Today has two tones, first steadfast and then responsive. While the moon is in Taurus for the greater part of the day, aligning needs with the people and tools required to address them requires the patience of a matador corralling the bull. But by the time the moon enters Gemini, lag time sets in. Ah. Whew.

ARIES (March 21-April 19. You're gaining greater control of your emotions. There are opportunities to get mad and frustrated if that's what you want to do. But you don't have to. No one can get to you unless you allow it.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Opportunity knocks. Not loudly. In fact, it's as subtle as your pulse. You have to go inside yourself (where the sound of your pulse is as loud as a stadium concert) to hear it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). When a certain someone comes into the room, your movements quicken, as do your thoughts. It's a sign that this is someone you can learn from. And the lessons will go down easy!

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The cosmos issue you the sound effect of a drummer doing a rim shot. Yes, you've heard the punch line, and now it's time to laugh. This raises your energy. The situation that tickles your funny bone will continue to bring good luck.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). If you find that you are repeatedly missing the mark by a hair, consider that you do not really want to hit the mark. Take a step back to re-evaluate. Are you after your goal or someone else's today?

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (April 8). You're doing your thing this year, developing your talent to the next level. What comes as a result of your efforts is big — the likes of which you've only dreamed about. This month, look for the hidden heroism in the lives of others. Your renewed appreciation for those close to you leads to stronger relationships. Virgo and Pisces provide inspiration. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 14, 20, 31 and 16.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Neither here nor there is a good place to be. It's not that you're undecided or wishy-washy. You're thinking is flexible, open — just in case a better idea comes along. It will tonight.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You're the consummate team player, realizing that you can always do more with a group than you can alone. That won't stop you from being competitive, though, and striving to be No. 1.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A nosy neighbor or, worse, your family could threaten the privacy you guard so adeptly. All this interest in your affairs is actually a little flattering if you choose to see it that way.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.

22-Dec. 21). The only effective way to deal with big issues is to believe that it is all working in your favor and for the best of all involved. Stay positive and powerful, and from that mindset, you'll be able to do what needs to be done.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Making friends is an intuitive process today, having mostly do with saying the right thing at the right time. Or perhaps just not saying the wrong thing at any time. All it takes is sensitivity, which you have.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). By the end of the day, you're seeing people in a different light. For instance, an annoying know-it-all will be slightly less annoying to you when you are helped by this person's knowledge.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You're learning interesting theories from some of the more quirky characters in your life. You probably won't adopt any of these notions, but they are fun to explore, try on and play around with.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I'm unhappy at my current job but am uncertain what to do next. Can you tell me where I'll excel and what will make me happy? I'm a Sagittarius."

I believe that any sign can be brilliant in any profession. Yes, some professions tend to attract more of one sign: Cancers are often attracted to healing professions, Aquarians tend toward teaching, and Libras are often interested in politics and civil service. But there are gifted people of every sign in every profession. Where astrology can give you an edge is in your approach to your career. Are you a Sagittarius who is thinking that a job at another company looks more promising than the one you just agreed to do? Get used to it! For your sign, the grass is always greener in front of the office complex across the street. Accept that it's in your nature to speculate — then, dive into the job you're doing, intent on finding and exploiting its opportunities for adventure, wonder, travel, all the things you need in a position. (To find your own career edge, check out my book, "Rock Your Stars.")

CELEBRITY PROFILES: One of the endearing qualities of Aries people is their audacity. Sure, it seems like they're yanking your chain, but being provocative engages a response — sometimes any response is better than none! David Letterman has mastered both outrageous and charming: a clever, disarming combination. Like adding a bit of spice to sugar or sugar to spice, in varied amounts, one improves the other.

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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