Horoscopes for Nov. 23, 2012

It’s a good thing that the person who said “there is no such thing as stressful situations, just stressful responses” remains unknown. If that person were known, he or she might suffer a retaliation today. Mars and Uranus square off, and we all get realistic. Some situations are inherently stressful, and it’s only natural to react.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Beware of the slick salesman. This person may not be selling a product so much as selling him or herself. Remarks that sound offhanded and casual could actually be well thought-out and time-tested.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It won’t take courage to move forward, only curiosity. Today the comfort zones, strangely, bring no comfort at all. All the action happens outside the realm of what is known.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Sometimes there’s a calm before the storm. Today there will be a storm before the calm. But you’re ready for a little excitement. When emotions run high, you’ll be at your best.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Whatever compels you to make up your mind about what to do or who to be is a positive force. That’s why even a crisis can be a blessing. The Greek word “krisis” means “decision.”

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ll achieve an understanding where there hasn’t been one for a long time. This may not be an agreement, but understanding is the first step. Soon the communication will improve even more in this regard.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You know where you stand, and those around you know, too. This is no small feat. It takes a strong person to question, decide and declare himself.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Not all useful work is satisfying to you. But if you’re doing something that is useful and elegant, too, ideally reflecting your values and aesthetics, you will be most pleased.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You have social savvy. You realize that people need to be heard. Not everything they want is desirable, possible or convenient to you, but you encourage expression anyhow, and this makes all the difference.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). In spite of the bustle and craziness of the world, you’ll feel a human kinship. You’ll regard your fellow travelers as partners, whether they happen to be family, friends, co-workers or strangers.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ll want a change. Maybe this comes out of a sense of frustration or because you’re comparing someone else’s results with yours. You have to ask yourself: Would this change be rational?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The walls of a home have absorbed all of the energy generated between them. The walls have stories, and you have a gift for hearing those stories or at least detecting their emotional tone.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There’s a risk you’ve been considering for some time now. You’ll finally have the guts to take it. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. The adventure is on!

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY. You have an instinct for success this year. You envision a desired result and carefully define your aims. You’ll recognize a pattern in January and use what you know to make a timely play. February brings interference from your love life, and the interesting twist invigorates you. You’ll help someone dear in March. Libra and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 50, 1, 35, 28 and 15.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: When you want someone to notice you, understated intention is more effective than any amount of pushing. TAURUS: You’re an excellent steward of your resources, even though a loved one seems to want you to spend unreasonably right now. GEMINI: It’s not too much to ask that your partner or potential partner be in tune with what you are feeling. CANCER: The one who really loves you will match your pace, slowing down or speeding up to be with you. LEO: If you want someone to understand what’s in your heart, you’ll have to spell it out and possibly even draw a diagram. VIRGO: You’re a caring soul. Sometimes you have to also bring a dose of glamour to get the respect you deserve. LIBRA: You are getting increasingly excited about the prospect of making a future with someone. SCORPIO: It’s a challenge to balance family with romance, but you’ll make the effort and succeed. SAGITTARIUS: Because you are trustworthy, you have a tendency to trust others. But be analytical and cautious, too. CAPRICORN: True love is not expecting the other person to change for you. AQUARIUS: Take on the potentially uncomfortable scenario in an effort to create harmony. PISCES: Being in love isn’t always easy; right now it is, though, so enjoy.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: As the Aries moon reflects the glory of the Sagittarius sun, these two fire signs are mutually enchanted. The commonalities are obvious: Both live for passion, crave adventure and love fresh beginnings. Also, both share a phobia of commitment. Not wanting to lose freedom or independence, these two will respect one each other’s boundaries and grow bonded in spite of themselves.

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.