Life is a chess game for Jupiter in Capricorn, moving backwards today for the next five months. Fortune-seeking demands a winning strategy, so wisely chart your next move. A second influence, Mars, dashes into expressive Leo today with flair. Some of us are stylishly hamming it up; others are romantically chivalrous. Talk about drama!

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You don't rely on others to provide you with emotional security. Still, a little more tenderness, respect and attention is a nice surprise today. It comes from an unexpected direction.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're smart and you're sane, seeking other smart and sane individuals to do business with. It's not usually a tall order, but right now omens seem more determined to amuse you with bizarre touches.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You can't count on public adulation, patronage or support — the public is fickle and sometimes difficult to read. However you can count on influencing others to join your thinking, one person at a time.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You have impeccable taste and don't mind sharing advice. The one thing you can't stand though is when someone steals your tasteful idea and tries to pass it off as his or her own. Try and recognize this as flattery.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You keep visiting a place in your imagination where the future and past mingle and interchange. You may know more about what you said yesterday and what you'll look like next year than you do about the present moment.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (MAY 9). You are undaunted. This month, you take on challenges that others are afraid to tackle, and are financially and personally rewarded for doing so. Friendships whisk you into new worlds in June. A move is featured in October. Career-wise, you'll be investigating a new direction. Go slow. You'll know when it's right. Scorpio and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 1, 25, 49 and 10.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Love is listening and remembering. When you're feeling distracted, bring yourself back to notice what your dear ones are saying. The details, especially having to do with time and place, are crucial.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). People spouting passionate opinions can be downright scary to you. Not everyone can be as diplomatic as you. Your presence in a situation neutralizes the charged atmosphere.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You're headed toward the unknown again. Normally you'd try to find out as much as possible about your destination, but you wisely realize now that preconceived notions will only keep you from experiencing the full scope of fun.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.

22-Dec. 21). You're wary of someone who has a record of getting off track. Keep a watchful eye on this one now and be ready to intervene. You won't be the only one looking out. Taurus has your back, too.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your ideas are strong. The right people may not be around just yet to notice and acknowledge them, and this is a blessing. You have more time to work out the kinks.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You'll need to convince someone of something. Decide one thing you're willing to fight for, and let the rest go. You wouldn't want to squander your influence on the small stuff.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The people who share your living space with you, even if it's only part-time, have an enormous effect on the place. You'll be arranging and rearranging, trying to strike a balance that works for all.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: By effortlessly, generously sharing joy with the world, you embody it. And someone occupies the center of yours. TAURUS: No one knew you felt that way — maybe not even you. Embrace an opportunity to share your feelings. GEMINI: Travel and romance are linked. Even a change of local scenery proves a breath of fresh air. CANCER: The planets support mixing and co-mingling among friends. Oh, how brightly you shine. LEO: You're impossibly irresistible and just as hard to ignore. And that's the way you like it. VIRGO: Your judiciousness is a gift. Yet it's your gentle acceptance that brings peace that passes all understanding. LIBRA: A lively, refreshing interaction compels you to become more intimately involved in the lives of others. SCORPIO: You look great from a distance. But up close and personal, you blow them away. SAGITTARIUS: Have a grand adventure together, or plan one. You're just jazzed by the thought. CAPRICORN: Keep it simple with your sweetheart: focus on the simplicity of the present moment. AQUARIUS: Loved ones hit a nerve or a high note; your graciousness dictates how you receive them. PISCES: Make beautiful music together by inviting a talented someone to contribute to your oeuvre.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Leo and Taurus, rock star royalty. How do they roll? Leo cultivates a signature style, Taurus seeks out substance. Leo turns up the volume on the radio (and Taurus turns it down). Leo goes for the glory, where Taurus will take fortune over fame any day. But what seem obvious differences are merely stylistic ones, for when two distinct styles merge into one, they're harmoniously layered — like music.

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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