Celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

by Sally Philips

Everyone wants to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day. Why? Because the Irish never get old. Regardless of how many birthdays pass them by, they continue to believe in leprechauns and magical pots of gold, while laughing their troubles away.

Here are some ideas for how each horoscope sign can be Irish on this happy-go-lucky holiday.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Your child-like energy was made for St. Paddy's Day. Look for a pub or parade where you can lose yourself in the music and dancing. Toss your inhibitions to the wind with this Irish saying: "Dance as if no one were watching, sing as if no one were listening and live every day as if it were your last."

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

It's no coincidence that St. Patrick's Day occurs when spring buds are getting ready to burst. In addition to its Catholic origins, it's also rooted in pagan earth worship. Get a head start on the coming season by performing an Irish jig in a park or forest ... and don't be surprised if you see a leprechaun.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

With your wit and quick tongue, you'll have no trouble impersonating the Irish who love to chase away their worries with jokes. Plan a night out with your friends and tell everyone to bring along some of their favorite knee-slappers. Grab a few gag gifts to give to the best joke-tellers.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Invite your friends and family over for a potluck dinner party where everyone has to bring a green food. To avoid too many salads, broccoli casseroles and green Jell-O ambrosias, assign a category to each guest. Give a prize for the most creative dish.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)

The smiling eyes of the Irish are said to be irresistible. No wonder they're known to be some of the world's biggest flirts! You're no stranger to flirting yourself, so turn on your charisma and charm a lad or lassie who strikes your fancy. Don't be afraid to use that great pick-up line -- "Kiss me, I'm Irish!"

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)

To attract good health, happiness and fortune in the coming year, why don't you try a little face painting? Make like the Irish and adorn your cheek with a shamrock, the three-leafed clover that is the trademark of the Republic of Ireland. Each petal is said to grant a wish.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)

Open up your home and heart to friends with a St. Patrick's Day feast of traditional Irish foods. Try making soda bread, potato soup ... maybe even some corned beef and cabbage. After you finish your hearty meal, toast the luck of the Irish with shots of Bailey's Irish Cream liqueur.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)

You love a mystery, Scorpio, so celebrate with a traditional St. Paddy's treasure hunt. Hide clues along a path that leads to a hidden pot of chocolate gold coins. According to Irish tradition, treasure hunters must follow the tapping of a leprechaun shoemaker's hammer, so incorporate sound effects if you can.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)

This day was made for wild abandon, familiar territory for you. Indulge yourself in whatever recharges your battery. Try a pub where you can enjoy green beer and live Celtic music. Keep raising your glass to the high-spirited Irish tunes and your inner Lord of the Dance is sure to emerge.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)

If you're one of the serious Caps who revere hard work and its rewards, you can toast leprechauns -- Ireland's hard-working little shoemaking fairies who guard pots of gold. Believe in magic just for today ... and recommit to finding the pot of gold at the end of your personal rainbow.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)

If you've been wanting to experiment with a wild hair color, St. Patrick's Day is your day. There are plenty of dyes on the market that wash out, so choose the brightest green you can find and go for it. If your hair is dark, look for green extensions or a hairpiece you can clip on.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20)

Chicago pours green food coloring into its river, while other cities color the water in their fountains or paint green stripes on parade routes. If you've got a fountain at home, join in the fun ... and give the kids green chalk to decorate your sidewalk, driveway or patio.