Mercury joins Mars in smart Libra, provoking the question: Is it better to be right or fair? Then Jupiter meets Saturn, stimulating resolve to work with what we have already, in new and improved ways. Finally, Pluto moves forward from retrograde in optimistic Sagittarius. Eliminate negativity at its source — with your thinking.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). People want to interact with you and will extend fantastic invitations — especially the one from a Libra. Say yes and you'll be escorted where the conversation is sparking and the food is mighty good, too.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Even when the actual events of the day are nothing new, your thoughts are different. Your mind is making mischief. You're seeing a fun and dramatic aspect of this totally normal day.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You see someone you didn't think of as your competition pulling off amazing feats. This is motivating to you. You see how you are capable of doing so much more than you thought you could do.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You could use a friend, but not just any friend. You have a specific need for a supportive person to fill. Maybe it's baby-sitting, carpooling or an educated listening ear. Tonight you'll attract the right one.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Sometimes you strengthen a relationship by getting along. Other times, like now, you strengthen a relationship by working on the areas in which you're not getting along. Look at what's bugging you. Solutions are immanent.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (SEPTEMBER 8). You feel free to invest your energy in what delights you. You graduate from an entanglement in the next 10 weeks. October brings new financial means. November's relationships are helpful in your journey and bring lots of laughs. January turns your domicile upside down in the name of beauty and improvement. Libra and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 2, 54, 1 and 18.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You won't be sure what to make of your work and social scene. Strange people will act normal, and normal people will act strange. What it all boils down to is that everyone is weird in some unique way.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The reason you sometimes decide not to take the lead is that you don't need the extra pressure of people following you and asking you what to do next. That's OK. It's enough to lead yourself right now.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You're seeing how you can gain leverage in a situation and it won't be difficult for you. All you have to do is be productive and do fine work. Your value goes up and so does your level of power.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You're in a hurry to meet a goal in your desired timeframe. Whatever process you can speed up, you're on it. Try not to be too extreme though, or you're liable to make costly mistakes.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You're more impressionable than you usually would be. The opinions, whims and intentions of others can distract you, and to some degree it's creative for you to veer off track.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). A work project may careen dangerously off its path. There is something creative to be gained from the diversion. Still, it behooves you to gain control and steer things back on purpose.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You have an inner sensor that tells you where the fun will be, but you don't always follow it. You're due for some laughs, so go ahead. Tonight, people are kind to you for no good reason.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I recently met a man who was born eight hours before me. His birthday is 7/28/71, born at 6 p.m. in California, and I was born on 7/29/71 at 2 a.m. in California. For some reason it was love at first sight for me, but I have read that we may not be very compatible, that we may actually be looking at our flaws and imperfections through each other. Can you tell me what you think about this match?"

When looking in the mirror at a reflection that looks a lot like you, it's true you may see the good, the bad and the ugly in yourself. But don't forget the good. Your spitting image shares the same wonderful qualities in you. The source of your worry is clear enough: Both of your Mercury(s) are in Virgo, squared by Saturn. You're flaw-finders by nature, so you see the negative easily. It's a part of your makeup. If you haven't already, you'll soon recognize this in him, too. By seeing your perceived imperfections, through the eyes of love, you'll become more generous and forgiving toward you both.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Hugh Grant possesses a well-rehearsed, yet laidback charm. Among peers and directors, he's notorious for being meticulous and thorough with his character research — only to turn around and produce a persona more spontaneous in nature than studied! This is owed to Virgo's earthy but inherently adaptable nature. Combining steadfastness and flexibility, Hugh's a mercurial method man.

Holiday Mathis is the author of "Rock Your Stars." If you would like to write to Holiday Mathis, 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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