At the heart of every good story there's drama, which of course relies on conflict: no conflict, no drama. As much as we need the good stories, today many would trade that for a peaceful one in which everyone gets along and lives happily ever after. It could happen under this communicative Gemini moon angling Mercury in Aquarius so sweetly.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Trying to save time is silly if you don't know what you're going to spend it on later. Also, beware of the unforeseen complications inherent in the so-called "shortcut" of the day.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Many things will seem to work differently for you than they do for other people. This is a good thing, as it will keep your experience uniquely focused. You're not competing with anyone, either. You'll be winning it your very own way.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The issues that some would be uncomfortable discussing are a natural fit for your conversational style, not to mention your sense of humor. That's why you'll be put in charge!

CANCER (June 22-July 22). It doesn't always have to be an adverse circumstance that makes you realize how strong you are. A humorous fluke opportunity will help you experience your own strength.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). One of the challenges of the day will center around the fine art of persuasion. You'll influence others by first getting to know them, drawing them out and listening carefully to what they need and want.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Good opportunities will be so plentiful in the next three weeks that it's time to raise the bar. What you need is a stellar opportunity. What would make your life easier? Include that in the deal. You can afford to now.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). If you reverse engineer the good fortune you've experienced, you'll find that often what's at the heart of it is nothing more than one little friendly conversation. That's can be all it takes to invite luck! Remember that today.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Good friends make your life sweeter but difficult people are the ones who make it better. That's because they force you to learn more, become stronger, define your boundaries — and defend these boundaries, too.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Go by the book. Said "book" (or Internet site, or conversation with an expert, as the case may be) will help you lay a solid foundation for your work before you (inevitably) spin this into your own original creation.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Willing yourself to do what you don't want to do might just work. You are, after all, more afraid of your own consequences and punishments than you are of anyone else's.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). People tend to have personal motives for supporting or rallying against what's presented. That's what makes you so skeptical of reviews today, good or bad. You'll just have to try things for yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You appreciate people who listen well to you and respond appropriately, especially since you've lately been so burned by misunderstandings that might have been easily avoided through better listening.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 15). You attract love easily and your relationships are favored for longevity, too. This year you'll learn how to take better care of your resources and use them to greater advantage. In a related story, March and September bring the financial bonus you need to catapult you into the situation you've been dreaming about. Pisces and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 49, 3, 33, 30 and 19.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "My friend just got an award that I have dreamed of getting ever sense I can remember. Seeing her receive this was like swallowing a bitter pill. I could hardly fake being happy for her. All I could think is: Where did I go wrong? Maybe I didn't work hard enough or maybe I gave up too soon. Or I'm just not as talented or lucky as she is. I now can't stand being around my friend. Even hearing her name makes me want to go back and do my life over, which of course I can't. I'm in agony over this, but I have no one to tell since I'm well aware that it will make me sound like a nut job. How can a Leo get over being jealous?"

You truly can't help how you feel, so accept these feelings and know that they do not categorically make you a "nut job." Jealousy is normal, especially for a Leo who is hard-wired to crave attention and public recognition. The good news is that you are clearly passionate and driven — otherwise you wouldn't be feeling this way. Answer the questions you are having without being too hard on yourself, and choose a new goal.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Her Twitter profile declares her aim to make the world a better place, which is pretty much the Aquarian way exemplified. "Glee" star Amber Riley was born when the moon was in Taurus, the sign that rules the throat and voice. This is an aspect that appears time and time again in the astrological chart of stellar singers. Mercury and Venus in artistic Pisces promise a lifetime's worth of creative inspiration.

To write to Holiday Mathis, visit www.creators.com and click "Write the Author" on her page.

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