An intellectual approach to problem solving is favored under these strongly Gemini-influenced skies. A ponderous mood prevails. Put your mind to it, and you may be able to think your way out of a pickle or into a sweet situation. Bandy about ideas with friends who are on your wavelength. Conversational brilliance is effortless.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). What you're looking for is out there, but you have to start asking the right questions in order to find it. Asking friends is a start, but chances are the real answer will come from a perfect stranger.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Most people don't reach adulthood without a few scars to prove that life can be rough. Be proud of the way you've healed, and share your story. It will bond you with someone today.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You have much to gain by following the instinct to get to know someone. An outgoing mood prevails, and you'll expand your circle. New friendships will be ignited with a handshake and an introduction.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). It makes you feel warm and fuzzy when others notice subtle improvements you've made to your appearance. Each compliment fans the flames, inspiring you to reach your goal.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). As the sign of entertainment, you have an inherent awareness that the way you tell the stories of your life makes a difference in how you are perceived and respected. Today you'll love the audience's response to you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The person with the big dreams is the most powerful one in the room — even more powerful than the gatekeeper in charge of who is and isn't allowed to enter a room.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Problems are gifts. Inside each problem is a totally unique and valuable opportunity. Sometimes you see that opportunity, but right now it helps to have an observant friend point it out to you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There's nothing wrong with wanting and needing validation for your work, especially when it's a solo effort. The limited perspective you get from working alone is a huge challenge. Reach out. Ask for opinions.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You'll be attracted to strange scenes. If it doesn't look like anything you've experienced, you want to sign up. You could find love, friendship, adventure or work by mingling in a new place.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You may be uncharacteristically shy or reluctant to talk about yourself around the people you meet today. It's because you see life as a creative process and not a series of trophies you trot out for company.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Instead of giving a person the benefit of the doubt, you do something more radically generous. You give the entire benefit without a moment of hesitation or a shred of doubt. You give it your all. That's just how you roll.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You've always been an empathic person, and it's surprising to you that not everyone has this gift. Some simply can't relate to how others are feeling. You'll be the one to make up for those people today.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (June 18). You keep loved ones guessing with your ability to make something out of nothing. They'll stay tuned to see what you do next, and you'll always have an audience when you want one. August and November are the most romantic months, while December and March feature financial and professional gains. Leo and Aquarius people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 6, 20, 13, 5 and 42.

12 ASTRO-REMEDIES FOR SOCIAL AWKWARDNESS: Inside the energy of each sign is a lesson that can be applied to remedy social awkwardness. Scorpio's lesson centers around the right to privacy.

This intensely private sign is all the more attractive because of the instinct to protect a core of being-ness that's quite simply nobody else's business. While some struggle to figure out what information should be kept private and what should be made public, Scorpio has a strong sense of the appropriateness of sharing information. When in doubt, Scorpio's inclination to say very little preserves the social balance.

You don't have to be a Scorpio to build a wall of privacy or an air of mystery around yourself. Start by only answering the questions you want to answer. Saying "I don't recall" or giving a similarly vague response could allow you to slip gracefully out of a conversational topic that makes you uncomfortable or that you just don't want to participate in. Topics that should not be discussed at all include financial status, the mistakes of others, physical features, personal details about the lives of others or conversations that compare the fortune or misfortune of others.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Sir Paul McCartney was born when the sun, Mercury, Saturn and Uranus were all in the quick-witted sign of Gemini. His natal moon, Mars and Pluto reside in entertaining Leo. This celestial combination of intellect, creativity and playfulness radiates through McCartney's public persona and private life, as well. Venus in stable, grounded Taurus suggests that what you see is what you get!

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.