This is the Mexican Day of the Dead, a time to celebrate and honor our ancestors and all who've passed before us. While we're at it, we may as well invite them to share any wisdom, insight or good vibes from the great beyond. Don't expect an immediate response, though, as Mercury squared with Neptune makes for a three-day delay.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Someone will suggest that your presentation was close but not quite right. This person may have some insights you can use. Then again, this person isn't the final word that can put you through to the next level.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Just because it has never been done before doesn't mean you can't do it. By the same token, just because it has been done before doesn't mean you won't be the one to do it different and better.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You'll close the gap between two friends who don't know how to get along. You'll hold the space between them and act as a buffer. You'll also be an interpreter of sorts, softening their messages to each other.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You are so loyal to the terms of your friendships, spoken and unspoken. The only trouble is that the unspoken terms may not be mutually understood. This is your chance to remedy any miscommunication. Be direct.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You refuse to let things get too complicated. You may have felt the need to impress someone before, but you no longer care. You let go of self-consciousness. You have fun, and you are fun.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You understand what it's like to be too close to a situation to have a useful perspective on it. What looks like a no-brainer to you may be far from obvious to the person dealing with the situation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Ask yourself what it would take to make big things happen in your world. One idea leads to another. Acting boldly now will save you from tedious, boring work later.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A puzzle needs solving. Take time to list all of the elements. As with jigsaw puzzles, it helps if you first lay out all the pieces on the table, picture side up. Then start sorting.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You'll be paying for a service. A 12 percent to 20 percent tip may be customary, but use your feelings instead of a calculator to figure the amount that's perfect for you. Give what you feel like giving — no more, no less.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There is an opportunity to travel coming up. As long as it is in line with your other goals and purposes and doesn't cut too far into your budget, you will gladly take it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You're not sure you have the energy to dive into a project, but dive you will. It's because you trust the process of life. You have a feeling that your adrenaline reserves will kick in when you need them most — and you're right.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There is no need to struggle. When you feel yourself losing your even temper and grounded manner, step back and look at the problem from another angle. The key is to stay calm.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 1). You'll reexamine your relationship with someone you've known a long time. A new point of view will set you free in some way. Perhaps you'll develop strong ties with an old flame. Over the next three months, you'll acquire skills that are more in line with the current job market. 2012 brings fun and laughter. Love signs are Cancer and Virgo. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 37, 28, 52 and 17.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "My family has gone through some tough times lately. How can a Sagittarius Mom bring back the good times?"

Your intention to do this will begin to make magic happen for you and your people. Trust the power of your devotion. Look for evidence that life is good for all of you.

As I note in "Rock your Stars: Your Astrological Guide to Getting it All," Sagittarius feels a personal responsibility to make sure the family is thriving:

"Sagittarius, Sagittarius, quite contrary-ous, how does your family tree grow? With babies and marriages, some hilarious, and new ideas right in a row. The new ideas category is key. If you're not introducing at least three new ideas a month to your family, you're not pulling your weight. I'm not talking about new discoveries in quantum physics here. I'm talking "Look, Johnny, I put peas in the macaroni!" or "Hey, we should try that pizza joint on the corner." And occasionally you will have the idea that changes your whole family. For instance, "Sis, I'd like you to meet Bob." Or "Let's set up video conferencing on the computer so we can talk face-to-face with the grandparents in Alaska."

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Comedian Jenny McCarthy returns to the television series "Two and a Half Men" as con artist Courtney, ready to cause mayhem with the show's new character configuration. McCarthy is a Scorpio siren with Venus, Mars, Uranus and Pluto in the highly aesthetic sign of Libra. Her Saturn in Gemini suggests that her witty and wisecracking ways can either be a huge hit or get her into trouble.

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.