Mercury and Mars change signs within a few hours of each other, dialing up a different cosmic radio station with a whole new lineup of songs. Mercury, the communication planet, slips into the emotional sign of Cancer. You can expect less talk and more soulful grooves. Mars in Gemini has us focusing our interest on the next big trend.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The work at your fingertips may surprise you. Except, when you stop to think about it, this is exactly what you signed up for. You'll take it on with enthusiasm and have some fun, too.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). What was once a passing interest is now a steadfast commitment. So you'll do what it takes to get to the end result. Goals can't be achieved unless you stick to them.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). People will change; memories won't. That's why building memorable experiences is so important to you these days. You'll put in the extra work to make an experience truly special.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). It's easier to relate to people who are going through the same thing you're experiencing. That's why when loved ones have lives that are very different from your own, an extra effort must be made to connect.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You are willing and ready to lend a hand where you see a need. This may seem like a baseline of civility, but you'd be surprised how distracted self-involved people can be. Your example will raise the bar.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You never know how people are going to react to questions. That's why most people don't even dare to ask; they don't want to take that social risk. You're brave, though. And besides, you just really want to know the answer.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). There's a time to wish and a time to work. Even though you're in a wistful, dreamy mood today, you also realize that wishing won't make it so. Three practical actions will move you in a positive direction.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You can believe something very different from what your friend believes and still behave in a similar way. You may find yourself wondering what matters more: what you're doing or why you're doing it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). What one person sees as sad, another person sees as a useful opportunity. You don't bother to make a judgment about it at all, preferring to jump in and do something to make it better.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Some say it's better to lower your expectations. Others suggest getting rid of them altogether. But you have a picture in your head that you're working toward. Trust that your way is right for you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Being nice is easy for you until you find yourself among those who are naturally inclined to infringe on your space and emotional state. Those people are the ones who need your niceness the most.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Whatever path you choose, you will be judged by both supporters and critics. So there really is no "right" answer except the one that feels right to you. In the end, it's your opinion of what you do that matters most.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (May 31). Your creativity is pronounced through June, and you'll get attention for the way you use it. You'll be involved with strong personalities in July, which makes it even more satisfying when you get your own way. You'll strategize your way into a sweet position — and maybe a better home, too. August is one long adventure. Sagittarius and Pisces people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 8, 20, 13, 9 and 42.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: You don't need to get or give approval — that whole exchange is not interesting to you. What you want to do is play. TAURUS: You'll share the feeling that's in your heart, but you won't use words. GEMINI: There's no substitute for firsthand experience. Get out and see different parts of the world. CANCER: You're attracted to smart people, and you'll enjoy the opportunity to get in touch with your inner nerd. LEO: You'll accurately read what another person wants — no small feat. This takes sharp observational skills. VIRGO: You will come up against someone's personal boundaries. The respect you show in this regard will cause those boundaries to shift a bit. LIBRA: You may feel like you want to learn all about a person in one night, but you can't — and that's what's so fun. Take it slow. SCORPIO: You're in a mood to share secrets, but only the lighthearted and harmless ones that will make someone laugh. SAGITTARIUS: You're more interested in adventure than love now, and that will attract both. CAPRICORN: Meeting new people is important to keeping the energy of existing relationships fresh. AQUARIUS: Break out of your group and join a new one for a few minutes. Someone special is among them. PISCES: You are not as concerned about what people think as some others you know, which is attractive unless you ignore social expectations altogether.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Pisces and Gemini have entirely different approaches to life, and those difference make them rely on each other. Gemini is a master of lighthearted social banter, making new friends and knowing where the fun is. Pisces makes deep connections and creates fun out of nothing. With the sun in Gemini and the moon in Pisces, these two reflect each other's finest qualities this weekend.

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.