The path with no obstacles is boring, and it doesn't lead anywhere. Not that you need to search out the rocky and perilous. That's not the point. The point is, when life provides those obstacles (as it will with the current Jupiter situation) throw your hands in the air and assume that this is all for the best. The Leo moon will wink at you.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Small children become the person they want to be through imitation and assimilation. You'll do the same in a more subtle fashion, adopting mannerisms and habits similar to the one you aspire to be like.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Beware: The real aims may be terribly different from the declared aims. If you know which is which you will be ahead of the game. Indeed, you may win it all in the end.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Exercise will get your vitality up for the tasks of the day, though you should know that strength alone won't prepare you for what's ahead. You'll need mental suppleness and flexibility for these challenges.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). If you think that you can do it alone, try. A short stint will be all it takes for you to realize that this is unwise, if it's even possible. For better or worse, grand plans will be pulled off by committee today.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There's more pressure than you would like, but mostly you put it on yourself. To make this pressure go away, all you have to do is make a far less demanding agreement.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There's a simple reason you'll get what you're after today, and that reason is that you feel like you deserve it. You're worthy. Whether directly or indirectly, you've put in the work, and this is your due.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The world doesn't seem to be considering your feelings, but as long as you're considering them, you'll be fine. Honor your emotions and accept them, even when it's not how you think you should feel.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Remember when you felt shy around a certain person? Now you're so free you'll do just about whatever comes to mind. This is the reason you'll laugh so much together.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). To better your fortunes, seek opponents and allies that help you to be your best. If you're having trouble playing nice it might be a sign that you are playing with the wrong mates.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There is no easy route today. The break only comes after much toil and sweat, which is not the hard part. Putting up with others without rolling your eyes is the hard part.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You'll assess your current chances of making something happen. Sure, there are things you could change that would better your odds. Still, don't be too critical of yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Everyone needs a cheerleader, a kindred soul to root for you regardless of the odds, to cheer for you whether or not you are winning. Cherish the one who keeps you from losing heart.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 4). In the same way that a full cup must be carried steadily, your full life must be handled with delicate balance over the next six weeks. Year-end brings a wonderful break. Responsibilities change. Your creative process applied to relationships and the most mundane aspects of life will lead to pure gold. Capricorn and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 2, 22, 11 and 16.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I am a Virgo (Sept. 8, 1956) seeing a Taurus (May 4, 1955). Last month he announced he had a long-distance girlfriend. I committed to helping him with his business, and did. We continue to see each other as a couple. When we're not together, we're talking on a phone or chatting online, even from his girlfriend's. Is this a case of having your cake and eating it, too? Will he decide which one of us he wants?"

This Taurus man is not only eating his cake, you've generously given him the spoon to lick, too. It was unfair of him to deceive you at first, but now it's up to you to keep your integrity intact. I'm concerned that this man is far too comfortable with deception. As a Virgo woman authenticity is your compass — which explains why you refused to back out of a promise, one made under false pretenses. Some Virgos are attracted to being the mistress, or even leading a double life. Yet your Venus in Leo tells me you need to be No. 1 in the eyes of your love. Your internal timetable is rapidly ticking. If you don't have the exclusivity you desire by December, move on.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Amazingly disciplined Scorpio actor Matthew McConaughey, who lost dozens of pounds to play Ron Woodroof in "The Dallas Buyer's Club," has reversed the process and is gaining weight (and losing hair) for his role in "Gold." McConaughey was born when the moon and Pluto were in disciplined Virgo. His natal sun, Mercury and Neptune are in soulful, sensual Scorpio.

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