We can get turned around when Mercury and Uranus do their planetary version of the hokey-pokey today. This livewire energy can show up as scatterbrained or genius, depending which way the wind blows. It's kind of like putting your right hand in and taking your left foot out, if your day follows no logical order — and that's what it's all about!

ARIES (March 21-April 19). For whatever it is you're trying to accomplish, what counts the most is consistency. The spurts of brilliance and bursts of progress will come when you are following through with your plans in a daily and deliberate way.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You'll encounter those who seem like they would be right in line with your thinking, but assume nothing. It's more likely that your values and priorities are not alike. Communication is your key to satisfaction.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Unlike most things in life, your leisure activity should not be a compromise. It's all about you. Speak up about your preferences. Let yourself have one of those indulgences you so enjoy.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You need space and free time all to yourself. Therefore it's better if you can avoid making multiple social commitments. Give yourself the time to relax and linger wherever your heart leads you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your thoughts add up to something. Think of them as pigments of paint. When you add a drop of dark color to your bright mix, it dulls down the color. Keep your picture vivid with light, sunshiny thoughts.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (JULY 5). Your birthday ushers in a new wave of energy — life improves immediately, even in areas you don't think need improving. The planets favor your vigilant and realistic approach to getting what you want. You discover a new talent and you could even change careers in November. Family fun in December involves travel. Gemini and Taurus adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 18, 4, 20, 1 and 34.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Planning for your future security makes you feel safe and cozy in the present. You get assistance with your plans too — not automated assistance, but the caring touch of an actual human.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You're savvy, smart and strong. So there's no reason you can't learn how to fix what needs fixing. Besides, being dependent on others undermines your confidence. Do it yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You're in a competitive mood, but the game that's on now is who can be the most thoughtful, generous and compassionate. So you get serious about becoming the king or queen of kindness.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). The rule for household appliances is if it's shaking, it's lost its balance. If the shaking one happens to be you, the same adage applies. To maintain your balance, hold your relaxation time sacred.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You are dynamic and can compensate for whatever minor obstacles are in your path. The adjustments you make are confirmations of your talent. It's nice to remember what you're so good at.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You're not out to control anyone, but you do feel the urge to do a little reshaping. Instead of trying to get your partner to behave in a certain way, strive to embody the change you desire in yourself. The other will follow suit.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You get a charge out of helping others. So it's a treat to meet someone who gets the same thrill out of helping you. Your requests are fulfilled in record time — what could be sweeter?

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I am an Aquarius. I have been trying to get pregnant since August 2004 and have been through a lot on this journey. I am thinking of undergoing IVF and will have to use a donor egg. I have accepted that I was apparently not destined to have a husband or boyfriend in my life, but I have always hoped for a child. Is there any hope for me in this endeavor? I am trying to remain positive, but it is hard. On top of all of this, like many others my money is very tight and I am just so apprehensive."

Astrologers specializing in fertility have helped women get pregnant by matching fertility cycles to the moon. I'd consider it, while acknowledging infertility caused or complicated by medical issues can make it difficult or impossible to conceive. That said, it's your decision how to proceed. If trying is bringing you more pain than peace, you might consider approaching your need to give love from a different angle. Aquarian women are remarkably maternal — and I've known many of you to enjoy being "nana" to other people's children. Ultimately, Mother Nature decides. But you still need to be OK with you.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: It's hard not to like Tom Cruise, especially when the guy has taken so much heat for simply expressing his love for his wife and his religious views. He's a Cancer sun sign, but two other planets — Jupiter and Neptune — touch his sun, forming a swift-acting trinity of water signs. He's highly emotional. When Tom feels passionately about something, inevitably his feelings will quickly slip out!

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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