Aries (March 21-April 19): If you can't seem to stick to the "program," then don't fight it. Let yourself stray into your own little world.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Quiet and calm is your style now, and keeping your environment hushed will be essential to your productivity. If you can't control the various elements around you, go where they'll be controlled for you.

Gemini (May 21-June 21): You'll make connections, just like you always do. What's remarkable is how immediately useful these ties will be.

Cancer (June 22-July 22): The lengths some people will go to look respectable -- take it as a tip-off. Those who try too hard are compensating for something.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): You'll be successful when you follow your nature. So don't try to straighten your curly hair or be modest when you want to show off. Act on your impulses.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You've heard it said a million times that money can't buy happiness. Most of the things you want to buy today will only be a pain to maintain, insure and store. Consider renting.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): When you make a promise, you don't rest until you deliver. Use this fact to keep yourself in line with your own goals. Take the thing you want and promise someone you'll make it happen.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): You are growing your skill set. There is a task that you want to master, but it hasn't been easy for you to do so. If you can't do it right, do it often. Eventually you'll get it.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You've been fighting for your work. It would be a shame to turn a temporary defeat into a permanent loss. Use today's respite to regroup.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may have been up late last night. Either that, or your dreams were so engaging that they took a lot out of you. If you have trouble getting motivated this morning, lay low and wait for your second wind.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Even if you can't eliminate the problem at its source, develop a few coping mechanisms to make the best of it. Look away from the computer, indulge in a little celebrity gossip.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Somehow you manage to put other people's interests before your own without selling yourself short or making yourself small. You just love people, and serving others is as natural to you as breathing air.

Today's birthday (Nov. 18): You know what you want. You are strong and assertive and will, on many occasions, need to temper your zeal in order to gain the trust and cooperation of those around you. By blending empathy with your leadership skills you will gain the loyalty of your colleagues, friends and family. Wedding bells ring in June. Aquarius and Libra people adore you. Your lucky numbers are 3, 15, 49, 21 and 18.

Holiday Mathis writes her column for Creators Syndicate Inc. The horoscope should be read for entertainment. Previous forecasts are at latimes.com/horoscope.