The key to staying emotionally buoyant during this connection of the moon and Mars in intense Scorpio is to fully engage in the situation at hand and then disengage when you need to recharge. Make sure the others know that when you disengage, it shouldn't be taken as a personal rejection. It's a matter of self-preservation.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). There's a little meanness in you. It's necessary. This is your fighting edge, your competitive spirit, your warrior's heart. You appreciate the Capricorn or Cancer who can tame you today.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You'll be deciding between interesting options. The squeaky clean choice appeals for obvious and shiny reasons. You're probably better off with the option that has more texture to it, though.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The mysteries of life don't want to be solved; they want to be danced with. Try not to rush to conclusions. There won't be a prize for it today, anyway. It's a time to slow down and try to take more in.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You're 100 percent real and you're around when they need you. Because they can count on you, they will. You'll be busy, but you'll also love being in the thick of it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There is no arguing for personal taste, though a few around you may try to do so. The best way is not to get into it, to smile and accept the differences as interesting but not as relevant to the outcome as some seem to think.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Impatience has the potential to work against you. Checking on something takes a lot of time and misplaces your energy. Let the pot boil, so to speak. Set the timer and come back to it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It's back to the process of getting to know who you are, touching the faults and glories, wishes and dreams. This never really ends. It's good that you take the time to keep up the relationship.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The stories you weave in your head are like spells. They have real power and your real-life plot will spiral forth from the conclusions and intentions you come to in these.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It's probably the case that your enthusiasm will be far more abundant than your energy. That's where your support system comes in. With people who feed your spirit, you can prevent burnout.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You're more courageous in conflict than most people, and yet the smartest way is still to avoid it if you can. Most of it isn't worth fighting over and, besides, tomorrow will bring a change in the landscape.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Routines can be boring or brilliant. You're building one now and this stage is perfect for putting in a few quirky, special stops to keep it on the "brilliant" side.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You're protecting yourself and it's the right thing to do for the moment. Your current exaggerated level of vulnerability may disallow you to share your love in an attractive manner that invites fair exchange. But there's always tomorrow!

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 3). You'll be moved by big feelings and great love this year. There's a finesse you apply to relationships that helps you live peacefully and gracefully with your loved ones. It has to do with not having to lead, tucking your ego away and enjoying what the others bring to it. Financially, this month and September are the luckiest. Libra and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 14, 3, 38, 19 and 50.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: The first Mercury retrograde of the year is notable for its exploration of two realms, first Aquarius and then Capricorn. Mercury has a distinctly different tone in each. In Aquarius he's like a World War II gremlin, mucking up the mechanics of everything from motors to digital realms. We'll certainly understand our dependence on easy Internet access and good phone service when glitches and blips in this department interrupt our flow. A little maturity on the matter is called for, and maybe this techno-warp could inspire eyeball-to-eyeball communication that wouldn't have happened otherwise.

On Friday, Mercury backs into Capricorn, where he'll focus his antics on the balance of power, symbols of status and other trappings of success. You may find that your feelings about authority figures will change in the weeks to come. Perhaps you'll rebel against the powers that be, or decide that what you thought was worth striving for is actually a hollow prize that's not worth the effort. These are opportunities to get clear on what you really want out of life. Material wealth will play a central role in the equation. Just remember that sooner or later the things you own end up owning you.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: J. R. R. Tolkien fans eagerly await the upcoming film "Estel: The Making of a King," which focuses on Middle Earth after the events of "The Hobbit." The British author was born when the sun and Mercury were in ambitious Capricorn and the moon and Venus were in altruistic Aquarius. Tolkien turned his firsthand knowledge of war's evils into the epic mythological battles in "The Lord of the Rings" and other works.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com and click "Write the Author" on her page.

Photo credit: romana klee