Horoscopes by Holiday by Holiday Mathis

Though the day starts on a wandering, listless note while the moon is void of course, productivity will kick in strong as the moon moves into Taurus this morning. Once the mission is clear, get to work. You may have to collect a few "no's" in order to get to "yes." Respect goes to those who persevere when the going isn't easy.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You'll be grateful for some of the more unusual things you've been through in life. Because of your own experiences, you are able to understand someone else's longings.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your positive attitude will spark something in a friend. There might be a joint effort in your near future. Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities that will utilize both of your talents.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). According to the latest research, IQ accounts for only about 4-10 percent of career success. Creativity will be a far more important quality to nurture now, which is why that playful attitude you're cultivating will take you far.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). It will help you to have a few social tricks up your sleeve today because in some way it's like you're arriving at a party where you don't know anybody. Scan the news for icebreakers or brush up on an old joke.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You could be promoted because you are caring. In a world where customer service is offered by robots, your personal touch is invaluable. You sense what people need that they don't even know they need.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (JUNE 18). You refocus your vision this year and head in a direction that will truly satisfy your heart. The next five weeks offer an opportunity to take on a responsibility that will teach and mold you. You'll be lavished in attention in August. There's an important challenge in October. New friends rally behind you, cheering you on to victory. Cancer and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 26, 44, 19 and 15.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). A key relationship is starting to take off. It's effortless. Because you are so open-hearted, you will learn many intangible things from this special connection and be forever changed for the better.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You have a much sharper sense of reality than you did yesterday. You not only understand your side of the story, but you get where others are coming from and will make a wise move based on this knowledge.

SCORPIO (Oct.

24-Nov. 21). You are the opposite of needy. It's one of your success secrets and why you are oh so attractive these days. You honestly don't care how much time a friend spends with you; you're happy with whatever comes naturally.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You are different. You do what other people don't do. You give unexpected answers and ask interesting questions. Your surprising manners will fascinate someone new.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The amount of time you spend with someone is not a fair gauge of the relationship. It's what you do in that time that matters. You come up with remarkable ideas.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your compassion will be tested. The mercy you show will be inspiring to others who will follow your lead. The world is becoming a more tolerant place thanks to people like you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Enjoy the moments you have with loved ones and celebrate them big — not because they are scarce but because they are abundant. You deserve an ongoing stream of joyful living!

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "Five years ago, I bought a house and now it is worth $150,000 less than I bought it for. I have consistently made my payments on time. Now I'm faced with a huge balloon payment that I knew was coming. When I bought the house, I was a newlywed and the market was good. I thought that in five years I could refinance based on the equity I would have in the house. Well, the market went the opposite way. Now we have two children and more expenses than ever and are upside down in the house. Many in our neighborhood have foreclosed. I don't feel good about that, but I also know that our family would be much better off renting a house now than paying these huge payments. We don't qualify for bailout money since we have always made our payments. One realtor suggested a short sale. What do you think? I'm a Libra."

I am not a financial expert by any stretch. But what I know about Libra, the sign of justice, is that you must absolutely feel morally correct in your choice in order to benefit from it. You will always generate the financial karma you think you deserve.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Happy birthday to the Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Roger Ebert, who credits movies, writing and his wife for restoring his strength, health and energy. This witty Gemini, like many born under the sign of the twins, knew what he wanted to do at an early age. His moon, Mars and Pluto in Leo ensure that his criticisms of entertainment are in and of themselves works of entertainment.

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.

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