You might find yourself exclaiming, "I didn't know that I had it in me!" when the planet on a mission, Mars, meets the planet of buried strength, Pluto. Our strengths are really never intentionally hidden, though sometimes they do require the right stimulus to unlock. Those touched by this energy might experience new potency or purposefulness.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Whatever is going on right now, it's temporary. Furthermore, aside from the egos involved, there's very little at stake. Rely on your instincts to navigate through.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). When you stick to your original plan, someone will be put out. But there are more people who would be inconvenienced if you were to switch at this point. Be confident in your decision to stay the course.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It's more competitive out there than you thought it would be. Know your assets and work them hard. There are worthwhile opportunities everywhere you look, once you adjust your eye to seeing them.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). There's a pursuit that your heart is set on and it's about time you found a suitable mentor to guide you through the next steps. Write a letter to those who might inspire or motivate you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Ask for what you really want. You don't know what's possible until you poke around a bit. The boundaries are illusions. What you think is a wall is really just a curtain. Things can be easily adjusted to accommodate you.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (OCTOBER 1). You're the definition of a "go-getter" this year. You have an edge because you try for goals before others even realize they are desirable. You make the necessary adjustments to afford a dream move in May. You have a way of endearing people and will be offered jobs and romantic opportunities in June. Taurus and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 12, 34, 39 and 8.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Someone you love is pleasant enough on the outside, but hurting on the inside. You're the one who can help. Though you may not probe with questions, in your heart you silently acknowledge the pain and heal with your attention.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The routine is getting stale. Strike out with an open mind and no agenda. When you discover something on your own, there's an excited thrill. The intrigue keeps you coming back for more.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You've had so much going on lately that you'd love the luxury of being a happy homebody for a few days. Alas, there's still some shuttling about to do before you can really relax. Power through.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Either you're a networking genius, or you're just luckier than you've been in a long time. Get out and shake some hands. You could make the social connection of a lifetime.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You're in between phases. Part of you still feels like a child, and that's the part that wants to come out. You will be as successful as you are tolerant of your need for play and innocent discovery.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Unknowingly you send out an empathetic vibration. The new people you meet are inclined to open up to you in unexpected ways. Some of the information you learn may shock you, but keep mum.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You're beginning with the end in mind, which is the best way to attack your endeavors. Just know that your plan is going to change a lot and be willing to rework it as you go. Stay loose.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I am a female born Sept. 17, 1963. May I ask you if I will be falling in love anytime soon? I have been single for a while and I am ready for true love. "

The course of love has not run smoothly, but this is getting ready to change. You and all Virgos will be receiving a power boost to your heart this November, when Pluto joins Jupiter in your true love sector. Pluto is a compelling presence, intensifying your desires. You may feel as though the emotional stakes of drawing your heart's desire to you has been amplified. With the planet of honesty, Pluto, in the sector of sharing, figuring out what holds you back from intimacy is also an important piece of attracting love. That's because the heart will not be placated by superficial wants at this time. Single Virgos might feel inexplicably fascinated by the idea of an intensely passionate or physically charged relationship — if not an actual one. Coupled Virgos might find their love bond deepening and transforming in previously impenetrable ways. Expansive Jupiter only shares this romantic spot with Pluto until January, so look to this period for massive changes. December is especially amorous!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Artistic design of all forms often comes quite naturally for those born during the sun in Libra. That's because this sign is adept at creating harmony and peaceful relations, not just among complementary people, but between objects, textures, colors and space. Donna Karan's Libra sun joins with the planet of the masses, Neptune, endowing her design sensibility with universally glamorous appeal.

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.