Today the Aries sun greets Mercury, and the way we express our self and who we think we are become seemingly inseparable. People spontaneously share their opinions and thoughts, and are as quick to act on them. Whether premature or sincerely thoughtful, on anything we feel passionately toward, it's easy to get "all fired up."

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The truth has resonance. But today, so does a glittering lie. There may be a huge difference between what is true and what you want to be true, but for now they seem remarkably similar.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You might feel like being alone, but forcing yourself to socialize is a winning move. Mingle. You'll attract admirers. It's so interesting observing the people who fall for you when you couldn't care less.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The pressure was on. Now it's off. With all the back and forth, you can't remember if you're supposed to feel stressed out or not. "Not" is always a nice choice. Capricorn thinks so, too.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Is someone waiting on your approval? Chances are, the thing that's stopping you is not such a big deal. If it's all the same to you, just give it. You'll start the ball rolling in an interesting direction for this person, and for yourself.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When you're sure of yourself, you often forget to ask for help. Think how much stronger you could be with more forces on your side pushing you toward the promised land. Ask!

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (APRIL 16). You may not always see things the way they really are this year — — you wouldn't be an artist if you did. Dare to be even more fanciful in your strong point of view. Unanswered mysteries are wrapped up over the next six weeks. The romance you have in your heart will be matched by another person in June. Libra and Sagittarius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 35, 2, 15, 44 and 12.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You take your responsibilities seriously. For the sake of self-preservation, you may also decide to take the same responsibility with great humor, empathy, excitement and creativity.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The stars generate relationship magic. Rifts will disappear with the introduction of a common interest. Resist the need to compete. Loved ones need an ally, not an opponent.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Extra attention goes a long way, especially if you're giving it to yourself.

You need love, pampering, gentle talk. Your financial position improves because you took the time to care for yourself in other ways.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). If you're having an envious reaction to what friends and colleagues are doing, it may be the best response you could hope for. Jealousy teaches you what you really want out of life.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). A change in your appearance reflects the inner transformations you've lately endeavored. Accept invitations. You'll meet someone who can help you get a job or improve business.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Make a choice. Then make another. A few quick and bright decisions bring you sweet rewards and much faster than you had hoped. Singles have terrific luck with Capricorn or Virgo.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Insist on honesty from the one who likes to play games. It's lucky to seek the opinion of Aries or Libra (who could act as encouraging mentors and possibly passionate love interests, too) when you're stymied.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I am a Pisces who hit it off with a Leo. We share the same intellect, sense of humor, basically what we wanted out of life — I thought. He's now distanced, the reason being 'life in general.' So, should I remain patient, or are we done?"

Given that Leos in love and the concept of "distancing" are as in simpatico as cats and dogs, I'd take this as a clear signal that the distance he's taking is indeed what he wants — as should you. But Pisces, not all is lost. If you fell hard for Lion, the best remedy is to find someone similar to him. No, I'm not suggesting you go out and search for his long lost twin, but to send a prayerful message to the universe: Might the stars send you someone with all the wonderful qualities he possesses? Make a list of those. And while you're at it, throw in a few more: the musical side of your first crush, your gas station attendant's eager helpfulness. Then bury the list. If Leo comes back, great. If not, in nine months, your starter boyfriend has grown you a new one.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Comedian Conan O'Brien enjoys an Aries birthday alongside his competitor, David Letterman, which begs the question — has late night humor gone hardball? Aries people are competitive. And the motivation to win — to score a winning pot shot or a magnificent mimic, could be an ongoing stimulus for "the battle for late night domination." Better to be ruthlessly funny than just ruthless, boys.

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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