As the sun meets realistic Saturn, it's a fine day to dedicate oneself to an ambition that resonates with the source of our being. And it's equally important to respect our limitations in the attempt. Our footing may feel shaky, our steps slow, but we're gaining ground. So keep on keeping on. Soon we'll be admiring our own progress.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It doesn't matter what you do, it's the spirit in which you do it that matters. So whatever the task before you may be, it's the perfect task for you to exercise the playful, clever, tender and mischievous parts of you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your tenacity makes the difference. You not only succeed where others have succeeded, but you'll succeed where others have failed. Take a break or a breath, but keep it to the minimum. And then keep going.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It's easy for you to be caring because you genuinely cherish your loved ones and act accordingly. However, you do have a lot on your plate now, which is distracting your attention from those who normally get it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You're recovering from a past loss. This may have happened ages ago, but there are still raw spots that come up now and again. You're ready to deal now, and so you do.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Let go of the little bothersome details and you'll start to see what really matters. You have more control over a situation than you realized. This afternoon brings the perfect opportunity to exercise your power.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (SEPTEMBER 3). Instead of following conventional wisdom, you follow the wisdom of your heart and find a deep and resounding fulfillment. A new soul drifts into the picture this month — someone you will never tire of. Play your hunches in November. Your psychic powers increase as you act on them. Cancer and Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 10, 32, 4 and 18.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Obsessive thought patterns get a bad rap. You find a way to positively channel those thoughts you can't let go. You get what you think about, whether you want it or not.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). That perfectly neat stack of work gets ruffled by a breeze, the freshly washed car gets sprinkled on — things happen. Therefore, spending too much time on details is futile. Leave what's good enough alone for now.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There is luck in the form of an unexpected opportunity. New distractions happen for a reason — there's something perfect for you. Allow yourself to explore what interests you even if it's not in the plan.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It's extremely tempting to overexert your influence, perhaps by interrupting, talking too loud or overtaking a situation that is not exactly your business. Instead, choose silent power.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Is asking for a relationship that is rich in both love and money an impossibility? No! As long as you have your priorities straight, you can throw in a request for happiness, too, while you're at it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). As yoga enthusiasts know, "Prana" is a force of vitality in the air. You're breathing it in and letting it activate your mind and body with very little interference. What was difficult yesterday is now done in a snap.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You've lately fallen into the habit of putting someone else before your own well-being. Devote extra time to taking care of yourself. This might mean preparing a proper meal or soaking in the tub. Do it just for you.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "My DOB is 6/16/61. I am transforming my life, leaving my well-paying corporate job to be a personal trainer. I've had success in moving in that direction, but I seem to be stuck. Many signs have pointed me to leave, but finances are holding me back. Is there a break in the future?"

Transformation is as much an emptying-out, destructive process as a creative one. Many religions will back me up on this, but since I worship at the altar of rock, my "are you ready for change?" litmus test is Janis Joplin. When she sings, "Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose," I understand exactly what attitude or idea holds me back from myself. So Gemini, what have you got left to lose? I know a comfortable paycheck is a biggie. Yet with Saturn passing over your Pluto, working this question through will help you make the leap. You may have to give up one to have the other, and that's the price of freedom. December provides that turning point. What will you choose? I don't know about you, but I've never been one to look at my destiny in the face and walk away.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Peeling back the layers, Virgos' virginal image is silent on the sun sign's sexuality or pedagogy. Yet this earthy lady reverently resonates with the sacred aspect of physicality and sensuality. See, Virgo remembers our world was once free from body politic or moralizing. Pussycat Dolls' Carmit Bachar's chosen career embodies the self-possessed aspect of the virgin — free and beholden to no one.

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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