Horoscopes for Nov. 16, 2012

Mars makes an entrance in Capricorn, beginning a cycle that will last until Christmas Day of this year. This is a strong station for the warrior planet, and Mars tends to push his advantage in Capricorn’s climate of ambition. Where there is a question as to the power of people and governments, many feel driven to prove their might.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Random scattered efforts can at times be magically effective, but not now. The result you desire is best attained with a methodical approach. Create or obtain a checklist and use it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Don’t believe what you hear about other people. You’ll keep friends if you steer clear of gossip and make up your own mind about people. Base your opinions on your personal experience instead of hearsay.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Doing something correctly once is not enough to constitute success. What if it was a fluke? Truly successful actions can be repeated. You’ll practice until you can create the desired effect time and again.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’re a kind of social director now, so create social scenarios in which you can shine. The friends you invite to experience your brand of fun will become enamored of you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Is good enough really good enough? In certain jobs, you feel that you must go beyond the expectation for your efforts to really count. The trick is in deciding which jobs warrant the extra effort.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It is far easier for you to accept others as imperfect than to accept yourself as a work in progress. Keep in mind that you bond with your fellow man through your vulnerabilities, not through your strengths.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Self-confidence takes time. You may feel that there is some area of your life in which you are underperforming. Expect to continue to build on a positive experience

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There will be a bit of inner turmoil to contend with, so anything you can do to bring a sense of calm to your inner world will be extremely helpful. An earth-sign friend, which would be Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn, will ground you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You are in such a laid-back mood that others feel instantly relaxed when they are around you. Suddenly they can be themselves without judgment or worry.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). To be human is to sometimes fear that you’re not going to be good enough to handle the task at hand. Don’t believe the doubting voices; instead let them trigger an extra flow of fuel to your nervous system. The jolt helps.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You are fully aware that what works for you won’t work for everyone. But that awareness won’t keep you from sharing your opinions and stories just in case someone else can benefit from what you’ve already figured out.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You will be praised for your talent and skill. As wonderful as this is, it’s not why you do what you do. The personal satisfaction you get from doing your best is your strongest motivation.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY. Because you’re one of those rare people who actually takes pleasure in the success of your friends, you will be included on a winning team this year. The success of the group will bring you many personal rewards, including monetary gain. January brings a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. March is most romantic. Aries and Taurus people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 12, 21, 39 and 19.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: Just because an idea is risky doesn’t make it automatically bad, especially when it comes to flirting. TAURUS: You may feel that you need to prove yourself to a loved one, but you’re more attractive when you don’t try that hard. GEMINI: Someone new on the scene is likely to distract, tempt and hypnotize you. CANCER: You have a balanced life and interests outside of romance. Because of this, you’re even more attractive. LEO: The time you spend with friends of the same sex will be enlightening and will have a positive impact on your romantic life. VIRGO: Show off who you are on the inside, and you’ll make a lasting impression. LIBRA: Cleaning house adds juice to your romantic life. A happy domestic life leads to happiness in love. SCORPIO: You really know how to keep people guessing, which is a key relationship skill now. SAGITTARIUS: Never try to win the favor of a person who doesn’t deserve you in the first place. CAPRICORN: Focus on your top priorities outside of another person, and you’ll be irresistible. AQUARIUS: Share your imagination. Others will be fascinated by the way your mind works. PISCES: You’ll endeavor to make your exterior reflect your interior.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: The relationship between Capricorn and Scorpio is not always smooth, but making it through the rough patches is the experience that bonds these two so completely. With the moon in Capricorn and the sun in Scorpio, Capricorn will feel seen, respected and desired when Scorpio gives quality attention. The weekend tone will be highly affectionate and perhaps downright cuddly for this couple.

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.