Some have trouble adapting because their pride gets in the way. They'd rather be right than be flexible. But those who can see that every problem has more than one solution will not be deterred by today's cosmic challenge. Stay creative and imagine alternatives. It will give you, among other things, a competitive advantage.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Once you've made your point, stop. Because when you go past it, the next sentence starts weakening the one before it. Today's challenge is recognizing that moment, then letting silence be your encore.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). When the move is bold, it will also be memorable. And remembering a moment is like living it again. So you act in a way you wouldn't mind reliving. That makes your method just as important as your victory.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Every thought makes a bid for your attention. Some deserve the investment. Others are little more than convincing sales pitches. It's time to get pickier about what to spend your minutes on.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Someone needs to track the time, money and activity or much could be wasted. You may do this in a low-key way so as not to interfere with the vibes. Some people won't perform at their best if they think they are being watched too closely.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Whatever the cat dragged in, it will drag in again. It's in the cat's nature. And besides, according to the cat, this is a gift. Try to see it that way and you may just decide that the cat, though messy, is actually right.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Today features a gathering, and whether you feel it in the moment or not, you set the tone. Others catch on by osmosis. You have kind instincts, grade and taste. The group is better because you're in it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Friendships make sense. Business arrangements make sense. Even the reasons you admire certain people usually make sense. Then there are your current passions, which answer to an entirely different set of rules.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You don't owe anyone a tutorial on your decision-making process. Sometimes you don't even know yourself. Maybe you don't have to. Things still work out.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). To do or to be, that is the question. Both are possible at the same time, of course. But it's also possible to get busy doing something to distract yourself from having to feel what it's like to just be.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Life is not inherently serious. Neither is it inherently funny, sweet, mundane or profound. Life is what you think it is. It's what you're looking for. Today life will be the mood you bring to it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Every to-do list eventually reaches a point where it stops describing a day and starts describing a fantasy. You won't finish it all in a day, but you will finish it all eventually, and everything on the page is worth it.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You don't have to agree with something to understand it. In fact, understanding usually comes first. Before deciding what something means, you have to let it be exactly what it is.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 5). It's your Year of the Moon Landing when you achieve monumental feats because you dared to shoot for the stars. Your passion for helping others is going strong, and you'll be fortified by what you're able to do for them. You'll get used to receiving prizes and distinctions. More highlights: Serendipitous meetings and mutual attractions. You'll wheel and deal your way to something you've long wanted. Gemini and Aquarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 50, 2, 22 and 16.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Among the greatest showmen of the 20th century, Freddie Mercury is celebrated anew with the release of "A Life in Lyrics," a deluxe volume created with Mary Austin featuring rare photographs and archival treasures from his extraordinary career. Mercury wrote Queen classics including "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Killer Queen" and "Somebody to Love." His Virgo Sun speaks to extraordinary craftsmanship, while four luminaries in Libra and two in Leo reflect the artistry, beauty and unforgettable stage presence that made him a legend.

For more Holiday magic, visit HolidayMathis.com. To find out more about Holiday Mathis and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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