As the Capricorn moon squares off with Venus in the sign of relationships, the ego is like a fobbed watch that hypnotizes us into thinking that other people are the problem. Other people are never the problem. Other people are there to help us work on the problem, sometimes by embodying it. The root of all conflict is inside the self.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). This one simple (but not easy) goal will improve your day: Make it your aim to take the positive attributes you see in yourself and portray them to the highest possible degree.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Improvements will come by a combination of change and chance. You'll decide on a change, and chance will favor you. Today will be like the Dumbo ride. You will control how high you go.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The temptation will be to think too much and feel too little. You don't need more intellect on this problem; you need more compassion, humanity and kindness on it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). What will continue in your life will be all of the things you allow to continue. And when you want to say, "No more," it will have a domino effect and create widespread change.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It would be foolish to underestimate the positive influence of silliness. It would be equally, if not more, detrimental to underestimate the negative impact of too much seriousness.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It is easy to misunderstand your role in another person's mind since you don't in live there and will never be able to visit, either. Let this liberate you to be who you want to be.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). "Please" and "thank you" are the words that good parents teach their children in hopes of raising a well-mannered individual. So many adults forget the lesson, but not you. You'll create magic with those words today.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). It would be easy criticize and deconstruct the bad ideas that will come wafting through your world today, but think carefully before you do. What would be most helpful? When you lift another person, you'll rise, too.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Though reluctant to discuss your own problems, you will be more than happy to help with the problems of others. You'll be especially adept with practical concerns that revolve around finance or legalities.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your instincts are sharp and your ability to read between the lines is on par with best communicators around. So what is it you really want to know? Do you dare have the conversation you've been thinking about?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You'll rise above the risks and fears associated with failure as you give your all to a difficult endeavor. Win or lose, you'll have the self-confidence that comes with knowing you did your very best.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You'll approach relationships with a certain intellectual objectivity today and this will help you create peace. Oddly enough, by trying to control less, you'll be able to control more.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 15). Old options lose appeal in the glow of this new year. You've talents untapped! You'll seek work you wouldn't have considered before and attract relationships that enhance your life in fresh ways. Lucky breaks come in December, February and May. March is a financial high due to a sale. Taurus and Aries adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 16, 28, 22 and 49.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: People have different styles and methods when it comes to changing beliefs. When an idea that once seemed right no longer holds up, some let go easily while others take a more methodical approach, mentally breaking things down to reevaluate and intellectualize the minutiae of each component. Still others go to extremes, jettisoning entire belief systems with hopes of rebuilding at ground zero. What's your style? Many have come to know theirs better in the last five months as Neptune's retrograde shook things up. Beliefs that were once firmly held without question came under inquiry. The end of Neptune's retrograde transit on Wednesday will encourage the rebuilding process while asking the question: What stays and what goes?

Communication planet Mercury enters Sagittarius, the sign of other worlds, on Friday, Nov. 20. This is an ideal time to learn new languages so you can expand your horizons by relating to people who are very different from you. New languages don't have to be from another country. The phrases used by a different generation, culture or subculture can be a new language. The way one person, animal or entity communicates can also be a new language.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Happy 86th birthday to Ed Asner, a legend who's worked in the entertainment industry for over 50 years and has well over 300 acting credits for his work in movies and television with several projects in the works. Asner's natal sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars are in sharp-witted, honest and passionate Scorpio. His moon is in enduring Taurus — a position of strength and longevity.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com and click "Write the Author" on her page. You also may email Holiday at [email protected] or visit her website at HolidayMathis.com.