There's a happy buzz of social and intellectual activity in anticipation of tomorrow's full Gemini moon. The magical winter solstice is ahead, and with this part of the sun's annual journey comes rebirth. Brighter times await, but first it gets dark. Consult news sources to find out when to view the total lunar eclipse in your part of the galaxy.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The best part of your day is when you encounter a small and unexpected wonder and are able to share it with one who is as delighted and filled with curiosity about the whole thing as you are.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You are surrounded by people with high energy who are trying to accomplish something important to them. You have a different style of going about your business — cool and methodical.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The bustle and excitement have little appeal. A cozy, quiet night is perfect for you. After all the noise has died down, you'll hear your own thoughts and will learn something about yourself, too.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You've always wanted to be "that person," the one who accomplishes interesting and lofty aims. Today you take a step in the right direction and realize that you can do what you set your mind to doing.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The presence of your ancestors will be felt today. You can almost see them nodding in approval of your choices and giving you the thumbs up from the great beyond.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You might be looking for help and love in all the wrong places. Think about the person you want to meet and the particular traits and skills this person needs to have in order to coexist with you in the way you prefer.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The mistakes you've made in the past are about to add up to something you can be proud of. As your sign mate Truman Capote said, "Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor."

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Going with the flow is the key to success within your family dynamic. Be agreeable whenever possible. You will probably have to let a few things go in order to keep the peace.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Bottom line: You need more sleep. Create a ritual that will tell your body it's time for rest, and stick to it. With proper rest, the things that irritate you will suddenly seem far more tolerable.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You notice that you're trying to avoid someone. The sound of this person's voice makes you feel instantly uncomfortable. Confront the issue so that you no longer have to work around it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). In order to get what you want, you must figure out what the others want and serve it up. When you slice a pie, you do it in such a way that everyone thinks his piece is the biggest.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Faces light up when you enter the room. Everyone is happy to see you; it's like they've been waiting for you. Without you, there is no party! This is all because you have a way of bringing out the best in others.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 20). Your passion is well placed this year. You are optimistic about matters of health and finance, and you'll get what you expect in these areas. New challenges make your work exciting after April. You'll develop your talents to keep up with the competition, and you'll surpass it instead. Moves and travel happen in June. Aquarius and Taurus people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 30, 11, 49 and 18.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "I'm a Virgo, and I feel very on edge this time of the year. I never seem to have time or money to express my feelings adequately in the form of gifts, and I seldom get my cards out on time. I don't know why I can't get it together for the holidays when I'm usually so on top of things. I feel deflated and depressed, though I try to paste on a smile and join the merriment anyway. Any advice?"

Without people like you, the holidays wouldn't be as cheery. Someone has to organize the events, cook the food, pick up the relatives at the airport and make sure the kids don't go out in the snow without their gloves. It's just sad that Virgos like you make the holiday party happen, and then somehow you're the only one who doesn't enjoy it. Mostly, you ask too much of yourself, thus setting yourself up for failure — not in the eyes of anyone else, though. This is just you judging you and way too harshly. Try going the opposite direction. Reduce your workload instead of increasing it. You'll be amazed at how much good you can do when you make your own fun the top priority.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: "American Idol" number seven, David Cook, is a Sagittarius with his sun, Uranus and Neptune all in the high-energy fire sign. Jupiter rules this sign, and luck is on the Sagittarian's side. This sign is goal oriented, friendly and popular. Cook was born when the moon and Mars were in Aquarius, suggesting that he's also philanthropic, open-minded and highly intelligent.

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.