Happy leap year! The practice of adding an extra day to February approximately once every four years began with the design of the Gregorian calendar to keep Easter consistent with the vernal equinox, or the first day of spring. As the Earth's revolution around the sun is 365.25 days, not 365, this extra day keeps our world turning smoothly.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Get on with life! It is better to risk emotionally now than to play it safe in limbo for another month. An uninvolved party (perhaps a Libra) is invaluable for working out problems.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Money is attracted to confidence. Whether it comes in the form of a better salary, a killer deal or a dollar bill floating in the wind, one thing is certain — this is no accident. It's coming to you for a reason.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It's a fabulous time to check in and notice what's working and what's not. Be analytical and removed from problems, but don't be mean to yourself. You can always do better the next chance you get.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You're a model of excellent behavior. Of course, it has been said that as a rule that well-behaved people rarely make history. Consider an area of your life in which you might allow yourself to cut loose.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You're inspired by friends who are undertaking a similar pursuit to yours. A little competition is healthy, but being overly competitive could cause a blowout. Read the signals so you will know when to back off.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 29). You answer the adventure call this year. You're on the path of discovery, and the best is yet to come. In March, you enlarge your world by taking a risk with your heart. Moves are featured in April. Get back something you lost in June. There's a new way of doing your work in July — learn it well, and earn big. Gemini and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 20, 29, 50 and 42.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Wondering who the perfect person might be for you? What qualities will this one possess? In real life, the laundry list goes out the window — it's more about chemistry and compatible lifestyles. Have faith in your intuition.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). In your effort to be honest, you may be too transparent. Remember that keeping your inner world private is always your prerogative. Loved ones respect you more when you reveal less.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Someone as driven as you requires a break once in a while — like now! However, if you can't seem to get one, don't worry.

Generous acts that you think will take your energy actually renew it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You don't need to do anything attention-getting, grand or expensive in order to fit in. The opposite is true, though. Keep it simple, and focus on really connecting with those around you. How likeable is that?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Contrary to popular opinion, happiness isn't getting what you want — rather, it's giving yourself to a worthy purpose. Today brings new insight into what that purpose is for you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). People around you feel they must protect you. And that's why someone close to you would love to make every decision for you — and if you let that person, he or she will. Yikes! Scary thought!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Brainstorm! Expect many bad, even disturbing, ideas to be part of your creative tirade. Not all art can be sunshine and roses, can it? When you accept the creative process, it favors you.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: Your leadership generates trust and the affection of loved ones. Join people with information and things really happen. TAURUS: A higher power is at work in your relationships. Your inspiration inspires others. GEMINI: A relationship changes, but you stay centered by dividing your time among several people. CANCER: Being ready for love is a combination of preparedness and opportunity, and you're on the up and up. LEO: Whether it's with minor tweaking or major mending, you have the determination and energy to improve your partnership. VIRGO: Celebrate a victory by exchanging tokens of appreciation and gratitude with supportive people. LIBRA: True love isn't for the meek-hearted. You're strong enough to examine your assumptions and willing to change your mind. SCORPIO: The larger part of loving is finding the courage to name your fears and hopes. SAGITTARIUS: Taking a loose, easy approach to love has a balancing affect on you both. CAPRICORN: You power through outmoded beliefs about love and clear your heart in the process. AQUARIUS: You're not just exchanging thoughts — you're sharing your soul. PISCES: Sometimes, developing the discipline to take care of you is the most loving thing you can do for another.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: While the sun is in Pisces, the fishes swim with the current, shimmering closer toward their desires. Of all her mutable companions (Gemini, Sagittarius and Virgo), sidling up to Sagittarius feels familiar and cozy, though the day-to-day takes ongoing work. Both are flexible and freedom-loving, so building consistency into their relationship creates a stable raft. When they do, love is buoyant.

Holiday Mathis is the author of "Rock Your Stars." If you would like to write to her, 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.

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