The action between Mercury and Pluto deepens perspectives and broadens mindsets. Communication requires sensitivity and perceptiveness so as not to become estranged from the real issue or person involved. Understanding is not easy to reach, which makes it all the more satisfying when it finally is.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Whether packing for a trip, going to the grocery store or navigating the business world, make a checklist. There's magic in that little paper — a tiny sketch of your future. When you know you're hitting each item, you can relax.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). If you're fumbling around for what you want to say and how you want to say it, that's OK. Your message will get across. Speak from your heart — you'll be right on message.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You're in an exploratory mood. A new path, dance, date or door beckons, "Try me!" Why wait for a reason to do what you've never done before? That which you've never done it before IS the reason.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Lucky is the person who is invited to share those homey instincts of yours. Your love-lure is the food you make — or order — and the comfortable environment you choose to share in.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Let your people know that it's safe to disagree with you, and encourage them to tell you what they think. You'll learn from those who have a different point of view, even if they are clearly in the wrong.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (April 3). This year, your relationships are like rare gems, and they definitely become even more valuable over time. Make the effort to attend the landmark events in the lives of loved ones, even if it requires costly travel. You'll be so happy you did. June brings the start of a new business and/or income source. Sagittarius and Capricorn adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 24, 30, 26 and 15.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You know how to inspire and when to get out of the way of that inspiration. Give someone a problem, and then walk away while it's worked out. The creativity and initiative shown will be a testament to your leadership.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You thought you knew how you liked to be treated, but suddenly you're not sure. The person who does everything right seems somehow less appealing than the one who's not as good at showing his or her affection.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). It's not your job to fix anyone but yourself — and even then, only if you're in the mood. Probably everything about the situation, you included, is in precisely the perfect place, you just don't know it yet.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.

22-Dec. 21). Instead of looking for someone special, look for something special in everyone you meet. Maybe it's the admirable ambition of an Aries you'll acknowledge. Or the Gemini who cracks you up that will catch your fancy.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It comes to you in the morning — the thing you will need to do if you are to grow in the direction of your wishes. Get it down on paper as soon as possible, or later it won't be so clear.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). If you forget where you set down your keys or the name of the person you were just introduced to, forgive yourself. You're moving so fast through the obstacle course of this day, one minute ago may as well have been last year.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Around certain people, it may seem appropriate to crack a joke at your own expense. Though your instinct for humor is charming, it's better to refer to yourself in only positive terms or say nothing.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "As a Pisces, it's extremely difficult to know what direction to swim toward career-wise. I've been waiting for an 'Aha!' moment. Now what?"

As a Pisces, know you were born with the knowledge of what you're going to do. You live the role before you ever get the job or even the education for the job. That's not to say you won't have employment in different fields, but all the while you know deeply that it's all designed to prepare and perfect you for the work you were always meant for. So if you feel lost and don't know what direction to take your career in, all you have to do is ask for a sign. Reading the omens is a specialty of yours, and you usually get a clear understanding of what to do next within days of asking. You can also draw on your learning curve: Others think you know how to do things without their having actually trained you or witnessed you in action. Even you assume that you can tackle whatever comes up. And here's your superpower: hiring. You can sum up a person's character and experience level in five minutes or less. (Adjust your career compass with my book, "Rock Your Stars.")

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Can Aries people get away with murder? There is a certain amount of daring recklessness associated with Aries, infamous for falling down and getting back up again. Robert Downey Jr. is a case in point. He's earned his comeback kid reputation several times over. And owing to charming Venus next to his sun, not only does he keep coming back — he's received with open arms.

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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