Horoscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19): No one wants to feel indebted, and yet it’s a quick way to be in a tight relationship. People need to feel helpful. An indebted person is fulfilling that need. Whichever side of the equation you’re on, know that you’re fulfilling a need. Taurus (April 20-May 20): Because you come by your gift of empathy honestly, you might assume it’s easy for anyone to put themselves in the shoes of another. Not so. Your gift is rare. Set an example for others and eventually they will follow. Gemini (May 21-June 21): Those who have nothing will be called on to show their patience, work ethic and perseverance. Those who have everything will be called on to show their grace, kindness and humility. Cancer (June 22-July 22): When the other person seems compelled to give more and more, it may be a kind of power struggle. The person who gives more has the upper hand. Step back and assess the dynamics. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): The current dilemma is about understanding the nature of love. Ask your heart of hearts who is on your side and your heart of hearts may not echo the same names you expected. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It’s one of those times when responsibilities bunch up on you, the schedule gets crowded, and you wonder why you agreed to so much. You can and will relieve your own stress by doing the things that feel right and good to you. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): They say, “Own the room,” and yet how many owners can said “room” really have? Three, max. Anyway, some “rooms” aren’t worth owning. Look around to determine how much you should really invest in this ego circus. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): You’ll do what millions of others do and still feel like you’re contributing something different. It’s because you really are. The world needs you to keep being your unique self. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): It only makes sense that found things are often in the same place as lost things, and commonly these losses and gains occur in the intersections of life. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Pen and paper are still among the coolest tools that technology has brought us. The info and insights will come rapid-fire today, and you’ll be wise to make notes as you go. Later you’ll pass it on. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): If someone is talking behind your back, it means that the person is behind you and quite possibly beneath you, but positioning isn’t the issue. Jealous people are dangerous people. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): You’ll be a thought leader today. This is quite a responsibility, but more than that, it’s an opportunity for fun and creation. To inspire people toward a brighter and more interesting goal is to change the world.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com/author/ holiday-mathis and click “Contact.” DEAR ABBY » I am estranged from my sister, whom I love dearly. The reason goes back many years. When I was 13, her husband got me drunk and molested me. While I never forgot, I did repress it — possibly due to my age.

Time went on, I thought I had moved on and life would continue as usual. Well, five years ago the trauma erupted inside of me. My therapist thinks that possibly what triggered it was becoming a grandmother.

I cannot talk to my sister’s husband, let alone look at him. The sight of him makes me physically ill, which is obvious to everyone. Exposing him would devastate my sister, her family and our extended family.

I am praying for guidance and the strength to forgive him, but it’s not working, and neither is therapy. I am now regarded as the “bad guy” and left isolated with no one except my amazing husband. My own kids are skeptical and think I am destroying our family. Advice, Abby?

— So lost in the Midwest

DEAR SO LOST » Because keeping quiet and talking to a therapist haven’t helped you, I will suggest another route for healing. Call your family together. Tell them exactly what happened when you were 13 and that you can no longer keep quiet about it.

At the same time, contact a rape crisis center because at 13, even if you were drunk and consented to what your brother-in-law did, you were underage and a victim of statutory rape. If your family accuses you of making this up, invite them to some of your counseling sessions with the rape counselor. With the help of that person, you may be able to help them see the light.

DEAR ABBY » I was a professional musician most of my life and loved every second of it. While I still do production work and an occasional performance, I no longer tour or need the money from the shows.

I own several instruments that are my most prized possessions, and have many precious memories associated with them. They are worth several thousand dollars. I cannot think of anyone to leave them to who might appreciate them.

None of my heirs are musical, and I’m estranged from my only child, a son in his early 40s. If he inherited them, he’d sell them and squander the money before the last chorus. The same is true of my only grandchild.

I’m in my early 60s, healthy, active and don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon. But eventually — when I do — I want these most important items to go where they will be played well and appreciated. — Quarter note quandary in

California

DEAR Q.N.Q. » How about donating your instruments to a program that keeps music alive in schools with underfunded music programs nationwide? An organization to consider is the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. It gives economically disadvantaged youth access to the benefits of music education, and helps them to be better students and express their emotions and creativity through playing music. The foundation also has a fund called Music Rising that helps school music programs after natural disasters. The website is mhopus.org. If you check it out, I’m sure you will find it interesting.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.