Jupiter eyes the sun in Cancer today. Like winning a prize stuffed animal at the circus only to notice it's coming apart at the seams, our perception of winning or losing tugs at our desire for greater emotional and material security. As we witness the precarious, spinning wheel-of-fortune nature of life, remember that prosperity is relative.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You're like a child whose innocent and truthful answers may cause an unexpected reaction from the wizened experts around you. Maybe they'll laugh a little, but ultimately your insights are most illuminating.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). There are plenty of ways to feel good that don't cost a thing. Make a list. Then before you grab your wallet and head out the door, do at least three of them. You'll save yourself from spending on what you don't need.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Being blocked is not necessarily a bad thing. Today's impasse is an indicator that either you're not ready for them, or they're not ready for you. When it's right, you'll easily move forward.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You handle negativity by not handling it. You realize that life is cyclical and much of the unpleasant stuff will work out on its own if you ignore it. Tonight, Libra is a partner in creative projects.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You're willing to argue a point through to its resolution, believing in the power of words to solve problems. However, it's your living example that will be the best argument for what you believe in.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (JULY 9). This year is marked as a passionate one. You attract a powerful new relationship in the next nine weeks. It's lucky to act on your impulses through August and you make extra money doing just that. However, in September, return to the security of a long-term plan. Wedding bells ring in December. Virgo and Pisces are your fans. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 1, 44, 39 and 18.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). One of your regular and positive habits has been somewhat interrupted by surprise occurrences. Being able to adjust is a talent — you did the appropriate thing for the time. And now it's time to get right back on track.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your imagination is alight. The neurons in your brain are firing overtime. And though you'd rather take flights of fancy than focus on your work, you have to get to it sooner or later. Focus for the finish this afternoon.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your patience is legendary and you can remain calm with even the most annoying difficulties… to a point. But when that point is reached, anyone with the slightest sense had better run for cover.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your exuberance is captivating. The best part is that you can get excited about things that most people would take for granted. You'll be fixed in the memory of all who see you today.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Stars sprinkle extra dollars over you. Either you don't have to pay full price for things or you are paid more than you expected you would be. And the best part is that you needed the financial boost and know just how to use it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You must come to an agreement with someone who wants the same thing you want. Success depends on figuring out what the other person might want even more than the property in question.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). If you want more or less or just different, all you have to do is ask for it. It's amazing how easy it is to get what you want once you articulate it in specific words.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "When Mercury went retrograde and Gemini entered Venus, my boyfriend broke up with me. We've had a tempestuous time, on again and off again due to his ambivalence. I'm a Virgo and he's an Aquarius. He says that he'd like us to click better and focus on being better friends first (after a cooling-off period), and if this happens and things go well, he's indicated that we may reunite sometime from now. Is this plausible? Or is he leading me on?"

It's absolutely plausible that you may get back together. I always suggest taking a let's-wait-and-see attitude toward any new decisions made during Mercury retrograde — and this applies to changes of heart. Mercury rules speech, the mind and thought processes, so when Mr. Silver Tips moves backwards, there's potential for being unclear. In other words, in time, he may not actually mean what he said! How long the wait? Wait until Mercury retraces his steps back to the original position he went retrograde, which is early July. He likely initiated the break because he's actively considering another person. It's up to you to decide whether he's worth the wait.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: In Hollywood, where lifelong mates are possibly rarer and more coveted than an Oscar, Tom Hanks' marriage to wife Rita Wilson is outstanding. Of course it's no wonder that Juno, the asteroid of commitment and marriage, figures prominently in his chart, directly opposite Tom's Cancer sun, in Capricorn. He takes his vows seriously and enjoys the traditional roles of marriage.

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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