HOROSCOPE

Aries (March 21-April 19): The shortcuts that are heavily advertised are almost never going to get you there faster. Lots of people will take the publicized route, thus creating a traffic jam.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): You’ve had the sensation of getting what you want and being unsatisfied. That’s what makes the gratitude you feel today all the more wonderful.

Gemini (May 21-June 21): You are your first responsibility. When it comes to supporting yourself, go all out.

Cancer (June 22-July 22): You sometimes have to be around people you don’t trust. Just stay guarded and aware. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): Push your perception into things that are far away and try to feel how they would be close up. Then do the same in reverse. The exercise strengthens your intuition.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It’s better to engage with people instead of shutting them out because you don’t agree with them. Find common ground.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): You have a better than usual influence over your mental state and will be able to consciously move your attitude to where it needs to be.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): There is no good reason to shy away from what makes you laugh and smile. Bonus: The fun you’ll have will inspire your financial sector.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22Dec. 21): Sometimes just looking at the bigger picture found inside a map starts to bring paths and destinations to mind. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): When your idea doesn’t land the way you want it to, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea. Tinker with the variables before throwing it out. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Everyone gets to tap his or her own potential. It is up to each person to figure out how to get to their good stuff.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): You’re still not sure whom you can trust and how you can best work with your options. You’ll learn much even as you keep things friendly and noncommittal.

Today’s birthday (Oct. 5): The way you live your life and/or run your business is as much a work of art as anything you produce. As you express yourself and follow your muse, you show people a path they hadn’t thought of. Your novel leadership will open the door to the sort of experiences you dreamed about having when you were small. Leo and Aries adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 20, 4, 44, 28 and 13.

Holiday Mathis writes her column for Creators Syndicate Inc. The horoscope should be read for entertainment.