The day starts out on a sociable, friendly note with the moon in Aquarius. We're invigorated by all the intellectually stimulating ideas being discussed in the cosmic cafe, and intrigued by the forward-thinking people surrounding those. Later, the moon shifts into Pisces, filling out our thoughts with emotional realism and imagination.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The barriers of the day don't instantly vanish just because you want them too — or do they? You have powers beyond the usual to come up with a fresh approach. And when you get stuck, a Libra helps you out.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You'll be creating a project from scratch, using many of your resources. You're creative on your own but will be even more amazing when you brainstorm with a Leo.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). People are fond of telling you to stop and smell the roses, but face it — sometimes there are no roses. Furthermore many jobs are best done quickly, so get them over with. That's why you're a whirlwind of action today.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Whether or not you think you deserve good fortune is irrelevant. It's coming, so get ready. All doubt and fear will subside when this wave of goodness sweeps you into its swell.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Be as optimistic as you really feel. It's impossible to go over the top with your predictions of how wonderful life can be. And the best part is there are people around you who think the same way as you do.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (JULY 20). Go easy on yourself! You're a driven person, but when you let up on the heavy demands you make of yourself and others, a magical thing occurs — you're suddenly more productive, successful and happy! Vacations in August are dreamy. A partner in fun makes a difference, too. Moves happen in September. Capricorn and Scorpio delight you. Your lucky numbers are: 10, 7, 9, 14 and 17.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). When a person is behaving in one way, it's hard to imagine that he or she can be any other way. However, the complexity of human nature isn't lost on you, which is why you keep expecting improvement. Eventually you'll get it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your mood is more infectious than any other sign of the zodiac now. So why not be fanciful? Be expressive. Be positive. Communicating well, calmly and tenderly is your ticket to making a relationship last.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You see the potential in others. It's worth investigating, but don't risk too much in the endeavor. The omens especially warn not to fall in love with a person's potential. Love what is.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Yours is a modest attitude, and people sense it just the same — you're powerful. The reason you don't brag is that you don't need to. And what you don't say speaks volumes.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You get a better sense of your abilities, more specifically how exceptional they are. Because you do something well — delegate, for instance — you assume everyone does. It's just not true. Appreciate your uniqueness.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You are involved in a group, and the group is involved in a mission. You're the one who can get everyone back on track now. Remind them why you all came together and what you all want to do.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You have the opportunity to experience something you never have before. This is most likely something you'll only do once, because once is enough. Revel in your bit of unforgettable fun.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Here comes the sun! The sun enters dignified Leo this week, said to bring out the best qualities in the sun: confidence, self-assuredness and radiant command. Leo cosmic energy brings expressiveness, attitude and stylish originality to our creative endeavors and embodies the naturally uninhibited inner child within everyone. No matter what our age, we can tap the charisma of the divine creative child by doing things that have heart for us, that share our true self. When we're real, people are attracted to our shine! This is one of the most willful and successful signs — for it's by unambiguously expressing who we are and what we want that we tap the energetic quality, inspiring success. It's no coincidence Leo season happens at the height of summer when our lust for life, our ?lan vital, is at its highest. Play, summer romance and desire figure strongly right now. Following the ardor we feel for a person, thing or activity buoys our life force, giving us spiritual strength that will keep us warm into the cooler autumn months. Enjoy Leo's vibrancy! This is the season to live life to its fullest, go for the gusto and share our gifts.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Cancer supermodel Gisele Bundchen has the Midas touch; everything she touches — er, endorses — turns to gold. At least that's the theory of an economist who developed a wild stock index to measure the profit performance of companies that Gisele represents. Gisele's stock is in glamour — with her Venus beauty connected to Neptune, planet of glamour, I'm sensing an upward trend.

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.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.