Venus and Jupiter get close in Gemini, augmenting our conversations and giving the pretty words greater impact. This alignment won't be completed exactly, but it's close enough to make things interesting now. Beauty has greater influence. Talk isn't cheap. In fact, it's expensive. The words you long to hear really mean something under these skies.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). "When it comes to giving, some people stop at nothing," said the comedian Georgie Jessel. Your sign mate had a point. There are those who can't bring themselves to contribute, but you'll make up for their stinginess.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Everything good comes from your decision to be the change you want to see in the world. All that you want to receive from others will be sourced from your own example.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You may feel a little overwhelmed today, and it's OK to say no. Just be upfront with others. This evening, a relationship that seemed to be on the rocks will surprise you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You carry a torch for someone, and the flames will be noticed in the warmth you radiate. Your passion is irresistible. The one you think about will feel it, and the rest of the world will, too.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" may be grammatically incorrect, but it still holds true. Trying to improve a situation is dangerous; you could make it worse instead.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You'll keep a cool head in the onslaught of demands. You'll put out one fire after another. It's no wonder people turn to you. Embrace your inner leader, and rally your troops; they're ready to follow.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You'll do for others what you wish someone had done for you. You'll spread your love around. You'll give attention to the ones who are trying hard and not only to the stars.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You'll wear your mood rather obviously. Doom and gloom may go together, but you're not interested in this kind of wardrobe option. Instead, you'll throw on a scarf or a tie that's bright with optimism and cheer.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Hearts are heavy around you, but they'll become lighter with a little patience and empathy. Listen to others, and they will return the favor when the heavy heart is your own.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). If you have to go to great lengths to prove your worth to someone, consider that this person may not be an excellent match for you. Ideally, you would be with people who value you "as is."

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your home is more than a place to rest and nourish your body. It's also a castle for your spirit. You'll focus on creating a peaceful environment there.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your friendships are important to you. Instead of being the side dish to other kinds of relationships, they will become the main course and will be quite filling as such.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (July 6). An investment of your time and energy pays this month. You'll have stellar ideas as you work toward what's good for your family and community. You'll be fired up to make money, and an important deal comes together by the end of August. November brings a happy twist to your personal life. December is romantic. Libra and Sagittarius people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 10, 2, 4 and 16.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST: ARIES: You'll laugh at yourself, loosen up and have fun with someone who is easy to be around. TAURUS: You take charge and make arrangements to absorb some beauty and culture. GEMINI: Positive words, feedback and appreciation will help another person to be his or her best around you. CANCER: You are incredibly helpful, and that correlates with your level of happiness. LEO: You'll be the icebreaker of every party. Stay on the lookout for an upbeat joke or a silly bit of humor that you can use to warm people up. VIRGO: You encourage the discouraged and help the helpless. You need someone who will take care of you, too! LIBRA: Your environment is a part of your life that you can control, and you'll enjoy doing so with someone who has a similar aesthetic or at least appreciates yours. SCORPIO: Taking care of small details brings enormous satisfaction. SAGITTARIUS: Good things happen when you just say yes. CAPRICORN: A line can be a path to follow or something you do not cross. Understanding the difference is the key to getting along. AQUARIUS: You'll revel in the attention of someone super-sweet. PISCES: There's a right way and a wrong way to date. Both will be fun.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: The Pisces moon and the Cancer sun are two water sign influences that flow together as easily as the river flows into the ocean. This weekend they feel nearly absorbed by each other and will operate as one, falling into natural rhythms without worry, resistance or even thought. Where is it going? It doesn't matter. The present moment syncs up their heartbeats.

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.