The day has a split tone as the moon slips from Leo into Virgo. The early day is boisterous and seemingly eventful, especially since everything feels like a bigger deal than it really is. The latter day is ruled by a sense of efficiency. Problems are easily solved, and everyone is more productive than they intended to be.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It's common sense that a little nonsense often helps us through a long, hard day. Don't be afraid to let your silly side out among friends and co-workers, and let them know you appreciate their silly sides, too.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). There are things you have endured in life that will make you wiser, stronger and richer in all the ways that matter. But first you may have to work through (or just give up) some bitterness.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Don't let worry eat away at your peace of mind. If you can do something about a problem, tackle it. If you can't do anything at the moment, worry will not help you get closer to the solution.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Just as Ulysses found a way to resist the song of the sirens, you will resist a tempting bit of sweetness that you recognize is just not good for you. Ulysses had help from his crew, and you should call on yours, too.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You've been affected by someone's tendency to procrastinate. You've been made to wait too long. Patience is indeed a virtue, but the squeaky wheel has virtues, as well. Stand up for yourself.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Reaching out is always a more interesting choice than not reaching out. It takes confidence. It makes things — bad and good — happen. But you won't regret having shown the initiative.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Sometimes you think about things you've said in the past and you cringe. Take it as a sign of how much you've grown, and stop worrying. You're probably the only one who one remembers anyway.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Friendship is like any living thing: It needs sun and water to survive. Bring your watering can and bright smile with you when you make the rounds of those you care about.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You will relax into a new arrangement. As with most relaxation, the calm is preceded by a period of shifting and settling in. Wiggle, adjust and release the energy keeping you from total comfort.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Sometimes it feels like the future of the universe depends on what you do, and other times it feels like nothing you do matters in the least. You'll cultivate a sense of play by believing both statements at the same time.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). One beautiful thing about you is that although you like to think of yourself in a certain light, you are open to other lighting schemes, too. Anyway, you'll be too involved helping others today to worry about how you look.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Forming a commitment, among other things, means that you will have to forgo your own wishes at some point to serve the needs of another. If selflessness is easy for you, you'll have many commitments.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (July 21). You'll celebrate your loved ones this year, and they give you many reasons to be joyful. In August, you'll get lost in your work in a good way, feeling relaxed and rested even as you produce remarkable results. September brings a fortuitous collaboration. Your personal life bubbles with excitement in November. Aries and Virgo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 1, 22, 9 and 12.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "There's a girl I know, and she's a Scorpio. Ever since I met her, I've been writing poetry, music, raps, dancing and drawing. I never used to do those things before, but this girl makes me want to be super-creative. I'm a Capricorn. Do you think I should give her the things I've made and written for her? I don't want her to think I'm weird."

She's your muse! It is a remarkable gift she has given you just by being herself, as her energy has opened up new possibilities inside of you. This awakening of hidden talents is beautiful, and your willingness to act on the feelings and turn them into unique expressions of you is a wonderful happening. Savor it, and keep the spark alive inside you.

Whether to show her your works is a separate issue. Go carefully, because Scorpios are very private people, and if that privacy is invaded or threatened, they shut out the perpetrator with an emotional barrier that's nearly impossible to break through. Get to know her first. Establish a rapport, friendship and trust before introducing her to your many talents.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Offbeat, eccentric characters are a forte for Oscar-winning Cancer Robin Williams. Williams was born under a soulful Cancer sun and an empathetic Pisces moon. His Mercury and Pluto in Leo suggests an exaggerated style of self-expression. Williams will play a priest in the upcoming comedy "The Big Wedding" with Robert De Niro, Amanda Seyfried and Katherine Heigl.

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.