A person's reputation is a possession more valuable than any material item. But unlike a purse or jewelry, when a reputation is stripped away it does not make the thief any richer. This is why we must be very, very careful in what we say about other people. The sun and Mars angle precariously to illustrate the point.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Just as a good party host knows that the time printed on the invitation has little to do with the time the party actually starts, you realize that theoretical plans often don't reflect reality.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Maybe you're giving someone more credit than is deserved. Even so, you'd rather err on the side of generosity than fail to appreciate those who have contributed to your success and well-being.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The issue at hand is a matter of taste. Therefore, you cannot be wrong or right, and neither can anyone else. You will be tolerant and kind in hearing the other person's preference, and you will be afforded the same respect.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). When you don't know what to do next, just ask your higher mind for the answer and sit quietly a few minutes. You'll be surprised how easy it is to spark your inner wisdom, which really only needs an invitation.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The limits are not keeping you from your joy. In fact, without limits there is far less joy to be had. Boundaries and rules keep some things sacred and special.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You know that you can get swept up in the moment at times. That scares the kind of people who have trouble living in the present. "Men who never get carried away should be." — Malcolm Forbes

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You're trying to fix what's broken. But as you try to isolate one problem, you'll realize that nothing stands alone. Each thing seems knitted to the next thing. Love is the great remedy that will solve this all.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Ambition and greed are parts of human nature that some have to fight with more than others. You're immune to these sins now. There's nowhere you need to be that's worth compromising your values to get there.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You find at least five ways to pay your respects today and each way works better than the last. Your deference, the effort you put into a relationship, your manner of communication: It will all make the intended impact.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You give, move forward, give more and move forward again. The trick is in finding something to give that is so well-matched to your talents that it's relatively effortless to you while being extremely valuable to others.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You could make people follow you if you wanted to. You're certainly powerful enough! And yet, that's just not your style. You make people want to follow you — now that's leadership.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Perfectionism isn't necessarily an attractive quality. Consider that needing to be perfect is rooted in the fear of getting things wrong. Perfection is something the truly confident don't fret too much over.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 7). With your cosmic birthday gift of super-sight, you'll see the potential in things, including how they might be used tomorrow and what they'll develop into in five years. Use this to further your professional life and to choose wisely in your love life. A signed commitment is yours by the end of March, and you'll be paid well, too! Leo and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 20, 4, 42, 19 and 38.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Scissors, shoes, black or white objects and mirrors are among the items on the "forbidden" list for gift-giving on the Chinese New Year. Consider yourself informed now, as you head into the exciting year of the Red Monkey, aka the Fire Monkey, characterized by high-energy, zesty intellectual pursuits and improbable leaps forward. Just as monkeys are among the cleverest and most restless members of the animal kingdom, the start of this cycle features a nearly agitated tone as new levels of curiosity call us into action. First of all, we're trying to work off the tension of a stressfully aspected sun and Mars. The Aquarius new moon on Monday only causes us to think more into it than we probably need to. There will be a temptation to bring fresh technology into the mix, and it might work well, though it also might be a case of complicating things unnecessarily. Mardi Gras on Tuesday and Ash Wednesday both happen under an auspicious arrangement of Venus and Jupiter, boding well for relationships, new friendships and people seeking romantic commitment. Feb. 9 and 10 are also the best days for purchasing Valentine's Day presents, as intuition will be hot, artistic and creative energy will be flowing, and hearts will be open.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Later this month, Aquarius Chris Rock will host the 88th Academy Awards, putting himself on the line for the upper echelon of Hollywood and the entertainment world at large. A humor so uninhibited takes courage and a unique point of view, which are two Aquarian strengths. Rock was born when the sun, Mercury and Venus were all in Aquarius and the moon was in fiery Aries.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com and click "Write the Author" on her page.

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