Gemini is the prevailing energy as we head toward the full moon lunar eclipse at the end of the week: quick, bright, social and endlessly trendy. So much changes as the planets party in Gemini that it's like there's a swirl of energy all around us making it seem like we're moving even when we are standing still.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Working in isolation can produce results that are too narrow in scope. Open yourself up to more influences. It will take diverse views to shed enough light on a problem to see the solution.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You've shown restraint. You've been disciplined and discerning. Over time, your consistent demeanor has earned trust. You now radiate refinement and wisdom.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). An ancient Chinese proverb says: When a bird flies too high, his song is lost. People respond to you because you communicate on their level. They can understand you. This talent will be put to excellent use today.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Words matter, but they cannot always carry a pursuit forward. Action is necessary. Someone has to put in the physical work. You'll either decide who that someone is, or you'll do it yourself.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When you really believe something, you'll put your money and the best of your efforts into it. If someone you know seems reticent to invest in any real way, take it as a lack of belief, and look for a partner who is a better fit.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). In order to triumph, you have to stay in the game. Those who drop out or take too many breaks or detours won't be able to keep up with the players who consistently show up.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You like it when things are going smoothly, but you don't shy away from difficulties, either. People like you are made stronger by challenge. Trials make you sharper. Tribulation gives you the chance to be heroic.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You're just about finished with a certain role or frame of mind. It is no longer going to work in your life. A master of transformation, you embrace this chance to reinvent yourself and adventure on.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). When you think about it, all self-improvement is a subtle form of self-rejection. Consider giving it up for the time being so you can focus on discovering and enjoying who you already are.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It's hard to create fire from scratch. But when you already have a fire burning, spreading it to new locations is as easy as passing a torch. You have a fire burning in your belly now and will easily ignite one in others.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The cow in the meadow is as powerful as it is gentle. You'll feel similarly tranquil now, enjoying all you are doing even though you could be doing more if you were so inclined.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You may experience deep desires and a strong drive to succeed. Harness these energies judiciously, or they will consume your dreams. A slow burn is better than fireworks.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (May 23). You'll have moments of heaven on earth. Why keep them a secret? With all you know, you could inspire and motivate others. Giving back is a major theme for you this year. Next month you'll get the chance to contribute something meaningful to your family. July and August show you building something with friends. Aries and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 17, 30, 22, 39 and 2.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "No one at my work appreciates me. I'm one of the top producers at the company, and yet my job is so behind the scenes and I've been there for so long that no one even sees me. What do you think a Taurus should do to get some appreciation? I'm one of the most consistent earners they have ever had. I don't want to say what I do. It's unconventional to say the least. Please hook up a stable Taurus working in an environment of unstable people with some advice. "

Taurus is the sign of the rock-solid person. What happens to rocks is that they get upstaged by the changing landscape of trees and flowers and sunsets and snow — temporal elements are attention grabbers, for sure. But without the rock, we would have nothing by which to measure the changes and no context in which to appreciate them. My advice is to speak frankly. Remind people of what you contribute, and tell them you don't feel appreciated and are going to take some personal time to recharge. Let them scramble and assess the loss they'll endure without you. When you return, you'll be greeted with a whole new attitude.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Gemini folk/pop star Jewel has a rodeo-riding hubby, a baby boy and a burgeoning acting career. Jewel stars in the Lifetime movie "Ring of Fire" as June Carter Cash, a role that has also been played by Reese Witherspoon. A similarity that Jewel shares with Cash is that both were born when Mercury was in Gemini, favoring a witty and lighthearted manner of expression.

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. To find out more about Holiday Mathis and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.