of the above.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Taking the bad with the good isn't as easy as it sounds. Fortunately, the good you gain today will vastly outweigh the bad you must put up with. Besides, you have a clever way of avoiding obligations you perceive to be unpleasant.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). If your day had a theme sound, it would be the sound of a cork popping open from a bottle of champagne. This is a day to celebrate! Do you need a reason? No! Call some friends and go get busy.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The application of preventive measures in the here and now will reap myriad benefits in the soon to come. Be bold, be steadfast, and tomorrow you'll enjoy a moment of glorious reward.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). When asked by well-meaning Western disciples whether they might join her efforts, Mother Teresa would often reply: "Find your own Calcutta." Opportunities to help those in need are everywhere.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There will be many obstacles to doing good work today. You'll be able to turn more than one into an opportunity, though. So when someone says "no," take it as your cue to ponder exciting options.

CAPRICORN (Dec.

22-Jan. 19). It doesn't feel as though the work that is set before you is inspiring enough to cultivate your talent. In fact, it feels like tedious drudgery. Go walking, and you'll come back with a new attitude.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Eat steak for breakfast, pancakes for dinner. Take out your ruled paper and write perpendicular to the lines. Turn the equation on its side and see if you can't solve it that way.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Make the most of your social time. You'll like the way it feels to have your friends around you. They will provide support, security and style. Together you make quite an impact.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 17). You will care for yourself better than ever this year with efforts to stay fit and positive. Changes to your diet improve your vitality. Also, you select just the right attire and decorate your physical environment in such a way as to make a stellar impression on others. A love connection inspires you to create in January. Pisces and Virgo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 44, 33, 18 and 50.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I've felt the same way about parties since I was a little kid. I hate them. Everyone seems to be having more fun than me. People seem to know each other and be in a clique that I'm not a part of. Then later I find out that they didn't know each other and just met at that party. Why does everyone else seem to have such an easy time getting to know people? I can't just walk up to someone I don't know and hit it off. I try to get out of as many parties as possible, but I always end up having to go to a few and I hate it." — Anxious Aries

Anxious Aries, would it help you to realize that most people are masking some degree of social anxiety at any given moment of any given party? That extra tension is part of the energy that makes parties fun. Instead of limiting your party exposure, go to more of them. Practice partying. And when you go, don't expect to have fun. But do try to be fun. Successful partying is all about having a playful attitude and a sincere interest in other people.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: The creator and producer of "Saturday Night Live," Lorne Michaels is a Scorpio with Mars, the warrior planet, in Scorpio, as well. This mysterious sign has an advantage when it comes to guessing what will make people laugh. The essence of comedy is truth and pain — two specialties of Scorpio. This strong, passionate sign is drawn to exploring honest emotion wherever it may come from.

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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