F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote that the test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind and still function. The sky gives us practice. Pluto has changed direction; Venus hasn't. You can move forward while still having mixed feelings. You don't have to sort out every emotion before taking the next practical step.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You love your friends, and you also want different things from them. Because as much as you belong to a group, you don't always fit your original place in it. Let both be true while you make plans that reflect where you want to go next.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Though you care very deeply about someone, you also remain ambitious for yourself. So you'll honor a relationship while making a professional choice the other person wouldn't make. Mull it over this weekend.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You can believe strongly in an idea and remain willing to learn something that changes it. You can know plenty and still be a beginner. Follow your curiosity. Let experience add to what you already know.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You can trust someone and still protect yourself. You can share money, information or responsibility and still have a domain that's all yours and only yours. You can better enjoy what you share when you don't share it all.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You can love someone and want the relationship to change. You can appreciate what you have shared while asking for something different now. Say what you want without turning the past into evidence for or against the future.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You can take excellent care of other people and need time for yourself. You can be dependable without doing everything people want you to do. Being careful about what you agree to makes it easier.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You can have it all now — a feeling of security while still spending money on pleasure. You appreciate what you own and still enjoy getting something new. Indulgence gives you genuine and well-deserved enjoyment.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You can become someone new and still love where you came from. You can change your appearance, habits or direction without rejecting your history. Past-you will always be in there. Let your choices suit who you are now.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You can know what you think without saying it. You can value honesty and value discretion. Before you speak, ask what you hope your words will accomplish. Choose the truth that serves the situation.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You can want more and appreciate what you already have. You can save for the future and enjoy your money today. Let the numbers reflect both the responsible person and the pleasure seeker.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You can change your direction and still have feelings about the road you're leaving. You can know what comes next while grieving what ends. Take the practical step anyway. Emotions will catch up on their own schedule.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You can release an old belief and still understand why you once held it. You can change your mind without rewriting your history. Give your former self credit for getting you this far. Act on what you know now.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Oct. 16). In your Year of the Untamed River, life's rapids will thrill you as you're swept through majestic scenes and carried to places you wouldn't have planned to go but that are nonetheless enchanting. The currents are working in your favor. More highlights: Your warmth attracts fans and friends, your vision keeps them involved. You'll earn money teaching and building. A big sale improves your lot. Pisces and Aries adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 39, 1, 14 and 19.

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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