16+ hour, 52+ min ago (520+ words) Retrograde Ends with a Kicker Among the seasonal foods that get better a few days after the event is the cranberry sauce. Some like it sweet, some like it brandied or nutted. Some do it with jalapenos, and if today were a dish, that would be the one -- cranberries with a kick. Mercury goes direct and then Venus starts an argument with Uranus, promising a bit of surprising spice. ARIES (March 21-April 19). Sometimes connection lingers like sound after a concert. You wonder if the other person hears it, too. Maybe they do; maybe they don't. What matters is that you're learning the frequency of your own peace. Stay tuned there. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You'll fantasize about how it would be liberating to live with less because you're lighter, freer, unburdened. But it does take courage because you must face your…...

23+ hour, 52+ min ago (596+ words) CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Anna Faris, 49; Don Cheadle, 61; Andrew McCarthy, 63; Howie Mandel, 70. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Pay attention to the fine print, and you can save money, time and energy. Multitasking may be your thing, but taking on too much will limit you. Take a moment to breathe and to establish what's most valuable and what you can discard. Positive change begins with taking care of yourself and your needs first. 3 stars GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Temper your tone, and don't share personal information with others. Less talk and more listening will help you move forward with less interference and judgment. Refuse to let anyone sucker you into taking on responsibilities that don't belong to you. Offer suggestions, but not your time or your cash. Direct your energy toward personal gain. 2 stars CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep the momentum flowing. Initiate conversations,…...

1+ day, 16+ hour ago (560+ words) Two lunar squares give emotional challenge to the last day of Mercury's retrograde. Whatever pushes your buttons, knocks on your heart or crashes your emotions, just know there will be resolution and relief soon. The best way over an emotion is through it. They come in waves you can ride out if you're willing to let go a little. ARIES (March 21-April 19). Something new has your full attention, and it feels good to be lit up again. Just remember to look up from your project now and then. The people who love you most want to share in your excitement, too. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Relationships don't stay strong by accident. It depends on how they are grown and protected. They thrive when people nurture trust, honesty, curiosity and time together. Neglect makes love brittle; care makes it resilient. CANCER (June…...

2+ day, 12+ hour ago (730+ words) CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Ryan Kwanten, 49; Jon Stewart, 63; Ed Harris, 75; Paul Shaffer, 76. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Don't stop when momentum is building. A change is heading your way that you won't want to miss. Invest time and money in yourself, your skills and updates that will help you advance. Participate in interest groups and events that encourage you to expand your social circle and improve your financial and health habits. 3 stars GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Take the time to digest information and to be sure you've got your facts straight before you commit to anything. Mixed emotions will quickly turn into an argument if you aren't willing to compromise. Change is likely, but with a healthy attitude and a little charm, you can bypass negativity and gain support. 2 stars CANCER (June 21-July 22): It's up to you to initiate change. The stars…...

2+ day, 20+ hour ago (243+ words) Holding hands defeats the purpose of washing them, but I don't know how to avoid it during the prayer. Miss Manners: Does holding hands negate washing them? MISS MANNERS by Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin DEAR MISS MANNERS: At several gatherings with friends and family, the food is blessed by holding hands during a prayer -- after I have already washed mine in preparation for eating. Holding hands defeats the purpose of washing them, but I don't know how to avoid it during the prayer. Refraining from holding hands, or immediately rewashing right after, might offend the other guests. Any ideas on how to handle this situation? GENTLE READER: Wash your hands at the time appointed, hold hands during the prayer, and then, when everyone else starts to eat, you may excuse yourself, having waited to go to…...

2+ day, 23+ hour ago (739+ words) CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Alison Pill, 40; Jaleel White, 49; Fisher Stevens, 62; Kathryn Bigelow, 74. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Control your emotions and gather the facts. Taking the time to research, formulate your thoughts and put a plan in place is essential if you want to move forward with confidence. Don't fear being different or doing things differently. Living life your way is what's best for you. Follow your heart and ease your stress, and you'll gather momentum. 4 stars GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Keep life simple. Don't overload your plate, promise more than you can deliver or let your emotions get you into trouble. Focus inward, and choose healthy activities that help you look and feel your best. Personal gain is in your best interest, and your relationships and who you associate with today will determine the outcome. 2 stars CANCER (June 21-July 22): Learn from…...

3+ day, 3+ hour ago (563+ words) A Personal Note from Holiday In this time of thanksgiving, I type with grateful fingers to the ones who have challenged my every day with the task of turning that most complex of conundrums over and over in my curiosity: What are we all doing here together under these stars? Thank you, dear reader, for joining me in the wonder of it all. These scopes are a tribute to you. ARIES (March 21-April 19). Thankfully, you have a spirit that begins things. You take the first step when others hesitate, light the torch, and run ahead. You remind everyone that momentum itself is a blessing -- energy that turns desire into something real and alive. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Thankfully, you stay curious. Every question you ask and every story you share creates connection. Your way with words and wonder keeps the world…...

3+ day, 16+ hour ago (599+ words) On the Last Day of a Retrograde Gratitude isn't always about joy or gain. Sometimes it's the awareness that a burden has lifted. The return to normalcy is a gift in itself. The day before American Thanksgiving is the last day of Saturn's retrograde, a change of direction that will for many be experienced as relief. A water sign trine will be like a spiritual bath -- perfect for a relaxing reset. ARIES (March 21-April 19). If you could just do all the right steps in the right order, the task would get good results in a predictable amount of time. But perfect instructions are a rare thing in this world. So watch a pro and have a little fun while you give it your best shot. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You don't need rescuing, but some will rush in wanting to help....

3+ day, 23+ hour ago (536+ words) CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Peter Facinelli, 52; Garcelle Beauvais, 59; John McVie, 80; Rich Little, 87. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Check the job market, set up interviews and revise your resume. Attend reunions or events that bring you in contact with informative individuals who can enlighten you about subjects and prospects you have little knowledge of. It's a great day to learn and to strive for something new and exciting. Love and self-improvement are on the rise. 3 stars LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Let caution lead the way. If you act in haste or let spontaneity win over common sense, you'll pay the price. Focus your energy on personal challenges, physical activities and cultivating meaningful relationships. Choose growth, learning and striving to be your best over emotional drama. Let go of what's no longer working for you. 3 stars VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Communication will spare you grief....

5+ day, 12+ hour ago (668+ words) CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Katie Cassidy, 39; Jerry Ferrara, 46; Christina Applegate, 54; Bruno Tonioli, 70. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take initiative, and turn your complaints into a thing of the past. It's up to you to adjust whatever isn't meeting your expectations. Invest your time, money and effort into what motivates you to make your wishes a reality. Travel or educational pursuits will help you find answers and discover the best way to reach your goal. 4 stars GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Learn from your experiences, and make better choices. You are overdue for a change that offers the freedom to discover what's possible. Consider what you love to do most, and turn it into something tangible. Market your skills and attributes, and you'll find the happiness you desire. You have two choices: follow or lead the way. 5 stars LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take charge and…...