Horoscope: Sept. 18

Aries (March 21-April 19): Ah, progress! You’re beginning to see it. And it’s so much easier than it once was for you. Maybe it’s because your purpose is more pure now – you’re not doing it for “them” but for yourself.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Caution! Warning! Your mood is dangerously close to becoming way too serious. Try to see what’s laugh-out-loud ridiculous about your situation. Actually, it won’t be hard to do.

Gemini (May 21-June 21): You’re used to keeping an enormous amount of information in your brain, but enough is enough. Time to download it in a journal or organize it onto cards – whatever it takes to make room for the new.

Cancer (June 22-July 22): Your success depends on preparation. You apply great amounts of self-discipline while getting ready for showtime so that when you perform, you’ll be free as a bird.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): You’re the leader today. Not officially, but you are driving the action with that subtle, genial way you have of taking charge. Tonight is relaxing, especially if you’re around a Libra.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It’s not what you say or how you say it but when you say it that matters. Timely words can mend a relationship. In financial matters, time is on your side as well. Tune in to that.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): You are being hounded for payment – this could be monetary or a favor that may cost you some time. Either way, it is time to stop avoiding the situation. Take care of the debt ASAP so you can get on with life.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): In order to improve your talent, you must surrender the need to come across well. You can’t control how you are observed, but you can decide that it doesn’t matter.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’re tough when you have to be – and you will have to be – and merciful when it counts. You could be promoted because you do the work that’s called for.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The longest trip you’ve ever taken was nothing compared to the journey you’re about to take. Expect false starts and practice runs. All of it is helping you get ready.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You can’t help but be introspective. The more profound quandaries of life take hold – like being all grown up and still wondering what you’re supposed to be like when you’re grown up.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Time is supposed to keep everything from happening at once. Today, it doesn’t seem to be doing its job. But no matter. You could get a hundred things done before noon.

Today’s birthday (Sept. 18): You are seeing more and more how life helps you deliver your very best. This year, even your accidents have happy results. Financial stars are shining bright through the next two months. Your preparations make it possible for you to get top dollar for your work. Moves happen in November. Sagittarius and Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are 33, 49, 10, 22 and 51.

Holiday Mathis writes her column for Creators Syndicate Inc. The astrological forecast should be read for entertainment.