HOROSCOPE

Aries (March 21-April 19): The only kind of gift that is not a deal is one without strings or any expectation of being repaid.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Maybe manipulation is, at its core, dishonest. At least your aim is true — to help people do what’s good for them.

Gemini (May 21-June 21): If an investment leaves you feeling poor while you await a return, it’s not an investment so much as an overinvestment, which leads to desperation.

Cancer (June 22-July 22): Whatever you would typically give others, give that and more to yourself today. Otherwise you’ll be at an energetic deficit.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): Letting go of your expectations of who you are supposed to be is one of the most empowering shifts you will

make.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Even good feelings like faith and joy can scare people off, only because people are frightened of what they can’t relate to or comprehend.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): The compliments you give are the truth and will reflect the talents, endowments and efforts you observe.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): You’ll stand up for yourself without putting another person down. You’ll hold your own line without breaking someone else’s.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22Dec. 21): Productive conversations will reveal things about a person before you get in too deep with any kind of relationship.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In matters of business, your goal is to screen for the ones with a high potential of finding great value in what you most want to offer. The same goes for love.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Every action has a motive that speaks out. Knowing your own intentions creates an attractive and aligned flow of action.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): You’ll present yourself with boldness and clarity and then accept whatever reaction you get with an eye toward the opportunities.

Today’s birthday (Nov. 26): You’ll let go of old myths to embrace an optimistic yet realistic view of what you’ll do in the world before your next birthday. You’ll come up with strategies that really work, and you’ll find mentors and helpers to make the process a pleasure. A New Year’s Eve kiss is a harbinger of romantic fireworks. Gemini and Cancer adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 30, 1, 18 and 43.

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