Today's moon in Cancer cares. Mythically, she's a sympathetic listener, handing out hankies and instructing the planetary pantheon to play nice. Astronomically, her orbit forms the Earth's protective womb. Personally, she's a galactic mom. And on those days that get hairy, it's infinitely reassuring to know a planetary body is looking out for you.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Be difficult when it counts. It's best to let your preferences be known when you are first establishing a relationship. You'll have fewer problems later because everyone understands who you are and what you expect.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Whatever is getting in the way of your plans for fun is a pest indeed. Deal with it swiftly. What's really worthwhile now is your joyful experience. When you feel good, you make sure everyone around you does too.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You'll be a raging success, following a few steadfast rules. Keep the chitchat to a minimum, and get down to the nitty-gritty. Be concerned with doing business, not making friends. Do this and you're spectacularly effective.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Everyone is a bit sensitive now, and yet you really need to get your less-than-complimentary message across. For maximum receptivity, start with a bit of flattery to get the attention of your subject.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You have the power to fix what someone else broke. Do it with a light heart. This is easy for you — and you don't have to keep track of who owes whom how much. Keep it breezy.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (April 11). Normally, you sprinkle some fun in with your discipline. This year, you're very successful when you sprinkle discipline in with your fun instead. Invest in your business in May. Get packing in September, when spontaneous travel is lucky. It doesn't have to be far, as long as you've never been there. Leo and Pisces rock your world. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 50, 14, 33 and 16.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your time has always been valuable. But right now you're so busy that every second seems to count even more. To discourage lengthy interruptions, ask for the abbreviated version of the story.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Do the important thing and ignore what's not going to matter in the least next week. This requires you to work without interruption. Ultimately, whether or not you are interrupted depends on you. Take precautions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Love takes time. But that's the easy part. It also takes work. The kind of work that makes you set aside your ego. The kind of work that makes you redefine who you are.

Are you willing?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Most will follow the rules that are obviously enforced. Many follow the rules that are suggested. And you follow the rules that fall under the "extra credit" category. You want badly to get this one right, and you will.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You have a hunger to learn what's new and novel in the big, wide world. Is there enough time and money to do and see all that you want to? Maybe — so don't let perceived limitations stop you from embarking on your journey.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Someone having a weak moment — or a series of weak moments — turns to you. You've struggled before in your life, so you have compassion for those who are "goin' through it" right now.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You're so used to hearing "yes" lately that it might stun you to hear "no." This is the opportunity you've been waiting for — to recreate yourself, reframe the situation and rethink your options if that's what it takes.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: Take an attitude of inspired play toward romance this weekend, and everywhere you go, you enchant hearts. TAURUS: When a long lost dream resurfaces, someone's interested in hearing it again. GEMINI: No matter how well you think you know a person, you never know. And the mystery keeps you hooked. CANCER: Your recent spunkiness impresses everyone, more so when you show that copious verve to one special person. LEO: You won't need to be in two places at once — as one window for socializing closes, another eases open. VIRGO: Words describe but can't express the transcendent connection you feel with a partner. LIBRA: Someone promises the world. Though experience tells you it's impossible, honor the good intention. SCORPIO: Don't confuse a loved one's opinion with his or her loyalty to you. SAGITTARIUS: You impress someone special. Not with what you own but with your pluck and resourcefulness. CAPRICORN: Ruminations on a past relationship illuminate your current one. AQUARIUS: Don't give yourself away so easily. Remain elusive, and allow love to come to you. PISCES: Instead of staying in a state of want, consider trading what you have to offer with what someone else has to give.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Attention Gemini and Aquarius. For two air signs, defining the quality of your relationship, exactly, is like defining the passing breeze. If air is captured, it grows stale. Air must move to remain vital. Breathing room comes easy for any air-air union, but breathing deeply into the relationship takes considered effort. But bare your heart and soul, and you two will be intimately rewarded.

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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