Under the Capricorn moon, the social arena matters. It's all about keeping up appearances, maintaining a fine reputation and representing where we're coming from in the best light. The best work is accomplished by those who believe that people are counting on them. The pressure is welcome, and the outcome is spectacular.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). In business, the rules of engagement are clear. But in personal matters there is no official rulebook. Love and respect are your guiding principles. Basic kindness is your fundamental balance.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You're ready for a change of pace, but it's hard to get out of this groovy rut you've made for yourself. Getting into something with a Sagittarius or Leo person is just what the astrologer orders!

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). With hermit-like powers of concentration and devotion, you follow through on a project. This could be the most important thing you've done all year. Show a Scorpio person what you've done, and soak in some praise.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You're like a sailor now. You know that wind and weather are unpredictable, and so you use calm waters as a time for maintenance and supply. Follow up with clients, keep the boss happy, hold the rudder steady.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You've chosen to apprentice under the toughest taskmaster ever imaginable — your higher self. Luckily, you're also the most understanding mentor around.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (March 13). You're definitely on the fast track this year. You dare to be creative with your work, which brings astounding results. Pool your remarkable resources with family, colleagues and friends in May. In June, you grant a loved one's wishes, and your own become real soon after. You share a special connection with Virgo and Gemini people. Your lucky numbers are: 7, 10, 4, 19 and 33.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You resemble an exotic orchid, needing a specific kind of attention. Only a prize flower grower understands that. You could find just the expertise you need in a Cancer person.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You may be in mild danger of losing touch with your silliness. Noooooo! Don't let it happen! Children and those who act like them are of particular value to you, all things considered.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You pick up on the pulse of a conversation or interaction without missing a beat. It's not a matter of intelligence, but timing. Comics rely on this, as do rap artists. And you do, too.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Do you really need something, or are you just being impulsive? Check your desire against something reliable, like your watch. If you still want it by the day after tomorrow, then go for it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). A million diversions are gathered around you like hungry little children, and you miraculously stay focused on accomplishing your goals. Feeling generous? Dispense your expertise to a Libra person.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). In a far-off corner of your memory you recall wearing a monkey suit. Corporate climbing may no longer be your thing, but your ambitions rival those of any CEO. Keep wearing your integrity with those flip-flops.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You're engaged in one of your favorite preoccupations: dreaming and wondering about the next step. Welcome the familiar restlessness like you would an old friend.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "My sister and I aren't close. How can I reach a Gemini who is like the old woman who lived in a shoe? (She has so many children she doesn't know what to do.) She's so busy with her own life that she can hardly relate to my childless existence. Signed, Sagittarius sibling."

What are you willing to do in order to be close to your sister again? Are you willing to not judge her for her choices, which are so different from your own? Are you willing to be of service to her? Are you willing to release her from the burden of living up to your expectations? Because the way to closeness probably involves you coming to your sister on her terms. It includes baby-sitting, entertaining children while you're visiting, helping her out with errands or a loan, or helping her by making all of the effort in the relationship. Gemini is an expert at staying in the moment, and creating intimacy with this sign usually means that you have to be able to share the moment that Gemini has created instead of making her share in your life, which at this point seems so difficult for her to relate to.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: "Sweet Baby" James Taylor continues to charm generation after generation of music lovers. He intuitively interweaves musical threads of wisdom and innocence together to an enormously uplifting effect. His sun in wise Pisces and moon in Aries, the sign of newborn simplicity, are the perfect complements to his Mercury (expression) in Aquarius (music).

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.