If today's waxing moon in Virgo had a hidden power, it would be efficacy, an almost preternatural ability to achieve wicked powerful results. The key to using this productive energy is not underestimating what you can do, nor the record time you can do it in. Apply thyself. And in the process, discover your increasing skill and ability.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). No matter how dissatisfied you may be with your job, you realize that it's not really about the task at hand. It's always your attitude about work that matters most, which is, of course, stellar.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're assertive, in your own laidback kind of way. And those who know you appreciate your ability to lay off when it's obvious that your subject can't take the pressure. Merciful aggression will carry you forward.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You recognize what's cool and walk past what's not. Being uncool is costly in some lines of business. So, you could be paid for this talent, and paid well. Continue with your usual good taste and discretion.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). There are those you try to please, and others you try to protect. You're successful in both endeavors, although you would be wise to take a break. Saving the world is exhausting. Save yourself instead.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Take care of yourself, perhaps by cleaning up your home. A spotless environment calms you. Tonight, loved ones are fun and frivolous, spoiling you by giving in to your every whim.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (MAY 13). Loved ones make you proud this year as you work together to cause a positive difference in the world. Your playfulness draws creative people close to you, and the unexpected events that happen next are a thrill. Flirty fun starts off new relationships in July. An important purchase is featured in October. Capricorn and Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 3, 25, 49 and 16.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your responsibilities are many — so many that you would benefit from letting a group of people help you out. For extra luck, make sure there's a Sagittarius among them.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your emotional life gets shaken and stirred — an illusion that, as it happens, feels real. Someone's love for you is steadfast; you can count on that. The rest is a test to keep you on your toes.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). It's a weird fact: Humans feel most comfortable with those they feel they need to impress.

When you want to know more, you're told only a little bit. And when you don't care a lick, the whole story comes spilling out.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You see people who have achieved something significant, and you say, "That's for me too." The mere idea that you relate to these types is a sign that you can achieve similar heights.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Go for a walk, pray, read an uplifting passage — do what it takes to get centered. It's good to feel stable and it's stabilizing to feel good. Settle the business that has been lingering in the background.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Dream. It's more important than planning or working now. The right dream at the right time will be so potent that work doesn't feel like work, and planning happens only on the divine level.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Fix what you didn't break, own what befalls you at the last minute. By taking responsibility, you become powerful and even more beautiful to those who know you well.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "My spouse (10/26/79) is having issues coping with life, and it's creating a huge gap between us. I am her only support system. She wants me to solve it all. Do you see it getting any better? Because if not, I see a divorce and I don't want that because I do love her. My b-day is 9/5/80."

As compassionate people, part of our human commitment to help each other involves helping one another during a health crisis. It's not easy, but it's one face of love. Virgo, you're a natural caretaker, but with Saturn in Virgo, that role feels thrust upon you, and you easily see its hard edges and demands. I wonder if she's bringing up your fears about being forced to be responsible for someone who can't do for their self, indefinitely. But why even go there? Think about it: You're both young. You didn't mention what illness she's facing, but youth is resilient. In all likelihood, neither of you have any reason to believe this will last forever or can't be managed over time. If both of you are having trouble coping, enlist your medical support team. By 2009, she's feeling better.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Growing up Jackson, Janet Jackson has kept an admirably cool head amidst family drama. Whilst different personalities meshing up all under one roof delivers certain drama and obvious gifts, Janet attributes one Taurean virtue — grounded practicality — to her mom: “Mother always talked to us about keeping our feet on the ground.” Kudos to mom, but we know it's Janet's sun sign talking!

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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