During the sun's travels through Gemini, communication was enhanced to the point of being downright breezy. Now it takes a touch more effort. The effects of an upcoming square between Mercury and Saturn can already be felt. This aspect combined with the private and internally focused Scorpio moon will set a mysterious tone for relationships.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You're always doing the best with what you have. If learning is the ultimate aim, then it's not so bad to lose, since you're likely to learn more by losing than by winning.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Being brave is your specialty. You'll make the cold call, introduce yourself to a stranger or risk rejection in another way. Because you put yourself out there, you'll create opportunities.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You're in top form, and everyone seems to notice. You may even have the pleasure of interacting with someone who is obviously awestruck by your beauty and intelligence.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You'll be in a mood to help others with their problems, especially if you think they'll do something good after they are rescued. Just don't let your charitable mood keep you from tending to your own duties.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). There's a job you absolutely have to get done, and you will. As for the job that can wait, try to finish that one, too. Something unexpected will eat up your time, and you'll be glad you got a little bit ahead when you had the chance.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). A good friend doesn't dig up your messy mistakes for show and tell. Distance yourself from those who need to put you down in order to feel better about themselves.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Some dreams die in the face of reality, but not all. The key is to understand the reality as thoroughly as possible and then aim for something that would benefit many other people.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You'll be so interesting to the people around you that you'll strongly influence them. You will be passing along some of your mannerisms and behaviors, too, so make sure you're acting in a way you won't mind others catching on to.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You'll be doing research. It's almost like you're being led by unseen forces to investigate this. And if you find a weird little bonus in the process, milk it for all it's worth.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). The ones who can't see how skilled you are simply aren't experienced enough. You deserve to be appreciated. Go where there are people who can understand what you're doing.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Hitting the right tone with people will be key. Those who resonate with you will return your calls, invite you to quality events and generally appreciate all you do.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). If you're witty and they don't laugh, it's just because you're a step ahead today. You'll also be able to anticipate correctly what is to come. And you'll be a little early to the meeting, too, though no one else will be there to notice.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (June 22). Your schedule relaxes in July. Spare time is a precious commodity, and you'll make the most of it. You'll become an expert at something different and new. You get good publicity in August — friends speak well of you. There's a financial bonus in September. Love inspires you to travel in November and December. Aquarius and Virgo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 1, 22, 31 and 16.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: "What Tarot card represents the planet Mercury?"

That would be The Magician. Both Mercury and The Magician are concerned with thinking. Mercury has always had this reputation for being quick-witted and thinking fast on his feet, hence the little wings he wears on his shoes and his head when you see him depicted in artwork. This is because Mercury is the fastest moving planet in our solar system, circling the sun every 87 Earth days. The Magician card is often associated with writers and others who use their intellect to quickly communicate ideas. What I find most interesting about The Magician is his connection to visualization: He demands that you first visualize what it is you want before it is able to manifest in reality. Think before you speak, in other words. The Magician reversed (upside down) represents Mercury retrograde, when communication becomes muddled and confused. In this interpretation, The Magician is like a charlatan or grifter who's trying to pull a fast one on you. Think of Mercury retrograde and the reversed Magician as the carnival barker who shuffles coconut shells around so fast that you can't see which one is hiding the ball.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: VJ turned television talk-show host Carson Daly is an intuitive Cancer, with Mercury and Venus in Cancer, as well. Hospitality is important to those born under the sign of the crab, and Daly's charming way of taking care of celebrity guests has contributed to a successful late-night career. With a young baby son at home, this proud papa is also energized by his paternal role.

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.