Overnight, Mercury entered Leo, pairing self-expression with dramatic flair. It's like some of us are saying "listen to me!" in speech, dress and style. And their irrepressible playfulness, zeal and conviction make them impossible to ignore. A second influence, Mars, stokes opportunistic Jupiter, urging us to strike while the iron is hot.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Clear instructions can be hard to get. Listen as thoroughly as you can. It is possible to do less and accomplish more, but you have to be paying attention in order to know how.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You'll be shopping for bigger items. If you're confident, you'll get the deal to end all deals! So psych yourself up, wear the good shoes and take the time to present yourself in the best light.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). There are strong feelings brewing about a relationship or potential relationship, and it's obviously mutual. Tonight, share a kooky side of yourself and you'll make a friend.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Can you control these passing judgments drifting through your cranium? Probably not, and some of them are getting downright annoying to tend to. If you ignore offending thoughts, they just might go away.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your exceptional accomplishment has everyone talking. It's a little daunting to think what they'll expect from you next, but don't worry about that now. Keep doing the work that makes you happy.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (JULY 26). You're a fierce hunter this year, stalking a juicy goal. You close in on it the next 10 weeks, which is a rewarding feeling that helps you go into the new year with a winning attitude. You have the freedom to carry out adventurous plans in November, partly due to the support of one special person. Your connection with Libra and Capricorn people is strong. Your lucky numbers are: 44, 40, 38, 22 and 18.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You're a consciously directed and highly motivated artist whose gift to the world is excellence. Assume that you're supposed to be exactly where you are and shine.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The astral theme is mercy. Turn it inward. Forgive yourself for all the times you left for the opposing team and rallied against yourself. Then get on your own side. This is your fresh start.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You're quick-witted — it's what your friends love about you and also what they fear. Be aware that sometimes the truth hurts, even when it's said in a joking manner — especially when it's said in a joking manner.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Obstacles are created out of poor judgment. Realizing this, you bring your shrewd attention to everything you do. Your accurate assessment of the way things are will brings good luck.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You're willing to merge your assets and share your confidences with others because you're feeling so rich within. And the more you share, the richer you become.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You leave the past and set sail for new lands. Except that unless you're actually traveling, your surroundings appear to be the same. Make no mistake though, you've changed, and so everything has changed.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Others will make suggestions that you're not too keen on following. You're not beholden to anyone and only have to please yourself. Remember, when it comes to being you, you're the master.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I'm a Sag (12/7/56) in love with a Capricorn (1/3/55). From what I've gathered, both of our Venuses are in Scorpio. We've been together off and on for 30 years. He just got out of a long-term relationship and hasn't moved forward emotionally. Should I give up?"

Sagittarius women are attracted to Capricorn men for that elusive Sagittarian word: security. When mama's in the mood to nest, he's your man. What's not to love? Responsible and successful, as years pack on the wisdom, Capricorn gets smarter, better-looking and tends to loosen up a bit, too. Communication and honesty is the larger issue between you; mainly, the more withdrawn he becomes, the more in your face you get. Uh-oh, I see a pattern. Capricorn men are big on tact and timing. He'd rather keep you at arms' length than hear, "Why aren't you confiding in me?" again. The good news is, you can work on this. I don't see anyone giving up soon. The Venus-in-Scorpio connection has actually kept you two together this long. It would be silly for me to advise you to let this strong love die because you already have — and you've resurrected it every time.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Kate Beckinsale once stopped acting to become a doctor. She straightforwardly, uncomplicatedly pursued that until she was done, just like a Leo — and then returned to acting. As a fire sign, she could be anybody she wanted, as long as she's in charge. With fastidious Saturn in Gemini, she could make a second career out of correcting gossip columnists, or perhaps as an English teacher.

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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