Did things just get more interesting, or have they been interesting all along and we're only just now noticing it? These questions and more will seem relevant as Mercury slips into the quick, bright energy of Gemini, a brilliant placement for the communication planet. This Mercury cycle will continue until June 7.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It will help you to allow yourself a bit of leisure time at the end of each activity. This paves the way for a smooth transition and keeps your overall stress level low, which, by the way, is very attractive to others.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Experience has taught you much, but memories could teach you even more if you let them. Reflecting back on a situation will add new layers of insight and perhaps even bring you a glorious "aha!" moment.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You'll be at home in the world. It doesn't matter which section of it you are traveling; it's all yours today. But don't tell the others. They'll only be jealous. Instead, revel privately in the knowledge that this is your time.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). The one in charge sees something in you, and all you have to do is more of what you've been doing. Remember the old adage, and "don't sell it when it's already sold."

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). In order to play your cards right, it helps to know the rules. You'll do whatever it takes to improve your game. You'll learn nuances that go beyond the rules and educate yourself to the particular culture of the other players.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You sometimes see without being aware of what you're seeing because it's too complicated, unpleasant or boring for your eyes to take in. Today you'll be vividly attuned to the full array of images, and you won't miss a thing.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You are safer than 99 percent of all humanity that has ever lived. The biggest threat to you is stress — and that's something you can manage if you put your mind to it. So do put your mind to it!

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You'll be the fix-it person. Regardless of where the blame should go, you'll step up, assess the situation and begin repairs. If the broken thing is a relationship, you'll find common ground and build from there.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You may find yourself at a loss for words, but that doesn't matter. What the world really needs more of is your superb smile. Your just being happy is a gift to the others.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Technology makes the world more accessible to you, and it also makes you more accessible to the world. You'll hear from people you never thought would reach out to you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You'll be susceptible to the influence of overly excited or worried people. If you have to be around tension, take a deep breath and count your exhale as "number one." By "number 10," you'll return to being in total control.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You'll be focused on a goal. Be sure to note when you've achieved it, as it's something to celebrate. Noting your accomplishments isn't egotistical. It gives you the fuel to aim for future successes.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (May 24). It's a year for advancing your personal interests and exploring your talents. From the start of June, you realize that you have a knack for finding the best opportunities. As long as you follow through, you will succeed. July focuses you on love and all you do for others. September brings a lifestyle upgrade. Cancer and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 34, 1, 17 and 40.

CANCER MOTIVATIONAL SECRETS: For Cancer people, there are two categories: "feeling it" and "not feeling it." Unless an idea falls into the first category, it won't produce a lick of action, because a Cancer who is "not feeling it" is also "not doing it."

If you're a Cancer, you already know that willing yourself to feel a certain way simply won't work. You feel how you feel, and you can't help it. However, when you explore those feelings by putting them through a process of inquiry, they may change in magical ways.

Getting motivated is a matter of asking yourself empowering questions. Here are a few to try:

How can I imagine myself succeeding at this?

What are my choices?

Engaging a high level of creativity and self-belief, what other options can I see?

How would my life transform if I did choice A instead of choice B?

How can I turn this around?

What is the best lesson I can take from this?

What value will this bring to the lives of others?

How can I have the most fun with this?

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Versatile Gemini John C. Reilly made the rare Hollywood leap from character actor to leading-man movie star, and there's no going back. His starring roles in films such as "Step Brothers" and "Terri" display a range that few actors can match. Born under a Pisces moon, Reilly has tremendous powers of empathy, as well as an intuitive sense for creating compelling characters.

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.