Since Saturn entered Virgo last September, the inner critic has spoken. Yet along the way, many folks have reached a new level of ability and personal excellence, hooray! Today Saturn resumes forward motion and Mercury enters Gemini. Be on the lookout for new tools, ideas and helpers to assist you with perfecting your craft or your life work.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You're not always practical, nor are you always an idealist. You tend to slide from one extreme to the other now, often in the span of an hour. This flexibility helps you get the best perspective.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You may put differences aside for the sake of making a deal. You'll be glad you did. You can take the high road and still come out with a fat chunk of change in your pocket.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The first step to invigorating yourself is recognizing when you're bored. Your energy fades when you're simply not interested in your subject of focus. Take a break and find something new to focus on for a while.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You're in the zone — you know the one. You're saying the right things to the right people who react in all the right ways. Enjoy this state. It doesn't come along every day.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Madness and genius go hand in hand. Tolerate your own quirks and the idiosyncrasies of others. You'll be able to apply a bit of insane intelligence to make your world run more smoothly.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (MAY 2). You're popular. So many feel safe, cozy and affectionate toward you. This month, in order to fully enjoy your friends, new and old, you may have to set a few boundaries. June brings feelings of freedom. Through the fall, be patient. Transformation happens in stages. Finances are spectacular in October. Love signs are Libra and Cancer. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 24, 25, 1 and 40.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The thing you were so sure about now feels a little shaky. It's not because you're inexperienced, but because you are very experienced and realize how much you still don't know.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Listen up — people are changing their minds, instructions and plans. Yesterday's information is defunct. Assume nothing. Ask questions, even if you think you already know.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You like a good story as much as the next person. But you know better than to take it as gospel truth. Exaggeration and embellishments have been added for entertainment purposes only.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.

22-Dec. 21). The thoughtfulness of friends lets you know you're appreciated. However, it also adds another task to your already full list — you're expected to reciprocate.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Since you're feeling so quick and witty, dare to interact with the big players. When you do, remember that no one has more power than you over your life. What you have to offer will be extremely valuable.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Ineffectual situations won't get better in a day. Look for bigger and brighter opportunities — they're not so far away, but they're definitely not here. Instead of spinning your wheels, put them to the pavement and take off.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). It's been said that time waits for no one, but it certainly seems to be willing to bend to accommodate your wishes today. Whether you're early or late, everyone reacts like you're right on time.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: The new resolve you feel for life overall translates seamlessly into your love life. TAURUS: You've been waiting for the green light, and someone happily gives it to you. GEMINI: Even if they have a funny way of asking, a loved one is asking for your support. CANCER: Checking your direction, your companion is as steady as a compass. LEO: A person sends love to the place you need it most and you don't need to do or say anything — just receive. VIRGO: You're getting the hang of following your heart, and in doing so silence the voice of doubt. LIBRA: The tenderness passing between you and a partner marks a healing watershed for you. SCORPIO: A lovely-looking companion turns out to be a catalyst for your next big idea. SAGITTARIUS: Someone's asking difficult questions, but your answers ring with the voice of authority. CAPRICORN: The planets empower you to make future plans together and also help you strategize the details. AQUARIUS: By relinquishing everything but the essentials, you grow nearer to your heart's truth. PISCES: Don't let self-questioning get in the way of a partner's ability to help.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: It is now reinforced through Cancer and Capricorn that opposites do attract. Capricorn's life path is to build a monumental achievement in the world. Similar in scale and importance, Cancer offers homage to the heart, through nurturing the immediate and world family. This couple mixes heart with ambition to form a sturdy union now — one that will withstand the test of time.

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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