When a person says, "Can I have your opinion?" often what is really wanted is something else entirely — for instance, your attention, business, love or approval. As the moon slips from expressive Gemini into intuitive Cancer, use your deeper emotional faculties to understand the true meaning of personal exchanges.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You have many wonderful friends you do not see regularly for the simple reason that your schedules do not easily mesh. Happily, that's about to change.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The child's mind watches a daring feat and believes without a doubt, "I can do that." The adult's mind recognizes a paradox: It takes a lot of effort to appear effortless.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your attitude is upbeat and confident. You show that you care as much or more about others as you do about forwarding your own interests. Socially, you can do no wrong.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Something comes up, and there will be a slightly urgent reason to get immediate answers. Pursuing the subject will connect you with interesting new friends.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When you're learning something new, it's totally normal to get worse at it before you get better. But if the trend continues, put some space between you and the project. Perspective is needed. A Libra can help.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You'll gain fans. The tangible results of your work are not the only reason people will follow you. People will become fascinated by anything you give, including your support.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It's amazing to you that some people quit just when they should be trying harder because the goal is close at hand. When something is not working, you change your strategy and give it another go.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Stay confident, even if you see the competition and it scares you. Don't disqualify yourself in your own mind before the game has begun. You have an edge, which you'll only realize when you stay to play.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You'll be in charge in some way. You may have to deliver some criticism because of your role, but you'll do this in good humor. The kindness in your voice makes people understand that you're on their side.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There was that one time — and it stands out in your mind now — when you sabotaged your own success. Today you'll have a chance to right the situation or, more likely, a similar situation.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Unfortunately, for many people, it's not having love but getting love that's exciting. You enjoy a good chase as much as the next person, but you will wisely cherish your catch.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). If you let someone validate you, that means you're also giving them the power to invalidate you. If anyone is going to give you points for good behavior, let it be you.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 9). You'll have crystal mental clarity this month. You'll see what needs changing for your ultimate health and happiness. You'll put those changes into effect in October and November. You'll be learning new skills through the end of the year. Your lack of pretense endears people to you. Romantic offers abound in 2013. Aries and Gemini people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 2, 12, 4 and 18.

FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Scientists who study human brain function may use an electroencephalograph to monitor and measure the electrical charge maintained by billions of neurons in the brain. The device is a perfect symbol for the energy of Virgo: a precise analytical tool designed to bring enlightenment to one of the most mysterious and complex systems of the universe, the human brain. And though we may never fully understand our own minds, the drive to analyze our thought processes and habits is ever-present during this Virgo solar phase. One gleaming cosmic gift of the week is a conjunction of the sun and Mercury that promises to focus us on only the most useful information. We may seek knowledge, but we should not lose sight of what really matters: how it's applied. The sun/Mercury conjunction will be exact on September 10 and strongly felt until the 13th.

In order to get the most out of this week, take copious notes and save them. Measure your time. Record how you spend your days. Don't concern yourself with drawing conclusions; you can always do that later. The accurate data you collect now will be instrumental to your future happiness.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Adam Sandler is best known for comedy, but he has achieved that which but a few comedians have: critical acclaim for dramatic work. Sandler is also a writer, producer and musician. So how does this Hollywood mogul keep it all rolling? The Virgo planets in his natal chart reveal his two-part secret: hard work and a love of entertainment. Sandler was born under five Virgo luminaries and with Mars in Leo.

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.