Butterflies are known for their beauty and unique metamorphosis — the latent time between immaturity and full adulthood. It's an invisible, awesome transformation. As Venus agitates Pluto today, we feel those changes happening on the inside. And even without evidence, we sense our own butterfly-ness, our distinct phase of becoming.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Conversation is like a wash cycle. You can detoxify a past experience by talking about it with people you trust. You'll figure out how to give the whole scene a new spin and let the pain drain out.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Perhaps this is not the moment you have been waiting for your whole life long. But leave a space in your mind to consider that in some weird way, despite your expectations, it really is.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You've studied enough. Now it's time to use your background knowledge as a foundation, clear all distractions and immerse yourself in the task at hand. Don't be surprised if you become so engrossed that you lose track of time.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The whole decision about who should apologize first is a gargantuan one. As a rule, it winds up being the stronger person, not the one who is most right. In that light, it should probably be you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It's so easy to fall prey to the insidious myth of "more." This transitional phase you're in, where you don't have nearly all you want out of life, is the perfect place for you now. Celebrate.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (April 6). The career sector of your life gets a push in the direction you've wanted to go for a long time now. Be easygoing with your loved ones. Make it comfortable to be with you, and you'll enjoy an abundance of affection this year. Too many rules will destroy art — and love is an art. You're magnificently compatible with Cancer and Libra. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 4, 30, 35 and 16.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Relationships have something to teach you, especially the failed ones. You must have unconsciously asked, "What can I learn here?" because the answer pops into your mind to help you avoid a future pitfall.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your gift of the stars is an easy release. Think of it as an eject button. If you're carrying any heavy sadness of past love, anger, bitterness or baggage, press that imaginary button and let it go.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Thanks to technology, it is easier to connect with people now than it has been ever before in human history. You'll be taking advantage of this by catching up with someone who is physically far but spiritually close to you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.

22-Dec. 21). Because you are an adventurer, you'll find yourself in both safe and dicey environments. If you feel uncomfortable or sense dishonesty, don't wait to confirm your inklings. Leave the scene immediately.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Loved ones do silly things to annoy/entertain you. Think of these as snapshots for the yearbook of your life. There's a story being told here, made better by you because you notice and make it matter.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You are in the long middle phase of a big project. Your initial enthusiasm may be transforming into intense dissatisfaction. It's so normal to feel this way. Keep going. Push through. The end result will be wonderful.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Keeping relationships strong requires a superhuman effort. If you're going to be ruthless about something, be ruthless about this. Hack through the bramble bush of your schedule to find the time for your one and only.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: This week's theme is spring makeovers. Venus in Aries, the goddess of relationship, beauty and love, visits Pluto's salon, the cosmic stylist to the stars. Here's the astrological premise: Just like the popular makeover shows, change can be scary-exciting. It's often more fun (read: safe) to witness a transformation than be the one in the chair — especially when the silver-tongued stylist doesn't always say what you want to hear. Our stylist guru works in subtractive fashion by eliminating our near-lifeless attachments ("But I loved my long hair!"). The guru's methods can be unfathomable, appearing more madness than method — like taking scissors to your favorite wardrobe items ("Hey! That was my dress!"). But what we don't see on the TV version is the magnitude of change registered on the inside. And unless you're a contestant, new life doesn't bloom overnight. So if you or someone you know is in the midst of deep change this week, remember, the most dramatic transformations happen on the inside first. Nurture the healing process. Place your trust in the cosmic stylists to eliminate "what's got to go." Someday we'll probably thank them.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Everyone knows breaking up is hard to do, so sign Shannen Doherty up — she'll volunteer to do it for you (on her new reality show)! Shannen is a straight-shooting Aries, with no qualms about telling you it's over — and then telling him. Aries people excel at cutting to the chase, swiftly and decisively. I say: If someone must to do the dirty work of making a clean break, let her be an Aries.

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.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.