The positions of Saturn and Neptune suggest that some things we thought could be accomplished through straightforward efforts will require a different level of skill than anticipated. This could be more stress than it's worth. Try and see it as an opportunity to recognize the basics that really matter — togetherness, kindness and compassion.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Much will depend on how feelings are expressed and interpreted. In today's outpouring of emotion, you may discover the particulars of your own love language.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It's likely that you're feeing blocked in a project. The remedy is simple: research. It's the preliminary step. The second step is brainstorming. Do not attempt to be proficient without these two steps.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You'll be very aware of how you are evolving inside of a group environment and the extent of your influence. There's a feeling from the entire setting that no single person is responsible for but everyone contributes to.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Obstacles are opportunities to learn. Take a step back to look at what the obstacle is telling you. In all likelihood, you can adapt and walk around it once you better understand what it is.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You'll get the wonderful feeling that you're in the right place and right on time, too. Your patience has brought you this far and will continue to stand you in good stead.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). In the past you've sometimes been drawn to people who aren't good for you, but that's changing. The new people that come into your world are emotionally reflective of all the good that's going on inside you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your recent decision to lie low and be humble will serve you well today because it puts you in a position of perspective. The people around you need tenderness and compassion. You'll better understand how to deliver it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The actions of the past have caught up to you in the best way possible. That's why you can relax and let your worries fade away. When you have a break, take it. Cherish it. There's no reason to rush.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Sometimes you feel like an instrument in the hands of nature. Today it will seem that destiny is using you to fulfill a larger purpose that you haven't quite figured out yet.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Because you are so creative now, you see the art in everything around you, especially in little messes and mistakes. Your easygoing spirit will make you a favorite.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You've struggled to improve your relationships and that effort is now paying off. You can feel the warmth and acceptance double up around you as others feel the joy in your heart and respond in kind.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The day fills up with good thoughts, happiness and contentment. You should know that coming from this place of cheer, you'll be extremely attractive to someone new.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Nov. 26). This year is about singing in a voice all your own. You'll start to be recognized for this. There will be no mistaking your work; it will stand distinct from others'. December brings new delight to your family circle. February will improve your financial picture. April will bring an exciting journey. Cancer and Capricorn adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 14, 4, 39, 3 and 17.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "Holiday, I've called myself a writer since I was in the third grade. I still live with my parents, and I write all of the time, novels, short stories and articles. Except I've never been published and I'm terrified of rejection. If I send off my work now and it's not accepted, I will be a complete failure who still lives with her parents for no good reason. What do you have to say to a fellow Leo? Birthdate: July 31, 1987."

Did you know that you have the same birthday (different year) as the author J.K. Rowling? In a Harvard commencement address, the Harry Potter creator talked about the benefits of failure and suggested, "You will never truly know yourself, or the strength of your relationships, until both have been tested by adversity." Since you have admitted that your life is comfortable enough, your job is to keep daring adversity to test you by putting yourself out there. You are lucky that you don't have to risk home and survival at this point. With a roof over your head and plenty of hot meals, you owe it to yourself and your parents to be courageous in other ways. Best of luck!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: True to her Sagittarian roots, soulful pop star Natasha Bedingfield uplifts with her optimistic lyrics, as in her hit "Unwritten." Those ruled by lucky Jupiter often turn bad things around with the sheer force of their stellar positive attitudes. Bedingfield was born when four luminaries were in this fiery part of the sky and three luminaries were in harmonious Libra.

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.