Mercury, the messenger, and Saturn, the teacher, play tug-of-war across the heavens. The opposition of these planets continues to be in effect until the end of January, highlighting issues of censorship. Our inner censors are called on to referee many conversations. And those whose jobs are to be critical will be working overtime.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The trick is translating your verve, spunkiness and enthusiasm into genuine confidence. Acting too hyper could make prospects feel you're too green for an important job. Cultivate a mature intensity.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Admitting fault can be torture for you, especially when you feel that simply stating "I was mad" or "I forgot" excuses your offense. Well, some people will need a little more. You'll have to dig deep, but you'll be glad you did.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Luck is your personal assistant. Be the boss of your luck. Make it serve as your ever-present helper, companion and, when necessary, a buffer between you and the sometimes harsh world.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You can be found poring over travel pamphlets, websites and magazines. Part of you is counting down to your next vacation — the other part of you is already there. When people say, "But you just had a break," ignore them.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You're getting to know a new social set. These potential friends seem strange and are into such different kinds of things than you normally would be. But it's amazing how quickly you'll take to them.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 25). This year you touch your gypsy soul — your attitude is colorful and spirited and ready to hit the road at a moment's notice. The whimsy you exude affects your love life profoundly. Your elusiveness attracts those willing to work for your attention. Say "yes" to next month's generous offer. Cancer and Gemini people invest in you. Your lucky numbers are: 18, 22, 40, 51 and 16.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Maybe a sweetie will spoil you, or you'll get a bonus that allows you to spoil yourself! In any case, rewards are featured — the luxurious kind. And in the middle of your lavishness, you get a bright idea.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You're in a systematic mode, following up on all good leads and following through with stellar plans. You'll also notice which systems are lacking or nonexistent. Handling these will be the key to your success.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). This is your ideal day for accounting. It isn't important that you proclaim it to others, but it's incredibly important that you know the score of your present financial game plan.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You're on a giving spree. You give things you don't want anymore, and you give what you do want, too, because you know someone else needs it more. You even pay bills in the spirit of goodwill.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Acknowledge those close to you, even if it seems unnecessary. It's easy to believe that relationships, once established, will always be there. But continual nurturing is important.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). So much of what happens in your romantic situation is happening on an unconscious level. If love is the last thing on your mind, bring it to the front. Friends remind you why you chose them.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You can be close to someone in proximity and be miles apart on the inside. Instead of living with uncomfortable feelings, let them out. They'll be well-received.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I'm a Leo … well, actually, that's my question. I was born July 25, 1961, in the early morning. And I don't quite feel like a Leo. Do I have a moon or rising sign that pulls me in another direction? Thanks!"

Good question! The sun moves into and out of Leo at a different time every year, and in the daily column I must generalize these dates for the sake of simplicity. You're right on the cusp, but you're definitely a Leo. The Sagittarius moon gives you a restlessness that keeps you moving through life in search of the Promised Land. It's an endearing quality that keeps you young. Mercury in Cancer suggests your moods are inconsistent. Sometimes you feel like being around people, sometimes not — but you have a way of coming off however you'd like to be thought of, no matter what you're feeling. In other words, you can hide it if you don't like someone, and you can be manipulative if that's what's needed to work through the transaction. You're very charming when it comes to getting the love you want flowing through your life. A Gemini or Sagittarius person will hold special appeal. There's exciting movement in your love life in May.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Aquarian actress Tiffani Thiessen was a teen model from Long Beach, Calif., who never let up on her onscreen dreams. From "Saved by the Bell" (her very first audition) to Woody Allen's "Hollywood Ending" to the upcoming "Pandemic" miniseries, hardworking Thiessen is getting ready for the hardest work of all — I see motherhood for her in 2008.

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