Horoscopes for Feb. 1, 2013

There is something innately disturbing about water that’s on fire. After all, what could cause such a thing? Pollution, natural disaster, war . . . ? Almost nothing it could signify means good news. Perhaps that’s why the water sign of Pisces is considered a difficult placement for fiery Mars. But stay tuned for the distinct bright side of this transit!

ARIES (March 21-April 19). As your guiding planet slips into a water sign, you may feel as though the ideas you spark are being quickly extinguished. That’s why you need to surround yourself with similarly bright and hopeful creative people.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Is consistency too much to ask from people? You’re so rock solid when it comes to keeping your commitments that you can’t wrap your head around the flakey way some people live. Just know that they have their reasons.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your popularity secret is simple: You’re usually looking for ways to add value to what others are doing. And you take just enough to let others know that you’re participating in appreciation.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’re usually most comfortable in your own space. So when you feel very much yourself in a place outside your home, it will get the wheels of your mind turning. Can you bring elements of this place into your abode?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There’s no such thing as too much loveliness, and you’ll quest to fill your senses with the beauty you know is out there. But where is it? You’ll have to branch out to find it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). As you traverse new territory, you’ll be wise to bring a machete. Whacking through weeds and brush will be hard work, but only once. Next time your way will be clear.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The moon in your highly aesthetic sign gives a silver glow to all you do. Don’t be surprised if people want to take your picture, scribble notes when they talk to you or document your presence in other ways.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Sometimes it feels as though if you don’t get the privacy you need, you’ll go bonkers. The human animal can be as territorial as a bear, and it’s only natural to fight for your space. Just try not to eat anyone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Tom Jones insisted, “It’s not unusual to be loved by anyone . . .” And yet, if your nearest and dearest enjoys amorous attention that’s not coming from you, it’s also not unusual to become seriously annoyed.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It’s not like you to unthinkingly jump into speech, but an unusual environment can inspire you to make that leap. Likely, it will feel as though there’s no time to sort things out; you just have to act.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your life’s work doesn’t culminate in a day. The projects you’ll be known for will happen over the course of months or years. So forget about the long term, and settle into what you must accomplish today.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Someone likes the way you laugh at jokes, forward conversations in interesting directions and add to collaborations in unpredictable ways. Do you know who your fan is?

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY. You’ll reinvent yourself and make a comeback this year. This month, seek experts and listen to them. The next six weeks bring an interview process – sometimes you’re asking the questions, other times you’re answering. You’ll nab a sweet job in May. June and October bring travel, passion and fun. Cancer and Leo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 11, 46, 19 and 38.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: It’s as though someone has airbrushed your love interest, and you can no longer see the flaws. TAURUS: You have high standards for yourself, but you don’t demand nearly as much of others, which is probably a good thing now. GEMINI: Love is an art. Get out of your element to gain inspiration. CANCER: You’ll get the opening you were waiting for. Don’t hesitate to make your move. LEO: You may find out that there are complications that impede your current relationship aims, but it’s nothing that can’t be worked out. VIRGO: Too many cooks in the kitchen ruin a romantic meal. Take charge, and send the others out. LIBRA: You’re getting the amorous attention now, so don’t deflect it; bask in it! SCORPIO: Trust your matchmaking friends. Someone who knows you well could set up the most darling arrangement. SAGITTARIUS: Being around other couples who love each other is good for your relationship status. CAPRICORN: The dating pool isn’t a fishbowl; it’s an ocean. Get out there for a wide sampling. AQUARIUS: Venus in your sign reminds you to go for what you really want. Don’t settle. PISCES: Your fortunes will be augmented by a dance floor.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Libra and Aquarius make a match for the ages. Two air signs, they have been known to stay up all night intellectualizing and philosophizing. As a working duo, they are impressively productive. But what about the more visceral aspects of love? These two need to be careful not to get so caught up in the idea of romance that they forget to forge a bond on all levels.

If you would like to write to Holiday Mathis, 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.