Horoscopes for Feb. 5, 2013

Cuneiform script, the earliest known form of writing, started with more than 1,000 characters and was eventually refined to fewer than half of that. The modern English alphabet accomplishes much with only 26 characters. The Mercury transit through Pisces will inspire us to simplify our expressions while simultaneously endowing them with richer meaning.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It seems that lately authority figures are constantly throwing down limits or telling you what to do. It’s a sign that you’re on the cutting edge and a threat to the old guard. Don’t back off now; you’re on to something.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It’s pretty clear that you need more stimulation. There’s not enough in your environment now to motivate your hard work. Put yourself in a more demanding or risky situation.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The natural world holds many mysteries and much intrigue should you choose to give it your attention. Today the elements will be kind to you, so step outside to make some detailed observations.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Before you do the dull thing, like dive into your work to the exclusion of all social interaction, fresh air and fun, remember this: Pleasure is useful. All of the most amazing creators you know would concur.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The response you get from people, animals and technology will be of an unexpected if not downright weird variety. Also, they may seem to know you better than you know them, which is a little weird.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Sometimes a partner makes you feel better about yourself and at other times worse. Either way, you must admit, you feel more alive, and that’s what it’s all about for you right now.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You like to think you’re a regular kind of person, but like the “regular” people in movies, today you wind up in unusual circumstances that move you to heroic action.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Figuratively speaking, unless you show up with your paints and brushes, the world around you will lack color. If you can say or do “your thing” without hurting another person, you should.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Just because an action is within the law doesn’t make it right. You hold yourself to a higher and self-created standard. Usually, you’re quiet about this, but the world will be better off if you speak up.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Instead of asking “why,” you will ask “why not” and go forward. You will never get an answer to that second question, mostly because there is no reason why you shouldn’t act today.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You do have a way of putting things. So don’t be surprised if you hear your own words echoed in the conversation of loved ones – proof that they are listening to you even when they don’t show it.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). If you react without knowing your reasons, the effect will be minimal. But if you know your reasons before you make a move, you’ll create your desired effect.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY. It’s your year to bridge the gaps. Where there is a lack of understanding or knowledge, you’ll learn. The cycle of relationship luck over the next seven weeks starts the ball rolling. March shows a lifestyle upgrade. Like a poker shark, you’ll use your talent for reading people to make great money in April. Taurus and Gemini people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 1, 13, 20, 44 and 9.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: “The other day, I walked out my front door and startled a bat who had been swinging upside down from the eave, something I saw out of the corner of my eye before it flew away. It happened twice in the span of a few hours, so obviously the bat chose my front stoop as a good place to hang out. I’m superstitious. Given the associations with bats, witches and Halloween, I’m guessing this means something bad is going to happen, and I wish it would already so I can stop worrying.”

I, too, am superstitious, although I believe it’s up to each person to decide what constitutes a good or bad omen. Did you know that the Chinese consider bats to be an extremely good omen associated with wealth and abundance? According to some Chinese fortunetelling methods, if your home is visited by bats, you will soon be blessed with financial luck, as bats gravitate to the most auspicious places. I hope this new interpretation of your bat incident will stop your worries. I challenge you to release any superstitions that cause you to walk around in fear and keep only the helpful ones.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: In addition to his many athletic accomplishments, Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is the first in his sport to attain 50 million Facebook “likes.” The Aquarius once commented on his career by saying, “I am living a dream I never want to wake up from.” With Venus and Mars in fiery, powerful Aries and the popularity that comes from a Leo moon, Ronaldo may not ever have to wake up!

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.