As Mercury and the sun join in Sagittarius, friendly optimism colors our actions and speech. We share our thoughts liberally — with friends and strangers alike — and learn oodles. Everyone becomes a teacher with something interesting and unusual to share. All along, Venus and Uranus do their part to make those attractions instantaneous.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You want more compensation for the work you put out. It's hard to ask for the dollar amount you have in your mind. The awkward dance ensues. Tonight: Take this to heart — you've earned the right to have some fun.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're a master of your time and of the effort you put into things — thus you are a master of your destiny. Being in control is a great pleasure. Teach others what you learn.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The person who causes you to be spontaneous and lively is a dear friend indeed. So instead of being surprised or annoyed, be touched and emotionally moved by the experience you have today.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Grab the opportunity that arises this morning — later, you'll figure out what to do with it. Tonight, a difficult loved one is definitely improving — or at least communicating better.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There is a strange phenomenon at work in your life. Prosperity and humor are inextricably linked. Every time you laugh, you make money from some indirect source.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 17). One simple, profound decision makes a huge impact on your year. You know what you need and want from relationships, and you get it in 2008. There's a fortuitous career shift in April. Summer takes many exciting turns with you in the driver's seat. Signs that you click particularly well with are Scorpio and Virgo. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 11, 43, 27 and 2.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The one who listens attentively to your musings is a gem — a rare diamond. Do not take this person for granted. In fact, consider keeping him or her forever.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You may be feeling rather paranoid about something you said in confidence. What are the consequences if this secret gets out? Think it through, and then let it go. Dwelling on the possibility gives it power.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). It's all well and good to follow the exact rules. But it's personality that counts in the end. The charm you employ while delivering a message is more important than the message itself.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You are capable of great endurance. That doesn't mean you should submit yourself to it. Tonight, your way of doing a fine job makes the world a better place.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Humility earns you a place in the hearts of loved ones. Continue on this path — not because it makes you likeable but because being free of ego is true liberation.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You're given precise orders. You may not agree with them, but think it over before you decide how to proceed. Detach yourself — play it like a game. Tonight, go first class.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The means are as important as the end. How you approach your work will ultimately affect your pay in ways that aren't logical in the least. Money is an emotional commodity these days.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "My birth date is Aug. 3, 1983, and I had a boyfriend born Sept. 17, 1982. I say "had" because he fooled me by saying he was commited to me when he was already committed to someone else — for three years. We can't seem to let go of each other. What should I do?"

You didn't mention whether he's acknowledged his deception, asked for forgiveness, broken off the old relationship or talked about changing his ways. If he hasn't done any of these, he has a serious problem with infidelity. Is he a chronic cheater? With his sun square Neptune, he gilds the truth with his own version and ends up getting caught in his own web. The behavior of betrayal is complex: This guy could have the best of intentions but end up in a situation where his emotions overwhelm logic. If he's compulsive, he'll make promises to never do it again but be unable to stop. If you know this and you're still with him, look at yourself. The proverb goes, "Fool me once, shame on you — fool me twice, shame on me." You're in charge of your emotional health, and unless you're deeply committed to this guy, take a walk. If you are, insist that things change.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: You could call Jane Fonda a lifelong enthusiast, and you'd be right. Just about any activity a Sagittarian undertakes is done unquestioningly on principle, no matter how unpopular the opinion or the personal cost. With Mars in Aquarius, her ideals both isolate her from her peers and create new friendships formed on like beliefs (Jupiter in Aquarius).

Holiday Mathis is the author of "Rock Your Stars." To write to her, please go to www.creators.com and click on "Write the Author" on the Holiday Mathis page, or 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.