Horoscopes by Holiday for April 18

Mercury fills the third leg of a triangle to Pluto and Saturn today, catalyzing a trinity in helpful earth signs. For any real world need, a masterful handyman (or woman) supplies a clever bit of know-how. Although this happens so slowly, or effortlessly, we may miss it, upon review, we'll see supportive forces that slid into place around this time.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your business acumen may not be the result of formal training, nor will it play out in a classic scenario, but it's quite real and will sustain you. You see where the value is — capture a piece of it for yourself and hold on to it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Relationships change. Some get stronger, some weaker. A friend you weren't sure about proves totally trustworthy. What once felt like an amorous adventure now seems more like a mild and aimless affection.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You may be doing what everyone else is doing, but you sure don't look the same doing it. Your uniqueness lights up the atmosphere. So don't pass up the chance to flaunt your style.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The shelter of your love is a safe haven, where you believe the best of others, even if their actions appear to have fallen short. You'll be extending the benefit of the doubt — one of the many ways you show your loyalty.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There are times when it's easier to learn about loving yourself by loving others. Right now those lessons in love are reversed for you. Showing yourself more attention and care helps you love others better.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (APRIL 18). It's exhilarating to be in the game this year, whatever game you're in. You win gracefully and lose far less often, but with just as much poise. VIPs notice the class you exude. May is filled with exciting outings and meaningful connections. Your bighearted efforts inspire others to mature in July. Virgo and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 4, 33, 16 and 14.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Not all change comes about as a result of a big dramatic battle. Gentle, gradual changes are often the most radical. This is happening in one of your relationships. All involved are ready, and so, it just happens.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You're collecting a few informal reviews of your performance. Most are favorable, but one or two are not. Take criticism with a grain of salt, as the critics in your life are likely to be moody now.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The stars vote you most likely to have a problem with authority today. No matter how experienced your council purports to be, it seems you have an endless supply of better ideas (perhaps best kept to yourself).

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You're giving and giving to a relationship, more than you should, more than is prudent, realistic or healthy, and still it doesn't seem like enough. Instead of giving more, consider giving differently.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The task before you isn't as hard as it seems. Your first instincts are the best ones to follow, and quickly. If you take too much time on a project, the end result will be worse off than if you are given a deadline.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Someone is standing in your way. This isn't an enemy, but a friend to help you sharpen your skill and make you think bigger. Furthermore, you don't have to knock him down. The road is wide; go around.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Groups can be intimidating, but not for you, and not today. You see a crowd as an opportunity to command the delight of others. The group you come across now is just waiting to admire you.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: The heart has a million questions. Believe in yourself and the next step in a relationship just happens. TAURUS: You no longer need to look outside yourself for what you already have. GEMINI: An issue appears glaringly obvious. Yet a partner has a resolution far stronger in proportion. CANCER: You feel well cared for; let your guard down, and the mood for love blossoms. LEO: You want them to see you looking your best. And because of that, that's exactly how they see you. VIRGO: Go public with your thoughts and feelings. Someone's all ears. LIBRA: You invest more hope in a relationship than you've had in a while, and the feeling is mutual. SCORPIO: Conscious relating is an ongoing education. The planets teach you more about who you are to one another. SAGITTARIUS: You may think you're alone, but your partner is feeling it, too. Open your heart and clear the air. CAPRICORN: It's fine to want what you want, but keep a light touch so loved ones can rally behind you. AQUARIUS: Send your love and attention to your home — the place that reflects who you really are. PISCES: A spontaneous getaway stimulates sweet romance.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Capricorn and Virgo. On the surface, this earth-loving couple appears silently immovable, like the rich soil that grows all things. But lean closer and allow some time to elapse and you begin to understand: they only appear still. Underneath there's rhythm, an unfolding patience and dependability about them. Wind? Fire? Earthquakes? Bah! Calamity — they hardily shrug off. The earth couple endures.

Holiday Mathis is the author of "Rock Your Stars." If you would like to write to her, 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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