When Uranus the sky god's lightening bolt of consciousness first appears, its effects can jolt us into a new way of being. Venus and the sun are electrified today and surprising new attractions appear as if "out of the blue." An experimental, detached, if not slightly amused attitude toward the events of this day keeps sanity intact.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your social life is made complicated by friends who don't get along with one another. Resolve to add some easy, low-maintenance, classy people to your mix. Such types cross your path this afternoon.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Working hard is your choice, but it's not a noble one today. If everyone only knew how much you enjoy being in the throes of a task that you do masterfully, or a puzzle that only you can solve, they'd be jealous.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). A special project will take off just as soon as you stop worrying. Get the support of your people. Chances are, they're currently unclear about what you need. Spell it out and they'll jump on board.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Regarding that situation in which you feel unable to accomplish what you want: When you really analyze it, you haven't even begun to try to get unstuck. You'll think of at least three fantastic tricks to try by the end of the day.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). A funny doubt slithers into your consciousness: Is this career really for me? Indulge your fantasies about doing something else. Give yourself an hour to do so. But do get back to work at the end of the hour. You need to focus!

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (JUNE 12). Your positive view of yourself catches on. Others see you as capable, alert and purposeful. As for the purpose itself, it changes from time to time this year. You're still honing a direction, experimenting and staying open to the possibilities. The important part is that you're confident that whatever you decide, you can do. Leo and Taurus adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 7, 50, 37, 13 and 2.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You recognize negativity, even when it comes in a pretty package with a gigantic bow on it and is delivered by a gorgeous model. Graciously turn down toxic gifts.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). With so much to overwhelm your senses, you could simply go numb to the wonders of the world. You need your quiet time. You also need clear, clean surfaces around you. Clear the desktop.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). In school, getting 90 percent of the answers correct would still net you an A. You're seeing that it's the final 10 percent that really matters. Do the job till it's done, and then do extra to make sure it sparkles.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Good news! You needn't skip across the globe to live the fabulous life. Conveniently, there are people in your neighborhood you're yet to meet who will surely rock your world. Knock on new doors.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Knowing that this is your moment, you act. And then the next moment comes, and that's your moment too. Soon it's clear that every new moment is your chance to shine.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You're repaving the road to love. When you're with those you care deeply for, relax and accept their style of dealing and navigating life. Mentally remind yourself often that love is patient and kind.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Ever notice how the winners in life are almost always unlikely candidates? So when you feel that you are different and don't fit in, this is your blessing — an indicator that you're on to something.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "Things are really falling apart around me. This has been the absolute worst year so far. Are things going to get better? 9/18/53."

Virgo, aren't there manuals, with names that include phrases like "when things fall apart" and "full catastrophe living," for times like this? And these handbooks offer techniques to try, offer spiritual comfort, and even guidance — which you love. This isn't a casual suggestion, either. You need regular emotional maintenance, so the planets can do their job of re-scrambling your life, and you don't lose your marbles. Little things, ones you might normally overlook, create sanity for you. And they're not the demanding sort. Some Virgos fold laundry and find peace of mind. Others walk in nature. I'd suggest the more whimsy, the better, for you. Sing to your houseplants and chart their growth, paint your bedroom the color of happiness, get a little outrageous. Life is reorganizing you, and even if it seems scattershot, the marbles just need to fall where they may so they can arrange themselves in a more logical pattern for you. This should happen by October.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Hugh Laurie won his current role on "House" by way of a Gemini skill, a sleight of tongue. No, he didn't lie. Though British born, Hugh spoke in a clearly American accent, and they had no clue! Verbal dexterity is a Gemini trait, but so is being a "jack of all trades." Clearly gifted as a comic, musician, writer and actor, he's found a way to synthesize various parts of his person as an entertainer.

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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