There's cosmic tension as our sun king pulls a fast one on Neptune. A question bubbles to the surface: Are you willing to let your ego die a little death in order to reach one of your dearly held dreams? If you're very secure, you'll decide that you didn't need all that posturing to feel special anyhow. Let it go to grab on to something better.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Reflection and self-care shouldn't be considered a treat. They're necessary! What would you be like if this were a regular part of your being? Slight daily improvements will take you to fantastic heights.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your actions are the proof of what's important to you — period. Hold others to the same principle. The one who hasn't made your feelings a priority isn't deserving of your fawning attention.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Finding love tends to be an instinctual endeavor for you, but your personal life could presently benefit from a more conscious approach. Write down what you're looking for in a relationship.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Be lighthearted. In general, you could use more fun and less thinking. Spontaneous moves are golden. Tonight, what you share with Leo and Sagittarius people will continue to impact your life.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). One size doesn't fit all. Your needs are special and different. Speak up. On a romantic note, someone who has worshiped you from afar now worships you from a'near.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (May 12). New friendships teach and delight you this year as you align yourself with the people who live in the style you prefer. On a mission for money, you zoom through this month and finally get what you're after by the middle of June. A sensational stroke of luck in July perks up your personal life, too. Cancer and Libra people are powerful collaborators. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 3, 2, 5 and 20.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You have a problem. This is fantastic news, especially if you know exactly what that problem is — most people don't. By pinpointing exactly what's wrong, you're already halfway to the solution.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You're not at a loss for challenges. Career, finance and logistical issues all require work. So why should your social life be difficult? Hang out with people who are easy to please — that's the good life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Loved ones want your attention all to themselves and will find it difficult to share. Be sensitive to their feelings, but take care of the business that's most important to you, no matter what loved ones think.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You've never needed an excuse to celebrate, but you'll find a few anyway. The fact that there is plenty of love around you, not to mention creative freedom and some money, too, is as good a reason as any.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It seems the only thing better than adventure, variety and newness is more adventure, variety and newness. Try what you've never tried, and give strict notions of how things should be.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). A baffling turn of events is featured. Oh, what fun! You're ready to be witty, defensive, understanding, generous ... whatever's needed to make the situation work for you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). What did you do lately that made you a better person? And what would you change if you could? The answers to these questions will help you make the most of this weekend.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "My birthday is Oct. 9, and I'm a Libra who was widowed this year. I'm feeling lonely. What chance do I have to find someone who will share my life?"

I believe you're being helped by your late husband, and you can call on him for comfort when you're feeling low. You may think he has no interest in helping you find someone new, but that's not true. When the right person is near, he'll want you to fall in love again and experience a relationship that helps you grow in spirit. Right now it may seem bleak, but remember that the darkest hour is just before dawn. This month and next, your grieving process can be helped along by exploring your interests in three categories: physical, spiritual and intellectual. Even if you don't have the will to get dressed and go out, do it anyway. The gym, a class or a church meeting is the very place where you'll meet quality people who can help you heal your heart. Gemini and Pisces people are the most in tune to what you require of a relationship these days.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Jason Biggs is a Taurus on the rise! We've only just begun to see what this young comedic talent can do, and based on his chart, I predict he'll follow in the footsteps of Taurus Jay Leno and be the late-night face the next generation watches before they go to bed. He'll far surpass the likes of the new breed of hosts who are currently establishing themselves on networks.

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.