As the sun and Mercury shake hands, a feeling of mutual appreciation emanates. It's obvious what we're grateful for, whom we like and where we feel our best. This is communicated clearly, even by those who like to emotionally mumble about. Choosing the right words isn't so important. It's intention that really puts your message through.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Work is more of a challenge than you might care to take on, but that's just the way it goes. If not you, then who? The answer is no one. You're better off for taking responsibility.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The best way to avoid snags is maintenance. That means getting your car worked on before it completely breaks down and buying flowers for your girlfriend before she cries, "Neglect!"

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You love the prospect of building each "now" moment to the hilt, but you're a bit gun-shy when it comes to making plans. However, you could make an exception for Leo, Libra and Capricorn people.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). It's easy to pass the blame (even when it's not your fault), but it takes too long. Handle what you have control over, and miraculous good luck sets in. Tonight, time away from a partner allows you to think.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You temporarily forgot about something on your to-do list, but it catches up to you. The cure for being overwhelmed is to add a new responsibility to your list — it's a crazy idea, but it works.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 22). You're simply not satisfied to skate by, and so you take on the truly challenging situations where you're guaranteed to make the biggest difference. You give your heart fully in March. Your answer to tough questions makes you the star in June. Adventure calls in August — expensive, but worthwhile. Libra and Leo people are lucky partners. Lucky numbers are: 9, 3, 1, 40 and 5.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You know what you're all about. But if you didn't know this, others would fill in the blank for you. When someone attempts to steal your freedom, remind yourself and the world what you stand for.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). What if there were a benevolent force supporting your every action? Well, there is. So dare to name the thing you've been wanting to do, but were previously afraid to even say it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). "Right as rain" is a farmer's saying from the Old South. The appearance of something unwanted often brings untold beauty and richness with its passing. Recognize the fertile ground an obstacle brings.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Be careful not to negate the powerful forces at work. When those forces are on your side, it makes no sense to insult them. Be grateful for what's working, and give credit where it's due.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You're in a romantic mood. Focus on intimacy and communication. Social tip: It isn't necessary to invite a large number of people for an upcoming party to be a success.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It's a terrific day to sit back and accept the good things that happen without feeling you must always pay people right back. People help you because they want to, not because they're getting something in return.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Opposites attract, but have a hard time working together. Would you rather have an agreeable "yes" person on your team, or turn out a higher quality of work because a stickler personality is examining your every move?

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "Will my boyfriend ever marry me? I was born Aug. 10, 1962. He's an Aries who keeps saying he needs more time."

You're a Leo, and an Aries/Leo combination starts off on the right foot. Notice I said "starts off." Both fire signs, you can keep up with each other's fast pace and need to be the catalyst that makes things happen. Unfortunately, Aries men have a tendency to mistrust their own judgment. I feel your guy's fears about marriage have to do with a not-so-distant ex. She's no rival for his love, but since she's always available, it gives him an escape hatch. You and many Leo and Libra women will be sought after by marriage-minded men in March. However, if you want this Aries man, create some distance between you. Spend more time with family and friends than you spend with him. Aries men respond to spectacle: They want to have their drama (your mutual relationship) played out on a large stage. When he makes the suggestion of marriage, don't start planning a lavish wedding. That will make him doubt again!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: One of the qualities Pisces people are well known for is precociousness. It's not that they try to be smarter, wiser and more talented than their years on the planet would normally dictate; it's that they can't help it. The golden-throated Charlotte Church is one such Pisces, with four luminaries in that gifted sign. A star at the age of 11, her following continues to grow in numbers along with her.

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