Mars careens toward Libra, the sign of diplomacy. We get the chance to be clear and direct, and employ our utmost tact about where we stand in relation to others. So are the days of heated debate over for a while? Not exactly, but the goal of our exchanges is different. Instead of fighting to win, we're fighting for what we believe is best for all.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You perform magic tricks to please the one whose opinion matters to you. This is no smoke-and-mirrors arrangement. You genuinely transform your environment and your audience is awestruck.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It's not reasonable to expect yourself to produce amazing works now. There's no need for you to innovate or break ground just yet. Study the works of those before you. Your time is coming.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You'll be among the realists now, otherwise known as pessimists. If you don't want your ideas to get shot down, be subtle. Instead of rose-colored glasses, wear rose-colored contacts.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). People answer the question of what you'd be like in the future by assessing what you're like right now. You do the same. Avoid making promises or accepting them from others.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You're exercising your right to live abundantly. Not only do you have what it takes to succeed, you have more than it takes. What to do with the extra? Teach someone else. An Aries is eager to learn from you.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (AUGUST 19). Playful creativity is your chosen way of dealing in the world this year. In September, someone from your past comes back into your life in a strong way. A terrific event in October may be so exciting that you're tempted to back off. Go forward instead. In both love and work, you're as lucky as you are courageous. Libra and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 1, 53, 23 and 17.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your life force is flowing strong, and even stronger when you're around people who understand you. When you decide to take a journey with such a person, the journey takes you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Is it possible to have a disciplined imagination? If you can give some structure to that freewheeling dreamer inside, a high purpose will be served. The right book or teacher will be key.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You're opening yourself up to different ways of making money. A temporary job has many benefits, including an introduction to prospective friends and sweethearts.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Sometimes it's not enough to improve the environment around you. Sometimes you just have to move. Consider making a big change. All the upheaval is quickly over, but the benefits will last.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You have to admit it — you're driven by your ambition and sometimes it counts more than logic or heart. Your sense about what is going to work well for everyone involved is an accurate guide and your saving grace.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your good mood is independent of outside influences like family, job or weather. While you're in this very positive space, set a powerful goal. Put it in writing and give it a sacred place.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Does it make you feel special that a shy and beautiful person is thinking about you? You might also be impressed that this is not the only person who wishes to have more interaction with you now.

ASTROLOGICAL TOPICS: Notorious bachelor Matthew McConaghey has Jupiter joined with Venus in Libra in his chart, which explains just about everything. So what does Jupiter have to do with love? If you have Jupiter connected to relationships in your chart, you know the irresistible allure of the guy/girl looking for a good time; he or she possesses a spirit of adventure and possibility. He sidles up to you, "Hey, baby, want to play?" Jupiter was an international playboy, continually disguising himself as whatnot to win a brief fling with the flavor of the month. Not all love on Jupiter is brief, after all — he was married to an alternately barely tolerant and jealous goddess (who can blame her?) On the upswing, a lighthearted, carefree approach to romance often comes naturally to those who have Jupiter in the love department — though sometimes with a steep price. Because these relationships are all about possibility, there are usually two: a) a relationship that thrives on freedom, expansion and growth; or b) restlessness, i.e. someone more fabulous is always around the corner. With allowances for spontaneity and freedom, love on planet Jupiter is a thrill a minute.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: With the sun and Venus in Leo, Patrick Swayze is an artist driven to perform. His natal Venus in Leo ties self-expression into creating art with aesthetic allure. Leo sun people are the archetypal performers of the zodiac. Leo creates for the pride of ownership, for the love of sharing and also because the creative impulse is much too strong to ignore.

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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