Pluto may be a dwarf planet, but he has a big influence in astrology — a global and generational influence. As Pluto goes retrograde — he'll be continuing in this backward fashion until Sept. 7 — we earthlings have the opportunity to review the state of our evolution. Within each of us is the potential to make a powerful contribution.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). No, you're not weird. What you're experiencing is normal human emotion, fear and aspiration through the filter of your deliciously twisted imagination. It's best not to compare yourself.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're thoughtful and adrenalized — a stellar combination. Relationships strengthen through shared endeavors; so if you're not doing anything with loved ones, plan it!

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Loved ones may seem a tad on the needy side, but this is an opportunity for you to rise in their estimation. Every relationship requires maintenance — some, just a phone call once a month; others, constant supervision.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Someone deems you crush-worthy. How utterly fabulous! So what if you're not willing to date this person? It can't be bad to have a few more friends on your side.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Family could bombard you with problems, but it's only because you have the best solutions around! Go for a spin around your block a few times. It's amazing how little you know about your own "hood," and it's fun to learn.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (March 31). You polish your talents and let them shine through this year. April hands you an opportunity to play on a new level — the big leagues. Singles: August love wants to quickly make you part of the family. Moves out of town are best in September — job opportunities are stellar. You have fantastic rapport with Libra and Sagittarius people. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 2, 5, 42 and 19.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The obvious is worth mentioning again: If you don't know what you're giving in life, check out what you're getting. It's the best clue ever!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The toss up in your love life will be resolved. Take it one step at a time, and by tomorrow you can trust again — yourself, and your loved one. A fellow Libra is the perfect person to help you talk it through.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You're full of contradictions, which is part of what makes you so attractive. Your planets urge you to orchestrate a rebellion of the most polished sort. Change needs a voice, and hey, you're it!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You're not a beast of burden. Taking on the role of workhorse gets old fast when there's no reprieve in sight. So spoil yourself. Ultimately it motivates you to achieve more.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your loftiest goals are possible. But if you can't easily explain your intentions, perhaps they're still not clear to even you. Break your plan down into concise steps.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Social demands cause a special kind of excitement. What is expected of you? Whatever it is, you can deliver. If you get stuck, just describe your company in a way they see themselves.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The concept of linear time is supposed to keep all things from happening at once. However, it's not doing a great job of that today, as far as you're concerned. Don't fight the chaos — go with it.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTION: "I'm a Libra woman who has been best friends with a Taurus gal for about five years. We have so much in common. We're both in the dot-com biz, we're both newlyweds, and we're both in our late 20s. She's a fantastic friend, but recently we've had some trouble. There was something that happened when I borrowed her car, and I don't think she's forgiven me for it. Anyway, I want to clear things up. What should I do?"

Your Taurus friend doesn't want to admit how much the damage to her car bummed her out because she's sensitive about you thinking she's too materialistic. But the fact is, Taurus women really do care about their stuff — it's an extension of their self-esteem. Taking care of their stuff is one way they take care of themselves. Having a nice car without a scratch on it is part of being well put together and appearing purposeful. It's difficult for more ethereal and esoteric Libra to understand, although you're both Venus-ruled and appreciate things of beauty. Anyway, whatever it cost to restore the car to perfection, pay it, regardless of who was to blame. And then send her a big box of chocolates for the trouble!

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Celine Dion wowed the world from the stage of the Academy Awards show this year, reminding the world that she is an Olympian among singers. What will the Aries diva do next? Her popular Vegas show ends next year, and a new album will follow. Aries entertainers are experts at finding new ways to reinvent themselves. Keeping their image fresh is a passion for this sign.

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.